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GROUP OF KNEELING PILGRIMS
Each pilgrim carries a little stool with legs on which he carries his incense. They kneel every few steps. The knee pads can be clearly seen. The
leader ot this group, on the reader's left, has made an annual pilgrimage for twenty years. He has promised to visit the C.I.M. station at Changsha.
HINA'S
MILLIONS
NORTH AMERICAN EDITION
1910
tiSl
. fLJBKARY
KNOX COtLECE
CHINA INLAND MISSION
i«q w i . <fc . - - - - PHILADELPHIA, PA.
1329 Walnut Street, - ^,_,
en, n l c - TORONTO, ONT.
507 Church Street, -
GENERAL INDEX
PAGE
PAGE
A
Walkthrough a City in Central China. By Mr. A. L. ^
Cannon " "" " " "'".'.' 01
Glance over the Year's Work. By Miss C. A. Pike 81
Series of Trips into the Country. By Miss M. Moler 43
Peep at Life and Work in Ningsia, Kansu. By Mrs. J. &. ^
Fiddler 73
ibstract of China Accounts n3
i. Dreamer. By H. W. F 113
^.re We in the Succession ? ' ^q
\ Chinese Helper's Report "^".'j 191
± Chinese Conversion. By Rev. John Archibald -
arrival ! Reception ! Impressions ! By Mrs. Wm. Y. King 132
An Appeal to the British Nation
A First Service. By Rev. E. A. Brownlee •
An Echo from Nineteen Hundred. By Mr. E. O. Barber.. 144
B
11,23,35,59,99, 111, 123, 147
BuUdingand School Work in Kiating, Szechwan. By Mr. ^
W. H. Hockmaii
c
China's Fight with Opium. By the Honorable TongKai ^
Consolidated Summary' 'of' Philadelphia and Toronto Cash
Accounts for the year 1909
D
Declension ! Confession ! Restoration ! By Mr. F. E. ^
Shindler
First Itinerating Experiences. By Miss E. I. Pilson.
Intercessory Foreign Missionaries. By Rev. A. E. Street...
In Memoriam-Rev. W. J. Doherty •■ •••■■ "■■••"■
It Shall Not Come Nigh Thee. ( Extracts from Mr. G. W.
Hunter's Diary.)
In Memoriam-Mr. J. F. Broumton •
Idolatry. A Word Picture. By. Rev. E. G. Bev,s
109
13
108
133
135
140
Looking unto Jesus. By Rev. Henry W Frost ■■-■»■-" l
Lights and Shades of Work in Hotsin, Shansi. By Mr. K. ^
Gillies ',"."]. in*
Latest Missionary Statistics. From The Christian
M
., XT t 11,23,35,99, 111, 123, 147
l°^tt in Pingyangfi'shans, By Dr. John Carr... 76
Mohammedanism Unveiled. By Dr. S. M *™"" "*
Missions and Rationalistic Criticism. By the Rev. AT. ^
Piersou, D.D
Mrs. Lius Conversion. By Mrs. A. Argento
141
N
10 22, 34, 46, 5^
News Notes lu ' ' '
News from Hunan '
98, 122, 146
108
E
Editorial Notes:.12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 71, 87, 100. 1I». 1*. 136, 148
Fxtracts 5 8, 16, 19, 37, 43, 44, 64, 70, 77, 79, 83, 85, 9o
Extracts ...5,8, , ' ^ ^ 10?> 109> ll7) 119> 133, 143, 144
Our Shanghai Letter. By Mr. D. E. Hoste..9, 21, 33, 45 57 69
Our Shanghai Letter. By Rev. J. W. Stevenson 9„ 146
Origin and Object. By Mrs. W. S. Home '*-
GENERAI, INDEX— Continued
PAGE
Prayer Topics 10, 22, 35, 46, 58, 98, 122, 146
Personal Notes 34, 98, 122, 146
Paul's Tears. By Rev. Adolplie Monod 37
Phases of Women's Work. By Mrs. W. A. McRoberts 44
R
Remember My Bonds. By Rev. W. Y. Fullerton
101
Some Results from Special Effort and Patient Sowing.
By Mr. T. Windsor 5
Soul Nourishment. By Mr. George Muller 25
PAGB
The Conversion of Mr. Lew. By Mr. J. Falls 54
The Word of God 56
The Annual Report ... 61
The Sacred Mountain of Hunan. By F. A. Keller, M.D.... 65
The Aborigines in Kweichow. By Mr. S. R. Clarke 82
The Eternal Labors of the Holy Ghost 89
Teaching ! Training ! Translating ! By Mr. W. D. Rudland 90
Them that had Need of Healing, He Healed. By Miss C.
F. Tippet 93
Two Messages from the World's Missionary Conference ... 104
Three Cries from Chinese Lips. By Mrs. G. Cecil-Smith... 106
Three Days at an Out-Station. By Rev. E. A. Brownlee ... 110
Tsui Dzie's Story. By B. L. and F. E. T 116
The Island Life. By Rev. Harrington Lees 125
Tibetan Experiences. By Mr. Jno. R. Muir 127
The Harvest of Self- Will. By Mr. D. E. Hoste 137
The Hundred Fold Now in this Life. By Emily S. Strong. 2
Timely Help for China. By Rev. J. Campbell Gibson 3
The Story of Joy. By Mrs. W. Westwood 7
Tidings from the Provinces... 10, 22, 35, 46, 58, 98, 111, 122, 146
The Power of God unto Salvation. By Rev. Wm. Cooper. 16, 28
The Joy of Faith. By J. Hudson Taylor 26
Trophies of Grace from Iyang, Kiangsi. By Miss M. E.
Standen 29
Three Testimonies. By Mr. H. S. Conway 31
Transformed. By H. W. F 37
The Compassionate Christ. By Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler,
D.D 38
The History of the Printing Press in Taichow, Chekiang.
By Mr. W. D. Rudland 39
The Future of Missionary Work. By Rev. Arthur Judson
Brown, D.D 51
V
Visiting a Tea-Growing District in Hunan. By Mr. R. K.
Veryard 67
Vision, Commission and Provision. By Mr. F. Wood 75
w
Work In and Around Wenchow, Chekiang. By Rev. G.
H. Seville 6
Within Prison Walls 8
Work Among the Sick and Wounded in Far Tibet. By
Mrs. John R. Muir 19
Watchman, What of the Night 49
Work in Chungking, Szechwan. By Mr. R. B. Whittlesey 52
Work Among the Women of Honan. By Miss M. E. Soltau 78
Work! Need! Victory! By Rev. G. T. Manley, M. A.... 84
INDEX OF MISSIONARIES
PAGE
Adam, Mr. J. R 123
Argento, Mrs. A 141
Brownlee, Rev. E. A 110, 143
Bevis, Rev. E. G 140
Barber, Mr. E. 144
Bevis, Mrs. E. G 147
Clark, W. T. (M.D.) 11, 32, 47, 118
Cable, Miss A. M 47
Cannon, Mr. A. L 20, 98
Craig, Miss I. A 23
Cooper, Rev. Wm. (Late) 10, 28
Conway, Mr. A. S 30
Carr, Dr. John 76
Clark, Mr. S. R 82
Cecil-Smith, Mrs. G 106
Doherty, Rev. W. J 10
Dickie, Mr. F 58
Falls, Mr. J 54, 144
Fiddler, Mrs. J. S 56
Ferguson, Mr. H. S 86
Fiddler, Mr. J. S 123
Gonder, Mr. R. K 23, 34, 86
PAGE
Gillies, Mr. R 42
Hoste, Mr. D. E..9, 21, 33, 45, 57, 69, 137
Hockman, Mr. W. H 17
Harding, Mr. D. A. G 22
Hammond, Mr. A 47
Hunter, Mr. G. W 133
Home, Mrs. W. S 142
Jennings, Mr. A 147
Johnson, Miss E. C 147
Keller, F. A. (M.D.) 65, 108
Lagerquist, Rev. A. W 35
Lutley, Mrs. A 86
Leggat, Miss B 116
Miller, Mr. J. B 10
Moore, Mr. A 11
Miller, Mrs. J. B 46
Muir, Mrs. John R 19
Morgan, Miss C 23
Moler, Miss M 43
McRoberts, Mrs. W. A 44
Morris, Miss F. L 83
Muir, Mr. John R 127
Page, Mrs. 1 22, 123
PAGE
Pike, Miss C. A 31
Pilson, Miss E. 1 35, 109
Porteous, Mrs. R 123
Rudland, Mr. W. D 39, 90
Seville, Rev. G. H 6
Stevens, Mrs. C. H 23
Standen, Miss M. E 29
Soltau, Miss M. E 78
Shindler, Mr. F. E 96
Stevenson, Rev. J. W 97, 145
Sanders, Mr. A. H 147
Taylor, J. Hudson (Date) 4, 16, 26, 64, 70,
79, 110, 117, 133, 143
Thomson, Mr. Charles 59
Tippet, Miss C. F 93
Talbot, Mrs. F. E 116
Varcoe, Miss C. E 11
Veryard, Mr. R. K 67
Windsor, Mr. T 5
Westwood, Mrs. W 7
Williston, Mr. W. B 35
Whittlesey, Mr. R. B 52
Windsor, Mrs. T Ill
INDEX OF STATIONS
PAGE
Anking, Anhwei 7, 35
Anshunfu, Kweichow 22, 123
Anping, Kweichow 123
Batang 19, 127
Chungking, Szechwan 52
Changsha, Hunan 65, 67
Chaocheng, Shansi 86
Chenchow, Honan 116, 140, 147
Fengsiangfu, Shensi 23
Fukow, Honan 35, 109
Fengh wa, Chekiang 44
Hangchow, Chekiang 10
Hwochsw, Shansi 47
Hotsin, Shansi 42
Huangyen, Chekiang 58
Hiangcheng, Honan 78
PAGE
Iyang, Kiangsi 29
Jaochow, Kiangsi 20, 98
Kiating, Szechwan 17
Kiehsiu, Shansi 31, 83
Kinhwafu, Chekiang 58
Kweiyang, Kweichow 82
Kianfu, Kiangsi 110, 143
Kweihwating, Shansi 120
Kwangchow, Honan 141
Kutsingfu, Yunnan 147
Kuwo, Shansi 147
Lanchow, Kansu 11
Lucheng, Shansi 147
Ningsia, Kansu 56, 123
Ningkwo, Anhwei 96
Nauchang, Kiangsi 142
PAGE
Pingyang, Chekiang 43
Pingyao, Shansi 54, 144
Pingyangfu, Shansi 76, 93
Shanghai 9, 21, 23, 45, 57, 69, 97, 145
Shekichen, Honan 30
Tsenyi, Kweichow 5, 111
Tunglu, Chekiang 10, 46
Talifu, Yunnan 11, 23, 32, 47, 118
Tsinchow, Kansu 22
Taichow, Chekiang 39, 90
Wenchow, Chekiang 6
Yunnanfu, Yunnan 11
Yoyang, Shansi 23, 34
Yenchow, Chekiang 47
Yoyang, Shansi 86
Yingchow, Anhwei 86
Yuanchow, Kiangsi 123
Yangchow, Kiangsu 132
INDEX OF ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
Portraits
Janet Seville, a Junior Missionary 6
Joy and his Grandmother 7
A Tibetan Lama 19
Miss J. B. Lucretia Reynolds 63
Rev. W. J. Doherty 108
Miss A. Kratzer 1-1
Miss R. S. Thorsen 121
MissG. A. Van Duyn 121
Rev. S. H. McClure 134
Mr. K. A. Merian' 134
Rev. K. B. Naumann 134
Mr. J. P. Broumton 135
A Bright Evangelist 140
A Woman of Mrs. Liu's type 141
Groups
Group of Christians and Enquirers at Tsenvi 5
Crowds as They Gather in China 16
Group of School Girls at Iyang, Kiangsi 30
Workers Who Visited the Sacred Mountain 65
A Group of Sunday School Children at Kianfu 110
A Group of Tibetan Faces 1-9
Miss Clough and Miss King in their Courtyard 132
Mr. and Mrs. Home and the Eleven Students 142
Scenes and Buildings
A Chinese Stone Monument 2'
A Tartar City Gate 4
A View of a Village as Seen by a Passerby 14
Another View of a Village When Passing Through 15
Guest Hall Entrance to the Government College at Cheng-
tu, Szechwan 17
Mill, Shrine and City Wall at Chengtu, Szechwan 18
A Chinese Procession in a Shanghai Street 26
A Farm Scene 31
A Temple and Pagoda by the Riverside 32
A Street Scene in Wenchow, Chekiaug 39
Part of a Wedding Procession near Huangyen, Chekiang . 40
A Temple on the Hills in Chekiang 43
A View of One of Chekiang's Harbors 44
PAGE
A Decorative Arch at the Entrance to One of the Chief
Temples in Fenghsiangfu, Shensi 50
A Voyang Plowman and His Team 54
The Great Wall near Peking 54
An Ancient Bridge at Peking 55
A Panorama of Changsha 64
The Sacred Mountain (Southern Peak) 66
The Temple of the Goddess of Mercy 66
Courtyard of Main Temple on Southern Peak 67
The Home of a Missionary in Pingyangfu 76
Old Houses and Brickbats Innumerable 77
The Drum Tower, Pingyangfu 77
Views of Changsha after the Late Riots 80, 81
View of Chefoo Showing the China Inland Mission Schools
in the Foreground and the Settlement Point in the
Distance 84
A Place of Worship in the Huangyen District, Chekiang... 91
Scenes of Devastation, a Result of the Riot at Changsha,
Hunan 92
Memorial Tablet to Doctor Miller Wilson at Pingyangfu,
Shansi 93
A Little Hospital Patient Starting for Home after Recovery 94
Mrs. and Miss Carr Starting for a Visit to the Villages 95
Tea Gardens in Native City, Shanghai 97
A Temple in a Cliff in Szechwan 102
A Water Carrier 104
A Scene Just Out of Shanghai 107
What Barrow Traveling Means in Honan 117
The Talifu Drill Ground 119
Crossing a River in a Mountain Litter in Shansi 120
One of Shansi's Mountain Litters 120
Mr. and Mrs. Muir's Home in Batang 127
Women Water Carriers in Tibet 129
View of Tibetan Villages 130
A Yenchow Scene 138
A Country Chapel 138
A Lake Scene 143
A Hillside View of the Yuteoho Mills in Shansi 144
The Courtyard of the Mill Rented by the Missionaries 144
The Hospital at Kaifengfu, Honan 145
Diagrams
Map of Tibet. By Mr. John R. Muir 128
CHINA'S MILLIONS
TORONTO, JANUARY, 1910
u
Looking Unto Jesus "
BY THE REV. H. W. FROST
IT is remarkable how often the idea expressed in
the above words occurs in Scripture. It is found
both in the Old and New Testaments, and as
covering almost all spiritual experiences. Indeed, the
phrase characterizes Christianity and differentiates
between Christianity and all other religious systems,
for this word signifies a religion of quietude, of non-
effort, of faith without works, whereas the phraseology
of all other religions presents just the opposite con-
ceptions.
And what a happy thing it is for us that such a
phrase does not characterize Christianity. If God
had commanded us, in order to receive divine blessing,
to perform some great act or acts, how readily we
might have failed. To have been required to work
so long a time with our hands, to walk so many miles
on pilgrimage, to read so many folios of chant, so many
hymns, to recite so many prayers, or even to render
so much charity, might have spelled disaster for many,
if not all of us, for human powers, at their worst and
at their best, eventually fail. But looking is the
simplest thing in the world. One may be a helpless
invalid, incapable of any physical effort, and yet one
can look. So long as one has eyes to see, one can do
this which is required of God for our soul's salvation
and our spirit's responsibility. God has asked us,
therefore, to do the one thing which we can do, and
that which is the least of all the things which He
might have requested of us.
Moreover, looking is not the vain and useless
thing that it might appear to be. Almost all know-
ledge comes through looking. We look at the
physical world and are taught what nature has to
teach us. We look at books and we learn what
printing has to teach us. We look at men, their
faces, their acts, their characters, and we discover
what mankind has to teach us. Not to look is to shut
ourselves off from almost all sources of information,
while a good use of our eyes opens to us infinitely
many and important opportunities of obtaining and
increasing essential knowledge.
The above being true, it ought to be a matter of
concern as to what we look at. Strange as it may
appear, the things at which men look and the way in
which men look at things determine the differences
between men. The eyes of one man, speaking gener-
ally, are the same as the eyes of another man, but a
great difference is found in the use of the eyes, and
this difference of use is most important, for the eyes
largely determine the thoughts of the mind, and as a
man thinks, so he is. It is essential, there-
fore, to guard the eye-gate. To learn what not to
look at, is to have won already half the battle
of life.
So it is that God gives us the vision of Christ.
Since all perfection of beauty, of wisdom, of grace
and of power are in Him, He bids us look at Him.
He would have us look to Him for salvation, for
sanctification, for the plan of life's service, for
ability to perform such service that it may be for God's
glory and man's blessing. Indeed, as all fulness is in
Christ, looking to Christ is the way to secure what-
ever fulness we may need, for as we look to Him,
according to our need, so we shall receive from Him,
according to that need. The one thing, therefore,
which is absolutely necessary in life is looking at
Christ.
• As to the means of looking at Christ, they are as
simple as looking itself. To read, to meditate upon,
to learn to live by God's holy Word, is to look at
Christ, for that Word reveals Christ. To pray, to
intercede, to praise, to adore, is to look at Christ, for
in these acts the eyes of our heart are opened upon
the unseen world and we there see Christ who is its
central person and the brightness of its glory. To
serve, in the life and power of the Holy Spirit, is to
look at Christ, for we thus learn and take upon our-
selves the character of Him who was annointed by the
Holy Ghost and who went about doing good. In
short, looking at Christ, is believing on Christ, by
whatever means faith may be received, increased and
made effective.
To make our theme a pertinent and practical one,
this then is what we need as a Mission for the year to
come, and for all the years to come. God does not
require some great thing of us. He gives us, in a
sense, an easy, as well as a delightful task. Teaching
us that we have nothing in ourselves which may be
of help to ourselves or to others, He points out Jesus
to us, in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the God-
head bodily, and He lovingly bids us gaze upon Him.
For temporal supplies, for increase of workers, for a
purer and more active Church in China, for every-
thing we need, for anything we can conceive of as
likely to be needed, God tells us to lift our eyes to
Christ upon the throne, and as we see Him to trust
in Him. How blessed it is to have our life so
simplified. This is all, "Looking off unto Jesus."
May we learn the lesson so that the Spirit may be
able to say of us, as of the apostles on the Mount ;
" And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw
no man save Jesus only." If He may, He will then
be able to add concerning each of us ; " He endured
as seeing Him who is invisible."
China's Millions
The Hundred-fold, Now in This Time
Mark 10 : 30
BY EMHY S. STRONG
WE read much in the Word of God about the
rewards which are to be given in eternity to
those who, like Caleb, have followed the
Lord wholly ; but do we think enough of the gracious
promises of present blessing here and now ?
It seems as if our Lord in His gladness over those
who are spending themselves in His service, could
not wait for a future reward. His heart could only
be satisfied with conferring gifts "in this time" as
well as in the life beyond.
The truth is, we may be constantly laying up
treasures on
light. What was it but the hundred- fold now in
this time ?
We are all living either a contracting or an ever-
expanding life. The life which is not daily poured
out for God is growing smaller and smaller, until, as
we have often observed, it becomes largely a matter of
caring for a body which is soon to be put in the grave.
If, on the contrary, we are constantly sowing
righteousness, if we are giving day by day the cup of
cold water, as we touch other lives our own life is ever-
expanding, and we are constantly reaping of that we
have sown. It
earth as well
as in heaven,
and those, too,
which moth
and rust will
not corrupt.
We may be
constantly
sowing seed,
the harvest of
which is going
to enrich our
whole life on
this side of
heaven. Even-
day 's sowing
bears its fruit
for time as well
as for eternity,
and much of
the joy of our
later years is
simply the
harvest of past
fidelity.
We have
seen this plain-
ly in the lives
of some ripe
C h r i s t i a ns,
who have spent
years in the
great vine-
yard. It may
be a letter from
some one led
to their Savior years previous ; or perhaps a call from
a friend, once cheered and comforted in time of trial
or sorrow, or a casual meeting with one who expresses
gratitude for blessing received through their ministry
at some time quite unknown to them ; all to be
distinctly traced to past work for God. Each day to
them brings some joy unknown to others.
A missionary in central China, home
lough, recently received in two mails one
and twenty letters from grateful converts
ing their love to the Savior and their
%^W3&.kit£****m
■
aa
A CHINESE STONE MONUMENT
on fur-
hundred
express-
longing
for the return of the one who brought them the
is true of the
righteous as
well as of the
wicked: "They
shall eat of the
fruit of their
own doings."
In the au-
tumn, when
the year is dy-
ing, we see on
the mountain-
side a beauty,
radiance, and
glory which the
forest never
possessed in the
s u m m e r sea-
son : an illus-
tration of what
should be true
of ever}- Christ-
ian life, shin-
ing more and
more until the
perfect day,
and reaping
more and more
from past
years.
Let us, then,
while not los-
ing sight of the
reward which
is "with Him"
at His coming,
remember that which is ours here and now if we will.
Let us have a fixed purpose to give our lives in blessing
others. This will strengthen into a habit oi life, until
it will become as spontaneous as breathing. Then no
day will pass without its harvest of joy and satisfaction,
the seeds of which were sown back in the years ; and we
shall know in our own blessed experience the hundred-
fold now, in this time, while we also look forward to the
world to come with its greater prize of life, which is
life indeed. Save the supreme motive for service —
love for Christ — could we have a greater incentive than
this to a life of usefulness and ceaseless activity ?
China's Millions
Timely Help for China
BY REV. J. CAMPBBU GIBSON, D.D.
WHAT constitutes the present call for immediate
help for China ?
Some years ago it seemed to be taken for
granted in the West, and it was almost accepted by
China herself, that China as a united Empire had
almost reached the end of her long history, and that
nothing remained but to arrange for the distribution
of her provinces among the Western powers. But
those who best knew the great qualities of the Chinese
people looked for a happier issue. Now this thought
of partition has been seen to be the dream it always was.
Patriotism in China has not usually taken the
form of loyalty to the existing government, and
hostility to it was little more a sign of disloyalty than
is a party vote of "His Majesty's Opposition"
against the government bill. But the patriotism of
racial solidarity, of love of country and pride of race,
is deep and strong.
Events have recently brought it into intense
activity. It received a severe blow when China was
defeated with humiliating rapidity by despised Japan.
But when the great military power, which had always
weighed like an incubus on the northern frontier, was
crushed in turn by the same Asiatic empire, the sore-
ness of defeat was forgotten, and a reaction of feeling
set in. The thought that Asia might, after all, hold
her OAvn against Europe gave a mighty impulse to
patriotic aspiration.
China's policy has never leaned to aggressive
militarism, and though much attention has been given
to the army and navy as essential to the defence of
the Empire, yet Chinese sagacity has laid hold of the
higher ideal that a reformed government, and still
more a reformed education for her people, must be the
first steps to renewed national greatness. Of these
two the second is marked as the more fundamental,
both by the example of other nations and by the
ancient traditions of China herself.
Hence the amazing step was taken some years ago
of abolishing, as with a stroke of the pen, the "im-
memorial system of civil service examination, and
destroying the competitive value of the antique learn-
ing on which it laid emphasis. For it was substituted
an educational system of graded schools and colleges —
lower and higher primary schools, lower and higher
secondary schools, with advanced courses and technical
colleges — throughout the empire. Even temples were
ruthlessly seized by local authorities and turned into
schools, their images and furniture removed, their
walls covered with maps, diagrams and blackboards,
temple lands appropriated to meet educational
expenses, and teachers summoned from the four winds
to put the whole scheme into immediate operation.
This system of schools, again, immediately created
an enormous demand for school-books of every grade,
and Chinese printing firms at once set themselves,
with the utmost energy, to meet it. One such firm
alone, ' ' The Commercial Press," sold in twelve months
$800,000 worth of school-books. This, too, although
the new books are many times more expensive than
the few and cheap books of the old system. One of
the heads of this firm is a Christian, a Presbvterian
elder, and he has taken occasion to say publicly that,
while he and his partners do not profess to be a
Christian firm, yet they have never published anything
hostile to Christianity, and, he added, "they never
will." This promise carries the more value since it
has been estimated that the firm supply something
like nine-tenths of all the books used in government
schools.
The students in these schools and colleges are
strongly imbued with the revived patriotism. This
feeling is, naturally enough, apt to take the form of
hostility to foreign influence, and is very sensitive and
quick to resent anything that can be regarded as an
affront to China. On the other hand, the subjects of
the new learning tend to widen their view, and they
can hardly help being conscious that much of what
they prize comes now from foreign sources.
It is a most happy circumstance, too, that the
Chinese government has at this crisis initiated a great
moral reform. They are aiming at no less than the
abolition of the opium vice and trade, and Great
Britain, though with lagging steps, has shown herself
willing to co-operate. But a more cordial readiness
to do our part would find a sure reward in the lasting
gratitude both of government and people.
If to these tokens of amity there can now be added
a demonstration on a large scale, and in a manifestly
unselfish spirit, of a generous readiness to aid China
in her other efforts at national regeneration, it is not
too much to hope that a profound impression of
appreciation and gratitude may be made upon the
mind of China at its most sensitive point. The
cessation of the British opium trade will heal an old
and painful sore, and give reality to our profession
that Christianity is the religion of unselfishness and
brotherhood. The awakening mind of young China
may find in its studies, in what it hears of international
relations, in the observance in all its schools of the
Day of Rest, in its games, its new athletics, its
military drill, and even in the new costumes which
these have introduced, influences drawing them
irresistibly nearer to those whom they formerly
despised, whom they had too much cause for suspect-
ing, and some excuse at least for hating. These
influences will combine with others to create gradually
a better atmosphere, in which old dislikes will
insensibly give way to respect and mutual compre-
hension.
Another renovating force, and one of incalculable
momentum, is the growth throughout the empire of
the Christian Church. Formerly it was a feeble
exotic, and Chinese who joined it were often despised
as weakly giving themselves to the service of the
foreigner. But during the troubles of 1900 thousands
of the Christians laid down their lives willingly for
their faith, when they had manifestly nothing to gain
from their foreign guides ; and in the years that
followed the Church has increasingly worn the aspect
of a Chinese institution, led and officered by Chinese,
and by Chinese who, in many conspicuous instances,
immeasurably excel their fellow-countrymen of the
old faith and scholarship, both in learning and in
China's Millions
character. The production of many more such men,
and their equipment for their work by a thorough
training in theological and general learning, is essen-
tial to the Church's discharge of her responsibility as
leader and guide of the national reformation.
The Protestant Church in China numbers now
200,000 communicant members, and is growing
yearly both in numbers and in moral weight. The
Church's ministries of healing and of education have
naturally commanded more appreciation from those
outside than its more purely spiritual functions, but
it is winning increasing recognition as a body which
makes for social warmth, intellectual light and moral
elevation. It is another of the happy circumstances
of China's renaissance that in the heart of it stands,
as one of its guiding forces, a living Church of Christ,
in closest touch on the one hand with its own people,
and on the other, in sympathy and mutual under-
standing with the older Churches of the West.
Through it and the missions to which it owes its
existence, the mind and heart of Europe and America
have a ready channel through which they can com-
municate, out of their gathered stores, those impulses
and aids which may
make the awakening of
China become as life
from the dead.
The Church has been
the pioneer in China of
Christ's mission of mercy
in the healing of the
sick, and of His mission
of light in the teaching
of the ignorant. In
both these departments
China has herself begun
to follow, but it is of
vital importance that
the Church should main-
tain its lead, and infuse
both of them with the
Christian spirit of self-
denying ministry to
men and grateful devotion to the glory of God.
For so great an effort, suddenly called for in the
divine providence, existing resources are wholly
inadequate. It is no longer enough that missions
should, each for itself, partially train a few medical
assistants in its hospitals, and a few teachers and
preachers in its schools. The doors must be thrown
open to far larger numbers of learners, and their
training must be carried to a far higher pitch of
excellence. Our efforts must not only meet the
limited needs of local churches and communities, but
be made adequate to the urgent necessities of a people,
if they are to become in any sense the controlling
impulse of the new national life.
If this aim can be realized, then China, in coming
to her own, will find the vital energies of the West
not arrayed against her, but eagerly placed at her
disposal, ready to help her with all the resources of
an older learning and a larger life than her
own.
These are some of the aspects of the present crisis
which must appeal to the generous sympathies of a
great Christian people, and not least to the venerable
A TARTAR CITY GATK
seats of learning and the younger schools of science,
which are the flower and fruitage of our own
civilization.
None have been more conscious than the mission-
aries of our limitations, and of our inability, on the
present scale of working, to carry out in its fulness
the "Program of Christianity." We knew, and
have proved a hundredfold in our experience, that the
Gospel is the power of God unto sahaticn for men
and nations. But we have felt overwhelmed by the
vast issues of work which began in obscurity and is
now being forced into the fierce light of world-wide
recognition. Now we see the hand of God in the
spontaneous rallying of leading minds in commerce,
learning and religion, _ laymen, theologians and
scholars, to the help of the mighty and ancient people
to whom the early missionaries were sent in the
simplicity of faith. One century of evangelization
has brought us to this crisis in China. The next decade
ma}' do more than the century.
All friends of missions and of China will hear
with profound thankfulness of the broad views of
the "China Emergency Committee" and of its
proposed appeal for
funds by which its
ideals may be realized.
These will not be with-
drawn from the revenues
of existing missions.
The appeal is addressed
to all sections of the
community, and may
well commend itself to
many who have not
been responsive to the
challenge of the mis-
sions for help in their
ordinary work.
The proposal is not
to undertake the sup-
port of denominational
institutions as such.
Nor is it to multiply
divisions by adding another sectional society to those
already in the field. But where good work is already
being done, and especially where there already exist
institutions capable of wide extension, in positions
which will give them the character of conspicuous
models for imitation by the Chinese themselves, and
where men of different Churches are found willing to
combine for the widest usefulness, the " Emergency
Committee " proposes to offer its aid in broadening the
basis and increasing the efficiency of these institutions.
All well-wishers of China, and all who desire to
abate international jealousies and seek the peace of
the world, must hail with gladness proposals made
with such magnanimity and insight. Their accom-
plishment will be a notable service of international
friendship, and a worthy embodiment of the broadest
Christian philanthropy.
" He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath
said, out of him shall flow rivers of living water "—
not brooks, summer torrents, or temporary supplies,
but perennial streams, rivers, and rivers of living
water.--/. Hudson Taylor.
China's Millions
Some Results from Special Effort and Patient Sowing
BY MR. THOMAS WINDSOR, TSENYI, KWEICHOW
MAY I send you a short account of some of the
work which the Lord has graciously per-
mitted us to do for Him during the past few
weeks. We, of this station, joined with Kweiyang
and Tushan in having a week of simultaneous prayer
for the work, followed by another week of special
effort to reach the heathen of our respective cities.
We do not yet know what methods were adopted by
the friends in the other two cities during the week of
special work, nor yet the results therefrom. We,
here, were daily on the streets pasting up large
Scripture text posters, and preaching to hundreds of
listeners. We went thus through all the main streets
of the city ; so that many, belonging to all parts,
heard something of the Truth. Also, each evening
during the week, services were held in the street
chapel. Every service found the room crowded — an
average of eighty to one hundred persons who heard
the Gospel each
evening. In the
evening meet-
ings we had the
help of some of
the Christians
who entered
heartily into the
work.
This week of
hard work was
also followed by
our special half-
yearly meetings.
About forty men
were present
from the country
and the two out-
stations of
Meitan and Yin-
chiang. Those
who came from
the latter place
had a distance
of one hundred
and forty Eng-
lish miles to
travel ; whilst those from Meitan had about fifty
miles to come. With the exception of one person,
these all walked the entire distances. Among those
from Meitan were two men over sixty years of age,
both of whom walked the return trip of one hundred
English miles.
There were three meetings daily — in the mornings
a prayer-meeting, and preaching services each after-
noon and evening. The subject chosen was Re-
demption, with such sub-topics as: "How accom-
plished," " Man's need of," "How to obtain," and
also benefits resulting from it, such as, "Justifica-
tion," "Reconciliation," etc. Our chief reason for
deciding upon this subject was that the many young
Christians from the country might be more fully
instructed in this great fundamental truth. The
results, as judged from the many expressions of good
ft » * ■ -. KrWm
P^^Pr^P^yH
i ' f *
received, justified us in thinking that the subject
was the Lord's choice and not ours. The meetings
were some of the largest we have yet had, and I
think too, some of the most helpful to those who
were present. On Sabbath morning we had the great
joy of baptizing twenty-one men. This, also, is the
largest number that have been baptized here at one
service. Ten of these are from Meitan, eight from
Yinchiang, and three belong to the church in this
city. Seven of them are above the age of forty
years ; two of whom — as mentioned above — being
over sixty years of age. We divided them into three
groups, of seven in a group. We baptized a group
at a time with a hymn and prayer in between. The
service was both cheering and stimulating to ourselves
and all the Christians present.
We received the names of four new enquirers in
connection with the city church. Three of these are
over the age of
fifty years. One
is the father of
one of our men
Christians, and
another the
mother-in-lawof
our late helper,
Mr. Liu. Both
of these have
been resolutely
opposed to the
Gospel, and it is
now a great joy
to us to see their
minds slowly
opening to the
reception of it as
the Truth which
leads to the
Savior. Beside
the twenty-one
men who were
baptized being
the largest num-
ber received into
the Church at
one time, they also brought the number of persons
baptized here since the commencement of the work
up to fifty. We, therefore, had two photographs
taken to commemorate this important and joyous
occasion. One is of most
enquirers, and the other of
baptized ones.
GROUP OF CHRISTIANS AND ENQUIRERS AT TSENYI
and Mrs. Windsor are standing to the left, and Mr. Portway to the right
of the Christians and
the twenty-one newly
Lord Jesus, Thou
carry Thy Gospel to
of them have gone,
ing ! Here and now
Thee for missionary service, in obedience to
last command, purposing, as far as ]'. am
to take
Selected.
hast sent Thy
every creature,
and the world
wish to give
people to
But few
is perish-
my life to
Thy
able,
or send the Gospel to every creature.-
China's Millions
Work In and Around Wenchow, Chekiang
BY REV. G. H. SEVII,Jy:E
RECENTLY Mr. Munro and I visited Ts'oa-diu,
in Iung-ko plain, where the work has been
going forward rapidly the last few years. We
examined ten candidates for baptism that afternoon
and accepted them, subject to the action of the con-
gregation later. In the evening these ten and one
Other woman, examined earlier in the year, but kept
waiting because not clear on one point, were brought
before the church and testimony was given to their
character. They were all approved, and were bap-
tized early Sabbath morning by our oldest evangelist,
Ts'ie-ming pah.
The grace and power of God were shown most
clearly in the case of Li Nga-nyang. For years he
heard the Gospel but paid no heed to it, saddening
the heart of his godly old father by his opium-smoking,
gambling and evil life. Three years ago, the father,
who was really an unordained elder, began to fail in
strength and thought it wise to make preparations so
that if the end should come suddenly
his property should be disposed of as
he wished. He took steps to leave
the greater part of it to the church, to
prevent this son from sinning it all
away. Nga-nyang heard of his in-
tention and was very angry. He came
and beat his father so terribly that the
old man did not recover. Some advised
sending the son to the yamen, where,
according to Chinese law he could have
been tortured to death. Can you imag-
ine my feelings when such a man was
before me asking for baptism ? One
could only marvel at the goodness of
God and the power of the Blood. One
proof of the reality of his conversion,
noted by the evangelist, is that the
opium-smoking loafer is changed into
a hard-working farmer. His tender-
ness of conscience is shown by his
being troubled after taking in four
small bundles of rice straw one Sab-
bath to prevent the rain from spoiling
them for bedding. He promised to be
in the future, even about such things.
One woman, who has been a believer little more
than a year, was held up as an example to some of the
older Christians by Mr. Dzing, the preacher in charge
of Ts'oa-diu. She is an ex-medium, which means (in
China as at home) that to earn her living she gave
herself up to the Devil as a channel of deception.
When converted she refused, of course, to contribute
idolatrous dues, so the collectors carried away her
door and a cooking pan. Instead of running to Mr.
Dzing to help her recover her property, or of making
a fuss (Chinese like) to get revenge and save her
face," as former training would have led her to do,
she merely "kept sweet." Finding that persecution
seemed to affect her so little, her enemies thought it
was not worth while keeping it up, and so they them-
selves brought back her door and pan. She not only
showed she had learned ' ' Avenge not yourselves," but
JANET SEVILLE, A JUNIOR
MISSIONARY*
more careful
gave as well a lesson in patience to some who are quick
to run to the preacher, if not to the foreigner, for help.
One dear old lady when asked, " Where is Jesus
now ? ' ' replied, " He is here beside me. " " Yes, but
where does He dwell?" put in Mr. Dzing. "In
heaven." And her peaceful countenance seemed to me
to show that she knew something of the practice of His
presence as well as of the benefit of His intercession.
Please pray that these and others to be examined
soon may be an honor to the name they bear, a strength
to the Church, and bright witnesses for Christ in their
villages. They are like Christians in the homelands —
needing to be upheld constantly in answer to believ-
ing prayer.
On Tuesday night (October 5th) was held the first
of a series of meetings with the Christian Endeavor
committees. I began with the Lookout Committee,
regarding it as the most important in many ways, and
was gladdened by the presence of every member of it.
One man lives about two miles away,
and was a trifle late. After a half-
hour talk on the duties of the com-
mittee and its importance to the lives
of the members as well as to the life
of the society, we engaged in a help-
ful interchange of thought, closing
with prayer. It is hoped that the
Prayer-meeting Committee will re-
spond as heartily, and the rest in turn.
The Christian Endeavor has been a
great help already and we trust it may
be strengthened and kept from laps-
ing into an indifferent formalism.
A most business-like proclamation
has been issued by the governor of
this province (Chekiang), dealing
with the prohibition of the growth
and use of opium. It remains to be
seen whether its injunctions will be
enforced in as business-like a manner
or not. One good feature of this
proclamation is that it is written in a
Mandarin that persons of not much
education can read and understand. This is not a
cryptogram, meant for the common people but
decipherable by the scholars alone, so may have some
effect. Even before this, opium-smoking has been
less open and probably much less has been used in
the city. To us at least this has been a blessing,
since we are not sickened now by the fumes as we go
along the streets. Occasionally, a whiff shows that
someone is evading the law, but there is not the open
den to tempt the non-users. So long as officials are
lax, farmers will yield to the temptation to grow
opium because of the larger money return. We
rejoice that honest and able officials have reduced the
opium growing area in some places and pray that the
number of the other sort, retarding the movement,
may soon be lessened.
'This little Chinese maiden was not wanted in her own home and was to be
thrown away, but one of our Christiana brought her to us. She is with a Christian
woman and is to be taken into the girls' school when old enough to be supported
by the Pagoda Branch. Janet takes a preat interest in her as you can see.
China's Millions
The Story of "Joy"
BY MRS. W. WBSTWOOD, ANKING, ANHWEI
// is not the will of your Father which is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.'
THE story of "Joy," our evangelist's eldest
son, is quite inseparable from that of his
grandmother, who is commonly known among
us as "Billy Bray." Her simple faith, clear testi-
mony and abounding cheerfulness in every circum-
stance has earned for her this name. The photograph
gives little idea of the joy of the Lord which truly is
" light at eventide " to this aged woman and which
beams from her face. Her life, previous to her con-
version, differed in no wise from the lot of most
Chinese, except that she had more than the usual
share of poverty and suffering, her husband being a
confirmed opium sot who eventually sold her son
away from her. When grown to man's estate, the
son began to ease her burdens as far as possible, and
on his conversion, which was
a very real experience to him,
he determined that his wife and
mother must be brought to the
Lord before he could with -any
confidence begin to work among
his neighbors. His mother had
a very foul tongue and was near-
ing sixty years of age, but her
son had a living faith in the
power of the Gospel which bore
abundant fruit. His mother
was the first to believe, and
the change was as real an
experience with her as with her
son. Old things had passed
away for ever and now all was
new. Undismayed by her age
and failing sight, Mrs. Fan set
to work with a large print
Testament, and began learning
character by character and
verse by verse until in a very
few years she was able to
pick her way anywhere in the
gospels. This meant continued
patient effort, seconded by her
son's painstaking help in ex-
planation, till she was familiar
with all the main incidents of
our Lord's life and teaching.
The conversion of his wife and mother brought great
joy to Mr. Hsieh, joy soon to be tested by many
trials. A lucrative business of money lending was
given upas inconsistent with the Christian profession.
Then came a hard fight with poverty, truly a fight of
faith, in which Mrs. Fan's hopeful spirit never failed
her, even when the wolf seemed very close to the door.
She never repined at the change of circumstances
into which her son's uncompromising stand for God
had brought them, but always " believed to see " the
goodness of the Lord by patient waiting. Gradually
these clouds cleared, and her son's unmistakable call
to the work of an evangelist was made clear to us, and
has been thorough^' established since. There was
great joy when he was set apart for this work. Mrs.
JOY AND HIS GRANDMOTHER
Fan since then has been an unpaid voluntary helper,
rendering cheerful, willing service whenever needed
in preaching the Gospel to visitors or patients. On
several occasions she has been on trips to out-stations,
and her hearty way wins the women at once. She is
very fond of saying to them, " Now, I have told you
about Jesus, and what He did for you. You can
believe if you will, it is not that you cannot but you
will not." This sounds harsh in English, but it
generally goes home will real power, for there is love
behind the direct words. Her younger son keeps a
stall on the street, selling various wares according to
the season, and when he is away, roasting peanuts,
baking potatoes, or buying melons, the old woman
looks after the stall with her open Bible beside her.
Full often we have seen her
literally "buttonholing"
women customers, coaxing
them to sit on the bench beside
her while she tells them of
Jesus. The family is still poor,
and the old lady has to take her
share of the hard work of help-
ing to make ends meet. She
is often very tired when the
long day draws to its close,
but she is never too tired to
attend the meetings, and her
bright face is always an inspira-
tion to those who preach, for
she is a listener who is truly
hungering for the bread of life.
For some years there were
only three grand-children, one
boy and two girls, and the story
of the cloud that broke over
the little laddie is sad indeed,
but it has its silver-lining. One
Christmas day we invited all
our Christians and their fami-
lies for a good romp in our
garden, giving to them sweet-
meats and nuts. Our children's
swing was a great attraction,
and Mrs. Fan's son swung his
first-born high, when the child
let go and fell heavily to the ground. He was quickly
comforted, and no great injury was feared, but ere
long the spine showed signs of trouble, and gradually
health failed, and the little man became a chronic
invalid, and a hunchback. Those who know the
deep-seated pride in their sons which is imbedded in
the Chinese character, will readily understand how
great was the blow to the whole family. Outsiders
said cruel things of the Christians' God who could
thus wound an only son, and for a time the father
had a fierce fight, but his faith, and that of his
mother, triumphed, and they were able to receive
apparent evil as well as good from the hand of the Lord.
Possibly, if the beautiful hospital now erected in
our city, with its many appliances for alleviating pain,
8
China's Millions
could have been here then, little "Joy" might have
been spared much suffering, but little could be done
at that time, and after all it savors of unbelief to cry,
" Lord, if such and such could have been done then
he need not have suffered so." The child's times are
in His hand. The little one has been a great care all
these years, and perhaps the keenest trial has been
their inability, through straitened means, to provide
the nourishing food he so needed. But little " Joy "
has his heritage which cannot be taken from him. He
is a true little Christian, so neither life nor death can
be too sorrowful. For nearly a year now, through
the great kindness of the doctor in charge, "Joy "
has been an inmate of the children's ward of the
hospital. Here he grows fat and looks so bright.
He is a great favorite and no pains are spared to
alleviate his suffering. But the disease is making
headway, and he will not last very long, we fear.
"Billy Bray" and the parents go over to see him
frequently, and they always return full of thankful-
ness for the Lord's gracious provision for their boy.
"Joy" is a little missionary, and the nurses often
tell me stories of his quaint way of telling the Gospel
to the other patients. Last year he was home for a
'few months, but grew rapidly worse. He begged to
be baptized, and did not for joy sleep the whole night
previous to his baptism.
Now I hope this photograph will help you to pray
for "Joy," and his grandmother, and for the whole
family. They are poor indeed in worldly goods, but
so rich in heavenly treasure, and that is the secret of
the joy in both lives.
Will you remember, too, that the little laddie
represents a class, and a very numerous class. There
are so many children in China who are lifelong
sufferers from preventable, and curable diseases.
Another little boy, a grandsou of our tailor wdio is a
Christian, had to leave the hospital this week, after a
fortnight's treatment. He is suffering, too, from an
injured spine, but the disease is in a much earlier
stage, and, therefore, there is infinitely more hope o
recovery. The reason is not far to seek. The family
are quite too poor to pa}' the hospital fees for pro-
tracted treatment. One of the sorrows of mission-
aries is the suffering that need not be. Little " Joy "
is well cared for, and when he is taken to the Shep-
herd's fold how glad we shall be to know that every-
thing possible was done for him. Some day we trust
there will be a free China Inland Mission bed in the
hospital here for such little sufferers. Meanwhile,
let us thank God for "Billy Bray" and her little
grandson, for that best type of Christianity which
" grows under pressure," for the faith that triumphs
over suffering, poverty and doubt.
" How can they live, how will they die,
How bear the cross of grief,
Who have not got the light of faith.
The courage of belief ? "
Within Prison Walls
THE following extract from a letter written by
Mrs. Entwistle, at Liuanchow, in Anhwei, is
interesting as affording a glimpse of a pathetic
part of the Chinese social system. Mrs. Entwistle
writes : —
' While on a visit to Showchow, I had a unique
opportunity of preaching to some who never heard
the Gospel before, and will probably never hear it
again. The evangelist's wife and I were out visiting
near the south gate, and on our way home she asked
me if I would like to see the house for castaway baby
girls. Having a few minutes to spare, I thought I
might as well go in. We went right in to the inner
courtyards, and everywhere we were courteously
treated by those in charge. We saw the babies,
about thirty in all (none over three months), and
their nurses ; but we had not time to stay and talk,
as it was near sunset. But as we were coming out I
noticed a barred door, and inside of the bars, as in a
prison, were quite a number of women, some mere
girls in their teens ; others in early womanhood, and
all under middle age. The folks round about told me
these were widows who had taken the vow of chastity,
and they were not allowed out on any pretext till
they were forty-five years of age, and no one but
children under twelve years was allowed in to them,
not even their own mothers. The doors were never
opened except to let in new members, let out those
who had reached forty-five years of age, or to let out
their dead. Those who had children under twelve
had them passed out and in through a small hole in
the door ; children over twelve had to be given, the
boys to masters and the girls to their mothers-in-law.
Everything else was passed out and in through this
hole. The look on the faces of these women haunted
me so much I had to make a special effort to get
inside those bars. I talked the matter over with my
husband, and he sent the evangelist to interview the
man in charge of both institutions. This one had no
authority to open the doors, and said we must apply
to the head magistrate. We went there next, and he
very kindly granted permission to go inside and
speak to the women. An official from the yamen
accompanied us to open the doors. I had the
evangelist's wife and a woman enquirer with me. As
I entered the widows' courtyard and the doors were
barred behind me, some took my hands, others
stroked my hair, others again patted my back, and
all led me forward as they searched for the most
commodious room in the compound. I soon saw
that none of the rooms were large enough to hold us
all ; so thought it better to speak to them in the
courtyard. Their faces showed great pleasure as
they crowded round me. I spoke and sang and
answered questions, telling the old, old story in
different ways to the most attentive audience I have
had for a long time. My throat failed and my lips
were dry more than once ; but I was well watched,
and fresh tea was brought as often as they saw I
needed it. About fifty women crowded around me,
and, as my throat is weak, I had to stand up to speak
to them. Several times kindly hands tried to force
me to sit down and rest awhile."
Every element of the missionary problem depends
for its solution upon prayer. — Roiert E. Speer.
China's Millions
Our Shanghai Letter
BY MR. D. E. HOSTE
NOVEMBER 25th. I am sorry to begin this
letter by telling you of the illness of Mr. Geo.
Howell with typhoid fever ; he has been unwell
for several days, and is probably now in the second
week of the illness. I am sure that your prayers and
sympathy will go out on behalf of Mrs. Howell in
this trial, and also of our brother, Mr. Howell. Miss
Darling, who for a considerable time past has been
subject to asthma, has been suffering from some
specially severe attacks. We have received news of
the illness of Mrs. Bunting, who, with her husband,
returned to their station in south Kiangsi a short time
ago. They and Mr. and Mrs. Home were taken ill
when on the steam launch, and we fear that Mrs.
Bunting is suffering from the effects of this attack.
We have been thankful to receive a letter from
Mr. Fiddler, saying that his three children had at
length fully recovered from smallpox. The house
hitherto occupied at Ningsia has been very unsuitable,
and an opportunity has now presented itself for
securing better premises, which we hope will be pur-
chased. Referring to the condition of the work, Mr.
Fiddler writes as follows : —
"A number of the Christians and myself had a
splendid time preaching at a fair held outside the city
on the 15th of the 7th moon. It lasted for a week,
and we had large crowds up to the last day. Our
weekly street chapel evening meeting is very encourag-
ing, always packed, and the Christians, but especially
the enquirers, turn out well to this meeting. We
have seen no fruit as yet, but it must come in due
time." May I again bespeak a special place in your
prayers on behalf of our brother and sister in that far-
off part of the country.
We have been cheered by news of 'spiritual bless-
ing in connection with the autumn conference in some
of the districts, and the following extract from a
letter written by Mr. Entwistle, describing a gather-
ing held at Liuanchow in the province of Anhwei,
calls for thankfulness to God : —
" From the beginning the Spirit began to work,
and quite a number slept very little, if at all, during
the first two or three nights. The first breaking down
took place on Tuesday afternoon, when quite a num-
ber came forward and confessed their sins. One I
might mention specially is Wang Teh Sheng. He
began coming here during Mr. Darroch's time, but
has been fitful in his attendances. He still had up
the idolatrous scroll. He went off at daylight the
next day, had a wet walk of sixty li, but came back
victorious in the afternoon and publicly burnt the
scroll, his mother helping him to set fire to it. The
next day saw the public acknowledgement of harbor-
ing thoughts of revenge, by ex-colporteur Wang of
Cheng-Yang-Kwan against Mr. Chen of that place.
You may possibly remember the reconciling of these
two was my first work at Cheng-Yang-Kwan, in
March, 1908, on my first visit as acting missionary-
in-charge. He now asked Mr. Chen to forgive him,
and declared that henceforth the matter should be put
out of his heart. This was a joy to us, for we could
see the reconciliation then was more outward than
real. Another Cheng Yang Kwan member confessed
to evil thoughts and desires towards a ' family '
brother who was keeping some property for himself.
Sie is quite willing to let him take it all, rather than
imperil his own peace and soul. Two Shucheng
members also promised to make restitution on return-
ing home, while doubtless conversions took place dur-
ing our meetings. One Shucheng enquirer brought
his Heaven and Earth tablet and burnt it in the yard
at Shucheng three days ago. He also brought a
younger brother to the meetings for the first time on
the same day. One of our most intelligent women,
who has been coming on and off for eighteen years
and very regularly for the past ten years, brought
her tablet and picture and burnt them. She is a
woman of character, really carrying on one of the
brick kilns here. She has been under conviction for
a long time. I remember specially when a few
months ago I spoke on the uselessness of attending
the meetings, keeping the Lord's Day, etc., as a
means of procuring peace and salvation. She
assented, saying, ' What the pastor says is quite
correct. I have been coming all these years and
what have I got ? ' We expect the Holy Spirit to use
her abundantly, and He is doing so now. A specially
encouraging feature in connection with the meetings
described by Mr. Entwistle, is that the blessing that
accompanied them was to a considerable extent due
to the ministry of a Chinese evangelist, Mr. Sie, who
with Mr. Westwood attended from Anking. Mr. Sie
received great blessing at the time of the revival last
year, and has been a means of much good in his own
and surrounding districts.
Mr. J. W. Webster has sent an account of united
special meetings held at Siaoch'i in the northern part
of his district of Fushun, in west Szechwan. The
Christians connected with our own work and that of
the Canadian Methodists met together for about two
weeks, and the Holy Spirit worked powerfully
among them, leading to not a few heartfelt con-
fessions of sin, and healing of estrangements. Mr.
Webster refers to the circumstance that at the begin-
ning of the meetings those leading in prayer generally
spoke of the two Missions separately, but that, as the
days went by, the essential unity of the company of
Christians became more and more realized, and found
expression in the prayers. May it not be that one
hindrance to the fuller manifestation of the Lord's
power among His servants, often is due to a measure
of self-seeking, not only of an individual kind, but
also in respect to one's own particular organizations?
The newspaper to-day announces that Tuan Fang,
the Viceroy of the metropolitan province of Chihli
has been asked for his resignation by the Prince
Regent. This is an event of obvious importance, as
Tuan Fang was appointed to the position not very
long ago. It would seem to emphasize the need of
our constantly praying that the government of China
may be guided in their different duties.
With the exceptions referred to at the beginning
of this letter, we are well here, and expect a number of
children and teachers from Chefoo in a few days' time.
IO
China's Millions
Tidings from the Provinces
Topics for Prayer
Will our readers take as a special
subject for intercession, those at the
head of our Bible schools as also for
those in attendance during the year
upon which we have entered.
We would ask you to specially
remember Mr. Home and Mr. Doherty
as they take up this work for the first
time. The former at Nanehang, in
Kiangsi, and the latter in Hangchow,
Chekiang.
Then, too, will you remember Mr.
Dreyer, who has been freed from his
other duties, that he may take up
this work of Bible teaching in Shansi
province. This is the work which
fully occupied Mr. Knight's time
previous to his coming home on fur-
lough.
And as we pray for these and also
for Mr. Grainger in Szechwan shall
we not ask that it may be possible
soon to open schools for this purpose
in other centres of our work in China
which are equally needy.
Prayer is asked for those who, in
the coming months, will, D.V., be
doing deputation work in the United
States and Canada. Ask that the
message of China's need, as spoken
by Mrs. Talbot, Mr. Knight and
others, may be used how and to whom
He wills.
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the
harvest, that He will send forth
laborers into His harvest.
News Notes
It is reported that as the foreign
powers regard the late Grand Coun-
cillor, Chang Chih-tung, as a leading
reformer, who rendered signal service
to the state, they propose that a
bronze statue of the deceased digni-
tary should be cast in his memory
and exhibited in the International
Exposition.
It is reported by Chinese despatches
that the members of the new senate
to be organized will consist of :
i. Members elected by Imperial
Clansmen, Princes, Manchu, Chinese
and Mongolian Nobles, officials in the
Ministries and Offices, on the first of
the second month.
2. Members appointed by Decree
from a list, submitted by the Senate,
of the following personsrecommended
by metropolitan or provincial offi-
cials : eminent scholars who have ob-
tained ranks otherwise than by
examination ; authors of valuable
works, and persons cpualified to enter
the highest academy of learning.
These are limited to thirty in number.
Members elected by votes and
tax-payers.
4. Members elected by and from
the Provincial Assemblies, 9 from
Chihli ; 7 from Kiangsu and Che-
kiang; 6 from Kiangsi, Szechwan and
Shantung; 5 from Anhwei, Hupeh,
Hunan, Honan, Shansi and Kuang-
tung ; 4 from Fukien, Shensi and
Yunnan ; 3 from Mukden, Kansu and
Kuangsi ; and 2 from Kirin, Heilung-
kiang, Kweichow and Chinese Turke-
stan. Double the required number
will first be nominated by the As-
semblies, from which number the
Viceroy or Governor of the province
will finally select the assigned mem-
bers.
To-day, October 14, 1909, should
be a date of historic interest through-
out the provinces of the Chinese
Empire as the day on which China
took its first definite step towards
constitutional government by the
inauguration of the provincial coun-
cils. Whether in every province
the provincial parliament has been
opened to-day, or whether in this
respect Shansi takes the lead, as some
assert, we have yet to learn, but here
to-day the new parliament was opened
with considerable dignity and be-
fitting importance.
Having been favored with an invi-
tation, I went to the new parliament-
ary buildings about nine o'clock, a. m ,
and found I was the first guest to
arrive. This was what I planned as
I wanted to see the whole ceremony
from start to finish.
The parliamentary buildings oc-
cupy about eighteen Chinese acres of
land and are situated in the centre of
the city. The erection is not yet
complete and indeed the hall where
the assembly is to meet is not yet
finished, but several rooms have been
built, and were fit for use. These
are one-storied buildings of the usual
Chinese type, and are arranged in
rows, facing south. On the present
occasion the intervening spaces were
covered over with colored cotton, red,
blue and yellow, plaited together in
large, square checks.
The members of the parliament
were all drawn up on the western side
of the hall, and opposite them several
of the officials and Chinese guests
were placed. The foreign guests
were then arranged in front of the
Chinese guests and facing the mem-
bers. Shortly afterwards H. E. Pao
Fan, the Governor, entered with his
suite, and drew up opposite the mem-
bers, and in front of the guests. After
one or two bows a speech was read for
the Governor, declaring the parlia-
ment opened. H. E. Ting, the Treas-
urer, then stepped forth and made a
short oration. His function was to
indicate the power of the new as-
sembly, and this seemed to be to
select principles for discussion, and
to discuss them, but all executive
power remained with the Governor,
who could prohibit the discussion of
any subject.
Chekiang
Hangchow — For almost three
weeks I have been here, and on Satur-
day last had the joy of uniting with
Pastor Ren in thanksgiving for
answered prayer, and the signing of
the deed for the land on which the
Bible Training Institute is to be built.
Few realize how conservative this
old city of Hangchow is, and as for
Chekiang gentry, even the central
government is unable to bend them
to its will !
Our trust is in an omnipotent and
omniscient Father who is a God that
worketh for him who waiteth for Him.
Do not forget to pray that He may
guide every step of the way. We are
apt to say treaty rights give us the
privilege of buying land, and building
mission houses, and the officials ought
to do this and that. But let it ever
be remembered that the Chinaman as
a rule uses words not to express his
real thoughts, but to conceal them,
and ' ' things are not what they seem. ' '
It is quite possible to observe treaty
rights in the letter, while grossly
violating them in spirit, and that is
the reveltant of the present cry,
"China for the Chinese," patriotic
though it seems to some at home.
The building of the school will
mean months of constant supervision,
and many an hour of hard-tried
patience and tact. Pray that Divine
grace and wisdom may be given.
We have continued blessing in
different parts of the province ; not
so much confession, perhaps, as in
the north, but agonizing prayer.
May it universally spread. — Rev. W.
J. Doherty.
Tunglu — We are on the eve of
going to visit our out-stations and I
wish to tell you a little about our
autumn meetings, which were held
recently.
Mr. A. Miller came from Fenghwa
in order to be with us. He is also
joining us in our country tour in
order that he may help in Bible class
work.
The season has been a wet one and
seed sowing has been late ; this has
prevented many from attending the
meetings who otherwise would have
been with us.
The spiritual tone of the meetings
was good and we could see a distinct
advance since our last gathering.
China's Millions
1 1
Mr. A. Miller prepared a large map
of our district, which we hung at the
back of the platform where all could
see it. This made an impression on
all present.
Our work lies in six hsiens, one of
these, Changhwa, north-west of
Tunglu, has no witness for Christ.
Some of our brethren have undertaken
to carry the Gospel to Changhwa.
Perhaps you may remember, that,
at our spring meetings, the subject
of a home missionary came up and
money was promised for his support.
I am pleased to tell you that enough
money has been contributed to pay
for such a man for ten months. The
idea has taken hold of the people and
they have entered into the matter
very heartily. We have selected one
of the leaders, pro. tern., to travel in
the district and carry the Gospel to
parts which, as yet, are untouched.
All told, our membership is only
sixty, but we have sought to teach
them that ' ' Go ye ' ' means that every
Christian is to be a missionary, and
that the Church in China must find
the men and the money to evangelize
this land. I believe this to be the
reason why the Church here has
started "Home Mission" work. —
Mr. /. B. Miller.
Yunnan
Yunnanfu— The work here, as no
doubt you know, is not very encourag-
ing. Quite a number come out to
services, but very few seem in
earnest. At present there is but little
being done for the women, just the
Sunday services and one class during
the week. Four of the women are
baptized and two girls hope to be ere
long. One old woman who has been
coming here for some time was a
vegetarian but has broken her vow.
She says she truly wants to serve
God. She seems sincere, but is so
ignorant. Every night she takes her
little piece of straw matting outside
her door where it is quiet, and there
she prays and asks God to protect her
and help her to serve Him, but she
says she listens and listens but can
never hear Him speaking to her.
Poor woman ! What a comfort it
would be to her if she could only read
the Bible for herself. She is trying
to learn characters, but I am afraid
she is making but little progress.
Quite a number of very nice little
children come here every Sunday. I
am looking forward to the time when
we can have a Sunday School class
for them. At present I am afraid I
have not enough words to teach a
class. During the four months we
were traveling I was not able to
study, so have not progressed rapidly.
I had hoped to pass my second section
this year. — Miss C. E. Varcoe.
Talifu — During the month of
August the work has gone on as
usual, and although it has been the
rainy season the attendances have
been encouraging. A Mr. Ren, with
whom we have been acquainted for
several years, passed away about the
middle of last month. He broke off
opium in 1903, and during the time
he was here he became interested in
the Gospel. On returning to his
home he took with him a New Testa-
ment. We have heard from him at
intervals, and have sent him books
on different occasions. I have re-
ceived a letter from his son in which
he said that his father exhorted them
to bury him according to the teaching
of the Bible, and from what I know
of Mr. Ren myself, I am hopeful that
he died trusting in the Lord. He
was one of the most encouraging
opium patients I have had. — W. T.
Clark, M.D.
On October 21st, at Honanfu, to
Mr. and Mrs. E. O. Beinhoff, a son
(Elmer Tsidor).
On October 24th, at Wenchow, to
the Rev. G. H. and Mrs. Seville, a
daughter (Elsa Ruth).
On November 4th, at Laohokow, to
the Rev. A. W. and Mrs. Lagerquist,
a daughter (Grace Irene).
Kansu
Lanchowfu — " We have had the
joy of baptizing three persons, two at
our out-station, Tahsinging, and
one here. One of the two is the
daughter-in-law of Mr. Shen, the
leader in the church at Tahsinging.
She has been an enquirer for some
years, and has now taken her stand
for the Lord. With the exception of
the grandchildren, she is the last of
Mr. Shen's family to take a stand for
God. The other who was baptized
was Mr. Shen's servant. He has
been in his employ for a year or two,
and has borne a good character. He
is now a bright lad and an earnest
Christian. Our hearts have been
gladdened to see five others, including
three women, one man and one of our
school boys, give in their names as
desiring to be baptized.
We have in Lanchow a Christian
postmaster named Mr. Li, who some-
times leads our meetings, and who
has joined us in the street chapel,
where he has borne a bright testimony
for the Lord. He, with his wife and
children, comes to the services every
Sunday. Mr. Li believes in system-
atically giving to the Lord, and
brings his tenth every month, which
amounts to six thousand cash, or
nearly ten dollars. — Mr. A. Moore.
Monthly Notes
ARRIVALS
On November 14th, Mr. and Mrs.
E. H. Taylor returned from England
via North America. Miss E. B.
Griffith from Canada.
BIRTHS
On October 15th, at Lanchowfu, to
Mr. and Mrs. A. Moore, a son (George
Percival).
Baptisms
Kansu —
Lanchowfu and out-station - 3
Shensi —
Mienhsien ------ ?
Sisiang - - - ---11
Hanchenghsien and out-sta-
tions ----- 12
Hoyang and out-stations - 6
Shansi —
Sichow ..----- 3
Pingyaohsien and out-sta-
tions ----- 5
Soping ------- 5
Pingyangfu and out-stations 4
Luanfu 5
U-u (Chen) ------ 10
Kiehsiu - - 14
Chihli —
Hwailu and out-stations - - 61
Honan —
Chowkiakow and out-sta-
tions ----- 38
Taikang and out-stations - 10
Kiangsu —
Tsingkiangpu ----- 2
Antung ------- 16
Szechwan —
Chungking out-station - - 2
Kuangyiian and out-station - 8
Kwanhsien ------ 5
Suitingfu out-station - - - 4
KlANGSI —
Ningtuchow ------ 3
Yuanchow ------ 18
Kianfu and out-stations - - 10
Yiishan ------- 8
Yungfenghsien ----- 4
Tsungjen ------- 3
Anhwei —
Chihchowfu ------ 1
Anking out-station - - - 6
Liuanchow and out-station - 13
Hweichow ------ 2
Yingchowfu ----- - 6
Chekiang —
Wenchow out-stations - - 31
Kinhwafu and out-stations - 12
Huangyen and out-stations - 1 1
Chuchow ---.-.- 8
Chiichowfu out-station - - 3
Yungkang and out-stations - 9
Taiping ------- 2
Hunan —
Changsha 5
381
Previously reported 1,124
Total 1,505
I 2
China's Millions
Editorial Notes
WK wish all of our friends a blessed New Year.
We earnestly hope that it will be the best of
all the years which have yet been experi-
enced. There is need of this, not only for the soul's
sake, but also for the world's sake, for the days are
darkening and hence it is necessary that the lives of
Christians should shine with increasing brightness.
To the degree that men are losing faith, Christians
should exercise faith the more boldly ; to the degree
that men are living for this world, Christians should
live the more for the world to come ; to the degree
that Christ is being rejected by the world and being
wounded in the house of His friends, Christians
should increasingly cleave to Him, honor Him, wor-
ship Him, and serve Him. This is our wish then,
for all who join with us in holy service, that this may
be a year in which each one, as never before, may
grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ.
We would ask our friends to renew their supplica-
tions in behalf of this paper, as it goes forth upon its
monthly mission. Often, in many places, it is the
only representative of the Mission, and this is always
the case in some parts. It is important, therefore,
that it should be edited, printed, circulated and read
under the guidance and control of the Holy Spirit.
How easy it is in mechanical things to get into
mechanical ways. May God save us from this. It is
true that this paper is but paper and ink, that it is
only one of many papers, and that it looks very much
like all the rest. At the same time, it represents a
great need, and it is the only voice pleading for those
millions of Christless heathen where no one besides
our own missionaries are working.
The. past year of service for the Mission on this
continent has been a peculiarly trying one. Though
it is saying a good deal, and though our general
income has increased by about ten thousand dollars,
we cannot remember any other year of our experience
when we have had so many trials of faith, financially,
nor trials so long sustained, as in the year which is
now gone. Also, we have been sorely tried in
respect to candidates, there have been so few persons
offering for service, and so many of these have been
manifestly unprepared for work in China. And,
finally, it has been a year of sickness in our midst,
with precious and valuable lives threatened, such as
those of Mr. Helmer and Mr. Neale. But we are
able to say, as touching all these matters, that never
have we known a year so full of blessing as that
which is now past. The meaning of any trial is not
determined by the nature of the trial, but by the
attitude of the soul toward it, and God, in general,
has graciously given us to see in all that has happened
His hand and His love. So we are not cast down. On
the contrary , we believe God is preparing a most blessed
thing for us, which He will reveal in His own time.
made the days to count for good in a remarkable
manner. Our brother's presence in the Homes, his
Bible Readings in our weekly meetings, his more
public addresses in the churches, were all given in
the power of the Spirit, and thus, to the blessing of
those who heard him. How uplifting it is to meet
and have fellowship with those who walk humbly
and devoutly with their God. These are the "living
epistles" which are so easily read and understood.
We praise God for all such. And we now give Him
special thanks for sending to us, in a time of need,
one who could speak of the things which he does most
surely know. Mr. Sloan has now returned to England,
and we trust that his renewed and continued ministry
there will be in great power and for great blessing.
We should like to ask prayer for Mr. Broomhall,
our Editorial Secretary in London, in connection
with certain literary work in which he is now
engaged. For some time he has been gathering
material for the writing of a book upon the Moham-
medans in China, and he is now working over his
material and preparing it for publication. This is a
very important matter. Hitherto, little has been
known of the Chinese Mohammedans, and, therefore,
little has been done for them. If anything is accom-
plished in their behalf, in the future, it will have to
be by specialized effort, and this may be undertaken
only so far as the people are located and understood.
It is our hope, therefore, that Mr. Broomhall' s book
will be used of God to open a new door of approach
to the Mohammedans in China, and that Christ will
thus lay it upon the conscience of Christians to
undertake their evangelization. As soon as the book
is printed we shall import it for sale here. In
the meantime, let us not fail to remember its author,
that he may be greatly helped of God in its preparation.
The visit of Mr. Walter B. Sloan, our Assistant
Director in Great Britain, has been full of joy and
profit to us. Though his stay at Toronto and
Germantown was a comparatively brief one, God
As we go to press there are met together at
Rochester the Student Volunteers of Canada and the
United States. There is an attendance of men and
women from all parts of the continent, with an
enrolment of about three thousand six hundred
persons. To see such a vast audience as gathers
three times daily, so young, so bright, so full of pur-
pose and courage, is an inspiration. Not all of this
number have given themselves to God for foreign
service, for it is the policy of the Movement to get
to these conferences those who have not taken this
step, in the hope that they will be led to do so. But
those present, for the most part, are persons who
have begun to realize something of the meaning of a
redeemed life and who are reaching out after the will
of God in respect to life's service. There is hope
then, as well as inspiration, in such a gathering ;
and we doubt not that Christ looks down from
heaven upon these eager faces and opened hearts
with not a little joy, foreseeing what it will all mean
in the days and years to come for perishing souls far
away. May the blessing of God rest upon this Student
Volunteer Movement, as indeed upon every move-
ment which seeks to make known to the sons of men
the person of Christ and the gospel of His salvation.
HINA'S MILLIONS
TORONTO, FEBRUARY, 1910
" Intercessory Foreign Missionaries "
"Jehovah
BY REV. A. E. STREET, OE SOUTH CHINA
. . . wondered that there was no intercessor." — Isaiah 59 : 16.
THE following is not a literary presentation of
truth, but is designed to be a practical sug-
gestion for work.
This purpose has determined the form of presenta-
tion. It has grown out of the writer's experience in
addressing churches, and the reception that has been
accorded the truths here presented has revealed the
need for their more general diffusion.
Christ did not command us to pray the Lord of the
harvest that He send forth missionaries, but " labor-
ers. " The difference is intentional, for there are
others just as necessary as missionaries. (" Mission-
ary " means "One sent," and is the L,atin form of
the Greek "Apostle.")
Those harvest hands who directly reach the souls
of men and save them can be divided generally into —
(1) Native Workers, upon whom in all countries
the burden of evangelization rests ;
(2) Missionaries, who are no longer needed when
the natives have learned all they can teach (some cen-
turies ago they finished their work among the English) ;
(3) Intercessors, who give their time and strength
to the distinct work of definite intercessory prayer.
Of these three classes, if comparison is possible
among things all of which are necessary, the Inter-
cessor is most important because he is working at the
very root and foundation of all harvest success and,
in so far as man is responsible, his faithfulness
determines the success of all others.
I. DEFINITION
An Intercessory Foreign Missionary is a " laborer"
who cannot go in person to the foreign field, but who has
set hhnse If apart to pray for the definite details of foreign
missionary work. He alone is entitled to the name
who enters upon an engagement to work for definite
fields, an engagement as real as an appointment by a
foreign mission board. His striking peculiarities are
that he is working in the realm of " the heavenlies "
instead of among visible men, and that there are no
restrictions as to the number who can be intercessors,
as to the place of their residences, or as to the variety,
sweep and completeness of the results accomplished.
2. NECESSITY FOR INTERCESSORY FOREIGN
MISSIONARIES
That mission field which has the largest num-
ber of laborers (faithful intercessors) whose names
are not necessarily in the published lists will always
be the most successfully harvested. This is true
1. Because of the nature of missionary activity.
Ephesians 6 : 10-20 reveals the facts clearly, con-
cisely and completely, showing that we are not
primarily overcoming the prejudices and superstition
of men, but "principalities — powers — world-rulers of
this darkness — spiritual hosts of wickedness in the
heavenlies," which are various grades of rulers
organized into invisible kingdoms of darkness. In
Daniel 10: 13 some of these principalities are mentioned
by name : " Prince of Greece," " Prince of Persia,"
" Kings of Persia," etc., while Christ calls the head
of all these kingdoms the " Prince of this World."
Other forces are revealed in " the horses and chariots
of fire round about Elisha " and the " twelve legions
of angels" mentioned by Jesus. Thus revelation
shows missionaty activity to be a spiritual war between
the forces of Christ and those of Satan, not merely
man trying to reform and civilize man. This war is
waged for the possession of living men and through
the medium of living men. Christ seeks men to be
" members of His body " while Satan " enters " the
hearts of men, so that each works out his purposes
through the men who submit to him. It follows that
men must go in person, as Jesus came to this world
in person, to do the work made possible by prayer.
2. Because prayer based on God's Word is the only
weapon man can use to touch the invisible foe.
We can reach a Chinaman by speaking face to face
with him, but we can strike the spiritual Prince of
China only by way of the place ' ' above, where Christ
is," ever living to make intercession. An inspection
of Ephesians 6 shows that the end of putting on the
armor of God is to pray for all the saints, but especially
for Paxil, who represented his missionary successors.
This armor is not for selfish protection, but to
enable us to "stand" and — like Moses, Aaron and
Hur — by supplication give victory to those fighting
Amalek. Jesus did not call upon the twelve legions
of angels, but upon His disciples, and that they should
watch Him in prayer while he fought the invisible foe.
In this He has shown the way for all who " fight the
good fight of faith." Even now it is by intercession
that He continues the war.
3. Because the Missionary on the field cannot alone
do His work.
When the intercessors' hands fall Amalek prevails
on the mission field to-day. The enemy is strong.
Jesus refused to bow down to Satan, but the heathen
bow and worship ; therefore the blackness of darkness
broods over those lands, a stifling, choking power of
death. There a Christian is like a diver at the
bottom of the sea.
'4
China's Millions
In Christian countries prayer is continually offered
for the pastor and for every detail of the work of the
Church ; special meetings are held to pray for a
revival. In open-air meetings, while one is speaking
others are praying. Exactly in the same way one or
two missionaries alone among thousands or millions
need other persons to pray definitely while they work
or speak. Only the need is more urgent, as the
bottom of the sea is more dangerous than the air, just
as there are more deaths " on the firing line " than in
the quiet of the home.
The body of Christ does not consist of each one of
us individually, but of all together, and if a missionary
is left without sufficient aid in prayer, he suffers,
limps, stumbles. Some have even fallen away. He
may succeed in fighting his way to the very presence
of God and receive blessings unspeakable, but
mean-while the heathen perish and God tells us that
their blood is to be required at the hands of those
who did not do their part. (Ezekiel 33 : 1-16.)
III. WHAT CAN BE
DONE BY INTER-
CESSORY MIS-
SIONARIES
i. A host of in-
tercessors can be
speedily enlisted for
this war.
2. Enough mis-
sionaries and money
can be found to really
accomplish our task.
3. Suitable men
can be sent as mis-
sionaries, and the
unsuitable can be
prevented from mak-
ing the mistake of
going. Such mis-
takes have in the
past cost many lives
and thousands of
dollars. They can
be prevented by the
Lord of the harvest
only when He is asked to do so. Even Christ Him-
self prayed all night before He chose the first twelve
missionaries. (It is a significant fact that there is no
distinct command for man to send forth missionaries.
That work was done by Christ Himself and then by
His Spirit when He chose Paul and Barnabas. When
they tried to choose fellow-workers they quarreled
over the choice. The command is to pray.)
4. Manj' urgent questions of general missionary
policy can be solved only through much prayer
5. Individual heathen can be prayed for by name
and thus saved.
6 An adequate native ministry can be raised up
and maintained.
7. Revivals can be brought about continually on
the foreign fields.
8. Fresh fillings of the Holy Spirit can be given
to over-burdened missionaries
9. The health and strength of missionaries can be
maintained under the severe strain of their physical
and social surroundings.
A VIEW OF A VILLAGE AS SEEN BY A PASSERBY
10. Lonely missionaries — those without many
friends — can be cheered and helped until their useful-
ness is multiplied many times.
Experience has repeatedly shown that the believing
prayer of one humble intercessor at home can bring
about a revival on the foreign field and save thousands.
The experience of one missionary was that as far as man
can see results, he was able to do more for the heathen
toiling as an intercessor in America than while he was
among the heathen without intercessors pleading for him.
IV. HOW TO DO THE WORK OF AN INTERCESSORY
MISSIONARY
i. Decide deliberately that this intercession is to
be a regular binding duty.
2. Select fixed days, hours, times, and make
them take precedence, as far as possible, of all other
engagements.
3. Begin humbly, letting experience enlarge and
guide.
4. Wait on the Lord of the harvest for directions
as to what part of the
field you belong.
5. Learn the
names of all mission-
aries of all connec-
tions in your field
and pray for them
by name.
6. Do not pity
the missionary or
condole with him,
give him your sym-
pathetic help.
7. Write to the
missionaries you are
praying for, asking
pointedly what their
difficulties and needs
are. Tell them you
do not want some-
thing bright and
newsy, but some-
thing dark and dis-
couraging, and that
when they are worn
out you want them
to drop you a post card telling you that, so you can
pray them strong again.
8. Pray for every need or condition that you can
learn about. This article is only suggestive.
9. Form the habit of letting God impress upon
you the things for which to pray. He will do it.
10. Not many words are needed, but much time
must be spent in "waiting" upon Him, the very silence
calling for His will to be done. Silence enables one to
draw very near to God. "We know not how to pray
as we ought," and must let " the Spirit Himself make
intercession."
11. Study and practice the art of praying until
you are expert in it. The Bible furnishes its laws
and examples, which can be worked out by patient
practice only, just like any other art.
V. WARNINGS
Some may be tempted to cherish a subtle, hidden
feeling that by doing this work they are conferring a
favor on some one by helping. Not at all ; it is the
China's Millions
15
other way ; the unspeakable favor is granted you of
sharing the burden of intercession daily carried by the
risen man Christ Jesus in heaven.
When details of mission work begin to come to
your knowledge, be exceedingly careful how you
judge, condemn or decide in matters that you have
never met and that have puzzled the wisest men for
many decades. No war is sweet or gentle, but you
are now fighting Satan enthroned among men, the
most unscrupulous and horrible of enemies, worse than
man can imagine. When matters utterly unexpected
and discouraging arise, Satan will try to turn you
away in disgust; therefore REMEMBER that the worse
the troubles are the greater is the need for your prayers.
Many, many times you will be tempted to give it
all up as useless, for every possible form of deception
will be among his "wiles" to stop your intercession ;
if he can stop each one his victory is assured, and
there are alarmingly few intercessors.
Be ready patiently to toil on without apparent results;
time is required for them to show. Many a laborer
has worked for years without seeing the results that
overjoyed his successors. Cannot you do the same ?
Jl'oe be to any one
who tries to become a?i
in te rcesso ry missionary
while the Lord is calling
him to go in person. In
Matthew 7 : 23, Christ
calls such ' ' ye that work
iniquity or lawlessness,"
for although they have
been eminently successful
workers in the church,
before men, what they
did was not "the will"
of God for them.
VI.
SOME GENERAL
TRUTHS.
i. Indirect Work.
Every Christian should
do some work as an inter-
cessory missionary, but
there are those at home whom the Lord calls to give
their daily toil for the salvation of the nations. Many
are needed who by teaching, writing and exhorting
shall arouse Christians to a sense of their responsi-
bility for the death of those who perish because the
salvation prepared for them by Christ has never been
offered to them by men. In the work here suggested,
house-to-house visitation among church members has
been proved most effective in arousing them to their
privileges in the foreign fields. A caution is here
needed, for such work is only indirect, and most
jealous, prayerful care is needed to prevent it from
displacing the direct work of intercession. Any work
that is visible so appeals to our pride that it is more
attractive than is the lonely toil of intercession.
2. Rejected. It is generally considered that God
has not called one to the foreign work because age,
health, family relations, rejection by a mission board
or other outward circumstances prevent him from
going abroad. Such circumstances have no bearing
whatever on the question as to whether the Lord wants
you to work directly for the salvation of the heathen.
ANOTHER VIEW OF A VILLAGE WHEN PASSING THROUGH
God is waiting for you to take your place in the vital,
difficult and blessed work of joining Christ in inter-
ceding before Him. It is not evidence of obedience
quietly to drift along at ease, letting the far-away,
unseen multitudes perish for the lack of your prayers.
Some laborers must not go to the mission fields.
3. Substitutes. When a draft is made for war
service only a limited number of men are called out,
and a " substitute " has to be one of those not drafted
in his own name. But in this spiritual war every
citizen of heaven is drafted, and no substitutes are
possible, because there are none left undrafted.
Victory is impossible unless those at home meet and
rout the invisible foe. It is unjust to send a man into
the deadly blackness of heathenism without giving
your life in intercession for him while he gives his life
for the heathen. We must "lay down our lives for
the brethren," (1 John 3 : 16).
4. Candidates. Beware of ever urging anyone to
go as a missionary. The Holy Spirit only can do that
with safety. We should urge that one to set his will
"as flint" that he is going to "do the will of My
Father which is in heaven," and that he then pray,
" Lord, send forth labor-
ers ; ' ' then if the Lord
really wants him in
foreign fields it is only a
matter of time when it
will be made so plain
that there is no room for
doubt.
5. Rewards. There
is a peculiar supplement-
ary reward given for all
missionary work. It is
an addition to the honors
of faithful labor, and is
determined not by what
is done, but by what is
' ' left. ' ' For every com-
fort or friend that you
leave in order to do this
work you will receive
one hundred fold of the
comfort, rest and satisfaction that they could have
afforded. This is true of both missionary and interces-
sor, and is the kind of "joy set before Him " that en-
abled Jesus to "endure." The missionary "leaves"
by taking ship, the intercessor "leaves" by shutting
the door of his closet. [When one contributes money
he does not " leave" it, hut lays it up in heaven (Mat-
thew 6 : 20 and Luke 18 : 22), where it becomes the only
treasure he can call his own.] Attendance at church
meetings becomes a selfish indulgence of religious
feelings when it leads to the neglect of the hard work
God wants you to do. Men are dying in agony while
you are enjoying a " beautiful " service and while God
is calling you to forget your very existence in watch-
ing and prayiug with groaning that cannot be uttered.
' ' The unsearchable riches of Christ " are discovered
by the missionary, whether he is among the heathen
preaching it to them, or in the home-land interceding
for them. These things are not mere matters of intel-
lectual theory, but have been proven in experience.
We are indebted to the Student Volunteer Movement tor the above
helpful and very suggestive article.
i6
China's Millions
CROWDS AS THEY GATHER IN CHINA
The Power of God Unto Salvation
(Stories of Conversion in China)
BY THE I,ATE REV. WM. COOPER
SOME years ago a missionary, when itinerating,
visited a large town in the northern part of the
province of Kiangsu. His preaching on the
streets attracted large crowds, and many Christian
books and gospels were sold. Among those who
heard his message was a man named Ch'en, who, in
addition to following him about from place to place
during the day, went each evening to the inn in which
he stayed to enquire more particularly into the truth
of the Gospel. After three days the missionary and
his native helper moved on to other cities, but the
good seed had fallen into ground prepared by the
Holy Spirit, and Mr. Ch'en continued to study the
New Testament which he had purchased. He be-
came thoroughly convinced that this book contained
just what he needed, and what he had for years been
vainly seeking for in the false systems of Confucian-
ism, Buddhism, and Taoism ; and in order to get
further instruction, he gave up his position as a sub-
ordinate officer in the array and went to Yangchow,
the nearest mission station, one hundred miles away.
There he attended the services in our chapel for some
time, and began to testify for Christ, but his heart
became so filled with the joy of the Lord that, with-
out any suggestion from us, he felt constrained to go
off into the adjoining province of Anhwei to seek his
old friends and relatives and tell them of the wonder-
ful Savior who had saved him.
< )n arriving at the village where he had lived in
former years, he created quite a sensation by boldly
preaching the Gospel of Salvation from opium-
smoking, gambling, and sin of every kind. At first
he met with much opposition and ridicule from his
old companions, but by patiently bearing all for
Christ's sake, and by the steady, consistent testimony
of his changed life, one after another became con-
vinced of the reality of his conversion, and desired to
follow him as he followed Christ. After about six
months spent with them, during which time he had
nightly meetings for the reading and exposition of
tin Scriptures, and some remarkable answers to
prayer, six or seven families having put away their
idols and turned to the Lord, he proposed that they
should invite a missionary to visit them, in order that
they might be further instructed in God's Word and
admitted to Church fellowship. These young con-
verts had never seen a foreign missionary, but gladly
gave him money to defray his traveling expenses to
Anking, the nearest mission station, in order that
he might seek pastoral help for them. How far did
he require to go for such help? A journey of two
hundred and thirty-five English miles, through a
country where no railways exist, and only the rough-
est of roads. No wonder it took him a whole week
to accomplish it.
I shall never forget the thrill of joy that filled our
hearts on the Sunday morning when he arrived at
that station and told us the good news of how God
had used him in opening up the work in a district we
had up to that time been unable to visit ; and when,
after keeping him waiting for some time, my colleague
was able to go back with him, he found his story
quite true, and, after spending some weeks in teaching
these young converts, he had the joy of baptizing
this God-sent evangelist and ten other converts, as
the first-fruits to Christ in that region. Six months
later twenty-two others were received, and the work
has since spread to other villages. Mr. Ch'en, after
spending some years in evangelizing in another part
of the province, has recently returned to that district
again, and is still faithfully witnessing for his Master,
though not a few of the converts brought in through
his labors in the early days have gone to be with
Christ, which is very far better.
( To be concluded. )
The man who holds God's faith will dare to
obey Him, however impolitic it may appear
All God's giants have been weak men, who did great
things for God because they reckoned on His being
with them. — /. Hudson Taylor.
China's Millions
17
Building and School Work in Kiating, Szechwan
(Extracts from a I,etter)
BY MR. W. H
FOR six months my time has been largely occu-
pied with the very trying work of house
building. This is an occupation that can be
heartily recommended for the cultivation of patience
and long-suffering. Dr. A. H. Smith has very aptly
expressed the matter thus : — " What foreigner,
having built a house in China, straightway desireth
to build another? " We have been .putting an addi-
tion to the dwelling house, so as to make it large
enough to accommodate two families, each with their
own separate establishment from front to back. A
boys' boarding school has also been erected, and like-
wise two guest halls for men and women, besides
other alterations and improvements. For the greater
part of the time I have had a company of seventy odd
men at work on the premises, including carpenters,
sawyers, stone masons, brick masons, plasterers,
painters and coolies ; and every single man of them
has had to be watched, instructed and corrected, day
after day, and almost
hour after hour, for a
long six months. I
assure you I am glad
the job is nearly finish-
ed, and the sound of
hammer and chisel will
soon be departed from
within our walls.
Solomon's temple was
certainly not built by
Chinese. I might
easily write a small
volume on the ins and
outs of house building
in inland China, but
time compels me to pass
over this very interest-
ing subject for the
present. As the
building draws to a
close, I am able to
turn my time and
strength to other and
GUEST HALL ENTRANCE TO T
AT CHENGTU,
more important matters.
In previous letters I have spoken of our need of
school work, and our hopes of soon seeing our dreams
take shape in a boarding school for boys. I am glad
to be able to give you the good news that the school
is now no longer on paper, but stands on a good
foundation in one corner of our compound. It is my
purpose in this present letter to speak more particu-
larly of school matters, and to give you home details
concerning this new and interesting department of
our work.
In speaking of the school work, reference might be
made to educational matters in general, and thus
help you to a better understanding of the present
situation in China. The old-fashioned Chinese
school is now a thing of the past, and a new educa-
tional system has been established by the Imperial
Government, modeled somewhat after that which
exists in America and Scotland. Under the old
HOCKMAN
regime the Government simply concerned itself with
the examinations, leaving the conduct of schools
wholly to the enterprise of local communities or
individuals. The scope of the school work was
very naturally determined by the official examina-
tions, and the books studied were in no wise suitable
for youthful minds, but consisted of nothing more
than dry and lifeless philosophical dissertations, from
the Confucian Classics, which no school boy could
possibly understand, and which even the old wise-
heads of the nation find difficult to explain. Those
who pursued the study of the Classics did so with the
hope that they might be able to pass the official
examinations, and gain an entrance into official life,
with the consequent opportunity of becoming wealthy
at the public's expense. The schools offered nothing
of a practical nature, save that the boys learned to
read and write. No provision whatever was made
for the education of girls, although occasionally the
daughter of a well-to-do
family might be so
fortunate as to be al-
lowed to attend the
boys' school, or perhaps
have a private teacher
in the home.
The modern school
system has been launch-
ed very suddenly, and
almost with violence,
and it is no matter for
surprise that things are
not yet in proper work-
ing order. However,
matters are moving
with rapid strides, and
in a very few years
China should have a
fairly efficient modern
educational equipment.
A complete system of
school buildings has
been provided, including everything from university to
country school, and involving the expenditure of
untold millions of money ; but it is needless to say
that a school requires something more than fine
buildings and a spacious playground. The prime
requisite is, of course, good teachers, and of these
China, as yet, has few or none. Most of those drawing
teachers' salaries have had only a meagre one or two
years of so-called high school work, and are in nowise
prepared to teach even the elementary Western sub-
jects, such as arithmetic, geography and history, to
say nothing of the higher branches of learning. And
of the compai atively large number of young men now
in the provincial colleges, very few feel called to the
vocation of teaching. The majority are looking for
either official or commercial positions, not having
any higher or better ambition than simply accumu-
lating money- Then too, many of the officials are
purposefully exercising their influence and authority
HE GOVERNMENT COLLEGE
SZECHWAN
i8
China's Millions
to hinder and obstruct the schools within their
respective jurisdiction, because the officials for the
most part belong to the old order of things, and they
realize that the day of their going on the shelf is not
far distant, and very naturally desire to do all within
their power to put off the evil day.
Although China has had a great awakening,
and the movement in both educational and commer-
cial circles is now along Western lines, the literati
are as loyal to Confucianism as ever, and the schools
have no place whatever for Christianity. Many of
the students arc throwing away their Buddhism and
Taoism, and turning towards atheism or agnosticism,
but Confucius still maintains his time honored
supremacy. In the Government schools, especially
of the higher grades, the worship of Confucius is
obligatory upon all students ; this practically excludes
all our Christian youth, for such worship is impossible
for a Christian. The general atmosphere of the
schools is thoroughly heathen, and not at all a desirable
place for the sons of Christian families to be sent for
instruction and training. For many reasons it seems
highly desirable, not to
say necessary, that the
missions have schools
of their own, in which
the Christian atmos-
phere shall prevail, and
in which regular re-
ligious instruction can
be imparted, and the
moral training be ac-
cording to Christian
standards To those
at all conversant with
the field, the mission
school needs no apolo-
gy. But as might be
expected, our mission
schools, though small
and few in number, are
never-the-less viewed
by the Chinese authori-
ties as rival institutions,
and as such meet with a considerable amount of
disfavor, and some degree of opposition. " China for
the Chinese" is the slogan of young China to-day,
and with more zeal than wisdom they are decrying
everything that does not begin and end with the sons
of Cathay. During the past winter a somewhat
extensive propaganda was launched in this province
(Szechwan) with the idea of deterring students from
attending missionary educational institutions. Pro-
clamations were issued to the effect that those obtain-
ing education in such schools would be considered
ineligible to official positions. Puerile as this may
seem, it had the desired effect of keeping away a
goodly number of would-be pupils, some of whom
come from Christian homes. This is only a part of
the general opposition that is showing itself all over
the empire, and embraces all sorts and kinds of enter-
prises in which foreigners have a hand, whether the
building of railroads, or the working of mines, or the
conducting of schools, or what not. But so long as
school work forms an integral part of our mission-
ary effort, and the authorities of the land tolerate its
Wmm s -
MILL, SHRINE AND CITY WALL AT CHENGTU. SZECHWAN
continuance, we feel that it is our bounden duty to
preserve, and keep the school door open as long as
pupils are willing to come and sit under our instruction.
Just now is a peculiarly opportune time for the
mission school, for, owing to the unsatisfactory state
of the native institutions, and the special attraction of
a competent foreigner, we are able to draw a large
number of pupils who would otherwise naturally go
elsewhere. Later on, when the Government institu-
tions reach a more proficient working status, our
missionary schools will doubtless have very few
students outside of those from the homes of our mem-
bers and adherents. While our schools exist primarily
for the Christian community, we want also to reach
out and touch as large a circle of outsiders as possible,
and thus be missionary to the fullest sense. Now is
the time for our schools to make their mark, and win
their way into the public confidence.
Now, let us speak more particularly of our own
school. We have forty pupils for this term, and that
is not a bad number with which to begin. Twenty-two
of these are boarders, and come from the out-stations.
The other twenty-eight
are local boys, who eat
and sleep in their own
homes. We should like
to have them all in as
boarders, but that is
not practicable, as their
parents are not prepar-
ed to put out that much
money. Next year I
look for a considerable
increase in attendance,
parth - owing to the
fact that our school will
be better known, and
partly because we shall
be enlarging the scope
of the school by adding
a senior primary depart-
ment. This year's work
is confined to that of
the junior primary.
Our school building is a Chinese structure, two
stories high, with sufficient accommodation for fifty
boarders, and another fifty day pupils. On the ground
floor are three class rooms, office, laboratory, dining
room, kitchen, lavatory, and storeroom. In the
basement are a servants room, laundry, and bath-
room. On the second floor are a large dormitory, a
sick room, and a room for a Chinese teacher. Up
over the two latter rooms is a good- sized room, for the
boys' boxes and bags, and all odds and ends. The
school staff consists of two Chinese teachers and
myself, and two servants — a cook and a coolie.
Two of the school boys are Christians. The
others, though mostly from Christian homes, have
never given any particular evidence of conversion.
Our prime object in having them here is that they
may be led to give themselves to the Lord, and be
instructed in the way of righteousness. Will you
not remember them in prayer, that the Spirit of the
Lord may breathe upon them and cause them to live?
For this service I feel deeply the need of that wisd m
that cometh from above.
China's Millions
19
Work Among the Sick and Wounded in Far Tibet
BY MRS. J. R. MTJIR, BATANG
THE beginning of my share in the work was
somewhere on the journey when our ' ' f u-song ' '
was thrown from his mule, breaking his arm,
cutting his head and otherwise injuring himself. We
were ten li from any house or village, so we tried to
make the man comfortable in my chair until we
reached the home of a Tibetan chief, where we set
the bone and gave medicine, money for food and
instructions in regard to his maintenance, till he
should be able to go on his way.
On our arrival here, on July 17th, the wife of the
renter of our house was in distress, and here again
my bit of knowlege served me.
They wanted help, but were afraid of having a
foreign woman near. I did the best I could for the
patient, and the following morning, to our great
satisfaction, a son was born to them. I have been
the medical examiner of the entire family ever
since, including all the
distant relatives.
I have been reputed to
be exceedingly wise in
matters concerning the
little ones, ever since the
event of the birth of that
Tibetan baby in our own
house. We have many
times given praise to God
for this wee baby, for
again, when he has been
ill, his mother or father
has brought him to me
with apparently perfect
faith that I would make
him well, and each time
God has healed the
child.
Then the teacher in
the girls' school has a
family of six or eight
little ones, who have all
been to me in turn with
the various ills that "flesh
is heir to." My small
supply of drugs which we
brought with us, primarily for our own use, has held
out like the widow's cruise of oil until now, when I
am sometimes at a loss to know what to do for some
of the patients who come to me to be healed. Poor,
ignorant creatures ! They have no faith in the
trusted and tried simple remedies which are so
efficacious, such as hot water and soap, salt and water
for bathing bad eyes, and so on. They want a
drug with a pungent odor and a strong taste ;
otherwise they think they are not getting anything
of any value.
My surgical hospital training helped me greatly
one day when my husband asked me to attend to a
battered soldier. The poor fellow had been thrown
from his horse, striking his head on the rocks.
The lower lip hung in tatters ; there was a gash
above the left eye, another on the knee cap which
A TIBETAN LAMA
This man is Mr. Muir's teacher, for whom he asks special prayer, that
his heart may he touched by the Holy Spirit
penetrated to the bone, and four of his teeth were
very loose. Two of the teeth I extracted with my
fingers. The lip I repaired with sewing silk and a
needle. The other wounds I treated according to
their severity. In a little more than a week he was
able to rejoin his regiment, and much to our satis-
faction his lip looked very respectable indeed. Dr.
Shelton was absent from the city at the time.
Otherwise I would not have attempted so difficult
a case.
To show the children my further good will, at the
Christmas season I gave about seventy, together
with a few women, a meal. This last was a wise
suggestion of Mr. Muir's.
This being Chinese New Year, again the little
people have not failed me ; for they have all
been here with their dirty, ragged garments, and
dirty faces to pay their New Year call and to make
their bow.
I gave each one
some cakes, but what I
long to do is to gather
them together and teach
them something.
I fear, however, to
try, lest like the birds
of the field, they take
flight and we see them no
more till they want some
more cakes !
Still some progress
is being made, and we
are at least making
friends among these
Tibetan people, who are
so different from the
Chinese in every way.
Our hearts and hands
have been fully occu-
pied ever since our com-
ing here, and while we
feel we have accomplish-
ed very little, we
have tried to do our
best for Jesus' sake, and
He receives the effort and us with all our faults ;
so we are content.
I do not think there is a word in all literature,
sacred or profane, which is so comprehensive of the
unreserve which is the hallmark of real love in its
surrender to the loved one: "Whatsoever thou
sayest to me I will do it for thee." I ask you
if Jesus Christ has ever heard any such simple
profession of loyalty from you? Have you said to
Him : "Jesus, whatsoever Thou sayest I will do it
for Thee, because I love Thee. If Thou sayest to
me 'Africa' or 'China,' I will do it for Thee. If
Thou sayest to me, ' Go and be My messenger where
Satan's seat is,' Jesus, my Lord, I will even do it for
Thee."—/. Stuart Holden.
20
China's Millions
A Walk Through a City in Central China
BY MR. A. I,. CANNON, JAOCHOW, KIANGSI
MEW OF A CHINKSE STREET
JAOCHOW is
a city of
about forty
thousand in-
habitants in the
province of
Kiaugsi, central
China. I went
for a walk the
other day with
a friend for a
mile through
this city to the
post office, and
will try to give
some idea of
sights and
scenes by the
way.
Turning into
the main street
of the city, a street only ten to twelve feet wide,
stone paved, and crooked as all Chinese streets are,
for fear of evil spirits, we find ourselves between long
rows of open-fronted shops which line each side of the
street. Shops there are of every description ; black-
smiths, tailors, money shops, grocers, butchers,
carpenters, jewelers, brass workers, painters,
stationers, etc., etc., each craftsman plying his trade
in full view of the passers by. Sundry stalls on the
streets are also laden with goods for sale. Then
there are men with small stove arrangements selling
hot stew ready cooked at all hours. The street is
crowded with people, especially children, for Chinese
houses have no back yards and the children all play
on the street. Being summer time and very hot
weather, the small boys wear only a coat of dirt and
possibly a waist cloth.
Here is a woman washing her boy of seven or
eight in a little tub on the side of the street. Here
comes a barrow man, with his ancient barrow piled
high with goods on each side of the large wheel, the
said wheel creaking frightfully, but Chinese ears
are dull, and it will never strike the barrow
man to put a little oil on the wheel to relieve the
noise.
Passing on we see a small boy eating rice from a
wooden bowl. As he walks along the street, he
holds the bowl to his mouth and pokes the scalding
hot rice down his throat with a pair of chopsticks.
Here is a house inside which we see written
scrolls, lighted candles, and a crowd of people among
whom are priests banging gongs and cymbals.
'What are they doing 5 " Someone inside is sick
and they are worshiping their idols and seeking to
drive out the spirit which is supposed to be causing
the sickness. Presently, the priests and people crowd
into the next room where the sick person lies, and
bang their gongs with might and main, making
enough noise to rouse the dead. We pity the poor
sufferer who tins to endure all this.
As we walk along, we have to witch our steps
lest we tread on the numerous ugly, mangy animals
called "dogs," which lie and sleep anywhere they
like in the street. Lank, ugly, black pigs, fowls
and chickens walk about in the houses or on the
streets as they like.
But here we are at the post office. The post-
master pours us out some tea and we talk a little
while our letters are inspected and received for post.
A crowd off the street gathers into the post office to
look at the foreigners. Our business finished, we
retrace our steps homewards.
Passing along by the lake, we see a dozen people
by the water side, the women, old and young,
washing clothes by rinsing them in the dirty looking
water and beating them on a stone with a stick.
Alongside the women washing clothes are others
washing vegetables for the evening meal in the same
water. Here is a man in an oval-shaped wooden tub
with a couple of little paddles, prepared " to paddle
his own canoe " to his house, twenty yards away, now
surrounded by the rising waters of the lake. It looks
funny to us to see a man in a tub paddling around.
We ask him if he will take a passenger. He stares
in blank amazement. We repeat the question about
four times, but he still stares at us in blank
astonishment, quite unable to see anything funny in
the situation.
Arriving at the Mission compound, our attention
is arrested by loud crying coming from the dispensary.
Entering to see what is the matter, we find a little
child on its mother's lap, while two terrible boils on
the child's body are being dressed by Dr. Judd. This
woman was told a week ago to bring her child in and
have it attended to, but she callously neglected to do
so, while all the time the little one suffered torture
and misery. But heathen hearts are hard, and
heathen minds are dark, very dark. They are
strangers to the sympathy and love that come from
the presence of Christ. May God send forth the
needed laborers to carry the message of light and life
to those who still sit in darkness and the shadow of
death.
\ MEMORIAL ARC 1 1
China's Millions
21
Our Shanghai Letter
BY MR. D. E. HOSTE
I MUCH regret that so long an interval has elapsed
since my last letter to you. The days are very
full, and pass without my always realizing the
rapidity with which they are doing so.
You will already have heard of the lamented death
of Mrs. W. E. Shearer, the news of which reached us
just after my last letter was completed. I will not,
therefore, dwell upon this sad event. It has been a
comfort, in losing so valued a worker, to receive
news of some thirteen or fourteen new sisters leaving
for China early next year. We long for large rein-
forcements of brethren also.
I grieve to say that a telegram arrived late last
night announcing the death of Miss Barraclough,
from typhus fever, on the 18th inst. This was the
first we had heard of her being ill, though we knew
that Miss Barraclough 's health had not been very
robust for some time past. In spite of this, she had
worked faithfully and well in and around Lueheng-
hsien. Not long ago I received an interesting account
from her of a visit paid to out-stations.
Mr. Howell has continued to make good progress,
and has been out in the compound once or twice.
Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Waters are joining Mr. and
Mrs. Adam at Anshunfu, and hope to co-operate with
them in the work of that large district. Mr. Crofts
arrived here yesterday from Chenyuanfu, and is pro-
ceeding shortly to Chefoo, for rest and to see his
children.
We have been cheered by receiving reports of
over 400 baptisms during the past few weeks, in-
cluding nearly 200 on the Kwangsin river, where, as
you are aware, Mr. Orr-Ewing has been visiting. I am
thankful to say that, in spite of constant and heavy
strain of work, our brother has been preserved in
health.
Mr. Geo. Parker, in an interesting letter written
from Kingtzekwan, says that they were encouraged
by the good attendance at the services, but that the
Christians had been passing through a series of
troubles, arising from the hostilities of the officials
and their underlings. Mr. Parker adds, "However
severe on nerve and heart, the spiritual benefit to
foreigners and natives will not prove small. One of
the Chinese at Kingtzekwan exhorted his fellows from
Acts 14: 22, "Through much tribulation we must
enter into the kingdom of God." Indications have
not been wanting of the hand of the Lord being
stretched out against those thus persecuting His
children. Mr. Parker tells of two or three false wit-
nesses being cut off by sudden death in a striking way.
You will remember that Kingtzekwan is situated
close to the border of three provinces, and, as in the
case in other parts of China, such places are apt to be
somewhat disturbed.
Mr. Ridley writes an interesting account of the
baptism of two men and three women, in his far-off
station of Siningfu, and I think you will be interested
to read the following extract from his letter. It
serves to illustrate the great need in which we stand
of more young men, not only for pastoral, but also
for itinerating and direct evangelistic effort : —
" Mr. Geo. Andrew, Jr., and I have been out on
two journeys, one to Taukow, where we sold all the
books we had. We visited all the shops in the city,
west suburb and half of east suburb, and left tracts
in all. We never heard a single unkind word, and
were received courteously wherever we went. So
different to the earlier years. In our visit to Tatong
hsien we also left tracts at every shop, and with the
exception of two or three shops, belonging to the
Shansi merchants, we had the kindest of receptions.
If these places could only be visited by someone, say
for three weeks or a month at a time, I think we
should find several enquirers. Doors open, wide,
wide open, and none to enter in. The feeling toward
the Gospel has changed wonderfully during the last
few years. Of this we are having proofs in every
direction, and some day there will be a glorious
harvest, though it seems slow in coming. Mrs.
Ridley has now a nice little class of girls every
Thursday, and gets a goodly number of women on
Sunday."
I am glad to say that Mr. McCarthy, who has been
visiting Tali and Tengyueh, reports that he is in ex-
cellent health. Miss Simpson and the Chinese bible
woman are making a special effort this winter, in
visiting the villages around Tali, and I would ask
prayer in their behalf, and also for Miss Cornelia
Morgan, who is now taking an active share of the
work among the women in the city.
A conference is being held this week at Sapushan,
two days' journey to the north of Yunnanfu, when
Mr. Nicholls hopes to baptize some of the tribes
people. It will be remembered that for more than
two years past many hundreds of these have been
eagerly seeking to learn the truth of the Gospel. The
viceroy has been taking drastic measures to put a
stop to the cultivation and the use of opium in that
province. Quite apart from the question of the
injurious effect of opium on those using it, a point of
immense practical importance in connection with this
subject, is, that the grain supply of the country is
much affected by it.
In closing this letter I would mention that it has
been arranged for Mr. Lutley to visit the Church of
England dioceses in Szechwan, worked by missionaries
of the C.M.S. and our own Mission. Mr. Lutley
hopes to leave Shansi on or about the nth of
January, to hold a series of special meetings in the
districts just mentioned, and I would earnestly ask
for prayer on behalf of our brother in undertaking
this important ministry.
The weather recently has been colder than usual,
the thermometer registering nine degrees of frost on
more than one night. We hear of snow in a good
many parts of the country, and farther north the
cold, no doubt, is severe. This, however, generally
proves to be healthy, and so far as we know our
fellow- workers throughout the country are keeping
well. That this may continue to be the case, is an
important petition as we engage in the ministry of
intercession.
22
China's Millions
Tidings from the Provinces
Topics for Prayer
Will those who specially remember
the work of the China Inland Mission
and its workers bear upon their hearts
before God the following requests : —
According to arrangement, Mr. A.
Lutley, whom God has so abundantly
used in his own province, Shansi, and
also in Shensi, is to go to Bishop
Cassels' district in Szechwan to con-
duct a series of meetings there. Will
you not pray that the Spirit of the
Lord will be poured out upon the
Chinese in this district. May there
be such a mighty manifestation of
His power that many who believe on
Him may be quickened, and many
who know Him not, born again.
The fact that Mr. and Mrs. Curtis
Waters have been appointed to the
work in Anshunfu, in the province of
Kweichow, brings afresh to our minds
the need of intercession on behalf of
the aboriginal tribes of that district,
that God will continue to bless this
work even as He has in the past —
keeping those who have found the
Savior and bringing the seeking
ones to Himself.
We would again ask that special
remembrance be made with regard to
the health of those laboring on the
field. There are those whom we feel
would value prayer on their behalf ; in
thisconnection we wouldmention Mrs.
Falls, of Shansi, that, if it please Him,
the Lord would continue to strengthen
her, that she may be able to take up the
work which is so dear to her heart.
As Mrs. Talbot and Mr. Knight
have been engaged in deputation work
during the past month the Lord
has blessed their service for Him.
Will you not ask for His richest
blessing upon Mrs. Talbot and Mr.
Knight as they continue this work,
and also for Mrs. Shapleigh, who is
being blessed in service of a similar
nature in the United States. As the
warmer weather comes on Mrs. Stott
hopes to resume her work in this
connection.
News Notes
According to a native dispatch,
President Tang Shou-ch'ien, of the
Chekiang Railway, recently appointed
Commissioner of Education to Kiang-
si, has submitted a memorial on the
position of affairs in China, in which
he states that the antidote for China
to-day is centralization of power.
To centralize power it is essential
to appoint a responsible premier to
assume the entire general adminis-
tration in the country , and to eradicate
the long-standing abuse of selfish
motives on the part of viceroys and
governors. His difficulty of not
possessing full knowledge of the
conditions in the whole country may
be overcome by the speedy opening
of Parliament, which will enable the
people to come into direct touch with
the government in deliberations, and
to sweep away the evil of viceroys
and governors interfering with the
action of the government. The
memorialist went on to say that,
with public approval of the centrali-
zation of power, the government
would be able to rely on the people
as its ultimate pedestal. The govern-
ment need not then have to shift
responsibility on to viceroys and
governors, or to entertain any fears
as to its actions. It is only by these
means that the constitution may be
built on a solid foundation. The
stability and good government of
China depend on the creation of a
responsible cabinet and the opening
of Parliament without loss of time.
It is stated that in pursuance of a
decree issued, the Ministry of Civil
Appointments determined on the
penalties on ex-Viceroy Tuan Fang's
behavior, and decided that his act
in causing photographs to be taken
of the funeral procession was a private
offence, the punishment for which
should be degradation ; but the
punishment for riding about with un-
due freedom in his sedan chair in the
Deities' way, and for using the trees
within the fengskui walls as telegraph
poles, which were tantamount to
violation of established regulations,
should be loss of rank. It is stated
that the Lung Yu Empress Dowager
was highly displeased with the ex-
Viceroy for allowing photographs to
be taken, and this aggravated the
case against him. Four persons have
been arrested for attempting to take
photographs at the mausoleum, and
they have been tried by the court of
Cassation, which intends to sentence
the principal to strangulation and the
accessories to imprisonment. It is
further reported, naively, that though
the Prince Regent demurred in the
matter, he was obliged to conform to
rule, and accepted the viceroy's dis-
missal as recommended. Sympathy
is expressed for the viceroy, who is
popular with all who know him.
A native dispatch says that with
the object of preventing anti-Christian
troubles in China, the Ministry of
Education has hit upon the following
plan : It proposes to select a number
of the smartest returned students,
who lately passed an examination
and who possess extensive knowledge
of Chinese, to translate extracts and
selections of Christian works, and in
the case of any tenets or principles
coinciding with those taught in Con-
fucianism, to compare and illustrate
them with words from the "Four
Books and Six Classics." Copies of
these selected compilations should
then be circulated in schools and
public offices in the empire, to ac-
quaint the people with the fact that
Christianity has for its object exhor-
tation of men to be good and altruistic,
similarly to the doctrines of the
Chinese philosopher, Mai Tzu. In
this manner doubts of the people will
be removed and anti-Christian friction
should die a natural death.
Four delegates have been elected in
Hunan province to proceed to Shang-
hai to attend a special meeting of
deputies from all provinces, for the
purpose of presenting a joint petition,
praying that the period fixed for the
opening of Parliament may be cur-
tailed.
As it has been proposed to draw up
a system of compulsory education in
the Chinese empire next spring, the
Ministry of Education has telegraphed
to all the provinces, urgently calling
for statistical returns giving the num-
ber of boys.
Kweichow
Anshunfu. — We are quite anxious
about Hannah, one of our Miao mem-
bers at Lukiakuan, who has been
ill of malaria for some months, and
ever since last Sunday she has been
much worse, and it is feared may not
recover. Poor Hannah ! she has had
a hard life ; so much poverty and hard
work, it would be a blessed change
for her to the Home above, but hard
for her husband, Samuel, and their
little son. They seem very earnest
Christians, and we still hope God
may restore her if it be His will. Old
Mr Lee is off this week visiting the
Miao in some of the distant villages,
who have been suffering some perse-
cution from their landlord. Most of
them live on rented land, and their
landlords are Chinese. The land-
lords want their rent paid in opium,
and our enquirers are often perse-
cuted because they refuse to grow it.
We hope the opium trade will be
abandoned ere long, but a great
deal is still grown all through this
province.
We hear that a Mr. Lang, from
Bristol, may visit this province in
January next on a mission to mis-
sionaries. It will be nice if he comes.
— Mrs. I. Page.
Kansu
Tsinchow. — I am glad to enclose
you a notice of twelve baptisms which
took place on Sunday, the 14th
China's Millions
23
November. It was a time of joy and
refreshment to us all. Four men
were from Uchiachuang, an out-
station, two men, one a B.A., from a
village five /;' from Uchiachuang; one
woman from a village sixty It to the
south, and the other five were three
women of this city and two scholars,
a boy and a girl. We have many
openings for preaching the Gospel,
and I have so far this year traveled
some six hundred miles. — Mr. D. A.
G. Harding.
Shensi
Fengsiangfu. — My husband is still
allowed to preach and hold classes
among the students in the high school
here. Last Saturday we gave the
professors an invitation to meet Dr.
Jenkins, of the Baptist Mission, Sian-
fu. Nearly every one came, occupying
our sitting and dining rooms for after-
noon tea, and on the following day
our chapel was filled with those who
came to hear Dr. Jenkins preach.
Our prefect came in just as we had
the Saturday gathering to ask me
to go to the yamen. They are re-
joicing over the birth of their first
grandson. They are so grateful and
friendly, and quite willing to listen
to the Gospel message. One of the
professors in the normal school here
has lately confessed Christ, and al-
though now removed to Sianfu, writes
to us that he is still trusting in Christ.
— Mrs. C. H. Stevens.
Shansi
Yoyang. — The refuge keeper at
Siaoch'a has again had to suffer from
his neighbor's malice. An opium-
smoking widow sought revenge upon
him a few days ago by committing
suicide in his yard, and on this being
settled peaceably, a clique of men
stole nearly all of his millet, leaving
him only the bare stocks. We feel
that God is trying to draw the family
nearer to Himself, and we rejoice that
this man has taken the persecution
so patiently. The city people are
friendly toward us, although many
fear a recurrence of theformer troubles.
Some women are willing to come for
medicines, but seem afraid to have
Mrs. Gonder return their calls. — Mr.
/?. K. Gonder.
Yunnan
Talifu. — I shall be glad to have
your prayers for the work here, and
especially my part of it, that it
may be done faithfully. The work
among the girls is difficult owing to
so many soldiers being in the city.
Sunday is a holiday for the soldiers,
and everyone is kept busy on their
account. For this reason we have
decided to discontinue our Sunday
afternoon children's meeting, as none
of our girls can attend because they
are busy cooking and preparing for
the entertainment of guests. They
have, however, promised to attend
Tuesday evenings, when a number of
women sometimes come, although it
is not easy to get them to attend
regularly. I have been out visiting
several times recently, and many of
the women are quite friendly and
glad to see us, although their interest
seems to be in us, and not in the
message we bring. — Miss Cornelia
Morgan.
Kiangsu
Shanghai. — I have had an inter-
esting three days' trip to Nanking,
the old capital of China. I left
Shanghai on the railway at eight
in the morning and reached Nanking
a little after five in the afternoon.
Miss White (the nurse from Chef 00,
who went with me) and I stayed with
the Quaker missionaries. They were
very kind to us and we enjoyed meet-
ing them.
We greatly enjoyed seeing the
ruins of this old imperial city, the
tomb of the first Ming Emperor, and
the examination hall where 30,000
students took examinations at one
time. Each student was locked in
his cell for four days until the
examination was finished. Some
used to die from the strain of it.
There are very few foreigners in
Nanking apart from the mission-
aries. It is a very large city. The
wall is twenty-one miles long, but
much of the interior is open ground,
and all the old forbidden city is now
only ruins. The Chinese are prepar-
ing for a large exhibition there this
year. It is to be open eight months,
and the preparations remind me of
the World's Fair at Chicago, though
I suppose the buildings are not quite
so large, nor will there probably be
so many.
The grounds are very extensive and
beautiful walks and flower gardens
are being prepared. The buildings
are built of red and grey brick and of
stone from the ruins of the old imperial
city. The whole affair is being car-
ried on by the Chinese, and the
exhibition is to show exhibits of
agriculture, manufactury, transport,
machinery, military and fine arts from
all parts of the empire.
A meeting of missionaries had just
been held to discuss the advisability
of building a place to show the work
of the missions and also to preach the
Gospel all day long to the crowds.
We also saw the Quaker hospital
for women and children, girls' school
and nurses' home.
We had a very nice Christmas here.
There were a good many children,
which always makes a lively Christ-
mas. I leave on January the twenty-
third to go back to Chefoo. Holidays
will be over and we will all have
entered upon a new year of work
when this reaches you. — Miss I. A.
Craig (of Chefoo).
Monthly Notes
ARRIVALS
On December 3rd, at Shanghai,
Messrs. N. Svenson and T. E. Eund-
strom from North America.
On December 13th, at Tientsin, Mr.
and Mrs. L. H. E. Linder and child
returned from Sweden via Siberia.
DEPARTURES
On December 12th, from Shanghai,
Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Nilson and six
children for North America.
DEATH
November 19th, at Chowkiakow,
Mrs. W. E. Shearer.
Baptisms
Kansu —
Tsinchow and out-stations - 12
SHENSf—
Tungchowfu ------ 4
Hingping and out-station - 6
Shansi —
Ishih -------- 1
Puchowfu ------- 6
Chiehchow and out-station - 3
Hungtung and out-stations - 50
Honan —
Honanfu ------- 4
Fukow and out-stations - - 20
Yencheng ------- 1 1
Szechwan —
Luchow out-station ... -
Kweichow —
Kweiyang out-station - - - 1
Kiangsi —
Yangkow ------- 17
Kwangsinfu ----- - q
Hokow -------- 59
Iyang -------- 22
Kanchow and out-station - 5
Jaochow ------- 6
Kweiki and out-stations - - 66
Linkiang and out-stations - 8
Anjen -------- 14
Chekiang —
Chiihchowfu ------ \\
Lungchuan and out-stations 9
Hangchow ------ 20
Lanchi -------- 1
Yunho and out-station - - 13
Wenchow out-stations - - 6
Pingyanghsien out-stations - 1 1
402
Previously reported 1 , 505
Total 1,907
2 4
China's Millions
Editorial Notes
WK are printing, in the present issue, an article
to which we would draw particular attention.
It is called, " Intercessory Foreign Mission-
aries," and it has reference to that large and im-
portant service which God's children may render to
Him and to His cause abroad through the medium of
prayer. Will not our praying friends read and
meditate upon the article. And, if any one feels led
to follow up the suggestions given, will he not do so
by writing to us, at either of our offices, or by writing
direct to Mrs. H. J. D. Naftel, care of the Toronto
office. Mrs. Naftel is the daughter of one of the Mis-
sion's older missionaries, and she has kindly under-
taken to correspond with friends for us in this
particular matter.
In the midst of the present winter weather in
China, the activities of the missionaries have greatly
increased. Much depends now upon the spirit in
which they may go forth to their service. Be it
remembered that it is as easy to live an unspiritual
life abroad as it is at home, for nothing in divine
things can ever be takeu for granted. How solemn
this thought is as related to our dear friends in China,
when there is connected with it the added thought
that upon the decision of the question depends the
etern il welfare of countless souls round about them.
Let the missionaries work in the power of the Spirit
and souls will be saved and blessed ; but let them
work ever so hard apart from that power and souls
will remain unsaved and unblessed. We write frankly
because this is an issue of life and death, and there is
need that we who are helpers at home should realize
the conditions which prevail.
We have been encouraged lately by receiving a
number of applications for service in China. This
leads us to make special request for prayer that we
may be granted wisdom from above in dealing with
all applicants to the Mission. That we need nothing
short of divine wisdom will be apparent to any one
who stops to consider the issues involved. For an
army or navy appointment, the problem is a simple
one, for the test may be made according to so many
feet and inches in height and so much ability to bear
fatigue. From an educational standpoint, the prob-
lem is a likewise simple one, for the test may be made
of so many books mastered and so many grades passed.
But when a missionary society comes to deal with
candidates, it has a problem before it, which, in the
nature of the case, is beyond the discernment of men.
Physical and mental equipment may not be passed
over ; and yet the highest possible tests may be passed
in these respects, and the most calamitous mistakes
may be made. A missionary is to be sent out to do
a spiritual work, for he is to be arrayed against unseen
and mighty spiritual foes, before whom he himself
will have no power. The question of questions,
therefore, is this : Is the candidate God-chosen, is he
God-prepared, and is it likely that he will be in all
the days to come God-endued and God-empowered?
And who can discern these things but God Himself?
In view of such a need as this, we beseech our friends
to pray for us without ceasing.
The annual statistics for 1909 of the Missionary
Societies of the world, gathered by Dr. D. L- Leonard
and published in the "Missionary Review of the
World," are as follows : home income, $24,613,075 ;
income from the field, $4,859,605 ; total number of
missionaries, 21,834 ! total number of native helpers,
92,272 ; communicants, 2,097,963 ; added to the
church last year, 135,141; adherents (native Christ-
ians), 4,866,661. The list, though not a complete
one, contains the names of 32 American Societies,
16 English Societies, and 9 German Societies, besides
Societies in France, in Switzerland, in the Netherlands,
in Norway and Sweden, and in Australasia. The list
shows, in addition, that all of the great Mohammedan,
heathen and pagan lands are being, at last, affected
by the Gospel. For all that God has thus wrought
we give Him heartfelt thanks. Surely, it is a cause
of great gratitude that the Church is somewhat
realizing its obligation toward Christ and a perishing
world, and that it is fulfilling, in some measure, this
obligation. But let there be no complacency even
before such an array of figures as is presented above,
for it is to be remembered that other figures could be
set over against them which would be quite different
in their import. As a single illustration of this, while
the Christians in the world have given to missions the
sum of twenty-four millions of dollars, it is said on
good authority that the Christians in the United States
alone possess, in hoarded wealth, over twenty billions of
dollars. There is room, therefore, for humility as well
as for thankfulness, and also for earnest prayer that
God's people may have the mind and heart to "go for-
ward " beyond anything which they have yet attained.
"Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations."
(Matthew 28 : 19.) It is often said by those who look
at heathenism from afar that there is little need of
preaching the Gospel to the heathen because the fact
of their doing the best they can, even if in their ignor-
ance they do worship idols, will bring them peace.
They who know heathenism by close contact do not
speak thus. On the contrary they testify to two great
truths, first, that the heathen do not do the best they
can, and second, that they do not find peace. As an
illustration of this the following extract from a recent
letter from China is given. " One young man gave
lis much joy because of his sudden decision as soon as
he came to hear the Gospel. He told us how earnest
he was before in praying to the idols, and in being the
leader in all works of merit in his village, but that no
peace entered his soul until he came to the ' Jesus-
hall ' and learned to know Jesus." We may readily
admit that there are many mysteries connected with
the spiritual condition of the heathen — the greatest
mystery being found in the fact that the Church has
left them for so many centuries without the Gospel —
but the solemn truth remains that without the know-
ledge of Christ these worshipers of idols never know
the consciousness of the forgiveness of sins, and that
with that knowledge they find in believing pardon and
peace. In view of this, there can be no doubt about
our duty. We should preach the Gospel to the heathen,
not only because Christ commanded us to do so, but
also because the heathen can not do without the Gospel.
HINA'S MILLIONS
TORONTO, MARCH, 1910
Soul Nourishment
BY THE I/ATE MR. GEORGE MVUER
IT has pleased the Lord to teach me a truth, the
benefit of which I have not lost, for more than
fourteen years. The point is this : I saw more
clearly than ever that the first great and primary
business to which I ought to attend every day was to
have my soul /sappy in the Lord. The first thing to be
concerned about was not how much I might serve the
Lord, or how I might glorify the Lord ; but how I
might get my soul into a happy state, and how my
inner man might be nourished. For I might seek to
set the truth before the unconverted, I might seek to
benefit believers, I might seek to relieve the distressed,
I might in other ways seek to behave ni3 r self as it
becomes a child of God in this world, and yet, not
being happy in the Lord, and not being nourished
and strengthened in my inner man day by day, all
this might not be attended to in a right spirit. Before
this time my practice had been, at least for ten years
previously, as an habitual thing, to give myself to
prayer, after having dressed myself in the morning.
Now, I saw that the most important thing I had to do
was to give myself to the reading of the Word of
God, and to meditation on it, that thus my heart
might be comforted, encouraged, warned, reproved,
instructed ; and that thus, by means of the Word of
God, whilst meditating on it, my heart might be
brought into experimental communion with the
Lord
I began, therefore, to meditate on the New Testa-
ment from the beginning, early in the morning.
The first thing I did, after having asked in a few
words the Lord's blessing upon His precious Word,
was, to begin to meditate on the Word of God,
searching as it were into every verse, to get blessing
out of it ; not for the sake of the public ministry of
the Word, not for the sake of preaching on what I
had meditated upon, but for the sake of obtaining
food for m} r own soul. The result I have found to be
almost invariably this, that after a very few minutes
my soul has been led to confession, or to thanks-
giving, or to intercession, or to supplication ; so that,
though I did not, as it were, give myself to prayer,
but to meditation, yet it turned almost immediately
more or less into prayer. When thus I have been
for a while making confession, or intercession, or
supplication, or have given thanks, I go on to the
next words or verse, turning all, as I go on, into
prayer for myself or others, as the Word may lead to
it, but still continually keeping before me that food
for my own soul is the object of my meditation.
The above is published in pamphlet form at The Bible House of Los Angeles,
and ran be obtained bv writing- to R. D. Smith. Sec-Treas., 524 Lissner
Hu'lding", Los Angeles, California.
The result of this is, that there is always a good deal
of confession, thanksgiving, supplication, or inter-
cession mingled with my meditation, and that my
inner man almost invariably is even sensibly nour-
ished and strengthened, and that by breakfast time,
with rare exceptions, I am in a peaceful if not happy
state of heart. Thus also the Lord is pleased to
communicate unto me that which, either very soon
after or at a later time, I have found to become food
for other believers, though it was not for the sake of
the public ministry of the Word that I gave
myself to meditation, but for the profit of my own
inner man.
With this mode I have likewise combined the
being out in the open air for an hour, an hour and a
half, or two hours, before breakfast, walking about
in the fields, and in the summer sitting for a while
on the stiles, if I find it too much to walk all the
time. I find it very beneficial to my health to walk
thus for meditation before breakfast, and am now so
in the habit of using the time for that purpose, that
when I get into the open air I generally take out a
New Testament of good-sized type, which I carry
with me for that purpose, besides my Bible ; and I
find that I can profitably spend my time in the open
air, which formerly was not the case, for want of
habit. I used to consider the time spent in walking
a loss, but now I find it very profitable, not only to
my body, but also to my soul. The walking out
before breakfast is, of course, not necessarily con-
nected with this matter, and every one has to judge
according to his strength and other circumstances.
The difference, then, between my former practice
and my present one is this : Formerly, when I rose,
I began to pray as soon as possible, and generally
spent all my time till breakfast in prayer, or almost
all the time. At all events I almost invariably began
with prayer, except when I felt my soul to be more
than usually barren, in which case I read the Word
of God for food, or for refreshment, or for a revival
and renewal of my inner man, before I gave myself
to prayer. But what was the result ? I often spent
a quarter of an hour, or half an hour, or even an hour,
on my knees, before being conscious to myself of
having derived comfort, encouragement, humbling
of soul, etc. ; and often, after having suffered much
from wandering of mind for the first ten minutes, or
a quarter of an hour, or even half an hour, I only
then began really to pray. I scarcely ever suffer now
in this way. For my heart being nourished by the
truth, being brought into experimental fellowship
with God, I speak to my Father and to my Friend
(vile though I am, and unworthy of it) about the
26
China's Millions
A CHINESE PROCESSION IN A SHANGHAI STREET
things that He has brought before me in His precious
Word. It often now astonishes me that I did not
sooner see this point. In no book did I ever read
about it. No public ministry ever brought the
nutter before me. No private intercourse with a
brother stirred me up to this matter. And yet now,
since God has taught me this point, it is as plain to
me as anything, that the first thing the child of God
has to do morning by morning is, to obtain food for
his inner man. As the outward man is not fit for
work for any length of time except we take food, and
as this is one of the first things we do in the morning,
so it should be with the inner man. We should take
food for that, as every one must allow. Now, what is
the food for the inner tnati ? Not prayer, bat the Word
of God ; and here again, not the simple reading of the
Word of God, so that it only passes through our
minds, just as water runs through a pipe, but con-
sidering what we read, pondering over it, and apply-
ing it to our hearts. When we pray, we speak to
God. Now, prayer, in order to be continued for any
length of time in any other than a formal manner,
requires, generally speaking, a measure of strength
or godly desire, and the season, therefore, when this
exercise of the soul can be most effectually performed
is after the inner man has been nourished by medita-
tion on the Word of God, where we find our Father
speaking to us, to encourage us, to comfort us, to
instruct us, to humble us, to reprove us. We may
therefore profitably meditate, with God's blessing,
though we are ever so weak spiritually ; nay, the
weaker we are, the more we need meditation for the
strengthening of our inner man. Thus there is far
less to be feared from wandering of mind than if we
give ourselves to prayer without having had time
previously for meditation. I dwell so particularly on
this point because of the immense spiritual profit and
refreshment I am conscious of having derived from it
myself, and I affectionately and solemnly beseech all
my fellow believers to ponder this matter. By the
blessing of God, I ascribe to this mode the help and
strength which I have had from God to pass in peace
through deeper trials, in various ways, than I had
ever had before ; and after having now above fourteen
years tried this way, I can most fully, in the fear of
God, commend it. In addition to this I generally
read, after family prayer, larger portions of the Word
of God, when I still pursue my practice of reading
regularly onward in the Holy Scriptures, sometimes
in the New Testament and sometimes in the Old, and
for more than twenty-six years I have proved the
blessedness of it. I take, also, either then or at other
parts of the day, time more especially for prayer.
How different, when the soul is refreshed and
made happy early in the morning, from what it was
when, without spiritual preparation, the service, the
trials, and the temptations of the day come upon one.
May 9, 1841.
The Joy of Faith
By Rev. J. Hudson Taylor
The joys of victor}' are not greater than the joys
of faith — a faith that rests and delights itself on the
living God, and glories in Him as much before the
conflict has begun as it rejoices in Him when the
victory is achieved. " Thou preparest a table be-
fore me in the presence of mine enemies." Was
there no joy in the hearts of Caleb and Joshua
when they triumphantly declared of the dreaded
foes, "They are bread for us: their defence is
departed from them?" Was Jonathan troubled
in the presence of his enemies when he exclaimed,
" There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many
or by few ? " What were David's feelings when he
said, " Who is the uncircumcised Philistine, that
he may defy the armies of the living God?" and
confronted the giant himself with the words, " Thou
comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and
with a shield ; but I come to thee in the Name of
the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of
Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the
Lord deliver thee into mine hand that all
the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
And all this assembly shall know that the Lord
saveth not with sword and spear, for the battle
is the Lord's, and He will give you into our
hands." Oftentimes have the armies of the Lord
of Hosts gone forth to the war as did Jehoshaphat,
who appointed singers to go before the army, praising
the Lord, whose mercy endureth for ever ! Rich
spoils are gathered when the people of God battle
after this sort !
China's Millions
27
China's Fight With Opium
Speech by the Honorable Tongr Kai-Son at breakfast given in his honor in London, England, on December 20th, 1909
MR. Chairman and friends of the anti-opium
cause, I feel deeply touched by all the expres-
sions of regard and sympathy that I have just
heard. I thank you most heartily for your cordial
reception this morning, and I feel that the pleasure
which this meeting affords me is alone worth my visit
to your country. Your benevolent labors for the last
fifty years on behalf of the anti -opium cause are well
known in China. We have watched with interest and
sympathy your determined efforts to rid your country
of a traffic which your parliament has thrice affirmed
to be " morally indefensible." We admire your wis-
dom in preferring national righteousness to material
gain. We appreciate your Christian charity which
prompts you to assist us in our combat against a
gigantic social evil. We are under a debt of profound
gratitude to you which we feel unable to express. We
in China recognize the fact that whatever progress has
been made in the anti-opium movement has been due
greatly to the persistence of your efforts. China on
her part is now determined to co-operate with you and
to abolish the opium evil within her own borders.
She has fully awakened to the great necessity of
effecting social and moral reforms, and she believes
that, among those reforms, the greatest and most
urgent is that of the opium habit.
The people of China realize that they have twenty-
five millions of their brothers and sisters to be relieved
from the bondage of the opium demon. They realize
that their opium victims are having a most awful
struggle with their relentless foe. Two princes of our
Imperial blood lost their lives last year in the deter-
mined effort to gain freedom from opium. They
waged a fight to the finish, and they won because
thej- preferred death to defeat Countless numbers of
our countrymen are now waging an equally desperate
fight, and they will either win or die. We realize that
the opium evil can no longer be endured. For more than
seven ty years it has made the greatest havoc in the
physical, mental, and moral well-being of our people.
It has weakened our productive energies, and im-
poverished our industrial forces. It has brought
starvation and wretchedness to thousands and, mayhap,
millions of families who, were it not for opium, would
be enjoying bright and happy homes. It has stagnated
the growth of our national prosperity, and it is still
one of the most potent causes in preventing our country
from taking its proper place in the comity of nations.
Is it a wonder, then, that China should be determined
to wage a war without quarter against the opium demon
and to despise difficulties and discouragements?
Xo, China is prepared to make all sacrifices, and our
people have counted the cost. We have entered the
lists against the enemy, to win. Fiscal considerations
and difficulties of enforcing our new anti-opium regu-
lations will not daunt our spirit.
And our provincial authorities also have taken up
the fight against the enemy. They are in earnest.
They are enforcing not only the letter but the spirit of
the Imperial Decree against opium cultivation and
consumption. In the province of Shansi, which,
before the anti-opium movement began, was among
the greatest producers of the poison, not an acre of
poppy is now being cultivated. In Chihli, Yunnan,
and the coast provinces almost equally good results
have been accomplished, and in all the other provinces
the reduction of opium cultivation has been equally
great, varying from twenty to sixty per cent. The
progress of the reduction of opium smoking has also
been most encouraging. The city of Foochow has
taken the lead owing to the marvelous activity of her
anti-opium societies, and in some of her districts a
reduction of as much as sixty per cent, has been
effected. The reduction in the consumption of opium
has also been most encouraging in the city of Shanghai.
There a number of the opium shops and opium dens
have put up their shutters because of the greatly
decreased demand, and the wholesale opium merchants
who, hitherto, have been enjoying almost unrivaled
prosperity are trembling at the early prospective loss of
their unholy business. Peking has also shown mar-
velous progress in the reduction of opium smoking.
Not a single opium divan can now be seen in the great
capital of the Chinese Empire, and all the opium shops
are now carrying on their business under license and
strict police supervision. All along our coast, through
the Yangtze valley, and in the remote regions of our
Empire, the popular heart is nervously pulsating
with the impetus of the anti-opium movement. The
entire country is filled with the spirit of anti-opium
reform. The popular sentiment has never been so
aroused over a single moral and social question.
China realizes the desperate character of her fight,
and is prepared to meet all difficulties and sacrifices.
She knows that the United States of America had to
wage a four years' war, at the sacrifice of millions of
treasure and hundreds of thousands of lives, in order
to effect the freedom of a few millions of negroes ;
and China, in order to effect the release of twenty-
five millions of her sons and daughters, is prepared
to wage an equally desperate fight.
While we realize fully the value of the work that
the Christian people of Great Britain have accom-
plished towards the extinction of the Indian opium
trade, we feel that continual co-operation and assist-
ance are necessary in order that, at this critical juncture
of the campaign, when the enemy is so closely invested,
his capture may be effected as speedily as possible.
China realizes that she cannot win out in this fight
single-handed. International co-operation is neces-
sary, and the practical (not merely sympathetic)
assistance of the British Government is imperative.
Therefore, for the sake of your national righteous-
ness, for the sake of your national fame, for the sake of
humanity at largre and of the Chinese people in par-
ticular, and for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ in
whose sight we are all His children, and who has
taught us to love others as ourselves, we invoke your
continued co-operation in this opium question until
the last shipment of Indian opium has been landed in
China, until the last opium pipe has been burnt, and
until the last acre of poppy shall have been uprooted
and the opium evil has disappeared, not only in China,
but throughout all the world.
28
China's Millions
The Power of God Unto Salvation
(Stories of Conversion in China)
BY THE I/ATE REV. WM. COOPER
(Continued from last month)
THE first converts referred to in the foregoing
article were nearly all hard-working tenant
farmers, and they met with great opposition
and persecution from the owner of the land on which
they resided. This man — Ts'i'i Ri'h-Sin — was a very
proud Confucianist. He was a literary graduate, and
was preparing for the higher examinations with a
view to becoming a mandarin. On hearing that his
tenants had accepted the doctrines of Jesus, preached
by the much-hated foreigner, he was very indignant.
He sent threatening messages to them, ordering them
to at once give up this new religion, and return to the
faith of their forefathers ; but all to no avail.
He lived several days' journey away from the
district, but used to go there every year to gather in
the rents of his farms. When the time came for him
to pay his usual visit he sent a messenger on before
to warn them that if, during the next three weeks,
they did not all recant, he would come and take the
laud from them and drive them from the place, as
he would never tolerate the presence of a Christian
on his land. The messenger went and delivered his
master's message, but the Christians said : " Oh! he
does not know what he is talking about. We can
never give up the Gospel which has done so much for
us, and we are praying for him, and believing that
when he knows what the Gospel really is, he will
believe it, too. But what about yourself ? This good
news is for you as much as for us." They talked
and prayed with this man — who was a member of the
landlord's family — day by day, and in less than a
week he became converted and then joined earnestly
with the other Christians in praying that his master
might be turned from his evil purpose, and that he
might become a new man in Christ Jesus.
At the end of three weeks Mr. Ts'i'i arrived, and
was met outside the village by his own messenger, of
whom he enquired the result of his threatening mes-
sage. On being informed that none of them had
recanted, he was very angry and cursed them most
bitterly, vowing that he would make short work of
their faith, The messenger advised him to wait until
he had heard the Gospel for himself, as he might
then change his mind, adding that what the Christians
believed was the truth and worthy of acceptation by
all. This made him still more angry and he retorted,
: ' What ! have you also swallowed the foreign devil's
pill ? " —referring to a very common belief among the
Chinese that we carry a supply of magic pills about
with us and when we can induce anyone to swallow
them they immediately become bewitched and believe
what we say. The messenger quietly answered,
" No, I have had no medicine, nor have I ever seen a
foreigner, but I have heard the Gospel, and I believe
it, and when you hear it you will believe it, too."
Such was the simple faith of these early Christians
that they dared to believe that prayer offered in the
name of Jesus would receive a speedy answer, even
though the opposition was very great.
The Confucianist went on to the village in a very
bad temper, but was received kindly by his tenants.
After the evening meal he thought it his duty to
instruct these poor, ignorant people, whom he firmly
believed had been deluded. So he began to tell them
what Confucius taught, and quoted the classics at
great length, urging them to at once renounce all
false doctrines and return to the worship of their
ancestral tablets. But the man in whose house he
was staying was able to meet all his arguments.
This man — Mr. Wang — had been a scholar in his
younger days and had studied the classics, but during
the T'ai-p'ing Rebellion he was carried away as
a prisoner, and compelled to serve as a soldier for
several years. After that he took to farming, and
having a good deal of leisure during the winter
months, he used to spend much time in gambling,
and became very profligate. He was the first man in
the village to believe the Gospel, and at the time of
his conversion he was almost blind. The sight of one
eye was entirely gone, and that of the other was
rapidly failing. But he prayed, " Oh God, spare the
sight of this eye, so that I may read Thy book. I do
want to know what it teaches ; ' ' and God answered
that prayer and spared the partial sight of one eye,
which was used to such purpose that in two years this
man had so mastered the contents of the New Testa-
ment that he could turn up passages on almost any
subject in it, and could expound them to the profit
and edification of those who heard him. Well, this
good man talked to the proud scholar and said : "It
is all very well, great teacher, to talk to us in this
way. Confucius was a good man ; but where' s the
power to practice what he teaches? If he could rise
from the dead to-day, I firmly believe he would accept
the doctrines of the New Testament and become a
Christian. But although Confucius can teach you
many things he cannot save you.
"This Jesus, whom we preach, and in whom we
believe, died on the cross for our sins ; He rose again
from the dead for our justification ! and He lives at
God's right hand to save us, and He does save us now
from our sins. You know what a bad man I was,
how I used to gamble, drink wine, and smoke opium ;
but now that I have been saved I have no desire for
those things I formerly loved. This is the grace of
God ; will you not accept it? " He went on talking
thus till after midnight, and that scholar went away
to his bed feeling very unhappy, for he had utterly
failed to convince the Christians of their delusion, and
they seemed to have something which not only made
them very happy, but which had evidently wrought a
great change in their lives.
After a few days spent there, during which he
applied every argument he could to induce them to
recant, but all to no purpose, as they were quite pre-
pared, if necessary, to sacrifice their farms, but not
to part with their priceless treasure ; the Spirit of
God wrought mightily on the heart of that proud man
China's Millions
29
and humbled him to the very dust before God. It
was the Lord's day, and at that time the Christians
had no place to meet in except the house of Mr.
Wang where the landlord was staying. They had
earnest, believing prayer that no disturbance might
be made by him, and to their joyous surprise he sat
quietly through the service — the first thing of the
kind he had ever seen. He saw and heard one of
those poor, despised men that ploughed his fields con-
duct the service and expound the Word of God, and
at the close he said : "I cannot understand this, you
are an ignorant man compared with me ; how is it
you can talk like that about that book?" "Oh,"
said he, "it is not I but the Holy Spirit; it is all
owing to the grace of God."
He took up the JSTew Testament himself and read
it for some time, and then read the opening chapters
of Bunyan's " Pilgrim's Progress," in which he says
he saw himself portrayed as faithfully as if his life
had been photographed. He was the man with the
burden of sin, living in the City of Destruction, and
needing to flee from the wrath to come ; and as he
read, the tears streamed down his face. This proud
Confucianist bowed down before Mr. Wang and said,
" I have been a student of the Confucian classics for
thirty-three years, but I now see that all my learning
is small (of no account) learning, and yours is the
great (of supreme importance) learning. Will you
teach me what you know of this doctrine? "
The Christians loved him very much, in spite of
his previous opposition, and they gathered round him
with joyful hearts, praying with him and reading
passages from God's Word to him. All the afternoon
and evening was spent in this way, and the scholar
entered into joy and peace in believing. What a
change it brought into his life ! His pride was
entirely banished and he became as simple as a child,
willing to learn from any of the Christians, and
instead of cursing the much-hated foreigner, he gladly
welcomed us and showed his love in many practical
ways. I have traveled with him for weeks together,
eating at the same table and sleeping in the same bed
with him, and have watched his subsequent life with
the deepest interest, and can truly testify to his
sincerity. He is instant in season, out of season, and
always has a message — the story of Christ's love — to
tell to everyone, rich or poor, and the Lord has used
him in leading quite a number of his relatives and
friends to a saving knowledge of the truth.
He was baptised along with twenty-one others in
the very place where he had vowed to stamp out the
Jesus doctrine ; and shortly afterwards gave a piece
of land on which to erect a chapel, and a substantial
donation towards the expense of building it. Since
then he has given some more land, the proceeds of
which are to be used for the general expenses of the
work in that place ; and, if space permitted, I
could give further evidence of the reality of his
conversion.
May I ask every reader of these lines to give God
thanks for the grace bestowed on these precious souls
who have been gathered out, and to breathe a prayer
for them that they may be "kept by the power of
God through faith unto salvation?"
Trophies of Grace from lyang, Kiangsi
BY MISS M. E. STANDEN
ANOTHER year has almost passed away and
again we stand on the threshold of a new year.
May it be to each of us a year of new things,
of fresh victories, and of proving anew God's power
and love. May the year be crowned with His
blessing, "Which maketh rich and He addeth no
sorrow with it."
I am writing at this time to tell you of the recent
baptisms and additions to the church at lyang, the
news of which I am sure will cause you to rejoice.
Last month twenty-two confessed Christ by baptism,
the clearness of their testimony showing that they
had truly passed from death unto life. You may be
interested to hear about some of these.
One very interesting case was that of a Mr. Kiang,
whose home is in a little village among the mountains,
several miles from Hukia, one of our out-stations.
This man had been an ardent idol-worshiper, and
used to make annual visits to a city some thirty or
forty miles distant for the purpose of worshiping a
certain idol, one supposed to have wonderful power
to protect from all evil and to bestow prosperity upon
all its worshipers. One year on his return from this
journey he found that his mother, whom he had left
quite well, had taken suddenly ill and died. This
did not destroy his faith in idols, and the following
year he went off again on the same errand. This
time, on his return, to his dismay and sorrow, he
found that during his absence his son, a fine boy of
seventeen years of age, had sickened and died. This
entirely broke his faith in idols. His wife had a
relative living some distance from their village, who
was a Christian, and one day Mr. Kiang said to her,
"You go to see your relative Mr. Liu and ask him
about his religion, and what w r e must do in order to
become Christians. I am done with idol worship."
She accordingly went, with the result that the fol-
lowing Sunday found Mr. Kiang attending our
services at Hukia. He is now a true Christian,
and by his life and words is seeking to lead others to
Christ.
A cousin Of Mr. Kiang's was another candidate
for baptism. He had only attended service a few
times when he was taken very ill with dropsy. Of
course his heathen neighbors said this was the punish-
ment of the idols for his becoming a Christian. How
well I remember the poor man being brought to our
mission house one Saturday night, very ill in body
and also very weak in faith. We did all we could for
him and sought to strengthen his faith in God. After
a few days he returned home, declaring his intention
to trust in God no matter what trouble he might have
to go through. On his way home he stopped at the
mission house at Hukia, and there on his knees
he definitely asked for forgiveness of sins, and also
for healing of body. From that time he began to get
better, and he has been an earnest follower of Christ
ever since. He has had severe testings to his faith
3Q
China's Millions
and knows how to trust God in times of trouble. He
tells of how God undertook for him when he went to
Fukien, an adjoining province, last spring to pick
tea. He had a number of men under him, and it is
the custom at such times to burn incense and pray
for the protection and favor of the idols. What
was this young Christian to do ? It was one thing to
trust God for himself, but quite another thing to
trust Him for all these heathen men. However, he
was enabled to take a firm stand. He told the men
that he trusted in God and not in idols, and that he
would pray to his God to protect them all. They
were rather afraid at first, but finally agreed, and
daily this man, but a babe in Christ, used to sing a
hymn and then commend himself and his company to
the care of the God in whom he trusted. At such
times prayer becomes very real. God heard and
answered. They had such a successful trip that on
their return these heathen men said, " After all it is
better to trust in God than in the idols." May I
ask you to pray for
the wives of these
two men who have
just been baptized.
The distance is so
great and the moun-
tain road so difficult
to travel that it is
almost impossible
for women to come
to worship, although
they are trying to
do so. Then, too,
they have their
homes to look after,
and 'it is not easy
for both husband
and wife to be ab-
sent from home a
whole day. Pray
that the Holy Spirit
may enlighten their
minds and hearts.
An am u sing
little incident hap-
pened in connection
with one of these women the Sunday after the bap-
tisms. It had been so impressed on her husband's
mind that his wife must also become a Christian that
he stayed at home to look after the house and sent
her to church. During one of the services the new
members were all asked to stand up, and as her
husband was not there this little woman rose up to
represent him. Shall we not pray that ere another
year passes she may be able to stand up herself as a
Christian ?
Another of our new members over whom we
rejoice very much is a man whose home is near
Ivang. His wife has been a Christian for some
years, and for a long time she suffered real persecu-
tion from her husband. Gradually, however, her
Christian forbearance and patience began to influence
him. He ceased to oppose her, but still remained
indifferent to the Gospel himself. Finally, there
came a Sunday, when, in our women's prayer meet-
ing this faithful little woman, her face beaming with
joy, thanked God for answering her prayers and
bringing her husband to trust in Him. When
examined before baptism the following was part of
his testimony. He said, "I have received God's
grace more than any other here. I was an opium
smoker, and even after I began to attend worship I
was still bound by these chains. But one day I just
asked the Lord Jesus to forgive my sins and to loose
the chains that bound me. He heard my cry and I
have never touched opium since." Praise God that
He is able not only to save, but to keep.
I should like to tell you of others, but my letter
is already too long. Please remember these tw r enty-
two new members in prayer, asking for them that
they may grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus.
At
twentv
GROUP OF SCHOOL GIRLS AT IYANG
Among the twenty-two mentioned were two of these gi
Three Testimonies
By Mr. H. S. Conway, Shekichen, Honan
the Conference a Mr. Dzoh, from a place
li north of Yu-djou, told us with tears in his
eyes about the death
of his son. He said,
" I taught him all I
could until he was
too ill to listen, and
then I could only
pray for him. Just
at the end, however,
he called me to him
and beckoned me to
listen while he re-
peated with evident
assurance the Ap-
ostles' Creed, and
just as he had whis-
pered, ' I believe in
everlasting life,' he
breathed his last.
Do you think I could
ever doubt after
that ? " exclaimed
the old man. "Only
three months had
he been learning,
and yet he seemed to
know all about it. "
Another case was that of one of our school boys, who
was brought to us by his father to reclaim, as he was
getting into gambling and other bad habits. When I
asked the lad if any of his family believed, he said with
tears in his eyes, '' I hope my father soon will." I
met the father the other day, and he bowed low in
thanks, exclaiming, " Truly your teaching is good. I
scarcely know my son to be the same lad." Mrs. Djeng,
over sixty years of age, was also among the number
baptized. She was a vegetarian for forty j'ears, but
is now happy in believing. I wish I could convey the
look she gave me when I said, "Do you not some-
times regret having given up your little shrine and
incense burning ? " " Regret !" she exclaimed, "ah!
you little know the torment of it. Every freak of the
burning incense betokens some shortcoming, and de-
mands more kneeling, more chanting, more incense ;
there is no end to it. " " And now ?" I said. "Now,
Jesus has washed all my sins away," she replied with
such glad assurance, that it made all our hearts glow.
China's Millions
3 1
A Glance Over the Year's Work
BY MISS C. A. PIKE, KIEHSIU, SHANSI
Photo by] A FARM SCENE [Mr. C. H. Sieve/is
Showing the process by which the ground is smoothed over after the seed is sown
WHEN I returned from furlough last March
this station was a busy place indeed. One
class of twenty women had finished their
half month of teaching, and another class of fifteen
were just coming in. The opium refuge had about
thirty patients in breaking off opium. The Sunday
services were well attended, there being scarcely room
to seat those who came. All the missionaries and
helpers in the station were as busy as it is possible
for anyone to be. The place was like a bee- hive,
minus drones.
Since the death of our church elder last January
we have had to depend much more on the Christians
to help in the work, especially to lead the services
and preach on Sunday. The first few months all the
men in good standing were appointed to take Sunday
services, the ignorant as well as the learned. Some
of the most unpromising have proved themselves not
so far behind others who seemingly had more ability.
We have found that some have a real gift for preaching.
The general work of the church has gone forward
through the year. The Christians have gone to fairs
and villages preaching as they could spare the time
from their work. Through the summer months,
when all the country people are so busy, they do not
get much time for going out preaching, for in a land
where the grain fields, vegetable and fruit gardens
have to be watched day and night as the harvest time
draws near, lest the owner lose much of that upon
which he has spent labor, it makes their summer
work very heavy.
Near the close of last year an evangelist began
working in the Chinguen hills. This is a district in
the mountains. The people are very frightened of
anyone connected with the foreigners, but the few
months he has been going from village to village
telling the Gospel, some have become interested.
Our evangelist has charge of the preaching chapel
in the city ; preaching also on the street and visiting
villages and fairs. This autumn we have tried a new
plan by which to reach the people in a few
of the large, wealthy villages. A place has
been rented for two weeks in the village
one of our helpers living there for the time
being, and preaching to all who will come
to him ; the result being that he has had
crowds to listen to him. In one place the
numbers were so great and the people came
so continuously until late in the evening,
that it was necessary to send him a helper.
In the villages where this two weeks preach-
ing has been done, we ladies hope to go
later and stay for two weeks, giving the
Gospel to the women.
During October our annual church
gathering was held. We planned for two
days' meetings, but had four ! At that
time eight men and six women were bap-
tized. During the meetings the Spirit
worked in some hearts so that they were
led to make confession of sins which were
troubling them, but the depth of the Spirit's
work was not fully manifested, we believe, in the
meetings.
The village visiting done by the missionaries,
accompanied by the Chinese helper, has gone on regu-
larly, except through the hot, busy season, and when
station classes were being conducted. Three half-
month classes for women were held in the different
villages in the spring. The result of these was that
some real heathen women got a fair knowledge of the
Gospel. In years past, the people, of one of these vil-
lages in particular, did not want anything to do with
us. This autumn three classes for women are to be
held in the station, each class lasting two weeks.
This last year the opium refuge had three hundred
and six men and twenty-eight women patients. Some
of the women patients are in the refuge during the
time we have classes for women. They attend these
classes, and many of them get considerable teaching
during the two weeks they stay to break off opium.
The past year we have visited over fifty different
villages, some of them three or four times. About
forty-five are open to us to visit as we please. The
church contributions for the past year amount t©
fifty- seven dollars and fifty cents Mexican, or about
twenty-eight dollars and seventy-five cents gold.
The principal subject for prayer throughout this
district is that the Holy Spirit may come with con-
victing power for sin on those who have heard the
Gospel. Much preaching is all the time being done,
and people are willing to hear, but conviction for sin
does not follow. Perhaps we who tell the Gospel as
well as the hearers need to be prayed for also, that we
may be in the Spirit as we speak. May some who
read this feel it their privilege to pray for this one
thing in the Kiehsiu work, and thus become a co-
worker with us on the field.
The girls' boarding school is in session six and a
half months during the year . Some are earnest Christ -
ians, and the older ones are able to take a meeting
with the younger ones in a very acceptable way.
32
China's Millions
Notes of Encouragement from Talifu, Yunnan
BY W. T. CLARK. M.D.
'OV will be pleased to hear that Mr. Chao, the
furrier, has decided to keep the Sabbath and
for the past two Sundays his shop has been
closed. He is a real encouragement to us in the work
here ; not being at all ashamed to confess the Lord
Jesus, and is always trying to get others to come to the
services. He had a very strange experience a few
weeks ago. It seems he had retired to rest when
suddenly he felt someone take hold of his queue and
shake him and he heard a voice telling him to get up
and to go quickly to his grandmother, who was ill and
needed him. He sat up on the bed and asked who
was speaking, and the voice answered, "I am a
spirit." The next morning he told his mother what
he had heard, and said he would go out to the village,
which is about three and a half miles from the city,
and see what was the matter with his grandmother.
On account of having moved to a new shop the day
before, and as he was going to open it that day, he was
delayed in starting out, and it was mid-day when he
called in here on his way
out of the city. It hap-
pened to be medical day
and we had just finished
attending to the patients
and were closing up the
dispensary. He told me
that his grandmother was
ill, and that he was going
out to see her, and wanted
some books and tracts for
the people of the village.
Just as he was leaving he
incidentally told me of his
experience during the pre-
vious night and as I had
heard of other native
Christians having strange
experiences I was inclined
to think there might be
something in it. I went
in and had dinner and
afterwards was talking to a patient in the outer court
when the furrier came back, accompanied by another
man. It seems that he had only gone about a mile
and a half when he met this man coming in to tell
him that his grandmother had just died. Naturally,
he was very much impressed and took the revelation
as a message from the Lord. He had to provide the
money for the funeral and he gave them to understand
that he would not allow any idolatry in connection
with it. On the day of the funeral our cook, who is
a Christian, Mr. Uang, the teacher, and myself went
out with him to the village, and when we entered
the court we found it simply crowded with people,
there being between three and four hundred to sit
down to the feast. Shortly after we arrived they
removed the tables that were in the guest hall and
brought in benches and gave us an opportunity of
preaching the Gospel to those who came in to listen.
Most of those who came in were elderly men and it
was nice to see the fearless way Mr. Chao told them
A TEMl'LE AND PAGODA BY THE RIVERSIDE
why he did not want any idolatry, and of his faith in
the true God. We distributed a lot of tracts which
were willingly accepted. It was late in the day
before the funeral started and as it was a long distance
to the burying ground they had to leave the inter-
ment until next day.
A few days after the funeral Mr. Chao went out
to see the grave, and not being able to locate it he
asked the Lord to help him, and almost immediately
found the place. In the opening of his shop he
would not allow firecrackers or any idolatrous per-
formance, but simply knelt down and prayed and
then opened his shop and began business. These
two incidents will give you some idea of the simple
faith of the man. It was the Sunday after the
funeral that he closed his shop for the first time, and
all the powers of darkness seemed to unite to prevent
his doing so, but in answer to prayer he was enabled
to take an open stand for the Lord. His men sug-
gested that he close the shop and allow them to work
on inside as usual, but he
immediately told them
that that would be acting
the hypocrite. Mr. Chao
is the only man in Tali
who closes his shop on
Sundays and we feel that
his example is having an
influence for good. Sun-
day is an off day with the
soldiers here, and as they
do most of their buying on
that day, this, of course,
was used as an argument
to deter Mr. Chao closing
up on Sundays ; but he
seems willing to suffer
loss if necessary. May I
ask an interest in your
prayers on his behalf that
he may be kept true and
become a strong Christian.
We cannot report any additions to the church
during the year, and yet we have reason to believe
that the aged father of one of the members passed
away, trusting alone for salvation in the finished work
of Christ. We are also hopeful that Mr. Ren, a
former opium patient, who died in the seventh moon,
was a believer in the Lord Jesus. These, with the
furrier, are surely something for which to praise God.
Mr. Uang, an enquirer, is still an encouragement
to us. He withdrew from the business in which he
was in partnership with a relative because he could
not keep the Sabbath and now has to make frequent
trips to the capital to buy goods. It means that he is
away from Tali a great deal and we miss his help and
wish it were possible for him to be here all the
time. Will you also pray for him as his wife and
mother are opposed to the truth and make it difficult
for him at home. He has five children who might
easily be won were it not for the influence of the
mother and grandmother.
China's Millions
33
Our Shanghai Letter
BY MR. D. E. HOSTE
ONCE more it is my privilege to tell you that, in
spite of disquieting rumors iu man}- parts of
the country, peace prevails throughout the
provinces, and our work generally continues to make
progress. There is a good deal of feeling against
Japan, and also fear lest other foreign countries should
take action against the independence of China ; but
as these rumors have been going on for some time,
without any tangible results, there seems good ground
for confidence that quiet will continue.
In my last letter I referred to the prospect of
baptisms at Sap'ushan, in the province of Yunnan,
and yesterday we received a note announcing that
311 men and 162 women from among the tribes-
people in that region had been baptized on Christmas
day. I am sure you will join us in thanking God for
this, and in earnest prayer for the converts. We also
continue to receive notices of baptisms from other
parts of the country, and there seems prospect of the
total for 1909 being over 2,800.
We have been glad to hear of the safe arrival of
Dr. and Mrs. Laycock at Lanchow, the more so as
Mrs. Laycock had a narrow escape when riding in a
litter through the precipitous country between Sianfu
and Tsinchow. The litter was upset, but providenti-
ally came down just astride a deep precipice on one
side of the path. Had it been just otherwise, the
result would have been certain destruction. Dr.
Laycock refers to the need of a Chinese assistant for
his medical work, and asks for special prayer on this
behalf. All our friends stationed in that great city
need to be remembered in our prayers. The follow-
ing account by Mr. Arthur Moore gives a good idea
of what is now being done there : —
" Starting with Sunday, we have an open prayer
meeting, and also boys' Sunday school from 10 a.m.
to n. Occasionally some one stays in the chapel to
speak to outsiders during this time. At about 11. 15
a.m. we begin our morning worship, which lasts until
12.30 p m. We afterwards have several small duties
to perform and about 1.50 o'clock we begin the after-
noon service. After some singing we generally divide
into some classes, viz., men's Bible class, women's
Bible class, and boys' Sunday school until about 3.15
p.m., when we go into the preaching chapel with the
Christians until 4.30 p.m., or later in the summer.
In the evening we have a service of song. Each week
day we begin morning prayers at 8.30 a.m. From 9
to 10.30 a.m , boys' school ; attending to dispensary
till noon. We had to give this work up when alone
last summer, as the medical helper left us to open a
shop for himself. During the afternoon of each day,
except Wednesday and Saturday, we spend some time
either in the street chapel or on the street, preaching
and selling books. In the evening we usually spend
a time drilling the school boys. On Wednesday
afternoon we have a men's and women's Bible class.
We have no native helpers, I mean evangelist or
bible-woman, but the Lord has given to us one or two
Christians whom we can ask to help us with the
meetings. I might say here that God has been bless-
ing these men lately. Beyond the above we have a
good deal of local secretary work to attend to, visitois,
and to finish up I might say that Lanchow is a place
where we have many interruptions. I am going to ask
prayer for special effort to be put forth in a week or
so among the shop-keepers in this city. We hope to
visit one thousand shops and present a gospel, a good
book and a tract or two to each. These are a class of
men who work nearly every day in the year and
never get a chance of hearing the Gospel, so phase
join us in prayer for them. Another subject for
prayer I might mention is one which is keeping away
the young men from the meetings at our out-station.
I am told that the young men who come to our
meetings have great difficulty in getting wives. The
son of one of our Christians, of whom we had great
hopes some few months ago, will not come to the
Mission station at all now for this reason. He is a
bright young man, who acted as servant to Mr. and
Mrs. Andrew while at the coast and traveling. There
was talk of his being baptized last summer, but
alas ! he has gone right away and refuses to have
anything to do with the Gospel. He has been trying
to get a wife, and the people have told him they
would not give their daughters to any man who has
to do with the Gospel hall. This may not appear
serious, but it is, as it will keep the young people
away from God."
Mr. and Mrs. Sorensen and their two children
arrived here safely a few days ago, and we were glad
to welcome them after their years of faithful service
in the remote and difficult field of Tatsienlu. It has
been interesting to hear further from Mr. Sorensen
of his recent journey into Tibet, when, after many
dangers and difficulties, he succeeded in reaching
Chamdo, which is halfway between Darjeeling and
Tatsienlu, being just six weeks journey from either
place. Mr. Sorensen is more than ever impressed
with the sparseness of the population and the extreme
wildness and inaccessibility of the country. As an
illustration of this he mentioned that the first village
on the journey was not reached until after eight days
traveling from Tatsienlu, and its population was only
about one hundred families. Mr. Sorensen and his
party were repeatedly menaced by robbers, and we
have reason to thank God for his safety.
Mr. Coates writes that he and Mrs. Coates are
now settled at Weichow, from which they hope to
reach the tribes in the immediate neighborhood and to
the west. It will be remembered that Weichow is
some two or three days journey from Kwanhsien, and
has been occupied as a base for reaching the regions
to the north-east of Tatsienlu.
I am sorry to say that early in the month we
received a telegram from Dr. Judd, to the effect that
he had been sent for to attend Mrs. Bunting, who
was ill at Wanan, on the Kan river, in the province
of Kiangsi. We are anxiously awaiting further
news concerning Mrs. Bunting's condition. I am
also sorry to say that Mr. Hampson has been far from
well during the past fortnight. He has been suffering
from fever and is now under medical treatment in our
hospital here.
34
China's Millions
Tidings from the Provinces
Personal Notes
During the month we had the
pleasure of welcoming back to Toronto
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Hanna and their
little child. Mr. and Mrs. Hanna
have been laboring in the Province of
Yunnan, the most southwesterly
province of China, and are now home
on furlough.
Topics for Prayer
Note the contrast in the extracts
given from letters written by Mr.
Gonder and Mr. Lagerquist. Do they
not afresh speak to us concerning
our privilege and responsibility re-
garding the work in China.
We would again ask that special
remembrance be made of the meetings
which are still being held in Szechwan
by Mr. Lutley and Mr. Wang.
Pray for those who will soon be
leaving, or have already left, the
Training Homes of Yangchow and
Anking, to take up work in the
stations to which they have been ap-
pointed, that from the earliest days
in the work God will rnightly use His
servants in China.
Please continue to remember those
who are doing deputation work in
behalf of the Mission — Mr. Knight in
Chicago and St. Louis ; Mr. Steven in
Detroit and throughout Michigan ;
Mrs. Shapleigh in the Southern States
and Mrs. Talbot in Ontario. Pray that
the fruit of this service may be prayer
and intercession for China and lives
given to the Lord of the harvest for
work in China.
News Notes
The Ministry of Education has in-
structed the Commissioners of Educa-
tion in the provinces strictly to forbid
gambling, and to punish teachers or
students guilty of the vice with dis-
missal and expulsion.
On Sunday last the Taotai held a
meeting of the local gentry and mer-
chants in the Bureau for Foreign
Affairs on the question of subscribing
a fund to pay off the national debt.
The name of the movement was
decided as "The People's Deposit
National Debt Preparation Associa-
tion." It was resolved that the
different trades and committees of the
Local Government areas should ex-
hort the people to subscribe the mini-
mum sum of $i each person. Alto-
gether, it is stated, >io,<>oo was
contributed at the meeting.
A Chinese dispatch says that the
foreign Powers approve of the Nation-
al Debt movement now set on foot in
China, and that they have instructed
their Diplomatic Representative to
report all circumstances connected
with the scheme.
A native report says that the Anti-
Opium Commissioners in Peking have
conferred together and decided to
re-organize the staff of the Opium
Refuge, in which officials accused or
suspected of opium - smoking are
tested. New regulations will be
drawn up, so as to insure its working
with greater efficiency.
It is stated that Ministers are mostly
in favor of expediting the inaugura-
tion of a Parliament in China, but
Prince Ching and Grand Councillor
Lu Ch'uan-lin deem even the period
of nine years too short for the pre-
parations to be carried into effect and
are of opinion that the premature
opening of Parliament will be fraught
with evil.
Captain Plant brought the new
steamer up from Ichang to Chungking
passing Wanhsien some time ago.
The journey from Ichang to Wanhsien
occupying five days, was made without
mishap. No passengers or cargo were
taken. The draught of the vessel is
only two feet. The steamer belongs
to a Chinese Company and we regret
to hear already thatserious difficulties
have been encountered from the
officials. We have still to wait and
see what the result will be. The
steamer is at present at Chungking,
and is not allowed to return to Ichang.
The news published in our tele-
graphic columns to-day that the first
sod of the Szechwan Railway was cut
on Friday is of more than passing
interest. There is, no doubt, a wide
gulf between the turning of the first
sod under Chinese auspices and a
finished railway. China, however,
has begun to build her own railways ;
the provincials of Szechwan are said
to have several millions of dollars in
hand for the construction of the line
and the work has been entrusted to
Mr. Jeme Tien-yu, the capable en-
gineer of the Kalgan Railway. The
interests of China and of foreigners
call for rapid railway extension in
the Empire.
The execution ground at Yunnanfu,
a few davs ago, was the scene of a
remarkably daring proceeding by the
officials in the campaign for the total
suppression of opium in the province.
No less than 20,040 ounces of pre-
pared opium were publicly destroyed
by fire, in the presence of an enormous
crowd of people. The officials of the
city were present in person, and the
event was looked upon as the greatest
public demonstration of the kind that
the people had seen. The utmost
stringency is being observed, and
smokers are being harshly dealt
with, but there is yet much to be
done. Yunnanfu, a few years ago,
was one of the greatest opium centres
of the Empire, and it is questionable
whether the illicit trade will ever be
eradicated, even with all the pre-
cautions taken to bring about that
end.
The great western Province of
Szechwan with its lovely mountains,
its valleys and streams is in many
directions leading the way. The
traveler passing upthe famous gorges
of the upper Yangtse is impressed
with the fertile country that soon
greets him. After two months of
continuous wet during the autumn
we now enjoy a spell of lovely sun-
shine. A year ago opium filled the
fields, causing dearness of food and
often scarcity of provisions in addition
to domestic sorrows and tragedies.
The testimony of travelers from
Chengtu across the province is the
same. No opium can be seen any-
where. Wheat, beans, potatoes, peas,
mustard, turnips, cabbage and other
vegetables have taken its place.
Prosperity ought to be introduced by
the new regime. The wealth accruing
from opium went chiefly into the
pockets of the rich merchant and
trader.
With reference to a change of the
national costume in China lately
advocated by the Princes and several
high officials, the more conservative
dignitaries, anxious to preserve
Chinese institutions, have held a con-
ference to discuss the question. It
is stated that they have come to a
conclusion that diplomatic, army and
naval officials may cutoff their queues
and adopt western attire at their own
pleasure The same concession should
be extended' also to the police, but
students and other officials are not to
adopt any change of their own accord.
A report will be made to the Emperor
asking for permission for this new
rule.
Shansi
Yoyang — We wish to convey to
you our heartfelt thanks for the
prayers we know you have been
offering for the class work of these
last months. The women's class had
marked blessing. In one meeting
especially the feeling was really
tense, and Mrs. Gonder has never
previously heard such outpourings of
soul in regard to home difficulties
and in desire for home blessing as she
heard that night in the prayers and
testimonies, both of old and young.
China's Millions
35
The total number was thirteen, and
we hope to have another class in
February for women who could not
attend the first. We trust this may
reach you in time to ask for that
class also the men's enquirers' class
immediately to preceed it. Our men 's
class for Christians is now in pro-
gress and we see the Lord's hand
working in a new way as the deep
truths of Romans unfold. There is
a new earnestness and a new readiness
in prayer which we believe God Him-
self is inspiring. Oh ! I can not tell
you how much we count on your
prayers, nor how much we feel the
work depends on them. When we
have sent in our request, it is a
veritable tower of strength to know
that we are being upheld and it is on
my heart to write you thus because
we want the praying ones at home to
know how truly they are doing a
work in China. — Mr. R. H. Gonder.
Hupeh
Laohokow. — " Our eyes are upon
Thee." "The battle is not yours,
but God's." (2 Chronicles 20: 12, 15).
These words are a great help to us, as
we look 1910 in the face. The past
year has been one of many trials and
disappointments, some of which we
even now see, have been His appoint-
ments to teach us to keep our eyes
upon Him, and to remember that the
battle is not ours but His. All the
missionaries in the district are united-
ly waiting upon God for a revival, as
we all feel the great need of it.
Friends will not you join us? "Ye that
are the Lord's remembrancers keep
not silence and give Him no rest."
(Isaiah 62 : 6, 7.) We sometimes feel
as if His people at home are keeping
silence and not holding up our arms
by their intercessions. Friends ! do
not forget us in prayer, keep at it till
He makes China a praise in the
earth. He is able; He is willing;
therefore let us unitedly and continu-
ally remind Him of His promises.
The services have been well attend-
ed and in the street preaching hall
crowds have heard the Gospel. One
feels that though the people listen
aud come to the meetings, there is
not the spirit of enquiry after the
truth there used to be, but a desire
to learn about science and other
things. Atheistic literature is com-
ing in, and many have not any faith
in the idols nor do they care for God.
We must work quickly to counteract
these harmful influences, but where
are the workers ? Help is needed
and that speedily — God wants work-
ers. — Rev. A. W. Lagerquist.
in the morning the natives invited us
to their guest hall to have some tea
and cake, and they had quite a large
spread for us. We enjoyed it very
much ; with them it was indeed more
blessed to give than to receive, for
they seemed very happy over it. In
the afternoon I watched the distribu-
tion of candy, cake, etc., among the
children. It seems that this is the
first year that the natives here
have recognized Christmas in this
way. They collected fifteen hundred
cash to buy candy, etc., and also
decorated the chapel quite grandly.
The last day of the year we kept as
a day of prayer, having two meetings
and closing with the Lord's Supper.
It was a blessed day, one in which our
spiritual lives were much strength-
ened.
There were two baptisms at the
station here a few weeks ago, one, the
teacher who is teaching me, and who
also taught Mr. Brownlee, He is a
splendid true fellow, has been a
Christian for four years, but his
family have hindered his baptism and
have treated him very badly. The
other was a young scholar who came
to the city four months ago to try the
examinations. He was led in to hear
the Gospel and at once believed, and
from that time has ' ' searched the
Scriptures daily whether these things
were so." Please remember these
two in prayer. — Mr. W. B. Williston.
Anhwei
Anking. — We spent a quiet Christ-
mas here but a happy one. At ten
Honan
Fukow — For twelve days we made
our way slowly on up the river with
continuing crowds, which meant con-
tinuing opportunities for preaching.
Often the people had begun to demand
a sight of us before we had prepared
our breakfast, and by the time we had
finished our meal the clamor to see
us amounted to a somewhat distract-
ing hubbub. One of the women with
us often assured the crowd that we
were both people ; but the assurance
seemed to produce little effect. We
might have been wildly grotesque
creatures judging from the eagerness
of the outcry to see us. And when
the people had a look at us cries for
us to preach were likely to follow.
What would one not have given for
the power to tell out strongly to those
crowds the love of God in Christ Jesus.
The attention with which they listened
to our poor little attempts made you
think how a foreigner with a grasp of
their language might have held those
crowds with the Gospel story.
Ours was not, indeed, a very
distant wandering from the beaten
track, but it should suffice to deepen
our consciousness of the waiting, un-
touched multitudes about us. I know
of nothing that I covet more than an
intensifying consciousness of these
multitudes waiting — waiting, though
unconscious of it, for the Gospel
of Christ — such consciousness as
wrought so strongly the love to
Christ in the life of Paul. God grant
that such consciousness may deepen
into actuating passion in your life
and ours. — Miss Eleanor Pil son.
Monthly Notes
ARRIVALS
OnFebruary nth, atSan Francisco,
Mr. and Mr. W. J. Hanna, and child
from Shanghai.
DEPARTURES
On January 8th, from Shanghai,
Mr. and Mrs. Tornvall and seven
children. Miss O. Olsen and Miss
A. Olsen from North America.
Baptisms
Kansu—
Siningfu ------- 3
Shensi —
Hanchungfu ------ 10
Ing-kia-uei ------ 3
Shansi —
Kiiwo and out-station - - 5
Hwochow and out-station - 30
Chihli —
Siianhwafu -----. 3
Honan —
Shekichen and out-station - 41
Szechwan —
Fushun and out-station - - 4
Kaihsien and out-stations - 18
Liangshan ------ 3
Kweichowfu outstation - - 3
Shunking and out-stations - 23
Suitingfu ------- 1
Kweichow —
Anshunfu out-stations - - 126
Yunnan —
Sa-p'u-shan ----- - 473
Hupeh —
Laohokow ------ 7
Kiangsi —
Anjen out-stations - - - - n
Yiianchowfu and out-stations 25
Kienchangfu and out-station 14
Ningtu and out-station - - 5
Tsungjen ------- 2
Anhwei —
Anking ------- 2
Ningkwofu outstation - - 3
Kienping .------ 5
Yingchowfu ------ 1
Chekiang —
Tientai out-stations - - - 7
Ninghaihsien and out-stations 29
Wenchow and out-station - 13
Hangchow out-station - - 21
Fenghwa ------- 3
Lungchiian and out-station 6
Sungyang and out-station - 21
921
Previously reported 1,907
Total 2,828
36
China's Millions
Editorial Notes
THOSE of our readers who enjoyed the article
"Intercessory Missionaries" which was pub-
lished in the February issue of the Millions
will be pleased to know that this article is now in tract
form and may be had at the offices of the Mission, the
price being twenty-five cents per dozen.
Several friends, when making remittances to our
offices in renewal of their subscriptions to China's
Millions, have expressed their appreciation of the
paper by sending the amount for two or more sub-
scriptions and by requesting that we send the paper
for one year to some additional person, or persons.
We are grateful for this assistance in increasing the
circulation of China's Millions, and we trust that
other friends will feel led to show similar interest,
in order that China's needs may be more widely pre-
sented and known.
The book to which we referred in our November
issue, " Faith and Facts," is now in hand, and may be
obtained, either from our offices or from the Gospel
Publishing House, New York City. If any of our
friends, or of the general reading public, want their
faith in God renewed and enlarged, let them buy and
read this book. Simply but strikingly, it tells the
story of God's dealings with the Mission, in financial
matters, for fort)' years past, and the record becomes
an unfolding of our Father's faithfulness in supplying
temporal needs which is blessed and inspiring to con-
template.
We beg to announce to our friends that we have
secured premises for the use of the Mission in the cen-
tre of the city of Philadelphia, and, henceforth, that
those who wish to see us will not need to journey to
Germantown for this purpose, but will find us at our
new location. As the whole building has been ob-
tained, we shall have room for a more general work
than we have hitherto been able to carry on. On the
upper floor, there will be the Mission offices ; and on
the ground floor there will be a book-room, at which
evangelical literature, and particularly, our Mission
publications will be kept for sale. In addition to the
above, there will be a prayer meeting room, imme-
diately behind the book-room, at which we hope to
establish a weekly prayer meeting. The above prem-
ises are. located at 1329 Walnut Street, adjoining the
Witherspoon Building.
The above announcement is the consummation of
prayers which have been offered for over six years
past. Soon after we came to Philadelphia to establish
a Mission centre, we became persuaded that the ideal
arrangement for this locality was to have offices and a
place for prayer in the heart of the city. Germantown
was evidently a suitable place for the Mission Home,
but it was too far removed from the natural gathering
places of the residents of the city to make it an easily
reached place for business purposes and for those who
desired to unite with us in our prayer service. But
tlie difficulty in the case was twofold ; first there were
few suitable buildings which could be obtained, and
second, the expense of rental was too great to be un-
dertaken. From both of these standpoints, we were
obliged to wait upon God and, then, to wait for God.
It was thus that the years lengthened out until the
present year. Almost suddenly, at last, God's answer
reached us. A friend who knew of our desire in the
matter asked us to look for premises, assuring us that
financial help would be given to us ; and then another
friend came forward to unite with this first friend in
order to provide for the necessary expenses. Imme-
diately after this, we were able to secure premises in
the exact location which had been desired, and a three
years' lease was secured, the money to be provided
apart from the existing income of the Mission. How
well worth while it is to trust in the living God, and
also, to wait patiently for His times and ways. Once
more, as we so often have occasion to do, we give
Him fervent praise !
The British Foreign Office, according to " The
Times ", has issued a Parliamentary Paper concerning
the reduction in the growth of opium in China. The
paper is the report of Mr. Max Miiller, Councillor of
the Peking Legation, and it shows that progress has
been and is being made in the task which the Chinese
Government undertook three years ago. In the first
place, a strong public opinion has been created among
influential persons against opium using and growing ;
in the second place, a sensible diminution of the
growth of the poppy has been secured in a number of
provinces ; and lastly, the Government seems fully
prepared to take further drastic measures to eradicate
opium from the empire as these may be needed. We
rejoice in these signs of deliverance from the presence
of one of the greatest curses which ever enslaved a
nation, and we trust that further advance will be
made until final deliverance is obtained. In connec-
tion with this statement, it is interesting to note that
Mr. Hoste has recently reported that in certain sec-
tions where opium used to be grown, wheat and other
cereals are now much more plentiful and cheap.
" Now is the accepted time." (2 Corinthians 6 : 2.)
There is a startling proverb current among the African
peoples which is as follows : ' ' The dawn does not
come twice to awaken a man." In other words the
present gives to each man an opportunity which no
future can bring to him ; and also, there may lie
within the present a moment which is of the nature
of a crisis, which, if missed, will forever make the
life affected something less than it might have been.
God's clocks do not go backward, but forward, and
there is no laying hold upon times and opportunities
which have vanished away. All this has a special
bearing upon the subject of foreign missions. Many
a person, for instance, has postponed acting upon
going until going was too late ; and the same with
praying and giving. Also, there have been those to
whom the Spirit has spoken, in some given meeting
or otherwise, who have failed to respond in yielding
the life for service in behalf of the unsaved nations,
and who have never again been dealt with by the
Spirit in the same way, and whose spiritual lives from
thence have steadily declined. It is indeed a solemn
thing to trifle with God's offers of grace and mercy.
CHINA'S MILLIONS
TORONTO, APRIL, 1910
Transformed
" He saith unto them, Follow Me ; — and the v straightway left their nets and followed Him.
A single touch of a gentle hand,
A single word of a winsome voice,
And fishermen turned from sea to land
To follow a Stranger, by willing choice,
They left their nets by the sunlit sea
To walk in the deserts of Galilee.
The Master led them by dusty ways
And over the lonely mountain heights.
The sun beat hot through the lifeless days,
And crowds pressed close through the long-drawn
nights,
They were bond-slaves now, where once they were
free,
But they ne'er turned back to their nets by the sea.
They followed on to the city fair,
On Judah's heights, with its walls and towers,
With its glittering temple in whitened square
Where priests said prayers through the countless
hours ;
Yea, they followed their Master to Calvary,
And they watched with Him there, in His agony.
They were left alone ; but they still pressed on —
E'en as He had said — to the distant lands,
Yea, on and on, till their strength was gone
And they sank to die on the desert sands ; —
Ah, they never forgot blest Galilee
And the voice and the hand by the sunlit sea !
H. W. F.
Paul's Tears
BY REV. ADOIPHE MONOD
" / ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears." — ACTS 20 : 31.
I ADDRESS myself to those of you, my dear
hearers, who charge us with exaggeration, and
to whom the faith we preach appears too strange
in its maxims, too exclusive in its assertions, and tco
severe in its threatenings. Let me put to 5 ou one
question which I beseech you to answer impartially.
You honor Paul, equally with myself, as the faithful
guardian of divine revelation ; now did he under-
stand the Gospel as you do, or as I do ? And to
answer this question, I confine myself to this simple
feature. Paul cannot see his Gospel rejected without
shedding tears of bitterness. That suffices me.
What must be the value of Gospel truth in the judgment
of this man, who urges you with tears to receive it ?
Yes, tell me the meaning of those tears of Paul, if
he had only to proclaim to the world a probable faith,
such as you might do in his place ; tell me their
meaning if he announced less than the truth itself,
alone true, alone necessary, alone saving, outside of
which there is only sin, error and perdition ! Let
others discuss the critical meaning of the word Ete 1 val ,
let them find out that it is sometimes employed to
signify a finite duration ; Let them ransack the
writings and discourses of Paul for this purpose ; we
have no need of all this, it is enough to see him
weeping at our feet.
Yes, tell me the meaning of those tears of Paul,
supposing him merely to possess that sensibility of
disposition of which you boast, if he does not see
before him the dark shadow of some fearful punish-
ment reserved for those who reject, or turn away
from the truth ; if he does not see awaiting them a
misery most fearful and inconceivable, described in
his own terms as, "A certain fearful looking for of
judgment and of fiery indignation, which shall devour
the adversaries."
You perhaps congratulate yourselves on being able
to explain the tears of Paul, because his Gospel is
yours. Congratulate ourselves ! Ah ! have we not
more reason to smite upon our breasts? If we can
explain the tears of the apostle, then are we only the
more miserable because we are not able to shed them.
Tell me how it is that you and I, who have so many
tears for physical maladies, tears for family disap-
pointments, tears for public calamities, find their
source dried up when we contemplate the loss of
souls, and of the glory of God.
Church of the living God ! when thou shalt arise
in the midst of this erring generation, with the tears
of Paul in thine eyes, thy voice, and thy heart ; when
thou shalt ' ' Take the infirmities ' ' of this great multi-
tude which surround thee, then shalt thou see whether
thou art unheeded. But these tears, when shall
thev be thine ?
The road to the City is often rough with flints, and
clogged with mire, and dark with shadows of the
valley. But when the road runs up to the gate at last,
it passes on through it, in one line. It is a trans-
figuration. Grace, used humbly and in fear, is one
in essence with the glory that is to be revealed.- —
Bishnp Handley C. G. Moule, D.D.
38
China's Millions
The Compassionate Christ
BY THE I/ATE REV. THEODORE L. CUYI,ER, D.D.
THERE is no place in which human sorrows are
felt as they are felt in the heart of Jesus. No
one knows human weakness as He knows it,
or pities as He can pity. Every suffering of the body
is known to our sympathizing Lord, and every grief
that makes the heart ache. Human pity is often
worn out from overuse. It impatiently mutters, "Is
that poor creature here again ? I have helped him a
dozen times already." Or it says, " That miserable
fellow has taken to drink again, has he? I am done
trying to save him. He makes himself a brute; let
him die like the brutes!" Human pity often gives
way just when it should stand the heaviest strain.
Compassion dwells in the heart of Christ, as inex-
haustible as the sunlight. Our tears hang heavier on
that heart than the planets which His Divine hand
holds in their orbits ; our sighs are more audible to
His ear than the blasts of wintry winds are to us.
When we pray aright, we are reaching up and taking
hold on that compassion. The penitent publican was
laying hold of it
when he cried out
of that broken
heart, "Be merciful
to me, a sinner ! ' '
It is His sublime
pity that listens to
our prayers and
hears our cries and
grants us what we
want. Therefore
let us come boldly
to the throne of
grace and make our
weakness, our
guiltiness, and our
griefs to be their
own pleas to Him
who is touched with
the feeling of our
infirmities. One of
the most character-
istic stories of Abraham Lincoln is that a poor soldier's
wife came to the White House, with her infant in her
arms, and asked admission to see the President. She
came to beg him to grant a pardon to her husband,
who was under a military sentence. "Be sure and
take the baby up with you," said the Irish porter at
the White House door. At length the woman
descended the stairway, weeping for joy ; and the
Irishman exclaimed, "Ah, mum, it was the baby
that did it ! "
So doth our weakness appeal to the compassionate
heart of our Redeemer. There is no more exquisite
description of Him than in this touch : "He shall feed
His flock like a shepherd ; He shall gather the lambs
in His arms and carry them in His bosom ; He shall
gently lead those that are with young." Such is our
blessed Master's tender mercy to the weak. It is ten-
der because it never breaks the brimed reed or
quenches the feeblest spark. This world of ours con-
tains vastly more weak things than strong things.
A VIEW OF CITY HOUSE TOPS
Here and there towers a mountain pine or stalwart
oak ; but the frail reeds and rushes are innumerable.
Even in the Bible gallery of characters, how few are
strong ; yea, none but had some weakness. Abraham's
tongue is once twisted to a falsehood ; the temper of
Moses is not always proof against provocation ; Elijah
loses heart under the juniper tree, and boastful Peter
turns poltroon under the taunts of a servant-maid.
But evermore there waits and watches over us that
infinite compassion that knoweth what is in poor man,
and remembereth that we are but dust. For our
want-book He has an infinitely larger supply-book.
The same sympathizing Jesus who raised the Jewish
maiden from her bed of death, who rescued sinking
Peter, and pitied a hungry multitude, and wept with
the sisters of Bethany ere He raised a dead brother to
life, is living yet. His love, as Samuel Rutherford
said, " hath neither brim nor bottom."
This compassionate Jesus ought to be living also
in the persons of those whom He makes His repre-
^ sentatives. "Bear
ye one another's
burdens and so ful-
fill the law of
Christ." That law
is love. This law of
Christian sympathy
works in two ways:
it either helps our
fellow-creatures get
rid of their burdens,
or if failing in that,
it helps them to
carry the load more
lightly. " We that
are strong ought to
bear the infirmities
of the weak, and
not to please our-
selves." Here, for
example, is a strong,
rich, well-manned
church, some of its members are dying of dignity and
others are debilitated with indolence. Yonder is a
feeble church in numbers and money. Let the man
who counts one in the strong church go where he can
count ten in the weak church. If the compassionate
Christ should come into some of our churches, I sus-
pect that He would order more than one rich, well-fed
member off his cushion, and send him to work in
some mission school or struggling young enter-
prise.
That early Church was saturated with the com-
passionate spirit of their Lord. They fulfilled the
" law of Christ." The only genuine successors of
those apostles are the load-lifters. Jesus Christ
exerted His Divine might and infinite love in bearing
the load of man's sin and sorrows. Consecration means
copying the compassionate Christ. Power means
debt — the debt we owe to the poor, the feeble, the sick,
the ignorant, the fallen, the guilty and the perishing.
May God inspire us, and help us to pay that debt !
China's Millions
39
The History of the Printing Press in Taichow, Chekiang
BY MR. W. D. RUDUND
GOD sometimes leads His children by a strange
way, and into a work they never thought of
nor dared to attempt unless they had been
gently guided by His unseen hand — unseen at that
time, but afterwards revealed. Thus it has been
with this work of translating the Scriptures into the
Taichow Romanized.
It was a little thing that led to it at the beginning:
but is anything little when done for Him ?
After our arrival we all went first to Hangchow.
Mr. Taylor had brought out a printing press, and two
native printers were trying to set it up. For some
time the}- were trying to get the frame into the two
feet, but each attempt
failed. Passing by and
seeing their difficulty I
showed them an easy
way of doing it, and it
was soon standing on its
feet. Then they tried
to put the rest of it
together, but after two
days work gave it up.
Mr. Taylor came to me
and asked me if I would
help the men to put it
together. Being only
too glad to help in any
way, I went. I saw that
it was all marked, and
pointing out to them the
marks, and fitting some
pieces together, we soon
had it ready for work.
At this time I was
suffering very much with
headache, unable to
study, and seeing others
getting on with the
language while I was
making little or no pro-
gress. At times I got
much depressed, fearing
that I was going to be
an entire failure.
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor
were working on roinan-
ization and printing some
books, but Mr. Taylor
had often to be away, and not much work was done
in the press then. So one da}' he said to me, " Mr.
Rudland, you do not seem able to do much at study
on account of your headache. Would you help me?"
I was only too glad to do so. Then he asked me to
take charge of the printing press and so set him free
from that work. I told him that I knew nothing
about printing, but he only said, "But you put up
the press." So I set to work, spending most of my
time in the printing office, and taking an hour or two
for study.
As the printers knew no English I had to talk as
much as I could in Chinese and soon found that I was
Photo bv
A STREET SCENE
CHEK
making more progress with the language than before.
This continued for about four years, first in Hang-
chow, then in Chinkiang. Thus I gained some
knowledge of the romanization of different dialects.
After that the Lord led me down here to fill a gap,
and I had not been long here before 1 found that I
had a new dialect to learn. I had hoped that, being
so near Ningpo, the Ningpo dialect would do, but
soon found out my mistake.
Mr. Taylor came down and we set to work with
different teachers, and he concluded that I must go
on with the local dialect. He told me I should have
to romanize it, and then begin to translate the New
Testament. I told him
I could not do that. But
in his own quiet way he
said, "God does not
expect us to do more
than we can, but He
does expect us to do
what we can. You are
the only one here, and
are likely to be for some
time, so you had better
make a beginning. Take
the Ningpo Primer, put
it into Taichow, test it
well, and when you have
it ready you shall have
the small press and suffi-
cient type to print it."
This was in 1871. I
made a beginning, but
soon found that not a
few words, while having
the same sound as in
Ningpo, had a very dif-
ferent meaning.
It was not until 1879
that the Primer was
ready to print. Then
being in Shanghai I met
Mr. Taylor and put in
my plea for the small
press. As the press
was standing still Mr.
Taylor asked me to take
charge of the whole
plant, take it to Taichow
and make the best use I could of it. This I did, and
it is here to-day.
The next year the Primer was printed, and while
that was going through the press, Matthew was being
prepared. A good deal of preparation had been made
in the meantime, and so, taking the Ningpo and the
Mandarin with the help of the English Bible, I
worked on, but with much fear and trembling. With
the help of several natives Matthew was ready for
press, and Mark well on the way.
Just then I sprained my ankle, which at the time
seemed to be a calamity, but in the end was rather the
reverse. For some months I was unable to put my
IN WENCHOW
IANG
(V. Seville
4 o
China's Millions
foot to the ground, and for more than a year was
unable to visit any of the out-stations. So the only
thing to do was to give my time to translation work.
This helped on the work.
When we brought the press here it was arranged
that one of the natives who had been with me in
Hangchow should come with it : but he was taken ill
and died. So I had the press, but no one to work it.
Thus I had to teach some men to print' first. You
should have seen some of the first proofs of the Primer!
They were not very encouraging. But patience and
perseverance conquered, and in time it was finished.
But the proof correcting of Matthew was worse.
Sometimes a
whole line
was left out,
next line
some words,
so that a
good deal of
it had to be
reset. But
with the
help of my
dear wife,
who was
deeplyinter-
ested in it
all , book
after book
was printed
and the
natives be-
gan to use
them.
When the
first sheet of
Matthew
came from
the press my
wife took it
to her wom-
en's class
to test it.
She came
back quite
elated, say-
ing that the
women said
as soon as
she read a
verse, "This
is in our
own words ;
we understand it all." She was so anxious that we
should do as much as possible of it for them ! Neither
of us then had any idea to what it would grow, or how
many people would be reading the Word of God for
themselves by it, who otherwise never could have
done so. What an incentive to work when seeing so
many using it !
The printers gradually got used to the work so
that they gave me less trouble with the proof, and
toward the end of 1881 Revelation was reached.
When the last sheet came from the press I felt like
old Simeon, " Lord now lettest Thou Thy servant
Photo by]
The bride sits in a richly embroidered and decorated cha
that people ma
depart in peace." But I do not feel a bit like that
now ; on the other hand I want, if it is the Lord's
will, to complete the Bible.
I then set to work to compile a book to help our
native students and bible women in the study of the
Scriptures. I took the R. T. S. Annotated Paragraph
Bible, and translated from that and other works of
the kind an "Introduction to the books of the New
Testament," which also contained a set of questions
on each book, and a number of Scripture subjects.
This book has been reproduced in the Ningpo and
Wenchow dialects. Being nearly out of print, and
having proved so useful, it is now being revised and
much en-
larged, so as
to make it a
small Teach-
ers' Bible
help.
Next in
order was a
small cate-
chism with
a text of
Scripture
for each
answer.
This is now
nearly out of
print. Then
came ' ' Peep
of Day, ' ' of
which a
second edi-
tion is now
in use.
But my
heart was
set on giving
them more
of the Word
of God. So
the Book of
Psalms was
begun. This
was no easy
task, and all
the time I
could spare
from other
work was
spent on this
book for
PART OV A WEDDING PROCESSION NEAR HUANGYEN, CHEKIANG [Mr. C. Thomson
r, open in front and with windows on sides and back
y see her.
three years.
The British and Foreign Bible Society kindly came to
my aid and paid all expenses of printing. A
second edition has since been printed with refer-
ences.
Having no Old Testament we began preparing
"Line upon Line," so as to give them some old
Testament history. These books have been of great
use, and are still valued. We now have Vols. 1 and
2, — "Lines Left Out," Kings of Israel and Judah.
Several times our funds had gone so low that it looked
as if the press must stop. But the Lord in various
ways always supplied the need just when we had
China's Millions
4?
come to our last dollar. And so it has gone on up to
the present time.
But our New Testament was getting out of print,
and revision was much needed. The Bible Society
kindly offered to bear the expense of printing, so we
set to work to revise it. Mr. Urry, Mr. C. Thomson,
and three natives — sometimes four — and myself
worked at it as often as we could spare the time, for
more than two years. This was more work for the
press, and in 1897 it was printed. Last year a third
edition, with references, was printed.
While this work was going on a vocabulary of this
dialect was being prepared, and while I was at home
on furlough it was typewritten and mimeographed,
and it has been much appreciated by new comers as a
help in learning the dialect. Preparation for the Old
Testament had also been going on, and on our return
eight years ago work was begun in earnest. A com-
mittee was formed of four, but circumstances pre-
vented the other members giving much time to it, so
it is now a consultative committee ; and one is pre-
paring a tentative edition of it as time and strength
permit. A first draft of Genesis had lain by for about
thirteen years; it was revised and re- revised, then
printed. Other books followed on in due order and
we now have as far as Chronicles.
Leaving the other books for the time being,
Isaiah was begun ; when that was finished Jeremiah
and Lamentations followed. These have just been
printed.
This work could not have gone on as it has done
had it not been for the help of my late wife and
daughter who are now with the Lord, leaving me alone.
How I miss their help ! But I hope soon to return
to the homeland and, if the Lord will, bring back my
daughter Grace with me. She was invalided home
some years ago, and is only now recovering. If she can
return with me she will be a help to me in many ways.
But the press is not only useful for printing, it has
also given us our native pastor and other helpers in
the work, and the head printer is now conducting
Sunday services in a market town eight or nine miles
distant : and others are in the training.
The work of the press has been revolutionized
recently by the gift of a printing machine which does
the work of several hand presses. In my report for
1905 I wrote these words, " The work is being done
on a hand press which came out in the ' Lammermuir '
in 1866, and is much the worse for wear. What we
now need is a small Demy machine which would be a
great help to us." Mr. Bergin of the Bristol Orphan
Homes took up the idea, and in due time one was sent
out freight paid to Ningpo, and money to bring it to
Taichow so that it should be landed here free of
expense. It has been doing good work, and is now
going as fast as the men can work it. The press is
now self-supporting, and we hope ere long to make it
more than that.
News recently to hand tells how the money for the
printing machine was contributed. It is interesting
to know that no less than nine Sunday Schools and
Young People's Associations contributed towards it ;
one ladies' working meeting, a library ; and last, but
not least, the " Ashley Down Orphan Homes." How
many persons have had a share in it I do not know,
but from what I know of most of these Sunday
Schools and Young People's meetings there must be
a large number of shareholders. That they will get
good interest is certain as the machine is busy
printing the Word of God. It is now printing fifty
thousand copies of the Gospel by Mark from plates
cast here by our native printer.
It has just printed one thousand copies of the
Gospel by Mark in the Miao dialect for Mr. J. R.
Adam of Anshunfu, Kweichow province.
Such a gift as this deserves our warmest thanks,
and as I hope soon to leave for home for a time I
expect to have the pleasure of thanking many of the
kind contributors personally. May the Lord reward
them each for their loving kindness. It is just like
he Bristol Christians, when they take a thing in hand
hey do it thoroughly.
Books Translated and Printed in Taichow
Romanized
880 Primer, first edition.
881 New Testament.
' ' Introduction to Books of New Testament, Series
of questions, and Bible Helps.
882 Catechism, with texts of Scripture for answers.
888 Hymn Book, one hundred hymns. Romanized
and Chinese Character. Peep of Day.
891 Scripture Text Book.
893 Book of Psalms.
894 Primer, second edition.
" Outline of Christian Doctrine.
895 Line upon Line, Vol. 1.
896 The Sabbath as made known in the Word of God.
897 New Testament, revised.
898 Revised and enlarged Hymn Book, Romanized
and Chinese Character.
900 Line upon Line, Vol. 2. Primer, third edition.
902 Lines Left Out. History of Kings of Judah.
History of Kings of Israel.
904 The Hundred Texts.
905 Psalms, second edition, with references.
906 Arithmetic. Second Coming of Christ.
907 Primer, fourth edition.
Old Testament, Romanized
901 Jonah.
903 Daniel.
904 Genesis.
906 Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges
and Ruth.
907 Deuteronomy.
908 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings.
909 1 and 2 Chronicles. New Testament, third
edition, with References. Isaiah, Jeremiah and
Lamentations.
Other Books Printed
Introduction to Books of New Testament, with
Bible Helps, Ningpo Romanized.
1908 Miao Primer, Rom mized ; for Anshun.
" Hymn Book, Chinese Character ; for Yunnan.
" Ningpo Primer, Romanized.
" Hymn Book, Miao, Romanized.
1909 Primer, Miao, Romanized.
" Romanized Catechism, Miao.
" Romanized Hymn Book, Miao, revised and
enlarged.
" Sufferings of Christ, Ningpo Romanized.
4 2
China's Millions
Lights and Shades of Work in Hotsin, Shansi
BY MR. R. GILI/IES
DURING the past year several have been called
from Hotsin to join the holy, happy band
around the Throne. I wish to tell a little about
these who have been called into the King's own
presence.
Wee Ling-fan, who was five years old, had
a heathen father, but her mother knew something of
the Gospel. We stayed a month in their little clachan
on the mountainside once, years ago, and now a little
group meets there to worship the one true God.
Ling-fan could sing "Jesus loves me. " She had also
learned a few short texts, and that was a feat to which
even boys and girls older than she could not attain.
There was a germ of real faith in the child, for the
tales, which every little Chinese hears so often, of the
cruel, mysterious foreigners and their occult powers
failed to terrify her and she was always foremost to
welcome us on our periodic visits to her village. But
smallpox came and among its victims was little Ling-
fan. She was dying and asked her mother that
she might be buried. (Burial is a privilege only
claimed by adults in these parts. ) ' ' Bury me there, ' '
she said, indicating a spot. " Can you leave me? "
asked the mother. "Yes." " And your sisters, and
the church girls, and Mrs. Gillies?" "Yes, I can
leave all, for I am going Home to Jesus."
A lad, whose name in English means "Universal
Power," and who was " Money-Boy's " younger
brother, was another who was taken Home. He was a
tall, bashful boy, with a studious bent and, as he stood
head of the second class, we looked on him as a youth of
promise. The holidays came and the wheat was being
gathered in when his sister-in-law, only married a
year and a half, took smallpox and passed away
leaving a testimony of trust in Christ. A few days
after "Universal Power" was down with the dread
disease. The neighbors flocked in, each with a
nostrum to prescribe, each with a criticism, and com-
ment full of heathen sophistry and absurd supersti-
tion. "Do not talk empty talk," he cried, "but
pray." "Pray, Oh pray ! " he said to his mother
and brothers. Three days and his short warfare
ended and he was set free from that Devil beset vil-
lage, with its sordid, grovelling oppressors and its
besotten, squalid oppressed ones. Pray for his mother
who is a Christian, but who, like many another better
taught, seems inclined to rebel and fail to see the
Lord's hand of love in this bereavement.
A third, whose name when translated means "The
Dragon," was a boy who "had a lot in him," hot-
tempered and rowdy though he was at times, blowing
the big box bellows with a furious gusto, for he was
the school cook. One Sunday afternoon in October
he went out, and in a few minutes after word came
that he had been crushed to death by the fall of a
wall in the city. It was the demon blockade, which
insured the prosperity of all the M.A. graduates in
the county, which came crashing down, after a totter-
ing existence, that afternoon, ushering into eternity
the Dragon and a little girl, a neighbor's child, whom
he carried pick-a-back.
These warning voices have been loud. At Ling-
fan's village the services have been disordered through
the man in charge taking to opium in consequence of
very serious sickness. His home is in dire distress,
and the Lord's Name is dishonored. Notwithstand-
ing this discouragement the native contributions to
the church have been unusually large. Though
several do not help, yet the average donation of
Tls. i.oo per member is equal to the cost of a month's
food for a well-to-do man in this district.
We recently had an interesting animal brought to
us, which we believe is identical to the Syrian mole
spoken of in Isaiah 2 : 20. Its coat is exceedingly
soft and velvety, but it is devoid of eyes and ears and
has no tail. It burrows at a great depth beneath the
ground and though the day — for which we long —
when the idols of gold and silver shall become play-
things of this strange creature has yet to come, yet,
possibly, it is already responsible for the decay of
temple pillars and idol pedestals.
The principles of self-government are being rapidly
propagated in many ways, but as in opium suppres-
sion, educational reform, etc., bribery and corruption
frustrate all honest effort at reform. Seven devils
seem to supplant the one cast out, as for instance the
prodigal use of noxious drugs taking the place of
opium.
The Dayspring school, our little boys' school, has
done fairly well. We have had an average of twenty-
two boys, and a spirit of happy fraternity has been
manifest. The progress of the school leaves much to
be desired, and several problems remain unsolved in
Hotsin, whether they are discussed in "World Con-
ventions" at home or not. The wildest excitement
prevails at present in anticipation of examinations, a
Christinas tree (a new innovation for Hotsin and
possible only by the gifts for the same from friends at
home) , and last but not least, prizes at the end of the
term. In China the teachers are more addicted to
playing truant even than the scholars. A problem !
Both at the spring and autumn Bible classes, which
were of a fortnight or three weeks duration, women
were in attendance, and though prevented by the
prevalence of a severe epidemic and wet weather from
much outdoor work, their evangelistic efforts are much
more praiseworthy than the men's record.
Back-sliding, wilful sin, lawsuits and mis-directed
energy have done much havoc in our midst. Owing to
political affairs, gossip in the church, and other causes,
we are made aware of a new spirit in our midst which
makes the co-operati®n of Chinese and foreign
workers increasingly difficult and " foreign devil " is
heard abundantly on the streets.
At our conference, Mr. Stone, the little hunch-
back cobbler, who has now retired, stated that he had
earned 1,800 cash as special messenger for the post
office, and would give 2,000 cash to the Lord's work.
A very <jood way of reckoning one-tenth.
The building of the church is still delayed, but we
have a nice new courtyard for the women's work.
These random notes will suggest some of the lights
and shades out here and we trust you will pray for us
more than ever.
China's Millions
43
A Series of Trips Into the Country
BY MISS M. MOI.ER, PINGYANG, CHEKIANG
THE autumn's work has been a series of trips
into the country. We have started usually
Friday morning and have reached home again
Monday. When I think of the numbers of women
and men too, who have stood listening in village after
village just as long as an}' of us would stay and talk,
I long for some better, quicker method of reaching
these hundreds with the truth to which they are so
open. We need an army of preachers where we have
one and surely God is able to call and empower
Chinamen, right here, in our midst. Do pray
for that working of God's Spirit which will give
us a large number of eager soul-winners.
We came home
yesterday from a
four days' trip to
Tsa-djiae. Tsa-
djiae itself has
only one Christian,
but Christiansfrom
surrounding vil-
lages gather in the
little chapel for
worship on Sun-
day. The heathen
women living near
the chapel were
touchingly kind to
us, bringing us
gifts of food, and
showing every
kindness possible.
It seems that a
month's time
would not have
too long there, the
women were so re-
ceptive, even will-
ing to learn to pray.
Men and women
both were willing
to kneel during
the prayers at
the evening ser-
vices.
The bible-wo-
man's untiring zeal
always cheers me.
We were off visit-
ing the one Christian as soon as possible after our
arrival. This Christian is a young woman, the only
one of her household who holds the Christian faith.
Her mother-in-law is more than distressed lest her
son shall ' ' believe the Gospel ' ' and refuse to burn
incense and worship his ancestors. Our entrance
into the home precipitated quite a little storm. The
daughter-in-law is a forceful character and, I fear,
has not always been a model of meekness under
persecution, j'et, she seems to have a real hold upon
Christ, and, at the bible-woman's suggestion, began
definitely considerate treatment of her mother-in-law.
She is such a babe in Christ and so open, and ready
Photo by]
A TEMPLE ON THE HILLS IN CHEKIANG
to grow. Our last evening together we sat talking
long after the service. It seemed worth anyone's
while to stay right there shepherding that one life
and drawing in through prayer those who seem just
ready to be led to active belief. My heart cries out
for more workers, Spirit-filled Chinamen ! I almost
invariably have to steel my heart to pressing invita-
tions to "come to our village and hold a service"
in order to reach home in good time on Mon-
day.
We are continually met by the man who says
"the Gospel is good if it only did not exclude
ancestral worship." The preacher who came to take
the Sunday ser-
vices had a line of
thought on the
point of reverence
of ancestors which
interested me and
seemed to appeal
to his audience.
He held stoutly
that Christians did
truly reverence
their ancestors,
that an undutiful
son upon becoming
a Christian would
provide for his
father. As to dead
ancestors he con-
fronted his audi-
ence with the ques-
tion, "Do you
know the names of
your ancestors of
the fifth genera-
tion back ? ' ' They
smiled at the
thought of such a
thing. He went
on, "Do you know
the names of the
very first two
people on earth,
the ancestors of all
of us? / do and
all Christians do !
They were Adam
and Eve ! Say the Christians do not reverence their
ancestors ! Moreover, we have a book in which the
names of the descendants of these first ancestors are
recorded, and we may read them all over ! "
The more I know of the people the more wonder-
ful the present opportunity seems to me. The harvest
is ripe, ripe. Do pray that Spirit-filled Chinamen
may be thrust into it.
[i\fr. C. Thomson
' When we get to heaven, opportunities, if we can
judge, will be gone of gladdening the heart of our Re-
deemer by trusting Him when all seems wrong. Let us
treasure them now ; as a part of life's deepest wealth."
44
China's Millions
Phases of Women's Work
BY MRS. W. A. McROBERTS, FENGHWA, CHEKIANG
Photo by]
A VIEW OF ONE OF CHEKIANG'S [Mr. C. Thomson
HARBORS
IT has been suggested that I tell you something of
the women's work, but I can only speak of a day
of small things instead of telling interesting
exploits which might rejoice your hearts. When my
husband came here six years ago the evangelist's wife
was about the only woman attending the services
regularly. Now there are at least fifty women who
come with more or less regularity, having an average
attendance of about thirty.
There are two difficulties in connection with
this work. First, the women of this district are
all illiterate, thus necessitating beginning with
the A. B. C. when they develop a desire for the
Word (of course one of our first efforts is to
foster this desire), as we find that those who
remain unable to read after receiving the Gospel are
never able to be of much help to others even if their
own soul is kept from starvation. We now have
fifteen women who have learned to read their Bibles
fairly well and about a dozen others who are reaching
various grades of perfection with their primers.
Besides these, there are several who, if they could only
get reading glasses, would gladly enter the company
of "seeing eyes," i.e. , those able to read. You may
think, "Why do they not wear spectacles?" One
might as feasibly suggest a detour of Europe and
America as ask these women to go thirty miles
in order to have their eyes tested. "They are
only women," though they could assure you, pain
and discomfort, even after generations of resolute
endurance, feels the same as to their more favored
legal lords and masters. Before turning from this
subject let me give you one example of the persever-
ance required in order to learn to read. One of the
afore mentioned fifteen who can read is now a widow
and childless, but while she was learning her primer
she had two invalid children under four years of age,
and all the cooking, washing and housekeeping to do
for her husband and his several work hands. She
had no spare time night or da}', so while cooking the
rice she sat with a fretful child on one knee, her
precious primer on the other, and by the light of the
flames from the straw placed bit by bit in the open
brick range she slowly groped her way. She has but
recently been received into Church fellowship, but
we reckon her one of our most promising workers of
the future. Fail not to pray for them, for their foe
is crafty and there are temptations peculiar to their
own environment.
The second big difficulty is that most of our women
are from the various villages. The women from the
city are in the minority, which means that it is very
difficult to do any systematic work among these apart
from Sunday. Oil Sunday morning we have a prayer
meeting and after that the regular morning service.
Then, as soon as our mid-day meal is over, it is time
for Sunday school. The evangelist's wife takes
the children and we reward verses of Scripture learned
with lesson cards from friends in the homeland . A little
over three years ago we began to read the Bible con-
secutively with the women, beginning with Matthew.
We have gone through the New Testament and are
now finishing 2 Kings in the Old Testament. Of
course there is not one of the number but has missed
a good many chapters, for we set a chapter a day for
the lesson, and review them all on Sunday, so we
have gone on regardless of those who failed in the
appointed home readings. My husband says he
would not fear to put them on examination beside
any similar class of women in the home churches.
Mr. McRoberts took a consecutive course in Old
Testament characters while we were reading thus.
This proved to be a great help. In the midst
of our many discouragements there are these and
quite a few other things to cheer and bid us go forward.
In addition to the Wednesday women's meeting
begun last year we have started a mothers' cottage
meeting this January and would be very glad of your
prayers for them and those who shall lead. These
meetings are held in the homes of enquirers, or where
the husband is a member and the wife not opposed to
the Gospel, but not yet decided for Christ. In this
way we do trust God may lead into His full and
glorious light those who are still halting between two
opinions and also be the means of leading His chosen
ones from among the neighbors to seek after the Lord.
The lack of reserve or collective hospitality is one real
help in this connection, for no matter how private
your visit to a native friend all their neighbors and
friends run in shouting to those who have not yet
seen you enter. Thus an audience is easily gathered.
At present we are beginning fortnightly services in
four such homes and do crave your weekly remem-
brance if possible. Withal praying for us also that
God may open unto us a door for the Word to speak
the mystery of Christ — that we may make it manifest
as we ought to speak.
If they ask what the promise of ultimate success
is here, tell them, " As much as that there is an Al-
mighty, afaithful God, who will perform Hispromises,
and no more ; " and if that does not satisfy them, beg
them to let me stay here and try it, and to give us our
bread ; or if they are unwilling to risk their bread on
such a forlorn hope as has nothing but the Word of God
to sustain it , beg them at least not to prevent others from
giving us bread, and if we live twenty or thirty years
that they may hear from us again. — '-Adoniram Judson.
China's Millions
45
Our Shanghai Letter
BY MR. D. E. HOSTE
ONCE more I have to report quietness through-
out the country, though during the past day or
two there has been a serious outbreak on the
part of the soldiery at Canton, arising out of a quarrel
with the police ; there has also been an attack made
by soldiers at Soochow on two or three foreigners.
Neither of these occurrences seem, however, to have
any political significance, beyond indicating that the
development of an army in this country is bringing
with it some of the difficulties and dangers that have
been experienced in other lands. Everything in
China points, indeed, to the need of some strong
and wise ruler to guide the country through the
present period of change, and we shall do well
to pray that such a man, or men, may be
raised up.
I am glad to say that Mr. Hampson has been
making some improvement since I last wrote ; but he
still has to keep in his room.
We have not received definite accounts of Mrs.
Bunting's condition. It is evident that she and Mr.
Bunting will need to take furlough as soon as they
are able to travel to the coast.
Since my last letter was written to you, we have
heard of the baptism of 127 more of the tribes people
in Yunnan, which took place in January, thus making
a total of 600 received into the Church during the
past two months or so. Such an ingathering frcm
that province, where hitherto comparatively little
fruit has been granted, is a great encourage-
ment.
We have been sorry to hear of the illness of Mrs.
Grainger at Chengtu, and it is necessary for Mr.
Grainger to bring her down to Shanghai, in order to
undergo an operation here. Mr. Grainger's report
on the work of the Bible school during the past term
tells of good work done by the students and of excel-
lent conduct among them. There have been eleven
pupils connected with our own Mission, whose ages
average thirty-two years ; they come from various
classes of society, two of them having been yamen
secretaries, one a member of the literati, and four
farmers. In addition to these men, there have been
several connected with the Friends' Mission in
Chengtu. I have also received the Rev. C. H.
Parson's report on a similar institute at Paoning,
where five students have been taking the course, one
of them being connected with the C. M. S. I would
ask special prayer on behalf of these men, who, we
hope, will prove useful workers in the future ; though
it does not follow that, because a man has been
through the course of instruction, he is set apart for
special work ; it is being felt that such a step depends
on other qualifications in addition to the knowledge
gained at the training school.
I am sorry to say that Mr. Doherty, who is now
building premises for the Chekiang Bible school at
Hangchow, has been ill for the past fortnight or so,
and the doctor says he will neld to desist from work
for some time to come. Mr. Home is opening the
Kiangsi Bible school at Nanchangfu, the first session
being for four months ; whilst Mr. Dreyer is doing
similar work at Hungtung in Shausi.
Mr. E. Hunt writes an interesting account of a
recent visit paid to the district of Shuian, situated to
the south of Wenchow. He speaks of the great need
of closer supervision and more continuous teaching
of the Chinese local leaders and church members.
We sadly need another male missionary in that part
of the field, but do not at present see where he is to
come from.
We are glad to receive news from different parts
of the field of Bible instruction being carried on
among church members, and the following extract
from a letter by Miss F. L,. Morris of Kiehsiu, in the
province of Shansi is interesting : —
' ' We are constantly as busy as we can well be ;
but praise God that there are so many open doors and
so much to be done. We have had six weeks of
definite Bible teaching for women here on the station
this winter, in addition to that given in the villages
and homes of the people, and again we have to thank
God for some who came in with a very dim conception
of the salvation purchased for them at so great a cost,
who went away definitely trusting in the blood of
Christ for personal salvation. What a joy it is to see
these lives changed by the power of the Cross ! We
have made arrangements for four Bible classes for
women on the station here after Chinese New Year,
commencing with the second moon, and another one
to be held in Chang-hsu-ts'uen beginning on the
twelfth of the first moon, and also lasting for two
weeks. In this way we will reach a large number of
women for two weeks of definite Bible study, and
who can tell what the result will be ! There, is
nothing more blessed than to be able to give the
Diving Word to these dear people, for we know that
if we do this it cannot return void."
A letter from Mrs. Webster at Fushun in West
Szechwan tells of some special union meetings with
the Canadian Methodist Mission, about to be held by
Dr. Spencer Lewis, of the American Methodist Mis-
sion. These meetings will be attended by converts
and enquirers connected with the Canadian Methodist
and our own Mission, and we are earnestly hoping
that lasting spiritual good may result ; we are also
continuing to pray specially on behalf of Mr. Lutley
and Mr. Wang, who are holding similar services in
the eastern part of that province.
Mr. Darlington refers to a movement in one part
of his district of Wanhsien, where some 300 people
are desiring to associate themselves with the Church.
I have mentioned in previous letters that a large num-
ber are attending the services at Kweifu, where Mr.
Beauchamp is kept hard at work in giving instruction
to, and caring for, these people. It is not quite
clear what the motives for these movements may be,
but our brethren are anxious, prayerfully, to make the
most of the opportunity thus presented, whilst
seeking to guard the Church from spurious additions
which later on would prove a source of weakness and
confusion.
46
China's Millions
Tidings from the Provinces
Topics for Prayer
Please continue to remember each
deputation worker whose names have
been previously mentioned in these
columns, viz : — Rev. F. A. Steven,
Rev. W. P. Knight, Mrs. Shapleigh,
and Mrs. Talbot. Pray for the mes-
sages which have been spoken during
the winter months and tor the work
as it continues. Mrs. Stott is at
present visiting in Gait.
Those who know Mr. Doherty will
be grieved to learn that recent letters
from China tell us that he is seriously
ill. Definite prayer is asked that
God's servant may speedily be re-
stored and able to resume the im-
portant Bible Training School work
to which he has been called.
For the work upon the field may
we ask that during the coming weeks
you will wait definitely upon God for
(i) The Bible Schools now in session
and for those who are at the head of
this work. (2) The school work which
should mean so much for the Church
of God in China. (3) The village
work which will be done between now
and the summer months. Water the
word spoken by your representatives
in China with your prayers. Pray
unceasingly for the evangelists and
bible-women.
Mr. Whittlesey of Chungking
writes: — "I want to set before you
four urgent needs of this district.
There are others, but these are the
really urgentones. (1) The right man
to take the oversight of the work in
the Lengshui la district. (2) A
Christian teacher for the compound
boys' school. (3) Women helpers.
This need is most urgent. (4) A Re-
vival ! An out-pouring of God's Holy
Spirit. We are constantly seeing the
droppings. Oh, for the showers !
News Notes
The Government has discussed
the subject of opium prohibition
and intends to dispatch Commis-
sioners Ting Chento and Ching
Hsing to the provinces to inspect
existing conditions of the movement
and the measure of success attained.
In accordance with the instructions
of the Kiangsu Opium Suppression
Bureau, the Shanghai Taotai has
ordered the Mixed Court Magistrate
to ascertain the number of dealers in
prepared opium in the settlement,
where and under what firm names
they each carry on their business,
their full names and the average
amount of opium they each sell a day.
It is reported that members of the
Waiwupu have stated that the total
quantity of foreign opium imported
at the ports last year exceeded the
quantity originally agreed upon as
the reduced limit for the year ; and,
as the matter is an important one, it
is proposed to ascertain the excess
over the proper quantity. Repre-
sentations will then be made to the
foreign powers to deduct this quantity
from that allowed to be imported this
year, in addition to the reduction
already agreed upon.
All who are interested in the great
moral question which is just now
absorbing the thoughts of China's
statesmen, will be glad to know that
in the west of the empire drastic
reforms have been made in regard to
opium growing. Early in the autumn
Mr. A. H. Broomhall sent out a cir-
cular inquiring as to the growth of
the drug and with very few exceptions
the reply was "None." When it is
realized that Szechwan has been one
of the districts where opium has been
most largely cultivated it will show
how the nation is stirred on this vital
subject.
According to Chinese information
an association has been formed in
Peking, with the object of expediting
the opening of parliament. It has
telegraphed to the provincial assemb-
lies, and to educational and other
public bodies in all the provinces,
pointing out the urgent necessity of
an early opening of parliament, and
requesting them to take action and
send delegates to support the pro-
vincial delegates in their petition.
Replies, it is stated, have been re-
ceived from many provinces, express-
ing approval and promising to send
representatives to Peking. They
have vowed a determination not to
cease their efforts till their object has
been gained.
It is reported that, as the Prince
Regent has been alive to the neces-
sity of creating in China, a cabinet,
on the plan of a cabinet in foreign
countries, to serve as a responsible
organ at the head of the government,
he has commanded the grand council
to prepare for his perusal a memo-
randum on the cabinet constitutions
in various foreign countries. The
council, after due deliberations, has
deemed it best to collect separate
translations on the subject and from
them to compile a comparative epitome
of foreign cabinets. The task will be
entrusted to Vice-President Li Chia-
chii, who has studied the subject of
constitutions in Japan, with ample
assistance, so as to secure its early
completion. It has been reported
that Prince Ching will be appointed
the chief cabinet minister, but the
Prince Regent is said to favor the
appointment being conferred on some
enlightened high official outside the
Imperial aristocracy. The likely
candidates are believed to be Grand
Councillors Shih Hsii, Na Tung and
Tai Hung-tze and Viceroy Chao Erh-
hsen.
From native reports we learn that
the officials, gentry and people in
Peking are alike enthusiastically sub-
scribing for the National Debt Asso-
ciation. Officials subscribe according
to their ranks, but the people do so
at their pleasure. The government
intends to advise officials in all the
provinces to make contributions to
the association. A notable feature of
the past month has been the manner
in which the idea of this association
has taken root in many quarters. It
is stated that the grand council
intended to ask that a decree should
be issued, eulogizing the movement
as an encouragement, but a grand
secretary prevented this step, on the
ground that success is still a matter
of uncertainty and that the throne
should, therefore, withhold its recog-
nition for the time being. Another
report says that His Imperial High-
ness the Prince Regent has pro-
mised to hand over half his annual
salary to this association. He also
intends to take half of the salar-
ies of the hereditary nobles as a
contribution towards the fund. The
Chinese Consul in Singapore has
cabled to the Waiwupu that the
Chinese residents there are very
anxious about the matter and will be
pleased to establish an association for
raising funds for the purpose in hand.
The workers on the native press in
Peking have also established an
association for raising funds for
paying off the national debt.
Chekiang
Tungmj — While Mr. Alex. Miller
was with us we spent over three
weeks in the country, visiting five
different places. At two centres we
had special meetings, mostly taken
by Mr. Miller, and which were on the
plan of Bible classes. Stuart and I
did over one huudred //on horseback.
We thoroughly enjoyed it, and it did
us both good. We have a number of
helpers who are always giving us
more and more joy and encourage-
ment. We thank God for them.
The people so need Bible teaching
and help. It is only in visiting them
and staying with them that we can
help them most. A number have
promised to come to the Bible school
in the first month. We are looking
forward to this. I expect some women
China's Millions
47
and must get ready for them. I had
a happy time among the women
during our country visitation. I
wish the Tunglu women were like
these country folks. I had a good
woman with me. We took several
meetings and visited a number of
homes. One woman, Mrs. Lang, is
a real help. She is the wife of one of
the leading men of the district. They
live in a tiny village where there are
not more than five or six homes, and
most of the people are relatives.
Some years ago they destroyed the
idol which guarded the road leading
into the village. Behind them is a
goodly sized temple to which they
say no one ever comes now. This
little village must have a great influ-
ence for good all around it. An old
woman of over seventy goes regularly
to worship — a distance of five li.
Mrs. Lang is a strong, helpful
woman, a real mother. I spent two
happy and profitable days with her.
We occupied rooms that seemed to
have been built especially with the
view to our occupying them. Many
duties bring us back to Tunglu, but
we hope soon again to be able to go
to our people in that western district.
I have omitted to tell you that at
our November conference the sum of
seventy dollars was raised as a mis-
sionary fund for one year's salary of
an evangelist who is to go especially
to the unreached places with the
Gospel. This amount is not enough,
but will be increased next year. The
man has been chosen from among
themselves, and is now on his first
missionary tour. Others of our men
have promised to spare time from their
work to go into the, as yet, untouched
Hsien of Ch'anghua, on the border of
Anhwei. One has already been there
to preach the Gospel. — Mrs. J. B.
Miller.
Yunnan
Talifu — I am glad to be able to
report that the attendance at the ser-
vices during the month of January
has been very good. On one occasion
we had ninety -four men and boys at
the Sunday evening service. At the
week night services, which are held
every night except Saturday, the
attendance has been larger than
formerly, the average being sixteen.
The increased attendance is possibly
due to the fact that Li-si (our cook)
and I go on the street every Sunday
afternoon with tracts and personally
invite the people to come. We
usually give away about five hundred
tracts during the afternoon. Last
Sunday we gave away six hundred
and eighty small calendars, which
are really tracts with a calendar in
the centre of the sheet. We have had
a block cut for stamping invitations,
and once during the month I gave
away one hundred and fifty printed
invitations. I find it pays to keep at
them, as some have only come after
repeated invitations.
Mr. Chao, the furrier, continues to
go forward and is a real encourage-
ment to us. His sister was married
about three weeks ago and, as the
father is dead and the furrier is the
eldest brother, he had the arranging
of the affair. He invited us all to the
wedding and would not allow any
idolatry in connection with it at his
home. He is not ashamed for it to
be known that he believes what we
have come to preach, and on more
than one occasion has gone on the
street with us to give away tracts.
Mr. Uang, the draper, arrived back
from the capital two weeks ago and
we were very glad to see him. He is
a real help on Sundays as he is never
backward in speaking to those who
gather in the guest hall after the
morning service. May I ask for a
continued interest in your prayers on
his behalf, as there are so many things
to hinder him in his home and busi-
ness life.
Last week we had the pleasure of a
visit from Mr. E. J. Dingle, who has
offered to the United Methodist
Church Mission at Tongch'uan. He
was a journalist in Singapore for
several years, and, during leave of
absence for a year, he started to walk
across China for the purpose of seeing
the country and of gathering material
for writing a book. He broke his
arm when near Tongch'uan and later
on had a severe illness, during which
time he was kindly looked after by
Mr. and Mrs. Evans of that place.
During the months spent at Tong-
ch'uan he had abundant opportunity
of seeing real mission work and
finally decided that the Lord wanted
him to give his life to this work. He
is now going on to Bhamo to complete
his original plan and will then return
to Tongch'uan to meet a deputation
of workers who are coming out from
the homeland.
The attendance on medical days
continues about the same, although
the approach of the Chinese New Year
has caused a slight falling off in the
attendance,— W. T. Clark, M.D.
Shansi
Hwochow — I think the most strik-
ing feature of the Conference was the
daily noon evangelistic meeting for
men. After the morning service we
took the women to the Bible School
courtyard and the men filled the
church, which holds over 600 people,
and the Gospel was preached by vari-
ous leaders. I think we shall con-
tinue this each Sunday, as we find
that by the time our morning service
concludes numbers of men come in to
see and hear, and the Christians will
be glad of this time to preach to
them. We meanwhile have a similar
talk with the women in the uncon-
ventional way which best enables
them to understand, and leaves them
free to ask questions. We have now
twenty-eight in the Bible school, and
there are eighty-six boarders in our
girls' school, besides teachers and
pupil teachers. We cannot be thank-
ful enough for the native helpers —
men and women — without whom so
much work on the station would be
quite impossible. We have in our
girls' school a band of seven young
women — teachers and pupil teachers —
who are, I believe, seeking above all
things to win the children for Christ.
My head teacher came to help when
we opened the school after 1900, and
all the others have been here first as
pupils and then as helpers since that
time. The deaconess of the church,
Mrs. Liang, you no doubt know by
name. We do thank God for her,
and for the gifts He has bestowed
upon her. The buildings are now
complete, and I think you would re-
joice could you see the large and con-
venient compound now erected. It is
already well filled, and we do recog-
nise the good hand of God upon us
this year. — Miss A. M. Cable.
Chekiang
Yenchow — Since receiving your
letter I have made another itinerating
journey in my district. As usual I
sought to cover fresh ground. In ad-
dition to the city I stayed in six vil-
lages, lodging in two inns and five
"homes." Among the latter was the
home of a literary B.A., a military
B.A., and the son of a military M.A.
One village had one thousand homes;
others were smaller, but were centres
from which to visit surrounding vil-
lages. The literary B.A. had a queer
idea of the members of our Church,
thinking these belonged to the worst
classes. I endeavored to enlighten
him as to how we " received, " and the
value of the individual soul to God.
We had a long talk over the Word, and
I trust he was helped and blessed.
The military B.A. was very friendly.
Here, one evening, a crowd surround-
ed me from five to nine p.m. One
literary B.A. showed want of polite-
ness when talking of the " Doctrine, "
which did not meet with the approval
of those present. At another home
two sons gave me a hearty invitation
to return. At this place I was able to
attend to a few sick folk. My last
evening I had a nice group in my room
upstairs to whom I unfolded the par-
able of the "Prodigal Son." A man
here who had business connections in
Chiichow, and who knew Mr. Emslie,
was very kind, and accompanied me
to twelve villages. — Mr. A . Hammond.
48
China's Millions
Editorial Notes
THE Report of the Rochester Student Volunteer
Convention will be ready in the near future.
The regular price of the Report will be one dol-
lar and fifty cents a volume, but by a special arrange-
ment the readers of this paper may secure the same
for one dollar a volume. Orders should be sent direct
to the Student Volunteer Movement, at 125 East 27th
Street, New York city. In order to secure the re-
duced price, this paper should be mentioned when
ordering.
The weekly prayer meeting which has been held
in the Mission Home at Germantown will be held
hereafter in the new premises at 1329 Walnut Street,
Philadelphia. This change is made in order to secure
a more central and accessible place of meeting. We
trust that it will result in securing an enlarged attend-
ance at our prayer meetings. We give all of our
friends who live in and near Philadelphia a hearty in-
vitation to attend the meetings. They will be held
on Friday afternoons at half-past three o'clock.
The establishing of a book-room in connection
with the Philadelphia offices has already made an ap-
preciable difference in the sale of our Mission litera-
ture. We trust that this will be increasingly so and
that God will thus put into circulation a large number
of our books and pamphlets, to the blessing of lives
here and of souls in China. It is our purpose to keep,
not only our own literature, but also a stock of general
missionary literature, so that friends may count upon
our supplying most of the best books upon missionary
subjects. Orders by mail will be filled as promptly as
possible. The business will be carried on upon a
cash basis, so that purchasers will be kind enough
not to ask for extended accounts.
We are thankful to announce that our Council has
been strengthened by the addition of two valued
members. Mr. William Borden, of Princeton, has
been appointed to act with the Philadelphia Council,
and the Rev. Principal T. R. O'Meara, E-L-D., of
Wycliffe College, Toronto, has been appointed to act
with the Toronto Council. The first appointment
will bring the Mission into closer touch with the stu-
dent body, as Mr. Borden is a recent graduate of Yale
University and a present student in Princeton Theo-
logical Seminary ; and the second appointment will
worthily fill the place left vacant by the death of our
beloved friend Mr. Desbarres. We are grateful to
these two brethren for consenting to be our helpers in
the work, and we trust that their connection with the
Mission will mean great blessing to it. May we ask
earnest prayers for these friends, as well as for all
other members of our Council.
We mourn, with many others, the death of Mrs.
Harris, the beloved wife of Dr. Elmore Harris, of our
Council. The taking away of Mrs. Harris is a heavy
loss, not only to her husband and children, but also
to ourselves, for our friend was ever a warm and
generous sympathizer with us in our service for Christ
and China, and one upon whose prayers we could con-
stantly depend. We rejoice with her in the joy which
is hers in being in the presence of the One she loved
and served, but we mourn for the work which will no
longer have the benefit of her ministry, and especially
for the bereft husband and children. To these, we
offer our deep sympathy, and the assurance of our
earnest prayers.
We once saw the motto displayed upon the front
of a periodical, as related to the evangelization of the
world, " He can do it if we will." As we first looked
at the words, they seemed just a little irreverent, as
if God were dependent upon us, and as if we could
hinder the fulfilment of His purposes. But a longer
meditation upon the words led us to believe that,
after all, they were not so far apart from the truth.
If God has not been pleased to make Himself depend-
ent upon us, why did Christ so insistently command
that we should go into all the world and preach His
Gospel to every creature ? And if we may not hinder
the fulfillment of God's purposes, why has Christ tar-
ried so long in heaven, when he promised, if we would
evangelize the world, that He would come speedily.
Yes, " He can do it, if we will " ; and, it follows, He
will not do it, if we will not ! Preaching the Gospel
has been given as a task, not to angels, but to men ;
and, therefore, it is for us to determine whether or
not the Gospel shall be preached. Oh, for men and
women who will cry : — "Woe is unto me if I preach
not the Gospel ! ' '
" Eift up your eyes, and look on the fields, for
the}- are white already to harvest" (John 4: 35).
We recently saw in print that a certain esteemed man
was convinced, after spending two years in traveling
in heathen lands, that now, none other but the ablest
of the workers at home were needed for the work
abroad. We venture to doubt the truth of this state-
ment. That the ablest men are needed in a new
sense, because of the development of the work in
heathenism and because of the changed conditions
there, is manifestly true. But it is necessary to re-
member, before coming to a conclusion which would
henceforth exclude the more average man, that the
pioneer work in a land like China, such as gave place
and opportunity to the average man in the earlier
days, is still existing. Taking the population of
China as that of four hundred millions of people, and
supposing that twenty millions of these — which is a
large estimate — have now an adequate knowledge of
the Gospel, we have left three hundred and eighty mil-
lions of persons who are in as dense ignorance of Christ
as if the Savior had never come to earth. Among
these there is needed an immediate proclamation of
the word of life, and to say that only the very ablest
workers must henceforth go to China is to relegate
most of these millions to continued darkness and
death. According to our understanding of the
situation, a large number of missionaries from the
home lands is still required. There is a call, there-
fore, not only for the ablest men, but also for those
who may not be so well equipped intellectually, but
who are ripe in spiritual experience and are strong in
faith toward God.
CHINA'S MILLIONS
TORONTO, MAY, 1910
"Watchman, What of the Night"
From " The Life of Faith
"TTTATCHMAN, what of the night? The
YY watchman said, The morning cometh"
(Isaiah 21 : 11.) The nineteenth century
beheld perhaps the most amazing progress the Church
of Christ has ever experienced. A little more than a
hundred years ago there was no Bible Society ; to-day
three Anglo-Saxon Bible Societies alone pour forth
annually over ten million portions of the Scriptures,
in four to five hundred languages of the world. Can
any imagination conceive the spiritual effect of this
mighty river of truth pouring itself among all man-
kind ? A little more than a hundred years ago mis-
sionary societies — apart from the Jesuit and Mora-
vian — were practically unknown ; in 1909 there were
19,875 missionaries scattered, as living epistles of
Christ, through the heathen world. It would be
difficult to say what was the membership of God's
Church when the century dawned ; but it is now
computed that the membership of Protestant Evan-
gelical communions is not less than one hundred and
forty to one hundred and fifty millions. It is possible
that eternity will reveal to us that the nineteenth
century was the richest toward God of any century
in the world's history.
Nor does G:>d's worldwide advance slacken ; the
last decade is probably the most wonderful of all.
" The morning cometh.'" More educated converts
have been won in India in the last two decades than
in the whole preceding century. Bishop Moule, of
Mid-China, says that when he first landed in that
empire it held less than fifty Protestant Christians ;
in the first decade of the twentieth century there
have been 16,000 martyrs ; and nearly two thousand
missionaries are now planted throughout China. A
little over twenty years ago the Christians in all Korea
numbered seven ; in 1908, alone, there were fifty
thousand converts ; and, at a recent conference of
twelve hundred laymen, some walked for ten days to
enjoy the Bible study. In Tokachi prison, in Kok-
kaido, Japan, a spiritual movement, sweeping through
it in 1908, brought nearly two thousand of the inmates
to Christ, and most of the prison officials have been
baptized. Four years after the Welsh revival, in
spite of the reaction, from sixty to seventy thousand
converts were known to be established in church
fellowship. The Census Bureau of the United States
reports that, between 1890 and 1906, an average of
eight new churches had been built every day. It has
been recently stated that within the last decade more
Jews have become believers — it is, of course, but an
approximate computation — than in all the seventeen
hundred years after Paul.
All these are but symptoms of a work of the Holy
Spirit which is nothing short of stupendous. For the
first time since our L,ord ascended nearly the whole
world is now open to the Gospel, and is being
penetrated by heralds of the Cross. The year 1908
was a phenomenal one in missionary advance ; 164,674
native members were added to the Church, or an
average of five hundred a day. Nor is the heroism
of the Cross confined to any Christian group. Dr.
Ambrose Shepherd recently met a young Roman
Catholic priest in a railway carriage, on a farewell
visit to his mother before leaving for the Congo.
' ' When do you expect to come back ? " Dr. Shepherd
asked. "Never," was the reply ; "we have buried
fifteen already, and the average period of life is about
two years ; " and when the young priest rose to take
farewell, in a voice that trembled with emotion, he
said, " The life which I now live in the flesh, I live
by the faith of the Son of God."
' The watchman said, And also the night.''' The
facts are not more antithetical than are the words of
the watchman. "Of no time in the history of the
world," said The Times recently, "are so many signs
of general unrest recorded as those which seem to
confront us to-day ; " or, in the words of the Bible
Society's report (1909) — "The horoscope of the
future is written over with signs of incalculable
change." As the Rev. James Johnston has pointed
out in his " A Century of Missions," the heathen and
Mohammedan population of the world counts more
by two hundred millions than a hundred years ago,
while the converts and their families number less than
three millions ; a seventy-fold increase of the darkness
over the tight. There are millions more of heathen
souls in China to-day than when the first Protestant
missionary landed a hundred years ago ; for every
convert added to the Church a thousand souls are
added to Chinese heathendom by mere growth of
population. " If our plans of education be followed
up," said Lord Macaulay in 1836, "there will not be
a single idolator among the respectable classes in
Bengal thirty years hence ; " to-day there is a false
god for every member of the population of India —
between two and three hundred millions. In Japan
there are four hundred and fifty heathen temples for
every single Christian missionary. There are
400 000,000 of mankind who have not a leaf of the
Bible in their 2,700 languages and dialects.
Nor is faith what it was in the lands of faith. In
1908, in the State Church in Berlin alone, the fall in
membership was ten thousand persons. The Bible
5Q
China's Millions
Society reports that the sale of the Scriptures is
falling. In Liverpool — the third city of the empire —
in 1881, 40 seats out of every 100 were filled at
morning worship in the Free Churches ; in 189 1, 31 ;
in 1902, 25; in 1908, 12. So also evening attendance
has fallen from 57 in every 100 seats in 1881, to 28
in 1908. " Tom Paine's work," says the editor of the
Freethinker, ' ' is now carried on by the descendants
of his persecutors ; all he said about the Bible is being
said in substance by orthodox divines from chairs of
theology." At the last census in France, eight
millions enrolled themselves as atheists; "we have
driven Jesus Christ," says the Premier, M. Briaud,
" out of the army, the navy, the schools, the hos-
pitals, the lunatic asylums, and the orphanages ; we
must now drive Him out of the State altogether."
This decay in faith is already producing its inevitable
recoil in morality. While the population of the
United States has grown one
hundred per cent., crime has
increased by four hundred per
cent. The decade of unprece-
dented revivals — in Wales,
Madagascar, Korea, China — is
the decade of unparalleled
earthquakes — at Valparaiso,
San Francisco, Jamaica, Mes-
sina ; it would seem as if grace
is speaking her loudest as the
earth trembles with premoni-
tory judgments. The vast
revival in Moslem lands ; the
flood of infidel literature which
Japan is pouring into China, a
fourth of the human race ; the
mushroom growth of such
spiritisms as Spiritualism and
Christian Science ; the actual
rumors of the rebuilding of
Babylon and the Temple — ' ' the
watchman said, And also the
night."
A DECORATIVE ARCH AT T
THE CHIEF TEMPLES IN
"The watchman said, If ye
will inquire, inquire ye." If the
light that is in us be darkness,
how great is the darkness ; and
if the Lamp of Prophecy be
extinguished, how inextricable is the confusion.
" Inquire ye." Why inquire? Because the future
which God has revealed, is the futvire which I ought
to know ; because without a knowledge of prophecy,
the present workings of God are plunged in unintel-
ligible mystery ; because prophecy uncovers the pit-
falls that lie in our path ; because a knowledge of the
future is of incalculable importance in shaping the
present. Hear the watchman's mournful undertone:
"//ye will inquire, inquire ye." It is a strange
irony of the situation that worldly eyes can read the
signs more acutely than the general Church. Says
a novelist whose works sell by the hundred thousand,
in many languages :
" All things that Christ prophesied are coming to
pass so quickly that I wonder more people do not
realize it ; and I especially wonder at the laxity and
apathy of the Churches, except for the fact that this
also was prophesied. Some of us will live to see a
time of terror, and that before very long. The
blasphemous things which are being done in the world
to-day cannot go on much longer without punishment.
We know by history that deliberate scorn of God and
Divine things has always been met by retribution of a
sudden and terrible nature — and it will be so again."
Prophecy is the profoundest pessimism and the
profoundest optimism ; it is profoundly pessimistic of
all that a Christ-rejecting generation is about to do;
it is profoundly optimistic of all that an almighty and
an all-gracious God will effect in the imminent estab-
lishment of His Kingdom. Dr. Kelman recently
asked an eminent American man of science his solu-
tion of the problems of modern city life. " An
emperor!" came the answer, swift and decisive.
' ' An emperor ? ' ' asked Dr. Kelman , in surprise ; "I
thought you had done with all that in America. Be-
sides, your emperor would need
to be a very wonderful man,
incapable of mistakes, and
extraordinarily competent for
leadership. " " Precisely, " was
the quiet answer ; ' ' and we
know the Man ; we are waiting
for Him, and His name is —
Jesus." " The thrill of that
reply," says Dr. Kelman, "will
never leave me."
HE ENTRANCE TO ONE OF
FENG SIANGFU, SHENSI
' ' The Watchman said , Turn
ye: come.'" It may be that some
unbelieving eyes may alight
upon these words. The Rabbis
expound the Watchman, who
speaks here, as the Messiah ;
so it is — "turn ye" — repent-
ance toward God ; and ' ' come "
— faith toward our Lord Jesus
Christ. Why thus turn and
come? Because, to press for-
ward, if we are right, is to press
forward amid perhaps the
mightiest operations ever put
forth on a worldwide scale by
the Holy Ghost. The difficulty
in the world to-day is not to
find God, but to escape Him.
Because every moment that a world hardens itself
against Divine light, an atmosphere is being produced
in which it is every moment more difficult to believe.
Because, if to Chorazin and Bethsaida, after three years
of Gospel opportunity, Jesus said : "It shall be more
tolerable for Tyre and Sidon," shall it not also be said
of our cities, after a thousand years of opportunity.
Because nineteen hundred years ago the Night was
far spent, and the Day was at hand ; there can be no
time to lose now. The day before the wall of fire
rolled down on St. Pierre, the telephone clerk spoke
through to Fort de France, saying that the people were
fleeing. Next morning, at ten minutes to eight, he
was heard to exclaim, " My God ! it is here ! " and he
was afterwards found, with the receiver in his hand,
burnt to a cinder. " Watchman, what of the night?"
That is, what hour of the night is it? "Little
children, it is the last hour." (1 John 2 : 18.)
China's Millions
5i
The Future of Missionary Work
EXTRACTS FROM AN ADDRESS BY REV. ARTHUR JUDSON BROWN, D.D.
From the " Chinese Recorder"
MISSIONARY work must be conducted in the
future amid changed conditions. When the
Haystack prayer meeting was held, a large
part of the heathen world was closed. Missionary
work was largely influenced by the fact that few
lands were open and that in many of those lands only
the fringes could be touched. But one day a man
built a fire and put water over it, and when the steam
accumulated, he made it drive a ship. To-day no
waters are too remote for the modern steamer. Its
smoke trails across every sea and far up every navi-
gable stream. It has carried locomotives which are
speeding across the steppes of Siberia, through the
valleys of Japan, across the uplands of Burma, over
the mountains of Asia Minor and through the very
heart of the Dark Continent. You take your meals
in a dining car in Korea. You thunder on a railway
train up to the gates of the capital of China, while in
the Holy Land the brakeman noisily bawls, " Jeru-
salem the next stop ! " These things mean the acces-
sibility of the non-Christian world, that in the era
upon which we have entered the missionary of the
cross can go anywhere. And if he can go, he ought
to go. Opportunity is obligation. With the world
before us, we must plan our work on a large scale.
Politically, great transformations affect mission-
ary work. Large areas of the non-Christian world
are now ruled by the so-called Christian nations.
Nearly one-half of Asia, ten-elevenths of Africa and
practically all of the island world are under nomi-
nally Christian governments ; while some other
countries have come so far under Western influences
as to be from this viewpoint under almost the same
conditions. The political idea that has been devel-
oped by Christianity is becoming well known through-
out the whole non-Christian world and is causing
changes which the missionary statesman must
consider.
The transition from the first century of Protestant
missions to the second century is attended by this
significant change — that the non-Christian peoples
are regarded with more respect. Our methods must
adapt themselves to the fact that the American mis-
sionary does not go out as a superior to an inferior,
but as a man, with a message to his brother- man,
knowing that back of almond eyes and under a black
skin is a soul for whom Christ died.
And the Asiatic discovers not only our vices, but
our sectarian differences and, worse still, our irre-
ligion. He knows that multitudes in the lands from
which the missionaries come repudiate Christianity
and sneer at the effort to preach it to other peoples,
and that while the missionaries exhort Asiatics to keep
the Sabbath, Americans at home do not keep it them-
selves. Brahmans and Mandarins read infidel books
and magazine articles, confronting the missionary
with the hostile arguments of his own countrymen.
And so we must prosecute our work amid changed
conditions ; people at home no longer under illusions
as to what the heathen are, and the heathen no longer
under illusions as to what we are. The romance of
missions in the popular mind has been dispelled, and
the missionary is not now a hero to the average
Christian. We do not confront a cringing heathen-
ism, but an aroused and militant Asia which has
awakened to a new consciousness of unity and power.
The old is passing away and a new created world
springs up, but a world that is not Christian. Asia
for the Asiatic is now the cry, and we must reckon
with it. Thus while some difficulties, such as
physical hardships and isolation have diminished,
new obstacles of a formidable character have emerged.
In such circumstances what are some of the reason-
able inferences as to the future of missionary work ?
First of all, we must recognize the fact that this is
not a crusade whose object is to be attained by a mag-
nificent spurt. Error and superstition are so inter-
woven with the whole social and political fabric of
the non-Christian world that Christianity seems to it
to be subversive. For a long time other faiths were
indifferent to the Gospel, but as priests see more and
more clearly what changes Christianity involves,
indifference is giving place to alarm. The ethnic
religions are therefore setting themselves in battle
array. It would be foolish to ignore their power,
foolish to imagine that we are seeing the last of
Buddhism in Japan and Siam, of Confucianism in
China, of Brahmanism in India, and of Mohammedan-
ism in Turkey. Heathenism will die hard.
The world, the flesh, and the Devil are in Asia as
well as in America, and fighting harder. It is no
holiday task to which we have set ourselves. We are
engaged in a gigantic struggle in which there are
against us "the principalities, the powers, the world
rulers of this darkness." Need have we of patience,
of determination, of " the strength of His might, and
the whole armor of God."
Let us not be misled by the idea that men are going
to be converted wholesale by any patent devices. An
eminent and sincere worker in China says that present
missionary methods remind him of the old time sexton
who went about a church and lighted each lamp separ-
ately, and that we ought to adopt the method of the
modern sexton, who simply touches a button. ' ' Con-
vert a dozen of China's leaders," he cries, " and you
will convert China." I do not believe in that kind of
conversion. I sympathize rather with James Gilmour
who, in a letter shortly before his death, wrote : "I
am becoming more and more impressed with the idea
that what is wanted in China is not new lightning
methods, so much as good, honest, quiet, earnest, per-
sistent work in old lines and ways." Some changes in
method are required, but not those that involve the
abandonment of Christ's method of dealing with men.
Grant that there are some difficulties, some
tragedies, some failures of our cherished plans. Our
failure is not necessarily God's failure. More than once
we have made this mistake. But God is not tied up to
our methods. They may be defective. Let us not be
ashamed to confess that we have made some mistakes
and let us be ready to readjust our methods from time
to time as God in His providence may direct.
5 2
China's Millions
Work in Chungking, Szechwan
(Extracts from the Annual Report)
BY MR. R. B. WHITTL8SEY
IN the book of Ezra we frequently meet with the
expression, "according to the hand (or the good
hand ) of his God upon him." It was because of
this that the king "granted all his requests;"
(Chapter 7:6); it was because of this that their
four months journey to Jerusalem came to a prosper-
ous conclusion, 7:9; it was because of this that he
had the strength necessary to bear the great responsi-
bility which rested upon him, 7 : 28 ; needed and
valuable men of understanding were led to join his
party because of this, 8 : 18-20 ; his unfailing belief
in the reality of this made it possible for him to
openly say to the king that he needed no other help,
knowing it was more trustworthy than any arm of
flesh, 8 : 22 ; and he willingly bore testimony that
their deliverance from the enemies which lay in wait
for them by the way was due to this fact.
Like God's children of old, we of this station wish
to acknowledge that it is because the " good hand of
our God has been upon us" that we have been pre-
served in health, another unbroken year of service
having been the experience during 1909 ; that we have
been preserved from our enemies, not even a rumor
of trouble having been in circulation during the past
twelve months ; that we, too, have had the necessary
strength to bear the responsibility resting upon us,
a responsibility, the seriousness of which grows on
us as the years go by, and for which we are absolutely
inadequate of ourselves ; and that whatever there has
been of success in the year's work has been because
of this grand fact. We join with Ezra in singing,
" Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, which hath
extended mercy unto me. And I was strengthened
as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me."
Ezra 7 : 27, 28.
The year has seen the introduction of two new
ideas into our work. The first is the establishment
of what we choose to call, for lack of a better name,
our quarterly meeting. The first of the four is to be
held here in Chungking ; in fact was held last Febru-
ary. Members and enquirers from all the district
come up for a week of instruction, and conference.
Our first meeting was a success, and we are sure a
good work has been done. The next two meetings
of the four are to be held in turn in all of the out-
stations, it being too far, and too frequent for
the men to come here every time. These
have not been successful in two of the three out-
stations for reasons which are evident, but which I
cannot well give in detail. However, at the third,
Mr. Ch'en's home, they have been a decided success,
and are in good favor. I went to the first, and Mr.
Bird to the second. Mr. Bird had the privilege of bap-
tizing the first two men to be baptized up there.
(Mr. Ch'en and Mr. Chang, the first to be received
of the people there, were baptized here in Chungking.)
The fourth of these meetings is really the second new
idea mentioned above. It is an annual conference of
Christians and enquirers from five of our C I. M.
stations at this end of the province. This year it was
held at Suifu. Being seven days from here we had
only five men present, but altogether forty men
gathered for four days meetings and we had a grand,
good time. Dr. Parry led a morning Bible class,
subject : — The Holy Spirit, as in the Gospels, Romans
and Ephesians. Not a little heart searching resulted,
and much good was done.
The three afternoon subjects were : — A Christian's
duty, in the home, in the church, and in the world.
These were led by Chinese, and were splendidly
handled, and very profitable.
As all our school children must attend Sunday
morning service we have tried this year to introduce
more inlo the service for the children. Twice we
have had special children's addresses, and one large,
united children's service was held in which the four
missions took part. It was a grand sight to see about
eight hundred children together, ar.d I counted it a
privilege to speak to them.
A successful effort to scatter the printed page
among the thousauds who congregate in several large
tea-shops on the first few days of the Chinese year
was made, when several thousand sheet tracts were
distributed. Later on a special effort was made
among the police of the city. Mr. Broomhall used
the magic lantern for their entertainment, and as they
left, a packet of books was handed to each man, a
special one being given to the officers.
Our Christmas day festivities went off nicely, and
all seemed to have a good time. All sat down to a
good dinner, and enjoyed a lantern exhibition in the
afternoon. Expenses were borne by those who were
able, some giving more, and some less, and a few
nothing at all.
As you may have noticed from the statistics given
there has not been one death in our midst this year,
and only one suspension . Owing to four having been
transferred elsewhere, our total membership has
decreased one.
We are encouraged to see some new faces among
the regular enquirers. It is hoped that some few
may be baptized at the time of the meetings to be held
early next Chinese year. One man, who has just
recently joined us, is a very interesting case. He is
a Chungking man who for years has been a most
earnest idolater, in fact a leader in the business,
making his living largely in this way. He was per-
suaded this year to take a pilgrimage to West China's
sacred mountain, Mount O-mei, which he did.
Enroute he had to pass through the city of Kiating.
Upon arrival there he was not well, had no more money,
and the weather was wet. Bring a tailor by trade
he began to look for work to help himself out, and
found it with a Christian tailor who at once tried to
persuade him to go to chapel. Just at this time they
were having a special time of revival. He would not
go at first, but later went. Almost from the first he
was impressed, and in a very few days was soundly
converted. He remained on there for some months,
but has now returned here to bear testimony of his
China's Millions
53
new found faith among his own people. As soon as
he arrived he went to his home in the country a few
miles from here and tore down all his idols, etc.,
making a clean breast of it all. He will be with us,
and we want you to pray that we may be helped of
God to be a help to him. During the year two
enquirers have died, these were both women
whom we believe were trusting in the Lord, and who
died rejoicing in a sure and certain hope. Illness
and old age had prevented their being baptized. One
of them worked for Mrs. Parry as needle-woman and
as she sat working she would frequently talk of God's
love to her, saying, " How wonderful it all is to think
that Jesus came to die that we might be saved. Oh !
how can I ever repay Him for such wonderful love."
She died of consumption. She had gone to her
country home but insisted upon being brought back
here to die, in order that her brother should have no
idolatrous practices at her funeral. Lately an elderly
woman from the country has been coming and she,
too, seems to have taken a grasp of the truth not
usual for a beginner. Mrs. Whittlesey in conversa-
tion with her emphasizes the necessity of belief in
Jesus as the one needful thing, and her reply always
is, " If I did not believe, do you think I would come?"
Early in the year an elderly, unmarried woman, a
vegetarian, came into our chapel and attended the meet-
ings for some time. She, too, seemed to understand,
and believe. She did not remain long enough for us to
be sure of the latter, but we trust it is so, and ask you
to pray for her. Another woman with a large family,
who finds it hard to make ends meet, comes to meeting
when she can, and says, with a bright face, " I do so
like to come ; it makes me feel better, and helps to
make the days brighter and easier."
Preaching-hall work is almost exclusively seed
sowiug, no very definite results being seen from it.
But one encouragement has been given during the
year by the fact that not a few of the women so reached
had heard the Gospel message before in some other
place. So the good work goes on, here and elsewhere,
and some time, perhaps not far off, will come a
grand reaping day. Pray that it may be so.
Miss Ramsay reports, in visiting the homes of her
scholars, that she finds they are not backward in
bearing a testimony in their respective homes, the
mothers knowing not a little of the Gospel from them.
Praise God for this !
Mrs. Parry's scholars are all from heathen homes,
so it will specially interest you to hear from some of
them. One, a girl of fourteen, who found it difficult
to bear witness among her relatives said, " They
have so many arguments which they bring up that I
cannot answer, and yet I know and believe in my own
heart that the Bible is true and that Jesus saves."
Another of thirteen steadfastly refuses to partake of
food which has been offered to the spirits of the dead,
or to idols. Her mother said of her, " She believes,
very much believes, your doctrine." This same girl
was known to possess a nice new hymn-book, but
always used a shabby one. When asked wh}', she
said, "Oh! I am keeping that one (the good one)
for my father to use when he becomes a Christian."
It would cheer your heart to hear these girls repeat
Scripture. Besides being able to repeat correctly
many hymns they can repeattheTen Commandments;
the Lord's prayer ; Psalm 23 ; Beatitudes ; the whole
" Gospel in rhyme " (one of their school books) ; the
Catechism; passages from John 3, Matthew 11, and
John 14 ; names of the books of the Bible, and some
simple prayers. And the older girls, in addition to
this, can repeat correctly the whole of Matthew 5, 6,
and 7. Mrs. Parry was further encouraged a few
days ago when she was reviewing a quarter's Sunday
school lessons, she found they could not only repeat
all the subjects and the golden texts of the thirteen
lessons, but could give an intelligent account of the
lessons as well. Pray for these girls who come fiom
heathen homes, both in this school and Miss Ramsay's,
that they may be used to help their parents and
relatives.
The Scripture work in the compound boys' school
has also been encouraging. They have been through
Genesis, and part of Exodus. We long for these
scholars to get to really know their Lord ; will you not
pray that they may ? It is of interest that two of our
boys who had been in the day school for some time,
and who went to our boarding school in Kiating last
September, have been brought to a decision for God
since reaching there. They arrived at Kiating just
before some special meetings were held when the
Spirit of God was poured out on the church in a special
manner. We are so glad for this. One was the son,
and the other the grandson of our old evangelist, Mr.
Yang, who died two years ago. How we miss the
old man! But we would not recall him for any-
thing.
The work at Mr. Ch'eu's grows steadily and very
satisfactorily. As mentioned above two more were
received during the year, and several more have
applied for baptism and will, all being well, be
received soon. Mr. Ch'en is now building a new, and
larger, chapel behind the old one. It will be used
exclusively for meetings, the old one having been
used for other purposes as well. Attached to it are
to be two rooms for the foreigner when he comes.
Their school, though small, prospers. Mr. Bird
when last there saw several young men, well-to-do
fanners, taking advantage of the slack season to
study books and to learn of the Gospel. This is
where Mr. Ch'en is such a power, and has a very
wide influence all over the country side; He is
subject to many temptations, but the greatest,
perhaps, is the one of making use of his influence
and supposed power, because of his connection
with the Church, to act as arbitrator in troubles
between men, and thus drag the Church into the
mire. It is very hard for him. You can help by
prayer. Will you ?
Mr. Bird's widespread itinerations in the Ch'i-
kiang district are being used to create an interest
in many places, and here and there are ones and twos
who are coming on. His visits are being looked
forward to in more than one place, and we are
expecting fruit sooner or later from the whole
district. It is necessarily slow, because the district
is large and the visits at best are but few, but
the results are certain. Help to water the seed,
will you not ? How ? By prayer, prayer, prayer,
believing prayer. You can scarcely have an idea
what an influence you may have in our work in
this way.
54
China's Millions
The Conversion of Mr. Lew
BY MR. J. FALLS, PINGYAO, SHANSI
Photo by]
A YOVANG PLOWMAN AND HIS TEAM [Mr. Gonder
WHEN we were at home we always found the
friends very much interested in hearing of
individual conversions among tlie Chinese
people, so it has been laid upon my heart to tell you
of another in order to call forth prayer and thanks-
giving on his behalf.
Mr. Lew is a native of this city and third son of
one of the leading gentry (a man who ranks next to
the mandarin in influence) and known far and near
for his upright life and fair dealing in all the many
matters of public business which pass through his
hands. But we must begin from the time that our
friend first came in contact with the foreign mission-
ary. This was not in Pingyao but away in the neigh-
boring province of Shensi, in the city of Hanchung,
about three
weeks journey
from here; for he
is one of Shansi's
great army of
business men
who go forth to
the centres of
commerce in
other parts of
China to manage
the branch estab-
lishmentsof their
firms located in
this province.
It was in the way
of business that
Mr. Lew, who is
a bank manager,
first met Mr.
Easton and Mr.
Moodie of our
Mission in Han-
chung, and being
a man peculiarly
free from the
ordinary Chinese prejudices, and moreover, very pro-
gressive in his ideas, he was induced to attend some
of the services on the station. Why should he not
go and learn a little more about these Westerners
and their ways? And his going was not from any
hope of temporal gain for, in his position, it would
mean loss rather than gain to connect himself in any
way with the so-called foreign religion. But this
was the beginning of the way which ultimately led
him to the Eight, though for a long time after he
did not know what conversion was and continued
attending the services mainly because of friendship
towards the foreign missionary. Or, was there after
all the desire deep down in his heart for that life of
which he had been hearing? Afterwards it seemed
to us as if he must have been a seeker even then.
It is now fully six years since Mr. Lew returned
to Pingyao on furlough, bringing a letter of intro-
duction from the Hanchung missionaries. He
received a warm welcome into our midst and immedi-
ately won our hearts by his genuine friendliness and
the way in which he made himself one of us. It was
here that he bought his Bible and hymn book, carrying
them wrapped in a blue handkerchief in the usual
Chinese fashion as he came to worship. Many were
the prayers that went up for him at that time and we
all rejoiced to see him making some advance and said,
" He is not far from the Kingdom of Heaven." Not
far — and yet, as he himself confessed afterwards, he
was not in the Kingdom although he applied for bap-
tism while in Pingyao. We advised him to wait until
he returned to Hanchung and he did so, returning
when his leave had expired, after assuring us that he
intended to remain steadfast. His real interest in the
truth showed itself at this time in the way he read
his Bible, beginning at Genesis and reading through
THE GREAT WALE NEAR PEKING
China's Millions
55
AN ANCIENT BRIDGE AT PEKING
in order — a very good plan surely — and being ' ' in
the Way the Lord led him," as we read of a good
servant of old. How many Christians miss the mind
of God by not reading the whole Word ! Now as Mr.
Lew was reading the Book consecutively the Lord
was able to bring home to his conscience the very text
that He knew would arouse him. It lay hidden away
in the twentieth chapter of the book of Job and none
but the Holy Spirit could have applied it. None of
us knew that he was an opium smoker, but the Lord
knew, and as dear Mr. Lew came to the twelfth verse
of the chapter and read on he saw his sin depicted
and its end foretold as clearly as if the fingers of a
man's hand had painted it on the plaster of his wall —
" Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though
he hide it under his tongue; though he spare it, and
will not let it go, but keep it still within his mouth ;
yet his food in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of
asps within him." He was smitten as he thought of
his drug and pipe and more so as he read on — " He
swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up
again ; God will cast them out of his belly. He shall
suck the poison of asps : the viper's tongue shall slay
him." With a conscience now thoroughly aroused
it seemed to him as if this passage must have been
written with special regard to the opium smoker and
particularly for himself, and, humbled and convicted,
he put away the drug and all its paraphernalia from
that hour ; breaking off the habit, not gradually as so
many do but at once, with the help of tonic pills only.
Having thus obeyed the light he had received, he
began from that time to grow in the knowledge of
God, and the friends in Hanchung were so satisfied
with his testimony that he was baptized there in the
presence of a number of his business associates whom
he had specially invited to witness the ceremony.
After three years spent in Hanchung Mr. Lew
again returned to Pingyao on furlough and renewed
his efforts to bring his family to the Lord. Judging
from appearance some might say that he was unsuc-
cessful, and when the time came round for him to leave
home again (now over a year ago) he himself was not
greatly encouraged. But hopeful signs were not
altogether lacking. The petty persecutions which he
had endured on the previous occasion almost closed
and his father, a Confucian scholar of seventy-seven
years of age, was much more willing to be reasoned
with about the truth of Christianity as he saw the
good effects in his own son, and his friendship towards
us became marked. This time Mr. Lew has been sent
further afield, away to Kanchow in the far north-west
of Kansu province. He took with him one young
man as servant whom he has since led to the Lord,
and he tells us in his letters of several others who have
heard the Gospel through him and profess conversion,
meeting together with them in the bank for worship.
Thus the light of the Gospel has been kindled in that
distant city, hitherto in total darkness so far as we
know and only visited at rare intervals by the itinerant
missionary. May the Lord bless and stablish these
few souls and greatly add to their number !
Since going to Kansu Mr. Lew's letters have shown
the greatest concern for the conversion of his relatives.
They are his daily burden. Will you not, as you
think of them, join with him and us in asking God to
save them ? That is our great object in writing this
letter and not simply to praise a native Christian.
The wife and grown up daughter are still out of Christ,
but it is encouraging to see that the father and especi-
ally the fourth brother are being moved. The latter
comes to worship regularly, bringing about ten of the
pupils from his school in which he has also abolished
the worship of Confucius, and old Mr. Lew has decided
to give up, next year, some of his work as a city
councillor in order that he may gain a little time to
inquire into the truth.
May I remind you of the preciousness of this your
service of intercession in its God-ward aspect. How
must the heart of our risen Lord rejoice as He inter-
cedes on high, to see His children lay hold of the
prayer promises and seek to fulfil their ministry of
intercession in fellowship with Himself.
56
China's Millions
A Peep at Life and Work in Ningsia, Kansu
BY MRS. J. S. FIDDLER
WK have much for which to praise God. Some
little time ago we had a special praise service
for three spared lives. Our dear children
all had smallpox, of a malignant type ; for two months
I scarcely had my clothes off to rest. I found great
comfort in these words, " He giveth His beloved
sleep." Our second boy was blind for days, his voice
gone for weeks, his clothes cut off and others could
not be put on for many days. The little sufferer has
been marvelously spared and is getting stronger
daily. His case being so severe, he is rather longer
in rallying than the others, but we are full of praise.
Being so far removed from medical skill made the
presence of the great Physician preciously real.
Since last I wrote, God has taken from us Tseh
Lao-ie, one of our best men. He was a regular
attendant at all the services besides coming almost
daily to the guest-hall, where I have often seen him
kneel to pray as soon as he entered. It is difficult to
realize that we shall not see him again. That lovely
hymn, " Will you go to the Eden above," was his
favorite. I have seen him sing it with the tears
rolling down his cheeks.
One day not long ago as Mr. Tseh came in the
children were sitting in their go-cart singing, " Will
you go?" The words seemed to thrill his soul and,
looking at them with the joy which he felt, he sang,
" I will go, I will go to the Eden above." How little
we thought that he was to go so soon ! On the
Tuesday he was at the street chapel and testified ;
Wednesday, at the service and prayed ; Sunday, he
was not present. 'Where is Tseh Lao-ie?" the
people said. Then came the news that he was not
well. In the afternoon Mr. Uang, his spiritual father,
went to see him, and at midnight his great friend, Mr.
Chang, a native doctor, was there also. They had a
season of prayer, and Monday at 3 a.m. Mr. Tseh left
us, " until the day break and the shadows flee away."
Some time ago an insane boy was wandering about
the streets. He was most idiotic and also was nude.
My heart ached for him, but there did not seem to be
anything which I could do. Then the thought came,
'Well, I can pray for him," so I remembered him
daily and God graciously answered my prayer. One
day Tseh Lao-ie came and said that he felt so much
for the poor lad that he took him in and gave him a
room, food and clothing, and also taught him to say,
' ' Jesus saves me. " The boy gradually got better
and now has a position as gatekeeper and is generally
useful in the home of Mr. Chang. Whenever possible
he comes to the meetings. The last time he came he
was nicely dressed. Once he came with a present
from the native doctor, a tray of fruit and cakes. He
was quite sane and very polite. Now we look to the
Lord for this precious soul whom Mr. Tseh has been
the means of rescuing.
There is another young man from Pao-t'eo, who
heard the Gospel recently at the street chapel ; he
bought a book, and is now a regular attendant at the
meetings and has handed in his name as an enquirer.
Every Sunday we have a birthday offering. Anyone
who has had a birthday during the week puts in a
cash for each year. This young man put in thirty-
six cash and said that for over thirty-five jtars he
had served the Devil ; henceforth he would serve
the Lord.
There is still another, a young enquirer, fifteen
years of age, who comes daily and who tells us that
he is saved. A few others have handed in their names.
The Sunday after Christmas special reference was
made to Mr. Tseh's sudden Home call. Hymns
suitable to the occasion were sung and at the close
we sang his favorite hymn, "Will you go to the
Eden above." It was a solemn service, and quite a
number had tears in their eyes. As Mr. Tseh's
relatives are all unbelievers we feared a heathen
funeral, and the Devil was hard at work, but the
conquering Savior broke the chain and gave the
victory. He was buried December thirty-first, our
day of prayer. Mr. Fiddler and Mr. Uang were
present. Needless to say Mr. Chang keenly misses
his friend. He is so broken down at the meetings
that it has been quite painful to see him. I visited
his home this afternoon. His wife smokes opium and
is unsaved. Mr. Chang testifies that he gave himself
to the Lord on the seventh of the first month, when
special meetings were held by Mr. Fiddler and the
church members' names were enrolled.
The women's work is small, only three church
members. One is a Mrs. Chang who lives quite a
little distance away. Hearing that she was very ill
and had bought her clothing for burial, I went to see
her. I was glad to find her very much better and
rejoicing in her Savior. In another month she will
be seventy-eight years old. A short time ago she
came to the city and stayed a few days at the home
of a Mrs. Uang, another church member. I just mar-
veled at her industry ! Even when we were talking
she kept on with her sewing and mending for Mrs.
Uang ; she is a dear old soul. I believe Mrs. Horobin
was the means of her conversion. One soweth and
another reapeth.
The Word of God
This book contains the mind of God, the state of
man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and
the happiness of believers.
Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its
histories are true and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practise
it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to
support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the
traveller's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's com-
pass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter.
Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and
the glory of God its end. It shall fill the memory,
rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, fre-
quently and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a para-
dise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you
in life, will be opened in the judgment, and remem-
bered forever. It involves the highest responsibility,
will reward the highest labor, and condemn all who
trifle with its sacred contents. — Author unknown.
China's Millions
57
Our Shanghai Letter
BY MR. D. B. HOSTE
SINCE last writing toyouit has been my privilege to
visit Yangchow, for the purpose of designating
the young workers in the Training Home there.
I was glad to find Miss Murray and her fellow- workers
in good health. May I take this opportunity of ask-
ing your special prayers on Miss Murray's behalf
during the coming months, when a considerable num-
ber of students will be under her care.
For more than a fortnight past there has been a
united evangelistic effort in Yangchow, in the form of
special preaching of the Gospel in a mat shed erected
in an open space in the city, and large enough to con-
tain considerably over a thousand people. On last
Sunday afternoon I was much impressed by the sight
of over a thousand men and women quietly listening
to the simple preaching of the Gospel for more than
an hour, at the end of which time numbers were still
anxious to hear. For many years past Yangchow
has been marked by a proud, hostile spirit towards
the missionaries, so that the change just described is
the more remarkable. We have much reason to thank
God and take courage.
Another and still more important evangelistic
effort is being arranged in connection with the
National Exhibition to be opened in Nanking at the
end of next May. It is proposed to erect a building
as a rest-house and office of enquiry for Christians
coming from different parts of the country to attend
the exhibition ; and also to erect a large mat shed for
the daily preaching of the Gospel. It is to be a union
effort of the various Missions, and it is hoped that
manj-, if not all, of the Societies in China will be able
to co-operate. This campaign will continue as long
as the exhibition itself, that is to say, for about a
year's time.
I am sorry to say that Mr. Doherty's condition
continues to be serious. The diphtheria has passed
off, but other symptoms have developed which occa-
sion anxiety, and we are in earnest prayer that, if it
be God's holy will, the valuable life of our brother
may yet be spared. Mr. Walter Taylor has been
suffering a good deal of pain since his operation, but
is, on the whole, making good progress to recovery ;
whilst Mr. Hampson continues to regain strength.
The medical opinion in his case, however,, is against
his returning to Changsha, at all events before the
summer.
Among other letters of interest received from
various parts of the country is one from Mr. W. H.
Hockman, who, it may be remembered, is in charge
of a school at Kiating, Szechwan. The subjoined
extract will, I think, be read by you with thankful-
ness : —
"The prospect for the coming year is encour-
aging in every way. From the number of applica-
tions and enquiries already received, I think the
school will be crowded to the full extent of its
capacity — at least so far as boarders are concerned.
Now that the institution is an actual reality, enquir-
ies are coming in from all over the whole district,
from Kwanhsien to Chungking.. Although the majority
of the boys will be from our own local district, we
shall have representatives from Chungking, Fushun
and Penshun, and possibly from Luchow and Kwan-
hsien I think we have abundant reason
for feeling encouraged in our school work. Thiough
the goodness of God a comparatively high degree of
success has attended our efforts of the past year.
From a purely educational point of view, our work has
measured up very favorably with that of other schools
of the same grade, some of which have been in opera-
tion for quite a number of years. Most of the
examination papers were considerably more difficult
than those sent out by the Educational Union, yet
our boys obtained higher marks than some who took
the Union examinations. I made the examination
as difficult as possible, in order to find out just where
every boy stood. This will enable us to classify the
boys more satisfactorily for the coming year. I have
now a fairly accurate record of the knowledge of each
pupil, which will make it possible for us to meet their
needs more intelligently. Some of the papers in the
Scripture examination were really good. The written
examination was on the Gospel by Matthew, and
contained such questions as these : — Give the
biography of Peter. What did Jesus say concerning
the conditions that would develop toward the end of
the age ? What evidences are there that Jesus rose
from the dead ? Compare Jesus with the holy men
and sages of all nations.
" One of the best papers was by a young boy who
conies from a heathen home and who knew nothing of
the Gospel before entering the school. At first he was
very averse to studying the Scriptures, and treated
the matter with contempt ; but little by little he
became interested and began to apply himself to the
study with some degree of seriousness. At the time
of the conference in October his heart was unques-
tionably touched, and he began to pray and otherwise
identify himself with the believers. In the Scripture
examination he received ninety-two and a half per
cent. He also repeated thirteen chapters from
memory. The prize for Scripture repetition was won
by a sixteen year old son of one of the helpers, who
repeated twenty-three chapters. He could have
repeated much more, as could all the others, had a
second opportunity been given after a day's rest.
I am preparing a syllabus for the coming year, which
will provide for considerably more Scripture work
both in book study and repetition. I think a good
part of the work at present done by Mr. Grainger can
be covered here, and thus permit the Bible school
to attempt a more advanced and comprehensive
curriculum. "
We need constantly to pray that all our schools
may so be ordered that the highest interests of the
children may be secured. It is becoming increas-
ingly evident that, unless the rising generation con-
nected with our churches are carefully instructed in
the Holy Scriptures, degeneration and disintegration
will become inevitable in the future.
5«
China's Millions
Tidings from the Provinces
Topics for Prayer
Mrs. Stott will (D.V.) spend the
next two months in Winnipeg. Will
her friends please ask that this change
may prove beneficial to her throat.
Although Mrs. Stott is still unable
to do much public speaking she hopes,
while in Winnipeg, to visit the mem-
bers of the Prayer Union in connection
with the Mission.
We again ask for earnest and con-
stant prayer on behalf of Mr. Doherty,
whose condition is exceedingly criti-
cal and really beyond human skill.
We would also ask that special remem-
brance be made of Mrs. Doherty
during this time of deep trial.
Definite prayer is also asked for
Mr. Argento who at present is home
from China and visiting with his
parents at Rochester, N. Y. Mr.
Argento is suffering as a result of
injuries received during the Boxer
uprising in China. Will you not ask
for restoration ?
News Notes
A Chinese report says that in view
of the long abuses in connection with
the telegraph and postal services, the
Yuch'uanpu feels that it would be
impossible always to rely on foreign
talent in their management (sic) and
has decided to open postal and tele-
graph schools next month, with a
view to train competent Chinese for
the two administrations.
The Senate has memorialized the
Government stating that, in view of
the need for reporters for the courts
and parliament, it proposes to organ-
ize a reporting school, and appoints
H. E. Li Chia-chu as director. The
course will extend over six months,
after which the graduates will be
attached to the Senate and the Pro-
vincial Assemblies for duty. Twelve
students will be examined in Peking,
while each province should choose
four more for admission to the school.
Last week witnessed the close of
the second . annual "Union Bible
Institute" at Wuhu. The institute
was in session for two weeks and
among the foreigners present were
Revs. D. MacGillivray, D.D., John
Darroch, D.D. and W. R. Hunt of
Shanghai, also Dr. Glover of Wu-
chang and the Rev. A. R. Saunders
of Yangchow. The Rev. A. E. Cory
of Nanking was in attendance for
two days and lectured on the ' ' Million
Movement "in Korea. Some seventy
Chinese evangelists and teachers
were entertained by the Wuhu
churches, and these, with many
Wuhu workers, were in constant
attendance at the daily lectures. In
the evening special evangelistic ser-
vices were held, and were attended
by large audiences.
The " Universal Gazette " says that
in view of the inconvenience caused
by the confusion in Chinese currency
and paper money, Duke Tsi Tse,
President of the Ministry of Finance,
has decided to adopt a silver coin,
seven mace two candareens as the
standard. The central and other pro-
vincial mints will be ordered in future
to turn out coins of this denomina-
tion of a uniform weight and design,
and such coins should be current
throughout the empire, irrespective
of where they have been minted. No
depreciation of such money will be
allowed, so that in course of time they
may gradually supplant foreign
money in the country. It is proposed
to effect the change by beginning
with the railway offices.
Chekiang
Kinhwafu — On the thirteenth of
March Mr. Miller began his Bible
School classes which lasted until
Friday, the eighteenth. Saturday
we had the first day of the yearly
conference. The day was spent
talking over the evangelization of the
county of Kinhwa ; the opening of
Hao-hswin, a new out-station ; the
forming of a Women's Christian En-
deavor and Preaching Society, and
giving.
On Sunday forenoon Mr. Miller
gave a blackboard talk on the vine,
its branches and fruit, which was very
much enjoyed by all. The son of one
of my evangelists gave the address at
the afternoon service, after which we
had the communion service, and a
short address from myself. The
evening meeting was given over to
the members that they might tell
what blessing they had received at
the Bible School. There were over
sixty present, and all but one or two
testified. Their testimonies showed
that they had received blessing
through Mr. Miller. All who had
been at the Bible School thanked him
most profusely and expressed the
hope that he would come back again
soon. We had truly a most delight-
ful time listening to one and another
get up and tell of blessing received
and what the Lord had done for them.
One man told of how he had been
convicted of wine drinking at the last
conference (one year ago) and had
then confessed his sin, and determined
to give it up. Although he had been
tempted many times to take wine,
God had given him the victory and
he had not tasted one drop of wine
since that time. We praise God !
On Monday forenoon we had the
last gathering to listen to a parting
word from Mr. Miller, on Philippians
i : 27. At the close all joined most
heartily in singing, "God be with
you till we meet again. "
Most of Mr. Miller's spare time
while here was spent in going over
Bible maps for the British and Foreign
Bible Society. He left for Yung-
k'ang yesterday, where he will spend
a few days conducting Bible classes,
and then he goes on to the Tai chow
district. I have enjoyed his visit
very much, and feel much alone now
that he has gone.
Last autumn we visited two large
market towns south-east of the city.
At the first, named Lee-pu-kai, we
spent eight days. There was a big
fair on while we were there and we
had the joy of telling the "old, old
story " to hundreds of people. We
also sold a few hundred Scripture
portions. We had the offer of a house
which the owner was willing to rent
as a preaching hall. From there the
brethren who were with me went on
to another town, Hao-hswin, sixty li
from here, while I returned to the
city for a fresh supply of books, but
joined them later. While at Hao-
hswin we rented a house for a chapel.
Because of continued rains we return-
ed home, but went back ten days
later to attend a fair that was being
held in the town. We were a party
of nine, and for two days we preached
on the streets, in the market square
and in the house we had rented,
morning, afternoon and evening.
Hundreds heard the Gospel and many
bought Scripture portions. The dis-
trict is a very needy one. I do not
know of one single Christian within
a radius of ten or more miles. There
are some large villages within easy
walking distance of Hao-hswin, and
also Lee-pu-kai. I will be glad of a
continued interest in your prayers. —
Mr. F. Dickie.
Huangyen — The annual general
conference, in the beginning of the
year, attended by all our workers and
a number of the church members, was
a profitable gathering. The principal
subject of the devotional part of the
conference was "The Example of
Jesus Christ," and some of the
addresses given were especially help-
ful. The closing meeting for con-
fession of sin and failure, for prayer,
praise, and testimony, lasted three
hours, and was the best part of the
conference.
The quarterly conference, composed
of the native evangelists and deacons
and the foreign missionaries, has met
regularly, and matters concerning
the churches as a whole have been
discussed and decided at these im-
portant gatherings.
Bible study schools, conducted by
Mr. A. Miller, of the C. I. M., were
held from March 22nd to April 23rd
in the '0-d6ng-k6ng and Lugyiao out-
stations for all the Christians who
could attend, and in the city for the
evangelists and other workers, and
were much appreciated by those
attending. One of the subjects at the
'O-dong-kong Bible school was "The
whole family for Christ," and some
of the men were so influenced that
they at once sought to make sure of
the salvation of their wives. The
result is that when I visited that
church recently we had the joy of
accepting the wives of four members
and the mother of another as candi-
dates for baptism. Their husbands
had been church members for years,
and while these women had ceased all
idolatrous practices in their homes,
and professed a general belief in God
and Christ, yet they had not cared to
take a decided stand for Him nor walk
to the services in the church.
We have now fourteen churches and
five preaching stations ; in all nineteen
centres of work. The usual Lord's
Day services and week-night prayer
meetings have been carried on in
these churches. Our Sabbath school
work is better organized than before,
and the International Sunday School
Lessons are studied inallthe churches.
There has been general progress in
the work, and in two of the churches
referred to in my last annual letter as
unsatisfactory the attendance at wor-
ship has greatly improved, and we
shall be glad of prayer for a reviving
in the other three also. The Dintsi
church is in a more satisfactory con-
dition than has been the case for a
number of years, and on my last visit
there was a specially encouraging
attendance at the services. The
second, third and fourth generations
of the local members of the family of
one of the venerable deacons who died
in 1908 were well represented at the
services that day, and I was after-
wards informed that on the Lord's
Day they heard his spirit reminding
them of their duty to attend worship.
Whatever we may believe about this
the influence of the good old man
remains with his family for their good.
There are only eleven baptisms to
report this year : three men and eight
women. Some others were hindered
in coming forward for baptism by ill-
ness and other causes. There are,
however, ninety-five inquirers and
candidates for baptism, and also some
others who have not yet been definitely
accepted as inquirers.
Cholera, dysentery, and malaria
China's Millions
swept off multitudes of the people of
the district inthe summer and autumn,
and the churches have suffered sorely,
losing no fewer than twenty-six mem-
bers by death. These and other de-
ductions leave 533 communicants on
the church rolls.
Cottage prayer meetings have been
commenced in connection with some
of the churches. Comparatively few
of the members are able to attend the
regular Tuesday and Saturday even-
ing prayer meetings, so it was decided
at our last quarterly conference that
where it was possible to get a few
members together, the evangelist or
others should conduct a prayer meet-
ing in some member's house once a
week. In 'O-dong-kong, in addition
to the regular week-night prayer
meetings, the evangelist conducts a
prayer meeting every Wednesday
evening in a members' house, going
to the member's houses in turn. This
is a great advantage to the women
members especially and a blessing to
all who gather.
The evangelistic work is very en-
couraging, and five new preaching
centres have been established. In
the western district Gospel halls have
been opened in the populous and
busy towns of Siaok'ang and Nying-
ky'i, while Dziaotsi is also visited on
market days for preaching and book-
selling. In the eastern district a
Gospel hall has been opened in the
important market town of Wangka,
the work on market days being car-
ried on by the Dintsi and Yiangfu-
miao evangelists. The Lugyiao and
'Ongkodziang evangelists carry on a
similar work in the town of Dziang-
p'u. The market day work in the
town of 'Odzing has been resumed,
and is regularly carried on by Mr.
Nytin, a godly and efficient unpaid
evangelist, who gives his services
freely each Lord's Day and market
day to the Zihdjiidin and 'Odzing
church. In the city of Huangyen,
near to the busy main street, a preach-
ing chapel has been opened through
the gifts of friends of Mr. Hamilton.
By preaching and conversation the
Gospel is proclaimed to the many who
enter — all day on market days (every
third day) and in the afternoon and
evening of other days. Mr. Hamilton
has superintended this street chapel,
assisted by the evangelist and bible-
women, and on the Lord's Day by
others also. People from all over the
county, and many from the adjoining
counties too, have been met in this
place and told "the old, old story of
Jesus and His love," so we thank
God for this most important branch
of our work. In March, when multi-
tudes of people were in the city to
witness or take part in idolatrous pro-
cessions, the church building was
filled on successive days by people
59
who listened attentively to the
preached Gospel. In the autumn Mr.
Hamilton did some inttresting evan-
gelistic work in the western district,
assisted by the Ungaen evangelist and
a colporteur. I joined him there, and
together we itinerated through a very
hilly and most beautiful part of the
country, hitherto untouched Dy
evangelists or colporteurs, and on to
Sienkii, where Mr. and Mrs. Wilson
are stationed. Wherever we preached
the good news we had interested
listeners, and we feel that a great
work remains to be done in that
corner of the field.
In colportage work the colporteurs
and other workers have sold seventy-
two New Testaments and 8,783 Scrip-
ture portions and tracts, including the
romanised colloquial Scriptures and
other books. As for the harvest to
come from such a sowing of the good
seed of the Word of God, "it doth not
yet appear what it shall be. "
The women 's work has been carried
on by Mrs. Thomson and the Bible-
women, and the women's meetings
in the city have been kept up each
week, and for the most part well
attended, excepting in the more busy
seasons of the year. Mrs. Thomson
has also conducted daily classes for
the Bible-women and others for over
a month in the first half of the year,
and for a similar period in the second
half of the year. Miss Ralston re-
turned to the district from furlough
at the beginning of December, and
has again resumed her work among
the women in the outstations of the
eastern district, Lugyiao being her
centre. We are praying earnestly
that another lady may be sent to join
her in service. — Mr. Charles Thomson.
Baptisms
Shensi — 1909
Hingping and outstation - 1 1
Szechwan —
Kwanhsien and outstation - 8
Kiatingfu and outstations - 14
Paoning ------- 12
Kweichow —
Anshunfu outstation - - - 11
Yunnan —
Kutsingfu ------ 1
57
Previously reported 2,828
Total 2,885
Shansi — 1910
Hunyiian ------- 6
Soping ------- 1
Szechwan —
Chuhsien and outstation - 9
Chekiang —
Wenchow outstation - - - 2
Hunan —
Hengchowfu - - - - - 3
Total
6o
China's Millions
Editorial Notes
THE International Missionary Union will hold its
annual meetings this year, as formerly, at
Clifton Springs, New York. They will convene
upon J une first and will be carried on until June seventh.
Tne them- of the Conference will be ; " World Move-
ments Foreshadowing the Coining of the Kingdom."
All missionaries are heartily invited to attend the
Conference, and all such will be entertained by the
Sanitarium. Persons desiring further information
may obtain the same by writing to the Secretary,
Mrs. H. J. Bostwick, at Clifton Springs.
The last Mission returns from China show that the
number of converts taken into Church membership by
baptism during last year was two thousand, eight
hundred and eighty-five. What a gracious response
to intercession and service is this. It is the largest
since the organization of the Mission. Let us continue
our prayers and work with unabated earnestness, con-
fident that God will yet do even greater things for us.
It is ever His gracious word to us: "According to
your faith, be it unto you."
A list of the children of our missionaries under
eighteen years of age has recently been received from
Shanghai, and it reveals the fact that there are now
over five hundred boys and girls connected with the
Mission. Some of these are quite young and are with
their parents in the stations ; others are older and are
in one or other of the Mission schools at Ruling or
Chefoo. The conditions in China, from a general
standpoint, are very adverse to the helpful bringing
up of children. Let us then not forget to pray for
these younger members of the Mission, that all may
be saved while young, and that all may be continu-
ally kept dedicated in life to God.
News has been received through the Associated
Press and also by direct cable that the Wesleyan, Re-
formed, and China Inland Mission premises at Chang-
sha, Hunan, have been destroyed by mobs, that the
missionaries have been obliged to flee for their lives,
and that the governor of the city has been killed. It
has been reported further that the cause of the rioting
has been the high price of rice, the controlling of the
market by the officials, and the exportation of the rice
by these officials to treaty ports where higher prices
could be obtained, a situation which has caused excite-
ment and has led to demonstrations against the officials
and foreigners alike. It is likely that these reports
are considerably exaggerated. This much, however,
is probably true; serious trouble at Changsha has taken
place, and our friends there — which includes our own
missionaries, Dr. and Mrs. Reller and Miss Tilley —
have been brought face to face with possible death.
It is impossible to express our gratitude to God that
the reports assure us that no lives have been lost.
May we not fail to give Him praise for this. The
whole event manifestly calls for renewed prayer that
China may be kept in peace and that the lives of the
beloved missionaries may be preserved.
offering to the Mission. And yet the need abroad was
never greater, both intensively and extensively, t ban
it is to-day. A better class of men and women, amongst
others, is needed in order to meet what has beet me
the more intelligent and the more fully organized
opposition of heathenism ; and the opening of more
fields calls for the sending out of a larger number of
workers. How sad that in the face of this there is a
declension rather than an increase of interest. As for
ourselves, we used to receive ten offers of service where
we now receive one. In the face of this, it is clear
what is needed. The Master's way of obtaining
workers is the real and only way : " Pray ye the Lord
of the harvest that He will send forth laborers into
His harvest." Prayer, persistent prayer, is what
God is waiting for and what alone will prevail.
The church of Jesus Christ faces the missionary
problem as if she had centuries in which to accomplish
her work of evangelization. As a matter of fact the
church has just one generation in which to evangelize
the world, namely, the generation in which she lives.
Whatever may be true of other generations of Christ-
ians as related to other generations of unevangelized
peoples, the church of this generation has only this
one generation in which to reach the unsaved. Thtse
are patent facts ; but they are not realized facts. We
of this present, work as if we might control, not only
the present, but also the illimitable future. The
natural result of such an illusion is the further illusion
that there is no particular hurry, and that we may
take our time. But Time and Death have no such
misconceptions. They work, they work continually,
and they work mightily. Hence, a generation, at
home and abroad, is soon passed, and there goes with
it the one single opportunity of preaching the Gospel
to those not yet evangelized. Let then these words
burn in our hearts : This is the only generation of the
unsaved which we ourselves can ever reach ; and if
we do not reach the unsaved now living they never
will be reached in time or eternity !
We would urge our praying friends to remember
our need of candidates. Few persons, at present, are
" The entrance of Thy words giveth light." (Psalm
iro. : 130. ) An educated Chinaman, who was engaged
in translating the Scriptures, suddenly exclaimed :
" Whoever made that book made me. It knows all
that is in my heart. It tells me what no one but God
can know about me. Whoever made that book made
me ! " Many have found this word true, both in the
home-land and in the foreign-land. And they have
found it true of only one book, namely of The Book.
No sacred writings of the east reveal the human heart
and its relationship to God as does this Book. Nor do
the writings of any philosophies or religions of the west
give such a revelation. It is only by looking into the
pages of the Scriptures that we see ourselves as God
sees us, and God as the human heart needs Him. This
undeniable fact proves three great truths : first, that
God wrote the Bible ; second, that all men need the
Bible ; and third, that it is our sacred obligation, in the
name of Christ, to give the Bible to every man. How
far are we fulfilling our responsibility in this matter?
Christ asks us this question now ; and will ask it of us
more solemnly when we stand before Him to be judged.
CHINA'S MILLIONS
TORONTO, JUNE, 1910
The Annual Report
Presented at the Annual Meetings held at the Queen's Hall, I^angham Place, W.,
Ivondon, England, on April 19th, 1910
" Not by mighty power, nor by strength, but by my Spirit saith the Lord Almighty. — ZeCHARIAH 4 : 6 (LXX. Version).
TO-DAY, as never before in all departments of
life, political, commercial, and religious, there
is a widespread recognition that great issues
are at stake. Never have international diplomacy
and international commerce had more need, from their
point of view, to be wide awake. In the same way
it can truthfully be said, never before has Christianity
been face to face with such urgent and world-wide
responsibilities as to-day. The plea of every worker
on the mission field is for help to meet unprecedented
opportunities, and every consideration, whether local
or universal, only confirms their appeal.
While nations are ready for the greatest of sacri-
fices in order to maintain their national supremacy,
and while business circles are prepared for unsparing
competition in order to secure or hold the world's
markets, what are the followers of Christ willing to
do for the souls of men and that the kingdoms of this
world may become the Kingdom of our God and of
His Christ? It is a mere truism to say that rein-
forcements of men and women, and greater liberality
in giving on the part of many are essential, if the
still unoccupied areas of the world are to be evangel-
ized. Yet more pressing than these things is the
frank and practical recognition of the truth that the
regeneration of the individual, and through the
individual of the community, cannot be accomplished
by any mighty power or strength of man's device,
but only by the Spirit of the living God. Not until
the Church of Christ acknowledges this, not in any
mere theoretical spirit, but in a true and practical
manner, can the blessing needed be expected.
As we now briefly survey the work of the past
year, let us do so giving all praise to Him to Whom
alone all praise belongs, and as we go forth from
these meetings to face the responsibilities of the
future, should the Lord tarry, let it be in obedience
to and dependence upon the Spirit of the Lord
Almighty.
In reviewing the events of the past year in China
any hasty generalizations would be entirely mislead-
ing ; for in the midst of many signs of change and
progress — not always synonymous — there are marked
evidences of reactionary forces. On the one side
special emphasis must be laid upon the inauguration
of the Provincial Assemblies, which may be regarded
as the first definite step towards representative
government. In the Same category may be mentioned
the energetic prosecution by the Chinese Government
of the Anti-Opium Crusade, which crusade demands
our warmest support and help ; the opening of four
hundred and eighty new post offices throughout the
country ; the sending of Commissions on Currency,
Naval and Military Reforms to visit Europe and
America, and the opening of at least two new rail-
way lines, while progress has been made in the
building of others.
In contrast to these evidences of progress there
must be placed on the other side the unexpected dis-
missal of H.E. Yuan Shih-kai and H.E. Tuan Fang, the
strange revival in many parts of anti-foreign rumors,
the local riots in Kiangsi, Kiangsu, and Kwangtung,
and the official curbing of what promised once to be a
free press for the Chinese people. The somewhat
strained relations between China and Japan were
during the year happily settled by the Manchurian
Convention. Some less important difficulties con-
nected with mining rights, the Macao boundary, the
Harbin municipal administration, local boycotts, and
international rivalry over railway loans and the more
recent Tibetan developments, still await settlement.
By the death of H.E. Chang Chih-tung, H.E. Sun
Chia-nai, and H.E. Yang Shih-hsiang, China has lost
three of her most eminent statesmen. Throughout
the country generally the people were blessed with
good harvests, which more than almost anything con-
tribute to contentment and good order.
In view of the pressing need for more laborers the
Mission has to regret a strange dearth of suitable
candidates and a consequent small increase in the
staff of workers. The year 1909 opened with a band
of 928 missionaries located at 210 central stations,
while the year closed with 934 foreign workers resid-
ing at 211 central stations, or a net increase of only
six workers and one central station (see footnote 1).
During the year 38 new workers (see footnote 2)
joined the Mission, 27 being members and 11 associ-
ates. To state the figures in another way, 11 were
men and 27 were women, which fact emphasizes the
great need there is for more men candidates. In
addition to the loss by death of 9 valued workers,
23 (including wives) retired on the grounds of health,
family claims, and marriage, etc.
THE HONORED DEAD
The nine beloved workers who died during the
year were : Mrs. G. A. Anderson, Mrs. F. W. Bailer
(one of the original Lammermuir party), Miss M. E.
Barraclough, Mr. T. A. P. Clinton, Mrs. D. W.
62
China's Millions
Crofts, Miss J. F. Hoskyn, Miss A. R. Rudland, Mrs.
W. E. Shearer, and Mrs. A. Seipel. With these
names we would couple that of Mr. P. C. Plumbe,
who died very shortly after retiring from the Mission,
and especially that of Inspector Rappard, the highly
esteemed and able leader of the St. Chrischona
Training Institute, near Basel, which is also one of
the Mission's Continental Home Centres, and lastly
Colonel J. W. Hogge, C.B., a member of the London
Council and Deputy Treasurer in England, who, by
his beautiful life when on active service in China
during 1900, and by his sympathy and fellowship
with the Mission ever since, had endeared himself to
all who knew him. For all these beloved fellow-
workers, who now rest from their labors, we give
God thanks.
FINANCIAL MERCIES
To the encouraging record of financial mercies as
briefly summarized in the recently published book,
Faith and Facts, has now to be added the testimony
of another year. Though the testimony is the same,
the facts of each year, always different in detail, em-
phasize the conviction that ' ' This is the Lord's doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes."
Without speaking of the funds of the Associate
Missions (with their 207 workers), which do not
appear on the Mission books in England but which
will be dealt with in the larger report, we would
thankfully record, as is the custom at these Annual
Meetings, the income received in Great Britain,
together with the funds received in China and the
Members
Associates
Country
Great Britain
North America
Australasia
Footnote i.
Men Single Women Wives Widows Total Stations
276 228 206 17 727 157
90 64 50 3 207 54
366
292
256
934
Footnote 2.
Returned
New Workers
Total
13 men 29 women 4 men 14 women 60
3 " 7 " 2 " 2 " 14
3 " 4 " 1 man 2 " 10
Total Members 19 men 40 women 7 men 18 women
Scan. China
Alliance 2 men
German China
Alliance 2 men
Liebenzell Mission
Free Church Mission
Swedish Mission
in China 1 man
Total Associates
Accepted in China
Members
1 woman
2 women
1 woman
1 woman 2 men
2 men
2 women
3 women
1 woman
1 woman
Summary :
Members
Associates
Grand Totals
5
men
5 women 4 men
7 women
21
\ :
2 women
2
2 women
2
19
5
men
40 women 7 men
5 " 4 "
20 women
7
86
21
24
men
45 women 1 1 men
27 women
107
69
Returned 38
New
107
remittances made to China from North America and
Australasia. These are as follows : —
Received in England during 1909 ...
Received in China, and remittances to China
from North America and Australasia during
1909 .--..-..
$190,692.14
70,666.01
$261,358.15
Comparing these figures with the monies received
during 1908 from the same sources, there is
A decrease in the income received in England of $58,285.33
And an increase in the monies received in China
locally, and from North America and Aus-
tralasia of -------
Making a net decrease of
1,705.01
$56,580.32
Such a decrease is somewhat startling, and the
question which naturally arises is, " how has this
affected the work and workers? " In answering this
question let it be at once said that no worker's per-
sonal remittance has had to be curtailed, no reason-
able request for funds for the work has been refused,
and no one has been kept from furlough through lack
of passage money. The details of the year's finances
prove a remarkable commentary upon the old story
of the manna — " And when they did mete it with an
omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and
he that gathered little had no lack."
Some few details may be given by way of explana-
tion, and as a further proof of how the goodness of
God has been manifested in all the financial details
of the year. The major portion of the decrease is
explained by a diminution in funds received for
special purposes, the chief item of which was con-
nected with Mr. Morton's legacy. Since the year
1905 the annual instalments of this legacy have fallen
from $60,833.33 to $ 2 4. 333-34- Not to repeat the
full details published in China's Millions for Feb-
ruary of this year, it may be stated in brief that this
money is being so expended in the erection of neces-
sary buildings as to economize what would otherwise
have necessitated an increase of the annual payments
for rent. Also, by the careful subsidizing of the
Chinese Mission Schools on a sliding scale, these
schools are becoming year by year more and more
self-supporting. At the same time, however, it must
be stated that the ultimate exhaustion of this legacy
will throw some additional burden on the General
Funds of the Mission eventually, and this matter
needs to be constantly remembered before God in
earnest prayer.
Apart from special funds the decrease in the
general funds of the Mission as received in China
amounted to nearly $9,733,33. This deficiency was
met by some of the normal expenditure being pro-
vided for by special gifts. Further, some of the
general expenses of 1908 had been unusually high, so
that a reduction in 1909 was not altogether remark-
able : and the smaller requirements for furlough came
as a distinct relief to the funds considering that the
resources were smaller. On the other hand, however,
a particularly favorable exchange — the average rate
for the tael being 56c. for 1909 as against 57c. in
1908 — meant a gain equal to about $4,866.67. In
other words, $4,866.67 more would have been needed
in 1908 to have realized the 1909 silver income. The
China's Millions
63
exchange for 1907, it may be mentioned, was on an
average 71c. per tael.
In summing up this rapid survey of the financial
mercies of the year, we are again impressed with the
overwhelming evidence of the truth that our Heavenly
Father knoweth what things we have need of, and
careth for us. At the same time, it should be men-
tioned that the cost of living in China is annually
increasing, and the general needs of a growing work
cannot but become larger year by year, while on the
other hand the legacy of the late Mr. Morton, by
means of which so much has been done in recent
years, is yearly decreasing, and ere long will come
to an end. These things are all known to God, Whose
we are and Whom we serve. Our duty is to be faith-
ful laborers, diligent in business, fervent in spirit,
serving the Lord, daily casting all the care of this
great work upon Him Who will not, Who cannot
fail. Yet we earnestly crave the fellowship of God's
people at home, that by prayer
and sympathy they will share
with us the responsibility and
blessings inseparably connected
with obedience to our Lord's last
command to preach the Gospel to
every creature.
Turning now from the means
God has used to the results He
has granted, so far as these can
be tabulated by figures, we find
fresh cause for praise. During
the year, according to the statis-
tics received up to date, we learn
that no fewer than 2,828 persons
have publicly declared their faith
in Christ by baptism, and of this
number some 600 were aborigines
in the province of Yunnan, in
which province hitherto very few
converts have come out on the
Lord's side.
A review of the figures for the
last few years is most gratifying,
and shows that the many years
of faithful toil on the part of
early pioneers are, with the labors
of to-day, beginning to bear
marked fruit. In the thirty-five years of the Mis-
sion's history which preceded the Boxer crisis of
'1900, there were in all some 12,964 persons baptized.
In the nine years which have succeeded that time of
terrible persecution, the Mission has had the joy of
receiving as communicants into the Church over
20,176 persons, which makes a total of more than
33,000 from the commencement of the work. Of
this number, making allowances for death, removals,
and Church discipline, more than two- thirds, or
roughly 23,000 (statistics are yet incomplete) are
still spared to gather around the Lord's Table and
to witness for their Lord and Master in their
homes and neighborhoods. While giving God
thanks for these thousands of precious souls gathered
out of darkness into the Kingdom of the Son of
His love, shall we not definitely pray that each
one may be filled with the Holy Spirit ? What
blessing would not follow if each of these men
and women
the Lord.
was a wholly consecrated witness for
MISS B. J. LUCRETIA REYNOLDS
Miss Reynolds sailed for China November 7th, 1908, and
was called Home from Kiehsiu, Sliansi, on May 9th
REVIVAL BLESSING
In this connection it is with thankfulness that we
report that the gracious outpouring of God's Spirit,
of which some detailed accounts have been already
published, has been vouchsafed to not a few of the
stations situated in several of the provinces. In some
cases notoriously evil persons were suddenly arrested
by God's Spirit and brought to repentance. One
such case was that of a man who was actually on his
way to buy poison with which to murder his wife.
This man was suddenly convinced of sin, came to the
chapel and pleaded there and then with God for mercy.
In many cases unfaithful and lukewarm Christians
have acknowledged with deep and often with agon-
ized contrition their sins and shortcomings, and have
entered into a more blessed experience of God's
pardoning and sanctifying grace.
In these times of blessing many
young people have participated.
One touching incident of this
nature among many others will
bear repetition. It occurred in a
meeting in the station of Sisiang
in Shensi.
Here a little lad stood up, be-
fore his teacher had begun to
speak, and said with much agita-
tion : "I want to accept the Lord
Jesus." "Yes," responded his
teacher, " but wait a little while,
for we are going to ask all who
wish to do so to stay to an after-
meeting. " "I cannot wait,"
was his instant reply, " I want to
accept Him now." And so he
did, and about one hundred and
twenty boys responded with him
to the invitation, their eagerness
for blessing being such that they
all broke out into prayer together.
Many of these lads are well-
educated youths just verging
on manhood. May God make
each one of them a bright and
shining light for His own glory.
Side by side with these movements of God's
Spirit there is the progress of a steady and essential
work of grounding these people, young and old, in
the truths set forth in God's Word. In more than
two hundred day and boarding schools the children
of the Christians, and of others, have been daily
instructed in the Scriptures, and in many of the
central stations and out-stations special seasons of
Bible study have been conducted for the adult Christ-
ians and enquirers. In addition to these there are
now five centres where arrangements have been made
for the reception of promising Chinese workers for a
definite course of Bible instruction, lasting for one or
two years. The results of these Bible Training Institu-
tions have so far been of a niost helpful and encour-
aging nature, and it is earnestly hoped that this
department of service, which is becoming more and
more essential, may be increasingly blessed of God.
6 4
China's Millions
Photob ■, A PANORAMA OF CHANGSHA [Dr. G. Whitefield Guinness
This photograph of Changsha, where the recent riots occurred, was taken from the city wall. The city is well built clean and beautiful and is situated in the
vallev of theSiane river To-day steamers of several hundred tons burden run between Hankow and Changsha, water permitting, and the capital
' has become an open port with a British Consul and Commissioner ot C ustoms resident there In Changsha itself no fewer than eleven
Societies are at work with a staff of fully forty foreign workers and some two hundred Chinese Christians. The
missionaries have had to leave the station.
In this brief report time will not allow of details
as to the gracious work carried on at the 1,000 sta-
tions and out-stations by the more than 900 mission-
aries and 1,700 Chinese helpers, paid and voluntary.
It is, this summer, just ten years since the awful
persecutions of 1900, and it is impossible to look back
upon the wonderful way God has overruled and helped
during this past decade without feelings of deepest
gratitude and thankfulness. During the decade the
missionaries have increased from 811 to 934; the
stations and out-stations from 394 to 1,001; chapels
from 387 to 995 ; Chinese helpers, paid and voluntary,
from 774 to 1,717 ; organized churches from 266 to
567 ; schools, day and boarding, from 134 to 216 ;
and communicants from 8,557 to some 23,000. Ten
years ago we met under the shadow of an impending
trial such as missions in China had never experienced
before : to-day we gather to rejoice that all the
suffering and death of the past have brought forth
much fruit.
Among the many personal incidents which could
be mentioned there is one at least to which special
reference may be made. We refer to the retirement
on the grounds of health of Miss Williamson from her
position as Lady Superintendent of the C.I.M. Home
in London, which position she has held for nearly
fifteen years, in addition to nearly eight years in a
similar position in connection with the Home in
Shanghai. The many acts of kindness and generosity
which have characterized these twenty odd years of
service will, we rejoice to know, be rewarded by Him
for Whose sake they have been done.
In conclusion, let us again remind ourselves of
the words which stand at the head of this report :
" Not by mighty power, nor by strength, but by My
Spirit saith the Lord Almighty." In the presence
of opportunities such as the Church has never before
enjoyed, and in anticipation of the gatherings at
Ivlinburgh in June, which will probably constitute
the greatest Missionary Conference the world has yet
witnessed, we need to remember where the true power
lies. With all the vantage ground enjoyed by present-
day conditions, with all the prestige of the Christian
nations of the world to facilitate operations, with all
the united wisdom of missionary experts from the
great continents of the globe, all progress must still
be by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty.
In the last resort, human agency cannot change
the heart of man, nor can human language communi-
cate the incommunicable. Men to-day, as Peter of
old, still need to know that which flesh and blood can-
not reveal, and to understand that which the natural
man, even with the best of natural means, cannot per-
ceive. While rejoicing in every evidence of the Church
of Christ's desire to grapple with the real problem, and
while humbling ourselves because the Church, as a
Church, is so indifferent to the greatness of her
responsibilities, let us all, not in theory, but in prac-
tice, act as those who believe that, though this work
cannot be accomplished ' ' by mighty power nor
strength," yet it can be done "by My Spirit, saith
the Lord Almighty."
How many there are whose aims and pursuits
may well be compared to the childish employment of
pursuing some painted butterfly. If grasped it is
destroyed, and its beauty vanishes, but most fre-
quently it finally eludes pursuit, and leaves the seeker
weary and disappointed. Not so the faithful servant
of God • he will never be disappointed. He rests-
goodness and mercy abode (abides) with him ; he
journeys — goodness and mercy follow him, as the
streams from the smitten rock followed Israel in
their wanderings. All the days of his life is he thus
attended ; and at last, in the many mansions of the
Father's home, he shall dwell in the house of the
Lord for ever ! — ■/. Hudson Taylor.
China's Millions
65
The Sacred Mountain of Hunan
BY F. A. KEHER, M.D.
nini:i.L a IRi
IN China there are five great mountains called
"Sacred Peaks." To the shrines, or Umples,
on these peaks many pilgrims go annually to
worship. About one hundred miles south of Chang-
sha is one of the most famous of these peaks. It is
called " Nan Yoh Shan," or "The Southern Peak."
On this mountain is a tablet in honor of the Emperor
Yi'i, whose name has come down in history as " The
Noah of China." To this peak many thousands of
pilgrims resort ever}' year. For about five days,
early in October, there are over ten thousand pilgrims
a day. They come from all parts of China. The
Emperor himself sends an official every three years to
represent him at this shrine.
One class of pilgrims at
once attracts our attention.
These men travel from their
homes on foot, some of them
coming great distances. They
kneel and bow their heads
down to the little stools which
the>- carry in their hands
every five, seven or ten steps
according to the vow they
have made. At one end of
the stools are many sticks of
incense, the burning of which
is part of their worship. In
a large majority of the cases
the vows have been made on
behalf of a sick mother, and
the journeys are taken as an
expression of thanksgiving
in case of recovery, or as a
prayer for mercies in the
other world in case of a fatal
issue of the illness.
Accompanying this letter
is a photo of one group of
these pilgrims whom we met
on the mountain side. The
leader, the most prominent
figure at your left, has made
annual pilgrimages for twenty
years. I have promised to
give each man in this group
a copy of the photo, and the
leader is coming to Chang-
sha to get them, in this way
we hope to get into closer
touch with him and to be of some real help to him.
At the end of September Evangelist Siao and I
joined a party of missionaries and Chinese workers,
organized by the Rev. G. G. Warren, of the English
Wesleyan Mission, for work among these pilgrims,
and especially among this one class of earnest and
filial young men. During our two weeks' stay on the
mountain we placed about fifteen thousand volumes
of either Testaments, gospels or gospel tracts in the
hands of the pilgrims. We hope to have a larger
party next year, and to be able to reach many
more thousands. Do join us in prayer about this,
j^fs^^^^rry
■a m ma at mm-
alii,* .!:/<
Photo by]
WORKERS WHO VISITED
THE SACRED MOUNTAIN
This group shows the workers who visited the sacred mountain
of Hunan during 1909. Dr. Keller, of the C.I.M., stands at I lie
reader's right-hand corner, the Rev. Hardy Jowett. of the W.M.S.,
is at the left-hand corner. Evangelist Siao, oftheC.I.M.,isonMr.
Jo*vett's left, back row. The others are student evangelists and
Chinese teachers.
that God may lead and bless in all the details of the
work.
While we were at the Southern Peak, God opened
a great door of opportunity at Changsha, and on our
return we found Mr. Veryard and Evangelist Yang,
with our other helpers, hard at work preparing to
make the most of it. There are seventy-four ' ' Walled
Cities" in Hunan, that is, cities of official rank.
From all of these cities and the districts about them,
students had come to Changsha, the capital, to the
number of three thousand. Each of these men had
obtained the degree of " Siu-ts'ai," commonly called
B.A., in previous examinations, and now had come
to Changsha for an examina-
tion that would admit the
successful candidates to offi-
cial rank. The last exami-
nation of the kind ever to be
held in Hunan, and there-
fore the last opportunity to
reach so easily such a large
number of this class of men.
Just think what it meant !
From the twenty millions of
Hunan's people, three thous-
and of her brightest and most
influential young men had
come to Changsha, and for at
least a month would be living
all around us, for the big
examination hall is right on
our street, only half a square
away. For the first two
weeks the men would be hard
at work preparing for their
examination, after which
they would be here two or
more weeks longer awaiting
the announcement of success-
ful candidates. These days
of waiting were the days of
our opportunity. On the
closing evening of the exami-
nation we had- workers sta-
tioned on either side of the
big doors of the examination
hall, as the men came out we
handed to each one a gospel,
a tract and a nicely printed
invitation to a "Special Meet-
ing for Examination Guests at the China Inland
Mission Chapel." On the day of the meeting our
chapel was packed nearly an hour before the time
appointed. I led the meeting, our Chinese fellow-
workers also had a part in it, Rev. Hardy Jowett, of
the Wesleyan Mission, recently in Japan doing
Y. M.C.A.'work among the Chinese students there,
gave a telling address, and Dr. Hume, of the Yale
Mission, Mr. Hollenweger, of the Liebenzell Mission,
and Mr. Veryard made up a small, but most excellent
orchestra of organ, cornet and violin. At the close
of the service each man was presented with a beauti-
fy. A. Keller, M.D.
66
China's Millions
Photo by) THE SACRED MOUNTAIN (Southern Peak) [F. A.
The pilgrims can be clearly seen in the path in the bottom left-hand corner of
ascending and descending the mountain
fully illustrated copy of the Gospel by Johu, written
in " Wenli," the classical language of China. These
books had been sent to us some time ago by the
Scripture Gift Mission of London, and seemed to be
a special provision for this time. The students were
delighted with the dainty little books. May the Holy
Spirit lead them to read and understand them.
So great was the interest that, at Mr. Yang's
suggestion, we decided to give up a week to a series
of receptions to the students. Our workers went to
all the inns and boarding-houses they could reach in
the limited time, and gave both personal and printed
invitations to the students to come to these receptions
for ' ' conversation on the Gospel only . ' ' Our workers
started on their round of calls in literal fear and
trembling. They expected to be ridiculed, insulted
and cursed. They came back amazed and delighted,
and praising God. They had been received with
respect and courtesy in every case. Missionaries and
Chinese workers of other missions responded to an
invitation to help. The students were invited from
two to six p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday inclusive.
The first three days were cold and it rained heavily,
still some tens of men came each day.
Friday was somewhat clearer, and over
four hundred came, and in the several
rooms, which we had arranged for the
occasion, the workers sat and talked with
the students during the entire afternoon.
On Saturday five hundred and twenty
came. We had Testaments, gospels and
tracts spread out on tables in the centre
of each room. The workers would draw
the attention of the guests to these books
and explain their object. Some student
would ask a question and then the worker
in charge, whether missionary or evan-
gelist, would stand and reply to the ques-
tion so that all in the room could hear.
We closed the series of meetings with one
more service in the chapel which was filled
as before with a scholarly and attentive
audience to listen to an earnest and able
address b\^ Dr. Hume of the Yale Mission.
On this last day a remarkable thing
Keller. M.D
the picture,
occurred. We received a note from a
high-class ladies' school in the city asking
us to reserve seats for a number of lady
teachers and students who desired to
attend this meeting. Only those con-
versant with old China can realize the
significance of this request. Truly doors
are wide open, oh ! for more workers to
enter them. "Pray ye therefore the
Lord of the harvest."
During this campaign we distributed
to the examination guests three thousand
gospels, the same number of explanatory
tracts, five hundred Testaments, and
several hundred copies of the illustrated
Gospel by John.
Just a word regarding our hospital
work. Although an excellent women's
hospital is only ten minutes' walk from
us, of the 2,945 patients treated during
eight months 464 were women, 227 of
them being new cases. Mr. Veryard has again kindly
served as anesthetist, and by doing so has made pos-
sible several important operations which, but for him,
could not have been done. Mrs. Keller has taken
general charge of the wards and house-keeping, and
has given much help in the drug-room. During the
last two months of the year Miss Tilley has taken up
regular work as nurse and assistant at the clinics.
We aim to make the hospital much more than a mere
medical and surgical institution. Our main purpose is
to make it an evangelistic agency and a training school.
Our hospital assistants are given special training in
methods of Christian work. We are always glad
when in-patients stay for a thorough convalescence, for
it gives a much better opportunity to exert a really per-
manent influence on them for our Master, Jesus Christ.
These opportunities have been times of seed sow-
ing. The harvest? How much it depends upon )'our
prayers. We do want you to join with us in earnest,
expectant, prevailing prayer, for those thousands of
earnest pilgrims, and for these three thousand
students who are returning, with their copies of the
Gospel, to every nook and corner of the great province.
Photo by]
All pilgrims t
THE TEMPLE OF I UK GODDESS OF MERCY [/•'. ./. Keller, M.I>.
raveling south In hunt worship at this temple of the Goddess of Mercy, which
is situated on the banks of the Siang river
China's Millions
67
Visiting a Tea Growing District in Hunan
BY MR. R. K. VBRYARD
WE were a party of three, Dr. Keller, evangelist
Siao, and myself. Our intended destination
was Kaokiao, a large village about fifty
miles from Changsha. The importance of the
district is connected with its tea preparation works,
and consequently the tea season was the time of the
year chosen to make our visit. At such a time the
capacity of the village is pressed to the uttermost to
supply food and accommodation for its busy workers,
who travel to the centre from the surrounding country
in their hundreds, intent on preparing, for the
delectation of people in other lands, the leaves of the
beverage known as " tea," and incidentally to earn a
little money for their own private use.
The aim we had in view was the distribution of
Scripture portions and tracts, and to take advantage
of our oppor-
tunities for
doing per-
sonal work e?i
route. We
left our pre-
mises hope-
fully, and
after crossing
a stream by
the ferry,
found our-
selves in a
very interest-
ing district,
one or two
particulars
regarding
which I hope
to mention
before com-
pleting this
story.
Our
evening
one
be
first
was
long to
remem-
bered. It was
my first ex-
COURTYARD OF
The picture shows pilgrims worshiping in the court) ard of the
perience of
sleeping in a Chinese inn, and the abiding impression
received was that Chinese inns belong to the category
of non-desirable luxuries. The people there were
very willing to listen to the Gospel, and as the fol-
lowing day was too wet to travel, we had splendid
opportunities for book distribution in the village
shops, and of conversation with the shop-keepers and
our fellow-travelers.
Rain, and our desire to distribute books at the
various places through which we passed, hindered
rapid progress, and it was the fourth day before we
arrived at the first tea works which we had seen.
The scene of startled women and children scattering
in all directions as the foreigners came into view, was
one not easily forgotten. It was but a temporary
surprise, however, for when no terrible calamity
overtook them they seemed to recover a measure of
confidence, and the demands made upon our stock of
literature were considerable, the women being especi-
ally urgent in their plea for books for the children.
The same evening we reached our destination, and
were received by a Christian brassworker, who seemed
most delighted to welcome us. He was a great help
to us during our stay, and proved himself a most
earnest, aggressive Christian. He has since been
baptized, and has given abundant evidence of the
sincere nature of his profession.
We spent three full days at Kaokiao, and distri-
buted books not only in the village itself, but also in
the neighboring districts. We began by visiting, as
far as possible, t every shop in the place, and where
convenient, not only left our books but engaged in
conversation
with the shop-
keepers. Our
special object
beingto reach
the tea-work-
ers, it was to
this class that
we mainly de-
voted our at-
tention . A
tea-works is a
veritable bee-
hive, in which
hundreds of
people are
employed in
sorting, dry-
ing, andpack-
ing the tea-
leaves, the
majority be-
ing women
and children.
We did not
disturb the
people whilst
at work, but
found plenty
of opportuni-
ties for the distribution of our literature. All were
willing to receive what we had to impart ; men,
women and children literally begging for books. We
endeavored to distribute discriminately, and as far
as possible gave only to those who could read. The
means taken to discover this caused quite a little
amusement. A man would ask for a tract, and we
would show him one, asking him to read the title.
He perhaps could read, and carried the treasure away
rejoicing. A bystander asking for one would be sub-
mitted to a similar test with a different tract. He,
having heard the first man's reply, and in his eager-
ness to get a book, would repeat glibly what he had
just heard, to the amusement of the crowd, and his
own discomfiture.
Naturally we met with some out of sympathy with
MAIN TEMPLE
main temple. The Emperor's temple is in the background
68
China's Millions
our intention. One such man, belonging to the teacher
class, stopped on his way to point out to me the folly
of attempting to distribute books to the "masses."
" Why do such a foolish thing as this ? " he said, "the
people cannot read, and it is the utmost foolishness
for you to attempt to enlighten them. Your motive
is doubtless a good one, but your method lacks wis-
dom. Be advised by me, give up your effort, and
you will at once rid yourself of the distasteful follow-
ing you have with you clamoring for books." It was
useless for me to attempt to discuss the matter with
him. He looked on me with the benevolent eye of
one who knew all, to whose arguments nothing could
be replied. I continued in my wilful way, and he
departed, pitying the man who could be so foolish as
to attempt such an impossible task as the enlighten-
ment of " these masses."
Another, who had some knowledge of the Gospel,
made the extraordinary assertion that the distribution
of books could only dishonor God. He also agreed
that the motive was to be admired, but that the
method adopted could not but hinder the cause we
had set out to propagate. The fact that he had been
indulging in excessive wine-driuking somewhat dis-
counted the reasonableness of his remarks, and we
continued in our wayward course.
They were the only two who offered any kind of
opposition to our efforts, and after such experiences
it was a great consolation to return through a village
we had carefully visited, and note the interested
groups reading aloud from the books they had re-
ceived. One such village I remember distinctly, where
almost without exception the shopkeepers had gath-
ered, and, together with their customers, were either
themselves reading or listening to the " good news"
as it was read to them by others. This was the en-
lightenment of " these masses" going on in earnest,
through which we trust the Holy Spirit will produce
in many a change of heart and conduct.
In and around Kaokiao we visited about twenty
teaworks, which would employ an aggregate of sever-
al thousands of workers. We visited, too, about one
hundred boats, engaged in carrying packed chests of
tea between Kaokiao and the port lower down the
river, leaving books and having conversations with the
boatmen whenever possible. Of Scripture portions
and tracts we distributed several thousands, and ad-
dressed a large number of people, the majority of
whom heard the Gospel probably for the first time.
Crowds were of course the order of the day. Crowds
on the streets, crowds in the inns, crowds everywhere.
It was a time of broadcast seed-sowing, the result of
which we shall not know here on earth, but which
largely depends upon the prayers of the readers of these
notes. The willingness of the people to receive the
books, while not betokening an eagerness to believe
the Gospel, is yet an open door, the importance of
which cannot be over-estimated, nor our duty to take
advantage of it over-stated.
I have already mentioned passing through an in-
teresting section of the country. Its interest lay in
the fact that there were two temples within a short
distance of each other, erected in memory, and for
the worship of what are called ruhshen. A ruhshen
is the dried up, undecomposed body of a human being,
worshiped as a god, and is called ruhshen ("7-i//i"
= flesh, " shen" =a spirit, a god, i.e. "a god of
flesh ") to distinguish it from the ordinary idol which
is made of wood or some other substance. The tem-
ples were erected in memory of a brother and sister,
who are said in Chinese parlance to have been ' ' im-
mortals." They have an actual history, a few details
of which may prove interesting.
The brother is known at the present day as Li
Kong, but in life was called Li Wan-iuh, his literary
style being Feng-fan. He was born during the reign
of Ch'i'-ta, an Emperor of the Yuan dynasty, who
reigned from 1308 to 1312 A.D. His birthplace was
Kin-Siu-Tu, situated in the "district" of Chang>ha,
sixty-five miles from Changsha city.
Li Kong was by religion a Taoist, and in his
younger days met a fellow-member of the sect, by
name Cheo Ie-sien, who exercised a great influence
over him, and to whow Li Kong attached himself as
a disciple. So earnest, however, was Li Kong in his
quest, that he finally surpassed his master in devotion
and attainment.
He was a doctor of recognized ability, who dis-
dained the ordinarily adopted method of treating
sick persons, viz., that of writing a prescription, after
diagnosing the patient's case, which must be pre-
sented at the druggist's to be made up. Li Kong's
method was to examine the sick person, and then from
a wallet which he continually carried with him, to
select and give to his patient the medicine which
would effect the cure desired.
He was a man of eccentric habits, accustomed in
his quest after " immortality " to disappear from his
home for varying periods, appearing at intervals in
various places. During such seasons, according to
the tenets of Taoism, he spent much time in the atti-
tude of quiet contemplation, abstaining entirely frcm
both food and drink, in the hope that he might obtain
the distinction he so much desired. It was during
such a time as this, that wasted to a skeleton by his
extreme asceticism, he passed away in the sitting
posture of quiet contemplation prescribed by his
religion. He was discovered in this attitude after a
long absence from home, by a hunter, was at once
recognized, and worshiped by the people of the sur-
rounding district as an " immortal."
Li Kong is held in extreme reverence by the people
who visit his temple, and many are the blessings he
is said to bestow on devotees worshiping at his altar.
His bod} T is now rather dilapidated, and has been
carefully patched in several places to keep it from
complete dissolution. Dr. Keller was anxious to photo-
graph the shrine itself in which the remains are said
to be preserved, but the Buddhist priest in charge
would not give his consent, in spite of his assertion
that Li Kong was not at that time in the.shrine, having
been taken to Kiangsi. We had, therefore, to be con-
tent with a view of the back of the stage — the front
of which is open, and faces the temple — on which
theatrical plays are produced for the edification of Li
Kong, and quite incidentally the enjoyment of the
crowds that have gathered to do him reverence.
The superstition and ignorance which admit of the
folly of worshiping a dried, patched up, mummy-like
corpse, is appalling, and the claim that such degrada-
tion of soul, such debasement of human intelligence,
has upon our sympathetic prayers, is unspeakable.
China's Millions
69
Our Shanghai Letter
BY MR. D. E. HOSTE
SINCK writing to you last, I have been kept in
my room more than a fortnight with an attack
of influenza and bronchitis, and am still unwell,
so must ask you kindly to excuse the defects of this
letter.
We have been thankful to welcome Misses Rich-
ardson and Dring, with the nine new ladies, and
their presence with us during the past few days has
been a cheer and help. They have just left for
Yangchow by the mid-day train, and I would ask
your special prayers on behalf of dear Miss Murray
and all in the Training Home during the coming
months.
Mr. Doherty's condition has shown improvement
in some ways, but there are symptoms which occa-
the doctor anxiety.
We have been thankful to receive news of great
blessing
in con-
n ection
with spe-
cial ser-
vices
by Mes-
srs. Lut-
ley and
Wang
from
Shansi,
at Pao-
ning in
EastSze-
c h wan .
The
meetings
had been
preced -
e d by
much
special
prayer
for a con-
siderable
time be-
forehand
and seem
to have
been of a solemn and searching character, conviction
of sin being deep and powerful. The following out-
line from the pen of Bishop Cassels will be read by
you with thankfulness : —
"Much preparation for the mission was made.
I wrote to all the missionaries and sent a circular to
all the catechists about it. And here in this station
Mr. Aldis made special efforts for his own people.
Special prayer meetings were started, and the matter
was constantly in our usual prayers. It happened
that both the hospital and the diocesan training
college were closed for the New Year holidays, and
the recently acquired house for the extension of the
training college was also available. So we invited
Christians both from the out-stations, and also from
other stations round about, to come in for the meet-
ings. Beds of straw were made on the floor, and in
this way we could sleep ten or twenty in a room.
Some three or four hundred responded to our invita-
tion, and spent the whole eight days with us here.
The main doors of the church were moved, and two
of the transept walls were temporarily taken down,
and mat roof and walls temporarily put up outside,
so that five or six hundred could be seated in the
church. Meanwhile much prayer was being made,
also in other parts of China for the meetings.
" On his way down to us, Mr. L/utley, who was
accompanied by his Chinese assistant, Mr. Wang,
held some preliminary meetings both at Kuangtien
and Sintientsi, and certainly at Kuangtien the
results were such as to intensify our expectation
that God was going to work among us here.
"The
striking
feature
of the
m ission
was that
the Spirit
of con-
vict ion
fell on
the peo-
ple from
the very
first.
There
was some
thing of
this even
at the
morning
prayer
meeting
on the
first Sun-
day. Af-
ter the
usual
THE ALTAR OF THE WHOLE-BURNT SACRIFICE
Within the Chinese city of Peking there are two parks, in which are located the temples of Heaven and Agriculture.
Near to the Altar of Heaven is situated the altar of the whole-burnt offering, as shown in the picture. It is faced with green
tiles, and is nine feet high and seven feet wide. Here, while the Emperor is officiating on the Altar of Heaven, after mid-
night, the black ox is burned as a whole-burnt offering.
During 1900 the Sikhs used this altar to cremate their comrades who had fallen in the relief and occupation of Peking.
morning
and af-
• ternoon
Sunday services, the local clergy left things in the
hands of the missioner, and an irresistible wave of
prayer with confession of sin fell on the congregation.
This became intensified day by day and reached its
climax on Wednesday. The spirit of conviction was
most deep and widespread. It fell on all classes
alike, literate and illiterate, young and old, chiefly
on the men, but the women (of whom there were
much fewer present) did not escape. The task of
making a list of the sins confessed to would be odious
and unprofitable, and it is surely best to draw a veil
over so sad and solemn a matter. I do not know
whether one was most prostrated with shame at the
terrible frailty of even the best Christians, or filled
with astonishment at the marvelous power of the
7°
China's Millions
Spirit of God to lead to such confessions. As one
man remarked, the most excruciating torture in
a Chinese law court would generally have failed to
draw out these confessions. And naturally speaking,
the preaching was entirely insufficient for such work.
No outward power could have done it. But men
were so moved by an inward and spiritual impetus
that they were irresistibly compelled to give utterance,
often with tears and groans, to what for very shame,
if not for fear of consequences, they would otherwise
have kept utterly secret. All this was most evident
at the morning prayer meetings, which generally
lasted for two or three hours. After the opening
hymn, without any address or exhortation, men
began to pray, and sometimes a number altogether.
It was evident that the conviction came upon them in
the night, and that they could get no rest until they
had fully confessed what was in their consciences.
Many promised reparation of various kinds, and not
a few sums of money have already been paid back.
On a later day, when the burden of conviction was
somewhat lightened, the people were led by the mis-
sioner to make apologies to any whom they had
offended, or to make an agreement with any with
whom they were at variance. The suggestion was
at once acted upon, and men rose up from their seats
in the church to go and find those to whom they
wished to apologize.
"At the early celebration on the second Sunday,
there were nearly three hundred communicants, and
one man, at any rate, who had been most deeply
broken down before, again broke out into irresistible
sobs as he received the tokens of our Lord's love.
And the thank offering taken during that day, which
is to be devoted to the new church building, amounted
in sums given or promised to nearly tls. 400.
"The missioners have now gone on elsewhere,
and the Christians have returned to their homes, but
we believe and trust that the fire will spread, and that
the whole diocese will be influenced by it."
Special services are being arranged in other parts
of the province, and our brethren, Messrs. Lutley and
Wang, will (D.V.) be in Szechwan till the latter part
of June.
Encouraging news also reaches us from Kaifengfu,
where a series of special evangelistic meetings have
been conducted by Mr. C. N. Lack, who came from
his station, Yeucheng, for the purpose. A consider-
able number of outsiders signified their desire to put
their trust in the Savior, and Mr. Bird is hopeful of
definite accessions to the church as the result of this
effort. The following is an extract from his letter on
this subject : —
" Our mission has just come to an end, and truly
we have much for which to praise God. Mr. Lack came
to us at much cost and personal inconvenience, his
children being ill and a pressure of matters at Yen-
cheng. We, especially at Kaifeng had felt the oppo-
sition of the Evil One in the previous weeks. But
the ground was well prepared by prayer and effort.
Dr. Guinness had conducted a workers' class every
morning the week previous to the meetings, and five
hundred hand bills had been printed for distribution,
besides a number of large posters for pasting up at
the street corners. The weather was all that could
be desired, not having one dust storm even. The
attendance was good, the chapel being well filled
twice a day, a good number of women coming to the
mid-day meeting, while it was almost all men at
night. I should think that the total attendance quite
reached three thousand. Mr. Lack's words were with
great power, and from the very first he held his
audiences, the attention and quietness being most
marked. Each night Mr. Lack asked those who
wanted to decide and believe to stand up and be
prayed for. They were then asked to stay behind
for further instruction. Some nights their names
and addresses were taken, about seventy altogether.
Among those who stood up were the son of a Manchu
taotai, a yamen secretary named Liu, one or two
telegraph clerks, a policeman, some of our servants,
and what specially rejoiced our hearts, some of those
who had been enquiring for years, but had not really
repented up till now."
We have heard of some unrest in the northern
part of the province of Yunnan, where the Methodist
Mission are at work, but the trouble has passed over.
News has also reached us of serious disorder in the
district of Simian, to the south of Wenchow in Che-
kiang, due to the action of the officials in endeavor-
ing to destroy the opium crops there. This action
was not taken till it was too late for the people to sow
anything else, and this fact naturally aggravated the
spirit of resistance. It will be understood that there
is, of course, nothing directly anti-foreign in these
troubles, which we hope will soon be satisfactorily
adjusted.
Before closing this letter I must also mention that
a visit paid by Miss Gregg to some of the stations in
Shansi has been attended with much blessing. Miss
Gregg's own letter, written from Hwochow, speaks
for itself : —
" Our average attendance was about five hundred
women and girls, such a mass of faces — it was quite
an inspiration to speak. The evangelistic meetings
we had at 11.30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Numbers of outside
women came in to the morning meetings. About
thirty or forty girls decided for Christ in the schools,
some who have been prayed for for years by Miss
Cable and Miss French. The last day we had a
testimony meeting, and all those who had received
blessing during the meetings were asked to testify.
I am not ever likely to forget that meeting, two
hundred and twenty-five stood up and clearly and
simply told of help received."
' ' Not only must missionaries suffer in going forth,
but the Church must go forward in self-denial to
the point of suffering. Redemption work, soul-saving
work, cannot be carried on without suffering." —
J. Hudson Taylor.
" I believe that we shall see those successful who
can in patience abide God's time. If the storm
come, let us bow to it, but hold on to our anchor.
If we cannot make much headway, let us try to
hold on, and in time wind and tide will change.
God may try us; He will not fail us."— J. Hudson
Taylor.
China's Millions
7i
Editorial Notes
WILL friends who desire us to change their
addresses for the summer months please give
us early notice to this effect ; and in doing
this, will they kindly make sure to state the old as
well as the new address.
We have received word that Mr. Hoste, our
General Director at Shanghai, and Mr. Southey, our
Australasian Director, are on their way to London,
to act as delegates at the forthcoming Conference at
Edinburgh. Both of these brethren expect to arrive
in London in the early part of the month, and to be
in England thereafter for some time. We are hoping
that Mr. Hoste, upon returning to China in the late
summer, will pass through America, and thus, that
we shall have the privilege of seeing him here. We
regret to say that our brother has not been well lately,
and needs physical strengthening. Let us remember
him, in this respect, before God. Let us ask also,
that both Mr. Hoste and Mr. Southey may be made a
great blessing while they are in the home-lands.
Dr. Hykes has recently rendered to the American
Bible Society, New York City, his annual report for
China, and it is an unusually interesting one. The
direct issues for 1909 were 1,008,020. The indirect
issues include sales to other Bible Societies, transfers,
etc., and they reach 1,028,496. This is an increase
of direct issues of 525,188 copies over the previous
year. The circulation for 1908 was 594,952, while
for 1909 it was 849,276 copies. A large percentage
of these books was, what is called, " portions," that
is, single books, usually, Gospels, sometimes the four
Gospels, or other groups of books. The number of
sales for the whole Bible greatly increased. This
indicates an altogether new interest in the Word of
God in China, especially among the literary classes.
We rejoice in these tokens of blessing upon the
American Bible Society. Such tokens are many in
these days, great advancement having been made in
other directions besides those noted above. May
God bless the work increasingly.
About the time this paper reaches the hands of
our readers, the Edinburgh Conference will be in
session, its appointed time being from June fourteenth
to the twenty-fourth. We hope during these days
that very much prayer will be offered for the Con-
ference. The past two Conferences were much
blessed of God, and our gracious Father will be ready
to bless this Conference in the measure that it fulfills
necessary spiritual conditions. But blessing is not
to be taken for granted. In such a large and com-
posite gathering, many things will work against the
development of the real and of the true. We need,
therefore, to ask God to subdue all that may be con-
trary to Him, and to develope what may be of the
Spirit and thus to His praise and glory. May we
then urge our friends to pray daily and earnestly for
the sessions of the Conference, both in the Assembly
and Synod Halls. It is significant that the Boxer
and other persecutions broke out just after the last
Conference, and that new persecutions have broken
out in China just before the present Conference.
This seems to signify that Satan is alert to the pos-
sibilities bound up in such gatherings of the Lord's
people, and that he is intent upon doing all that he
can to prevent spiritual advancement and enlarged
blessing.
In these days when so much is being said and
written about reform movements throughout the
heathen and Mohammedan worlds, it is necessary to
remind ourselves that there is absolutely nothing in
civilization, however far it may advance, which makes
for the regeneration of a people. As we recently
heard a missionary from China say : " Men are not
saved by locomotives and sanctified by telegraph
poles." You may export from the home-land and
import into the foreign-land all of the most recent
and most approved devices of even a Christian
civilization, and yet leave the people affected by these
things, spiritually speaking, just where they were
before. Indeed, civilization, apart from regeneration,
may leave a people worse off than before. In the
first instance, they are self-acknowledged sinners, but
in the last instance they may be self-satisfied sinners,
which puts them, not nearer, but farther away from
God. Let us rejoice in any advancement of civiliza-
tion which ameliorates a people's mental and physical
condition ; but let us keep constantly in mind, as we
value souls, that it is our obligation to make sure that
the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ be proclaimed to all
peoples in order that individuals may have implanted
in them the life which is from above. Without this,
whatever else may be given, men must inevitably
perish and all service in their behalf be vain.
There are many causes in these days which are
operating against the development of a vital interest
in the evangelization of the heathen, and which are
preventing young people from offering for service
abroad. Some of these are as follows : the spirit of
worldliness ; the love of pleasure and ease ; the fas-
cination of money-making and the desire to be rich ;
the snare of delegating to others what is one's per-
sonal responsibility ; the special snare of supposing
that it is as good to stay at home to make money and
to give, as it is to go and to preach ; the magnifying
of home claims to the exclusion of foreign claims ;
the fear of possible hardship and suffering ; the dread
of being lost to sight among men and of missing the
opportunity of occupying the favored places at the
disposal of men ; the deterring influences brought to
bear by parents and other relatives upon children and
the false assumption on the part of the children that
such voices necessarily express the voice of God ; a
lessening regard, under the influence of present day
apostate preaching, for the Word of God and a conse-
quent sense of irresponsibility toward its commands ;
a failure to face the teaching of Scripture as to the
spiritual consequences of sin as related to the heathen
and as to the necessity of preaching the Gospel to
them. In some lives, a few of the above influences
prevent the individual from obeying the last command
of Christ ; in other lives, it is a combination of most
or of all of such influences. And so men tarry, while
a world is dying. May God have mercy upon such
China's Millions
as are tempted to deal thus lightly with the issues of
life and death.
"And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves
apart into a desert place and rest awhile." (Mark
6:31.) There is an anonymous saying which reads
as follows : " Christ never asks of us such busy labor
as leaves no time for resting at His feet." This is
the truth which Mary had found out there at Bethany
and which made her to differ from Martha, who was
cumbered with many cares. And this is the truth
which all truly great souls, from then till now, have
discovered and which has made them to differ from
those who have served about them but who have
served without renewing their strength in the presence
of Christ. Service is important. There is not a verse
in all the Scripture which puts a premium upon idle-
ness. But God asks us for service of the right sort,
at the heart of which is the divinely imparted quality
of a new and abundant life. Anything else than this,
anything the least less than this, is not service, but
simply fleshly energy. Such work, besides being
entirely lost, may do more harm than good, and God
asks us to cease from it. He invites us thus to come
apart with Him, that, at His feet, looking into His
face, hearing His voice, and being inspired by all the
blessedness of His presence, we may put off our
strength and put on His strength, and so be most
truly prepared unto every good word and work.
And let us not be afraid when the Master asks us to
go apart into a desert place to rest and learn. It is
only in such a place, often, that we really get away
from the noise and distraction of a busy world and
that we really find our utter need of Him and His
full ability to supply our need. For every "Go,"
therefore, let us hear Christ's ' ' Come, ' ' and for every
exhortation to labor, let us hear and accept of His
invitation to rest and learn of Him.
China Inland Mission, North America
Consolidated Summary of Philadelphia and Toronto Cash Accounts for the Year 1909
Receipts :^-
Balance from 1908 : —
General Fund Account $ 826 21
Outfit and Passage Account 596 32
Meeting Account 96 04
Literature Account 12 50
Received in 1909 : —
Missionary Account, for the support of
missionaries in China and at home. 24,300 24
Native Helper Account, for the sup-
port of pastors, evangelists and
bible-women 6,696 68
Native School Account, for the sup-
port of native children in schools in
China 479 90
Foreign Special Account, for Bible
Schools, orphanages, famine relief,
purchase of gospels, tracts, etc 9,601 10
Outfit and Passage Account, for out-
fits and traveling expenses of mis-
sionaries to China 1,842 50
China's Millions Account, for pub-
lication of China's Millions 4 00
General Fund Account, for general
Mission use (including interest on
investments) 24,584 36
-$ 1,530 07
67,508 7 i
Disbursements : —
Paid out in 1909 : —
Missionary Account, remitted to China
and paid out at home for the sup-
port of missionaries $35
Native Helper Account, remitted to
China for the support of pastors,
evangelists and bible-women 6
Native School Account, remitted to
China for the support of native
children in schools in China
Foreign Special Account, remitted to
China for Bible Schools, orphanages,
famine relief, purchase of gospels,
tracts, etc 9
Outfit and Passage Account, for out-
fits and traveling expenses of mis-
sionaries to China 2
China's Millions and Literature Ac-
count, for the printing and circulat-
ing of China's Millions and for
thepurchase of literature 1,
Traveling Account, for traveling ex-
penses of returned missionaries,
officers and deputation workers
Candidate Account, for candidates'
traveling expenses and for their
testing and training
Mission Home Account, for furnishing
and repairs of Mission Homes, for
interest and Trustee's fee and for
moving expenses 1
Meeting Account, rent of halls, adver-
tising, etc
Support of officers and families and
entertainment of visitors in Mission
Homes ~
Support of office and home helpers... 4
Office fixtures, printing, stationery,
postage, telegrams, bank charges,
lawyer's fees, etc
House rental, fuel, gas, water, taxes
and insurance 2
,174 96
,696 68
479
90
601
10
,305
59
703
38
455
36
90
15
,615
10
26
90
731 87
,266 23
798
16
,014 55
«67,959 93
Balance on hand : —
General Fund Account
Outfit and Passage Account
446 69
632 23
$69,038 85
1,078 92
$69,038 85
We have audited the Philadelphia accounts of the China Inland Mission for the year 1909 and found them to be correct, and
do hereby certify that the foregoing summary correctly combines the Toronto cash account as certified to us by Mr. H. J. D.
Mattel, Auditor, and the Philadelphia cash account. (Signed) Lybrand, Ross Bros. & Montgomery,
Philadelphia, 2nd April, 1910. Certified Public Accountants.
CHINA'S MILLIONS
TORONTO, JULY, 1910
Vision, Commission and Provision
BY MR. F. WOOD, EVANGELIST
(From the Life of Faith. )
AS . . . so ; As the Father hath sent me, even
so send I you," (John 20: 21). This Commis-
sion was both preceded and succeeded by some-
thing else. It was preceded by Vision — " He shewed
unto them His hands and His side. Then were the
disciples glad when they saw the Lord" (v. 19). It
was succeeded by Provision : ' ' And when he had said
this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Re-
ceive ye the Holy Ghost " (v. 22). This is ever God's
order — Vision — Commission — Provision.
Now turn to an Old Testament parallel. In Genesis
45 : 9, we find the Commission given by Joseph to his
brethren: " Haste ye, and go." But there is some-
thing going before — a revelation of himself, a Vision
of the true brother : " Come near to me, I pray you.
I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt"
(v. 4). There was also a revelation of his present
greatness and authority : " God hath made me a
father to Pharoah, and lord of all his house, and a
ruler throughout all the land of Egypt ' ' (v. 8) . Then,
as ever, Vision and Commission were followed by Pro-
vision : ' ' And the children of Israel did so ; and
Joseph gave them wagons, and gave them provision
for the way " (v. 21).
1. Vision is always God's preparation for service.
It was so in the case of Moses, to whom God appeared
in the bush, and to whom in the mount He spake face
to face. It was so with Isaiah (chapter 6) , whose minis-
try began in that hour when he "saw the Lord," and
cried, "I am undone" (v. 6.) It was so with the wo-
man of Samaria, the human instrument of the Sychar
revival. She had first of all a double vision — of her-
self and of Christ. All Paul's glorious life-work
began with his seeing the Lord and hearing His voice.
So, too, with John : " We have seen and do testify,"
he writes.
Now why does our power to receive and carry out
the Commission depend upon the Vision ? For one
thing, because the vision of God is the one thing that
will bring us into an attitude of fitness to be used by
God. It reveals our nothingness. All God's thrones
are reached by going down stairs. " Woe is me! for
I am undone ; for mine eyes have seen the King, the
Lord of hosts," cried Isaiah. "I have heard of
Thee ; now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor
myself, ' ' cried Job. Oh ! how little we abhor ourselves.
It is for lack of vision. [" My comeliness was turned in
me into corruption"] — the very thing we prided our-
selves upon.
A Puritan writer says : — " Resolved, that when I
speak to a small meeting, I will remember that God is
there, and that will make it a large one ; and that
when I speak to a large meeting I will remember that
God is there, and that will make it a small one." Ah!
this is the way to see God.
Another reason why the seen depends upon the
unseen is this : — Every important truth of our holy
faith is brought home with new power as we see the
Crucified. It is at the Cross that we learn to hate sin,
to love the souls of men, to understand as never before
the justice and the love of God, and the reality of
heaven and hell.
A certain artist, forbidden to copy a great master-
piece hung in a cathedral, accomplished his purpose by
coming again and again, gazing and gazing, until the
picture possessed him, and he was able to reproduce
it in his studio. So may we wait on God in His
Word, gazing on Christ till we too see the vision, and
are changed into the same image.
II. THE COMMISSION
"As . . . so; As My Father hath sent Me,
even so send I you " (John 20 : 21). We must go
out, as He did, with an all-absorbing passion to save.
As He represented the Father, we must represent
Christ. As men saw the God-man in Him, so are
they to see the Christ man in us. As they saw in Him
the Father, so are men to see and feel the Christ in us.
III. THE PROVISION
When God calls, He empowers. His power comes
as we go, as we obey. Not before, but as we obey.
That power is the Holy Spirit — is a Person. It is He,
and He only, from beginning to end. We are born
of the Spirit. Assurance of salvation is His gift. Do
we lack love to souls ? It is He who sheds abroad the
love of God in our hearts. Power ? ' ' Ye shall
receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come
upon you."
Years ago a little boy and girl were playing on the
sands. They had dug a great hole, and now were
trying to fill it from the sea, fetching pailful after
pailful. Presently the little sister went off, and the
boy toiled on alone, till, quite discouraged, he sought
his mother. She led him down to the margin, cooled
his hands and feet in the waves, and set him watching
them as they crept up the strand. Then came a wave
that swept suddenly up ; and lo, the hollow he had
made was full to the brim.
That day, that little boy — who was the speaker
himself — learnt a great lesson, viz., that we can
only make the hollow. It is for God to bring the
tide and fill it. Any attempt to do this of ourselves
is like the effort of the child to fill his pit with his
tiny pail.
76
China's Millions
Medical Work in Pingyangfu, Shansi
ADDRESS BY DR. JOHN CARR, SHANSI
DEAR Friends, — In the time at my disposal this
afternoon I would like to arrange what I have
to say under three heads — the Past, the Present,
and the Future of our Medical Work in Pingyangfu.
Under the past, one would like to put everything
that happened after Dr. Miller Wilson went there about
the year 1897 up to the year 1900. Unless Dr. Wilson
had preceded us in that place the work would have
been infinitely more difficult than it is now ; and we
are thankful to say that we have found doors open on
every hand, simply and solely because Dr. Wilson
spent his few years in Shansi in such faithful and
devoted service for the people.
As many here present know, Dr. Wilson went out
in the year 1891, and after spending some years in
Taiyiianfu, the capital of the province, he went south
to Pingyangfu, which, although a less important, is
still an influential prefecture, and there commenced
medical work. Of course there were no hospital
buildings, and Dr. Wilson had to rent temporary
premises in the shape of a Chinese courtyard, which
he fitted up as well as he could as a hospital. We
now have the privilege of
living in that very house.
It is no longer a hospital,
although before the new
hospital buildings were
put up we saw patients in
it, and used it, to a certain
extent, for out-patients.
Dr. Wilson went down to
Pingyangfu, and opened
opium refuges in the city
and in the various villages
around. He started medi-
cal work, and had a small
medical school where two
or three students learned
the rudiments of medical
and surgical science. In
addition to this, Ping-
yangfu, in those days, was
various kinds. The work
THE HOME OF A MISSIONARY IX I'INGYANGFl/
a center of hospitality of
increased until the year
1900, when he left Pingyangfu and joined Mrs. Wilson
and their little child at Taiyiianfu, the capital, where
on July 9th, 1900, they, and many others, suffered
martyrdom.
After he left Pingyangfu, the city was in a great
state of turmoil. The Boxers rushed into the premises;
they turned up the floor ; they broke all the medicine
bottles ; they ran off with every piece of apparatus they
could lay their hands upon, and they spilt all over the
premises whatever they could not carry away. Fortu-
nately for us, they did not pull the house down, but it
still remains a very substantial building. Thus the
work came to a complete termination for the time
being.
After that Dr. Wilson's brother, Mr. Robert
Wilson, who lives in Helensburgh, in Scotland, was
very desirous of raising a memorial in the place where
Dr. Wilson worked, and gave a considerable sum of
money to start the building of a hospital and to enable
us to carry on the work. This money was promised
for some years before any medical man came, and it
was not until the year 1907 that we could really
seriously think of beginning the building at all.
However, in that year we were able to get to work,
and, with the help of Mr. Lyons, who was then mis-
sionary at Pingyangfu, we bought up considerable
numbers of old temples which the Chinese were
delighted to sell to us, old houses, and brickbats
innumerable — and we began the building of our new
hospital. It is not one of the least satisfying thoughts
in connection with the matter that the very materials
we used were previously used for temples in which the
worship of idols was carried on. We laid the founda-
tion stone with a dedication service, and on the stone
we wrote that it was laid to the glory of God on May
7th, 1908. Underneath we also engraved, " I am
come that they might have life." I think that
expresses the foundation -object of our hospital. It
exists not only as a center of physical healing. We
do strive by the help of God to impart that ; but we
seek also to tell the patients of the Lord Jesus Christ
who is the Bread of Life
Eternal.
During the hot weather
the building of the hos-
pital walls went on, and
now we have the substan-
tial beginning of what, we
hope, will be ultimately a
completed hospital. The
' ' Wilson Memorial Hos-
pital ' ' is the name of it in
English. In Chinese the
characters are four in num-
ber, and they mean ' ' The
Good-Overcoming Hospi-
tal. ' ' We hope and trust
that this will prove to be
an appropriate name.
We had our opening
ceremony at the Chinese new year, which corresponded
to about the middle of February, 1909. We invited
the leaders of the Chinese church in the various dis-
tricts of the province to come and be our guests for a
period of two or three days, that we might have a time
of Christian fellowship and prayer together for God's
blessing upon the work ; and we were very glad that
so many were able to come, although the notice given
was somewhat short, and the time of year not a con-
venient one for Chinese traveling.
In addition, there were local Christians present.
We had a dedication service in the chapel and waiting-
room. That room is just about thirty feet long by
eighteen feet wide, and it will seat about one hundred
and twenty, or one hundred and thirty persons quite
comfortably. It was filled to overflowing, and we had
a most delightful time together. One of our mission-
aries, Mr. Dreyer, who is taking a very great deal of
interest in our work, and was a fellow- worker with
Dr. Miller Wilson himself, composed a special hymn,
which we had hung up on a long scroll so that every-
China's Millions
77
-*s
i »fc
Plwtoby] "OLD HOUSES AND BRICKBATS [.V. £\ A'«W
INNUMERABLE"
These ruins are characteristic of Pingyangfii. Since the great famine in the
third year of the reign of Kwangsha {1877) there are almost
more ruins in the city than inhabited houses.
body could read it distinctly. This hymn was sung to
a well-known tune, and it went with a swing.
After this, a few days were devoted to entertaining
guests with whom we were desirous of becoming
acquainted. In the first place, we invited all the local
officials, who came in their robes to inspect the hos-
pital, and to get to know us to some extent, and to
hear something about our work. On the following
days we had the gentry and shop-keepers of the city
and district, and their wives, on separate days. This
proved a very valuable means for the introduction of
our work to the people.
So the work opened, and we have had a most
encouraging beginning. The patients have come in
considerable numbers. We are only able as yet to
accommodate quite a few men patients. Our court-
yard is not completed, and we can have no women
patients in the hospital until it is. But, so far, we
have had very encouraging results, both physical and
spiritual, we believe, amongst the men patients.
People of all kinds have come, from the mandarin
down to the beggar. They have heard the Word of
Life from our evangelist and from ourselves, and we
believe that a great deal of prejudice has been broken
down, although, of course, it is too early to speak
definitely with regard to the spiritual results.
The method of our work, perhaps, could not be
better described than by my just giving you the pro-
gram of one day. We gather our people together
early in the morning — our hospital evangelist, the
school teacher, and other hospital workers, who are
Christian men, and any Christians who are staying
with us at the time— to our own house for family
prayer at 6.30 in the morning in the summer, and
7.00 in the winter ; so we make an early start.
Then we begin the hospital work at about nine o'clock.
We see out-patients, men on alternate days with the
women, two days a week each. After we have seen
them it is time for lunch. In the afternoons, gener-
ally, we have operations, or whatever there is to be
done. There are many things to be attended to when
people on all sides are clamoring for attention.
With regard to the spiritual work, we have ser-
vices, of course, daily in the wards of the hospital.
Our evangelist conducts these, or we do ourselves,
and we have had very blessed times.
With regard to the future, we hope to extend into
the neighboring districts and larger cities, after our
own hospital is completed, and is thoroughly efficient,
with regard both to staff and to accommodation.
We very much hope that another medical man will
be forthcoming, to share the work. We also feel the
need of another nurse to help us. So far our staff is
three in number. We draw our patients from a
population of something like three millions, and a
staff of three workers is very small indeed.
May I emphasize what has already been said.
One cannot be in China without realizing the immense
needs and the infinite possibilities which there are
for any who go consecrated to the service of Christ.
The following is an extract from a booklet which
Dr. Carr has written regarding the Wilson Memorial
Hospital : "At present the doctor, his wife (non-medi-
cal), and one nurse are responsible for the entire work,
and for all the contingencies to which the mere exist-
ence of a medical centre gives rise. With the exception
of a women's dispensary, recently opened at Hwochow,
one and a half days' journey distant, Pingyangfu is
the only organized medical mission in a district about
three times as large as Wales. Hence the great need
for branch dispensaries, as well as the central hospital.
And when it is remembered that the foreign mission-
aries scattered over this area number between thirty and
forty it is plain that more workers are imperative if
Chinese and foreign patients are to be treated properly."
Photo by]
THEiDRUM TOWER: PINGYANGFU
[.V. E. King
78
China's Millions
Work Among the Women of Honan
ADDRESS BY MISS M. E. SOLTAC, HONAN
ON returning to England, one feels that the Church
at home has not in the least bit realized what
heathenism is. As one sees the many churches
and mission halls, and thinks of all the specializing of
work and the attempts to reach every class, such as
there are at home here, one wonders why it is that
people in England have so many chances, and the
people in China none. Only the other day we were
reading how one of our missionaries in Honan had
entered into a compact with his native workers to try
to preach the Gospel for at least one hour in every
village within a seven-mile radius round different
centres ; and the villages are so thick and so close
together that probably there are some two hundred
round each of those centres. Can you think what it
means that those people are to hear the Gospel for one
hour, and possibly no more ?
I have been living six years in Honan, and to give
you some idea of the size of the province I may say
that it is larger than England and Wales by some
thousands of miles, and its population is greater by
some millions of people. In that province there are
1 06 great walled cities, and thousands of towns and
villages ; and, out of those 106 walled cities, when the
statistics were drawn up two years ago, only thirty-one
had resident missionaries. Try to think of what that
means in a country which is larger than England.
Possibly now there may be some thirty-four or thirty-
five cities where there are resident workers. But that
is all in the whole of that great province. In Hiang-
cheng, where I have been working, my parish as I call
it (a city of some 80,000 people) and the district round
for some two miles, during the past five or six years
our staff has consisted of a married missionary and his
wife, and sometimes two single ladies, and sometimes
a third studying.
Just as in England we make special efforts to reach
a special class of people, so in China, if the people are
to be reached, there must be special efforts made.
The upper classes, the ladies, cannot be reached in the
ordinary way. The only time that any of us have
got into the yamen, or among the ladies in the city,
has been when there has been sickness, and I have
been asked to go to see some child or lady. And,
because of our lack of workers, it has been quite im-
possible to follow up those visits, and see the people
again. The country work and the city work need
different workers, and special attempts to reach the
people.
One big branch of work, which is much on our
hearts, is the school work. The Christians now under-
stand the value of it, and they beg us to open schools
for their girls and their boys. Last spring I was in
the capital city of Kaifengfu, where we were having
what we call a Delegates' Conference — a conference of
individuals sent to represent different churches in our
stations, meeting together to discuss important points
in connection with the work. One of the most im-
portant was this matter of education. Very specially
we were feeling the necessity of a school for training
evangelists. Up to the present our missionary has to
train his helpers as he goes along, and it is very diffi-
cult. At that meeting, as those native Christians
listened to papers read on the subject and discussed it,
they were worked up to a high pitch of enthusiasm,
such as I had not witnessed before. If they had known
how to cheer they would have cheered. The confer-
ence settled unanimously that a school must be started
for training evangelists to preach. Foreigners and
Chinese were of the same opinion. One old country-
man got up and said most eagerly : ' ' We must have
schools for our boys and girls, and for our men and for
our women. We will have schools. We will give the
money. We will do all that we can. Our people must
be taught." Now, although we were all agreed,
nothing further has been done. Why ? Because
there is no missionary able to be set free to take up
that school for evangelists. And so we are just where
we were last year. The Christians cannot bear to send
their boys to heathen schools, but unless we undertake
to teach them there is no way of getting them taught
in the Christian faith.
We need in our own district, almost at once, six
trained Christian teachers for our own work, besides
six native evangelists and six bible-women ; and at
this moment we do not know of one.
As we look out on the field it seems impossible to
know how to accomplish anything more, or how we can
meet the people as they are now wanting to be met.
We have in our station a boarding school for boys
and a boarding school for girls. When one has started
the work it is most fascinating to see it growing.
There is much drudgery, of course, connected with it.
Multiplication tables in England are bad enough, but
they are much worse when one has to learn them and
teach them in Chinese ; and in the teaching of these
Chinese girls one often wonders for a half moment,
" Is it worth while? " Then, as one has seen, in the
last two years, the growth of absolutely changed
characters, and the children seeking very truly to fol-
low Christ, one has felt that it was well worth while.
We are longing to open schools in our districts and
out-stations for the many who cannot be brought into
the central station.
Naturally the great opportunities of working are
the annual fairs when the people come to some special
temple by hundreds and thousands to burn incense
before special gods. I shall never forget three years
ago when I was at one of our stations at the annual
festival in the temple of the city, the women there
came in by hundreds. Our house is just inside one of
the city gates, and many of these women walked past
the house. On the first evening I stood at the gate to
let them see that there was a foreigner in the city.
The next morning at daylight, before we were up,
middle-aged women in groups of ten, twenty, or
thirty, came in and sat down, and we preached to them
for a quarter of an hour or for half an hour, and then
they went out, and as they went out others came in.
Sober, middle-aged women came to this temple to ful-
fil vows and burn incense before the city god. And
that went on for three days, until we had hundreds of
women in, and of those hundreds only three or four
individuals had ever heard the Gospel. They were
China's Millions
79
not pleasure-seekers who had just come out to look
about and see their relatives, but they were in earnest,
and the}- listened with all their hearts as we told them
of the way of life. On that day the bible-women and
I had, at last, simply to order our cart and go away,
because our voices and strength were absolutely gone.
As long as we were on the premises the people came.
This kind of thing is going on over and over again at
the different special temples in our districts.
So much is being said of the change in China that
people are apt to think that the Chinese are becoming
Christians and are being changed. Perhaps you will
hardly believe it, but as far as I remember, all these
years in Honan, I never saw a Honanese woman with
natural feet, or indeed any woman with unbound feet,
except our Christian women or their children. We
hear much about the anti-footbinding movement, but
what I have said will show how little it has really
touched the people ; at least, those of our province.
Last spring I was in the city of Kaifengfu at the time
of the Chinese new year, when, as you know, the
people put up in their houses the new paper kitchen
gods. Just before the end of the year every god in
that city had been sold out. People said that they
could not buy one anywhere for any money. Nor
have things changed in that respect. It gives one an
idea of how absolutely little has been done as yet that,
in that capital city, things should be in that state.
In all our stations and in all our districts it is much
the same.
The crying need is for teachers and workers.
Very often it is not easy to work. The women,
especially, are very slow and very stupid. I will give
you an instance. Last spring one of my patients
came back again for more medicine, and I was sitting
and talking to her and asking her whether she remem-
bered the prayer I had taught her some months pre-
viously. Did she pray to the Lord Jesus? "Oh
yes!" she said, " I took the book home that you gave
me" (a hymn sheet) "and I put it up on my wall,
and I have been praying to it and knocking my head
on the ground to it." I said ; " I did not tell you to
pray to the hymn sheet." She said : " Did you not
tell me the characters Yesu were on the sheet, and am
I not to pray to Jesus ? ' ' You see how dark their
minds are, and how difficult it is for them to take in
ideas.
Another patient came back this spring, and in
talking to her I asked her if she remembered what I
told her. She said : " All the way home I was saying
it over and over again to myself, and my daughter
met me at the door and said : ' Mother, what have you
heard ? ' but it had all gone from me, I could not
remember a single thing you had told me, though I
did my best." Six months afterwards she came back
for more medicine and so had another opportunity of
hearing. That is the way with many of our people.
The dispensary work brings them from all the dis-
trict around. They come one, two, or three days'
journey, in the hope of getting help, and it is so won-
derful to see how God blesses the means used. One
woman this spring came in suffering terrible agony as
the result of treatment by a Chinese doctor. I had to
get her to stay that she might have constant help.
The next morning she came up with a beaming face
as I went down the courtyard, and said : " Truly your
God is the true God. I was able to sleep last night.
The pain was so much better." And in that way
over and over again hearts are being touched. But
it is very difficult to do school work, and medical work,
and out-station work, when there are only one or two
of us to do the whole.
This afternoon may I say that there is no joy so
great as the joy of being in those places where the
need is greatest, and seeing what God is doing. I
have seen the tears streaming down the face of a
woman who had been a witch-doctor, and a sorceress,
and a leader of idolatry. Though she had believed
the Gospel for months, she had never heard the details,
and as we read to her, for the first time, the story in
the gospels of the Lord's crucifixion, she could only
weep as she said: "Think of what He suffered. I
never knew it was as much as that." Some months
afterwards I went to her city, twenty-six miles off, to
see her. She was dying very painfully, and had been
unable to take any food for a long time, and was suf-
fering very much. What do you thing that woman
who had been so recently a heathen said to me ? She
said : "I have suffered much as I lay here, but I have
thought so often that what I suffered is nothing to
what He suffered for me." Do you not think that it
is worth while to go to China to see and to hear such
things?
Some think that the cost of either letting go or
going is too much. The cost is very relative, and, if
you knew what joy the Lord gives, you would not
count the cost. May I ask you not to let any thought
of what the cost means keep you back from giving the
Lord what He wants. As the women come to us from
the country their one question is : " Why have you
not been to see me? " We have gone it may be once,
and not again for three months. And they say : "You
promised to come. Why have you not been ? " ; and
one longs to get back to China to try to fulfil some of
the unfulfilled promises which one has made. People
have sat all around me listening eagerly to the Gospel
message. Old women of sixty, and seventy, and
eighty, who for years and years have been burning
incense, and who have been vegetarians, living on
dry bread, without any vegetables, or meat, or eggs,
or flavoring, that they might gain merit, have been
all around me in a room, and I have spoken to them
for half an hour or for an hour and then had to leave
them, and, as far as one knows, they have never again
heard the Gospel. Can you wonder that one was loth
to come home and so eager to get back ?
I do not want to give a false impression. There is
not this eagerness to hear in every station. In some
places the people do not want the Gospel, and as we
go down the streets we are greeted with barking dogs —
our only welcome. But, at the same time, there are
still many who are eager, and are wanting to hear.
The day before I left the mission station, I asked the
Christians what message they had for the people of
England. The only one was : " Tell them to quickly
send many more preachers, for many people are
waiting to hear."
' ' My meat is to do the -mill of Him that sent me. ' '
John 4 : 34.
The real secret of an unsatisfied life lies too often
in an unsurrendered will. — /. Hudson Taylor.
8o
China's Millions
Photos by]
UPPER Left. — The China Inland Mis-
sion premises. View from front looking'
to rear.
MlDDJ i LEI r. — There were about 200
of these booths for the purpose of protect-
ing the police from the weather. When
the mob came the police fled and the
booths were smashed to atoms.
LOWER LEFT. — The Liebenzell Mission
premises, site of house.
Views of Changsha
After the Late
Riots
Center.— Doctor Keller's stud}'.
[Dr. Keller
Upper Right. —The China Inland Mis-
sion premises. View from rear to
front.
Middle Rk;ht. — Main entrance to the
China Inland Mission buildings.
LOWER RIGHT. — The Liebenzell Mis-
sion. Site of school for the blind and
raised foundation of the ladies' home.
China's Millions
81
Public buildings
which were
attacked by the
mob.
sm^M* 1 ^ w
i »sto-i**.»' - *
Photos by]
Upper Left. — The interior of the
Governor's yamen. One of the first places
attacked by the mob.
Middle Left. — See the immense crowd
on the banks of the river eagerly awaiting
the arrival of the new Governor.
Lower Left. — View of the Normal
School buildings from the rear.
Views of Changsha
After the Late
Riots
Center. — The Governor's yamen and
two officers from Chihli.
[Dr. Keller
Upper Right. — Views of the front
entrance to the Governor's yamen.
Middle Right. — This shows the sol-
diers in line and waiting for the new
Governor to come on shore.
Lower Right. — The custom house at
Changsha.
82
China's Millions
The Aborigines in Kweichow
ADDRESS BY MR S. R. CURES, KWEICHOW
u
ASK of Me, and I will give thee the heathen for
thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of
the earth for thy possession." That is a
glorious promise and an encouragement to missionary
enterprise. My wife and I left Kweiyangfu on the
29th November, and we reached London last Thurs-
day week. That will enable you to form some idea
how far away the province of Kweichow is. It is
now one of "the uttermost parts of the earth." But,
far away as it is, the Gospel is being preached there,
and the Lord is entering into His promised land. I
am not going to speak this afternoon about missionary
work among the Chinese, but about missionary effort
and triumph among the Miao tribes of the north-west
of Kweichow.
Let me say a word or two about the physical geo-
graphy of that region. There are no rivers ; there are
no railway lines ; there are no high roads, and there
are no wheeled vehicles. The province is a labyrinth
of hills and valleys, mostly hills. Weiling Lake is
about seven thousand feet above the sea level, and
most of the district is between one thousand and two
thousand feet above that. The soil is very poor —
most of it is so poor that rice and opium cannot be
cultivated. The chief products are wheat, oats, maize,
beans, and buckwheat. The roads are mere foot-
paths, not worthy to be called bridle-paths. They are
really provoking roads. You start off on a pony, for
the honor and glory of the thing, but you have to do
most of the traveling on your own legs, drawing the
pony after you, until you get to the top of the hill.
In a very disappointing sense sometimes those hills
seem to be " everlasting hills." After traveling thirty
miles along such roads, I have been at night sore and
stiff, unable to turn on my bed, and instead of going
to sleep, I have been exercising my mind as to whether
it was malarial fever or rheumatic fever that had at-
tacked me. But, however, as I was always fresh and
fit in the morning, I concluded that it was not either.
All the land is owned by wealthy chiefs. Those
chiefs are really feudal lords. We have the feudal
system there in the north-west of Kweichow, and all
the Miao are the tenants, or serfs, of these great land-
holders. They are very poor. They pay rent for their
land in kind, and they have to cultivate part of the
estate for the landlord.
These Miao are not by any means wild men or
savages. They are simple, harmless folk, very ignor-
ant, and very immoral. I could not begin in an as-
sembly like this to try to describe what their condition
morally was, and what the condition of some of them
is now. Suffice it to say that they could not be worse,
and they are immoderately fond of whisky. They can
hardly be said to have any religion. They believe in
demons and live all their lives in great dread of them.
They do all sorts of foolish things to drive these de-
mons away and counteract their influence, because they
seem always to be spitefully malevolent. They believe
in life after death ; they believe in heaven ; but I never
heard they believed in hell. They have a tradition of
the Creation, and they have also a tradition of the
Deluge.
Six or seven years ago these people were altogether
untouched and uninfluenced by the Gospel. There
were a few believers among the Miao round about An-
shunfu. But the more distant portions of the province
had never even been visited by a missionary. But in
the good purpose of God some Miao from the north-
west out on a hunting expedition came to an out-sta-
tion near Anshunfu, and there they heard the Gospel
of the grace of God. How much they understood at
that first hearing who can tell, but they were inter-
ested, and they went back to their own homes, and to
their own families and friends, and repeated the story
they had heard. The interest in the story spread
from house to house, and from village to village, and
very soon from those districts six, seven or eight
days' journey away, these simple people began to
troop into Anshunfu by dozens and by scores to hear
more about it. They did hear more about it, and every
man and every woman that went back was in his or
her turn a preacher or teacher of this old, old story
that was so new and so wonderful to them. They
were not hurriedly baptized. In 1905 or 1906, Mr.
Adam and his native helper, visited them in their
own homes. They were astonished when they noticed
the knowledge and grasp of the truth which those
people had. It was not merely that they had got
hold of the truth, but the truth had got hold of them,
and possesed them and made new men, and new women
of them, delivering them from the power of whisky,
and delivering them from the bondage of unspeakably
wicked habits and customs. As I said, they were not
hurriedly baptized. Nearly eighteen months passed
before the first of them was accepted and allowed to
enter the church.
In September, 1906, I was passing through An-
shunfu, and there I saw Mr. Curtis Waters, who had
recently returned from Kweiyangfu, which was, and
is now, the chief centre of our work there. He was
full of joy and thanksgiving for what he had seen.
He had baptized about a thousand Miao, and he told
me of his experiences. I said to him : "That is all
very well, but those people are very ignorant. They
are very far away, and there is no resident missionary.
Who is going to look after them, and who is going to
teach them ? ' ' His answer was something like this :
"Do not be anxious about those people. -They have
received the Holy Spirit. They are manifestly led of
the Spirit. When I was there I was sometimes afraid
to say anything lest I should hinder the work of the
vSpirit in their hearts. ' ' Time has justified our brother's
confidence in the Holy Spirit of God. Those people,
simple and ignorant as they are, have not lapsed, but
they have grown in the knowledge of Christ and have
developed Christian character.
In the province of Kweichow these Miao do not live
in cities. They live in hamlets, and villages of from
ten to a hundred families each, and many of those
villages have come over en masse to Christianity. That
does not mean that they have been baptized en masse.
They were baptized one by one, and only after a very
careful investigation into their faith and conduct ; but
they came, and in some of the villages half of the adults
China's Millions
83
are baptized Christians, and most of those who
are not baptized profess themselves to be Christians.
There, among those Kweiehow hills and valleys, are
Christian villages and Christian communities of re-
generated men and women leading clean and decent
lives. There, when the sun goes down, you may hear
the song of praise and the voice of prayer going up
from those humble villagers to the God of all the
earth.
Look on this picture and on that. How different
is the condition of those people now from what it was
six or seven years ago. Surely the desert is rejoicing
and blooming as the rose. That is one of the many
romances of modern Christian Missions. But, after
all, it is not romance that I am telling you, but recent
history and simple fact.
Just about seven months ago, Mr. Adam and I
spent about seven weeks in those villages. We went
from village to village and from chapel to chapel. We
examined candidates, and we baptized those that were
accepted. We baptized altogether two hundred, and
we could have baptized more if we had had more time
to visit their villages. At all the meetings that we had
among those people at Tasungsu, the chapel was not
large enough to contain half the worshipers. The
Sunday services were held in the open air, and after
the Sunday morning service we counted the people as
they went off the ground one by one. There were nine
hundred and twenty of them, and we did not count the
children. Later in the day six hundred of them par-
took of the Lord's Supper. It was worth going all
round the world to see. It was worth driving the pony
up and down the worst hills to see such a sight as that.>
And the prayer meetings we used to have ! There
was no waiting for one and another to pray. Some-
times two or three would be praying - at the same time,
but there was no confusion. Everyone was reverent,
and everyone was serious.
The first Sunday after I came home I wandered
into a Methodist chapel and heard the Gospel preached.
It did my heart good to hear it. It was the same old
Gospel that we preached to the Chinese and the Miao
in the province of Kweiehow, word for word. But
what different singing ! They had a magnificent
organ. I believe that it must have cost as much to
build that organ as would have built twenty chapels
among these Miao. And there was a choir. Certain-
ly it was a well-trained choir, but they did all the
singing. The people nearly all stood dumb, and I
stood dumb. I wanted to praise the Lord with a loud
voice, but I could not do it, and although I had just
returned from China I wished for the time when I
would be back again among the Miao Christians, where
I could make a joyful noise to the Lord. All these
people make a joyful noise to the Lord, and a tuneful
noise to the Lord. Chinese singing is not always very
good, and sometimes it is excruciating. But these
Miao congregations can all sing well, and it is a pleas-
ure to listen to them. A good work is going on there
at the present time. Mr. Adam in his district has
baptized between 3,000 and 4,000. Further north and
west, towards the capital, Yunnanfu, Mr. Pollard of
the United Methodist Mission, and his colleagues have
baptized at least as many more, and this has spread
further west still. Just before I left China I heard
that Mr. Nicholls in Yunnan, had begun to baptize
his enquirers ; and since I have been home I have heard
that he has baptized 600 of them.
Mr. Adam, has reduced their language to writing
and translated for them the Gospel of Mark and some
hymns, and the Catechism, and many of them are learn-
ing to read. They have their own chapels. They
build them themselves. They have native officers in
their churches and native preachers, and they support
their own teachers by their contributions.
Now, in reference to this work, I want you to
pray. Because of what their lives and customs have
been hitherto, the rule has been never to baptize a man
or woman unless he or she was married. Pray that
their little ones may grow up to know and love the
Savior. Pray that those villages in the evangelized
area which, so far, have rejected the Gospel, may be
influenced to believe and repent. "The arm of the
Lord is not shortened that it cannot save." Pray for
them, and pray also that the Gospel may spread into
other regions yet unreached. Perhaps besides the
16,000 baptized Christians there are twice as many who
consider themselves Christians ; and outside of these
there are hundreds of thousands of people who have
never been reached and who have never heard the
Gospel.
It is not for pie to say what each one of you who
are the Lord's should do, but let each one ask the
Lord: "Lord, what wouldst thou have me to do?"
Miss F. L. Morris of Kiehsiu, Shansi, writes with
reference to our beloved sister, Miss Reynolds' , Home
going as follows : —
" The news of the Home-call of one of your dear
China children will have reached you and I know how
sad your hearts will be, but to us here, God has given
such a vision of her joy and glory in His presence that
our sorrow is turned to joy. The one longing of her
heart was that Jesus might come quickly and she was
constantly watching for Him. One of her favorite
hymns was, " I shall see the King in His beauty, in
the land that is far away, ' ' and her desire is now grati-
fied, and it has made heaven so, so near to us — just a
little step. We loved her dearly, she was so sweet and
Christ-like, but we could not wish her back. She
rests from her labors but her works follow her.
"To those of us who have seen the radiant light on
her peaceful face as she lay cold in death, there is not
a shadow of doubt that the joy of meeting her Lord
far outstripped and overcame the pain and suffering
of the last struggle ere she passed into glory. The
Christians all remarked upon it as we laid her in the
coffin, it was so striking. Hers was one of those
beautiful hidden lives, always doing the little loving
acts, and giving the helpful words of cheer and com-
fort which mean so much in the hard world. She has
been a very real blessing to each of us, and to the
work during the five months spent here and we
shall miss her sorely, but our loss is her gain and joy,
as also joy to our Lord Jesus in having another of His
little ones with Himself.
' ' May He make her Home-going a blessing to many
and use it to call forth some to fill the gap and meet
the great need in this land."
*The above precious testimony was received tco late for publication with
Miss Reynolds' photograph which appeared in our last month's issue.
8 4
China's Millions
VIEW OF CHEFOO SHOWING THE CHINA INLAND MISSION SCHOOLS IN THK FOREGROUND AND THE
SETTLEMENT POINT IN THE DISTANCE
Work ! Need ! Victory !
ADDRESS BY THE REV. G. T. MANIEY, M.A., Church Missionary Society
AS we have listened to the three addresses I think
the words describing them that w T ill have sprung
into our minds are Work, Need, and Victory.
As Dr. Carr was speaking to us, my thoughts went
back to India and what I saw of the mission field
there ; and I am sure that we cannot get a truer con-
ception of what missionary work really means than in
that word ' ' work. ' ' Romance there may be at times;
victory in the deeper sense there will be always ; but
work, perhaps, is the word which more than any
other characterizes that which is the missionary's life.
I suppose at the present time, as we look at this great
land of China, nothing strikes us more than the awful
need and the tremendous opportunity. I do not
think that I am revealing secrets unduly when I say
that when the great World Missionary Conference
meets at Edinburgh we shall find that, of all the
countries in the world, the one which is counted as
one of the most needy and most urgent at the present
time is China.
And then again there was the word of victory ;
victory in one corner of the field, it is true, but
manifesting itself strikingly. And one could not
help noticing a certain contrast between these most
encouraging reports of the work abroad, and the
reports of our work at home with the excessive diffi-
culty of finding men to volunteer, and a diminished
income. And I think I shall be interpreting your
thoughts aright if I say that the question in our
hearts, at any rate in the hearts of us who are home
workers, is this : Where can we get the motive power
that we need for ourselves and for the whole Church —
for those of us who are working may not lay aside
the responsibility of arousing those who are not
not working. In a very real sense it is those who
are working, those who know something of the need,
upon whom the greatest burden of responsibility
lies.
I want, therefore, to turn your thoughts to one of
the greatest ventures of faith, and one of the greatest
victories in the history of the Church. You will
remember that the first miracle wrought after the
Lord had ascended from this earth was that wrought
at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple when St. Peter,
fastening his eyes upon a certain man that was lame
from his birth, said unto him : "In the name of Jesus
Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." And you
will remember that, when the two disciples were
brought to account by the Jews for the commotion that
they had occasioned, Peter answered: "Neither is
there salvation in any other : for there is none other
name under heaven given among men, whereby we
must be saved. Now, when they saw the boldness
of Peter and John, and perceived that they were
unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled : and
they took knowledge of them that they had been with
Jesus."
A few friends were gathered together last Sunday
with me, and we were discussing, for our own help,
what was the chief motive that led the Apostles to
their missionary work, and what motive would give
the power which the Church of Christ needs to-day.
And our thoughts centered on this one motive — a
glorious enthusiasm for the name of Jesus Christ.
China's Millions
85
My friends, these annual meetings represent indeed
the close of a year when we look back to see what
God has accomplished, but they also represent to us
the beginning of a year when we must come to Him
for power to accomplish more. The Church of Christ
must not stand still. While these openings are so
great, while these calls are so urgent, we must not be
content with growing slowly. We must grow quickly.
We must look forward, not to a ten per cent increase,
but to a hundred per cent increase, or else the oppor-
tunity will be gone, and we shall have passed into
eternity, and the harvest will not be gathered.
The only way in which we can get this enthusi-
asm and the only way in which we can get the power
which we shall need for the hard work which lies
before us in the coming year, is just as those Apostles
got it, by being with Jesus. It is in the secret place
that the victory is going to be fought for and won.
Time after time, as we meet together and think and
ask ourselves why it is that the work does not go
forward more quickly — why it is, when there are
these great opportunities abroad so few are taken, why
it is that, when we have such great opportunities of
influencing those around us, our influence is so piti-
ably little, we have to confess that it is because we
have been so little with Jesus, because we have been
so little in the secret place with Him, because we have
not taken time to catch the enthusiasm for that Name
which is above every name, and which, when once we
have it, will carry us through every difficulty, which
will give us a fire which will light other fires and will
spread.
When the disciples had been with Jesus what a
wonderful boldness they had. Has it ever occurred to
you how like the case was to our own ? A lame man
looked upon Peter, and he asked of him a very small
thing. He asked, and was only expecting, alms.
There was, if one may say so, no occasion for Peter to
work a miracle. The Lord had gone. He to whom
they were used to look in person for everything had
gone. And I think, possibly, as Peter fastened his
eyes upon that man, there may have been a strange
combination of emotions in his heart — the wonder and,
possibly, the momentary doubt, could Jesus work
miracles still, now that He was ascended ? And then
came that great venture of faith when he pronounced
the words : "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
rise up and walk."
And I think of China as an impotent man, who is
looking to us and asking from us a small thing —
Western education. Ay, we could easily grant that.
Japan could grant that. But the Church of Christ is
challenged. Are we to be, like Peter, not content to
give the small thing simply, but to go forward in a
great venture of faith and say to that whole nation :
' ' We will give you Christ. ' ' We will give you what
you really need. We will give you not simply what
you ask, but what you need ; and we know well
enough that you need Christ.
It may cost us something. It cost Peter and John
something, but they rejoiced that they were worthy to
suffer for that Name. They loved the name of Jesus.
They believed in the name of Jesus. It was con-
stantly on their lips. They rejoiced when they were
counted worthy to suffer something for Him.
We want that spirit to-day. We want so to be in
contact with the living Christ, so to know Him, that
these questions that are facing some of us will be
solved just by the very joy and enthusiasm that we
shall have for Him. Some of us here, I have no
doubt, are now facing this question of our life-work :
' Is God calling me to work at home ? Is He calling
me to work in China?" My brother, or my sister,
launch out into a great venture of faith like St. Peter.
Do not be content with the good if you are failing of
the best. Launch out ! Trust in Jesus Christ. Be-
lieve in His name. Believe that He has a great oppor-
tunity for you, if only you will take the time to be
alone with Him, to walk with Him, to know Him
personally as the disciples knew Him, to know His
power, to be with Him in His crucifixion, ay, to be
with Him crucified to the world, to the flesh, and to
the old life. If we will only take time to be with
Him, and know the power of His resurrection — if we
will only take time to rise with Him into the heavenly
places and look down on this great world as He is
looking down on it now with eyes of pity, with eyes
of love, and with eyes of infinite self-sacrifice then we
shall not fear, but we shall go forth and we shall have
boldness in the name of Jesus.
Just one word in conclusion. If men take note of us
that we have been with Jesus, if they see our boldness
of faith and venture because we have been with Him,
we shall find that we shall have victory through Jesus.
I wonder what was St. Peter's feeling when he saw
the man indeed rise up and walk. Thankfulness ?
Gratitude ? Perhaps a tinge of wonder. We to-day,
at least, are only too apt to wonder when our prayers
are answered, instead of expecting that they will be
answered. And yet when we do make the venture of
faith, we find that we are after all on solid ground,
because we have simply been trusting the promises of
God and of Jesus Christ. And I am sure of this, that,
just as Peter's faith and boldness were rewarded, so,
if we will only be with Jesus long enough to get that
living enthusiasm for Him, to know Him, to know
His power, to have the love of His name in our
hearts, and to venture forward more than we have
ever done before, to go forth into the darkness (as it
may seem to us) of the decision to go out to the
mission field, or to venture some sacrifice which looks
as if it will cripple us — we too shall find that our feet
are standing on the solid rock, and we shall indeed
have victory through the name of Jesus.
What a work God has set open for those who are
His priests — intercessors ! ... If God were to
show us how much there is of intense prayer for a
revival through the church, how much of sincere con-
fession of the sins of the church, how much of pleading
with God, . . . I think we should all be ashamed.
Beloved friend, you do not know what you
could do if you would give yourself up to intercession.
Ah, if men and women could be called out to
band themselves together to take hold upon God ! I
am not speaking of any prayer union or any prayer
time statedly set apart, but if the Spirit could find men
and women who would give up their lives to cry to
God, the Spirit would most surely come. God wants us,
because He has to do a work ; the work of Calvary is
to be done in our hearts, we are to sacrifice our lives to
pleading with God for men. — Andrew Murray.
86
China's Millions
Tidings from the Provinces
News Notes
A Peking dispatch says that in
spite of the stringent prohibition of
opiuin-smoking in Peking, secret
violations have been frequent. In
view of this the Peking Gendarmerie
has drawn up a set of new regula-
tions for approval by the anti-Opium
Commissioners. Under these regu-
lations any person allowing friends
to smoke opium in his house shall be
fined $1,000, or in default twenty
years' imprisonment with hard labor ;
and any one doing so for business
shall be sentenced to imprisonment
for life with hard labor.
It is stated by native reports that
in accordance with the recent aboli-
tion of the term "slave" when
Manchu Ministers speak of them-
selves in addressing the Throne,
Prince Tsai Hsun has been the mover
in another important reform to be
adopted in the matter of etiquette.
On his visit abroad the Prince ob-
served the difference in foreign eti-
quette at court, which though quite
dignified, is comparatively simple and
comprehensive. He therefore, strong-
ly advocated before the Regent that,
with the exception of the great state
congratulatory ceremonies, the old
form of kowtow, kneeling and bowing
to the ground, should be replaced by
simpler forms during audiences, so
that Ministers may feel more at
liberty to express themselves fully.
It is stated that the Prince Regent is
favorably inclined to this view and
orders will be given to the Rites
Offices to prescribe uniform ceremoni-
als for general adoption.
After an extended tour and thor-
ough enquiries from competent
observers, regarding the growth of
opium in West China Bishop Bash-
ford says : —
" There are two things of which I
am sure. The first is that the Chinese
government is thoroughly in earnest
about compelling the nation to aban-
don the use of opium, and the second
is that the government is succeeding
splendidly in its enlightened efforts.
' ' The Rev. J. F. Peat, of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Mission. Chungking,
who had traveled widely through the
province a short time before my
arrival, had not seen a single field of
opium under cultivation He had
been twenty years in Szechwan and
was familiar with the appearance of
the country in all seasons, and he
told me that over vast areas, which
at that time of the year were ordin-
arily covered with poppies just burst-
ing into bloom, nothing was now to
to be seen but sugar cane, rice and
other food crops.
"Five years before I myself had
traveled extensively in Szechwan and
seen fields stretching out beyond
fields, all given up to the cultivation
of opium. I had asked my mission-
ary friends how much of the land was
devoted to this purpose. The answer
I invariably received was that from
thirty to thirty-five per cent was so
applied. This year, however, I spent
a longer period traveling in Szechwan
and went over rather more ground
than I did five years ago, and I did
not see one field of opium on the
whole trip, and not a single one of
the thirty or more people whom I
questioned on the subject had seen
such a field this past winter. Much
opium in Szechwan in January, the
month to which my enquiries relates,
used to be in bloom and quite easy of
recognition. "
Anhwei
Yingchowfu — We, soldiers of the
Lord Jesus Christ, are now in the very
stress of battle. The time is critical.
The forces of heathenism are broken
beyond recovery and give way before
us. The advantage ought to be fol-
lowed up. Multitudes are casting
away idolatry, and know not with
what to replace it. Now should be a
time of ingathering, but the ingather-
ing must be accompanied by instruc-
tion, and that is where one of our
difficulties lies. More laborers are
needed, and at this critical moment
the Enemy has brought up a new force
against us. While we are pressing
our advantage against the yielding
forces of heathenism, we have to turn
and, on our flank, contend for the
faith once for all delivered to the
saints, against the Seventh Day
Adventists. There is consummate
generalship in the way this force has
been prepared, and launched at the
critical moment ; but its initial
attacks upon us here have been, for
the time being, repulsed. — Mr. H. S.
Ferguson.
Shansi
Yoyang —Our work has had a fresh
stimulus through the recent classes
for men and women and a recent
evangelistic trip to our most distant
towns. Four of the men who went
with us did good service, preaching
faithfully and with real earnestness.
At Fu Ch'eng we came into touch
with Mohammedans. Never before
have I had this opportunity, and it
was intensely interesting to discuss
with a man who has a medicine shop
and looks and acts much as Jacob
must have done, such men as Adam,
Noah and Abraham ; and later on to
interview the venerable and stately
old man who writes Turkish charac-
ters and is remarkably like our idea
of Abraham. The whole clan re-
ceived us very kindly and "Jacob "
gave us the heartiest invitation to
stay with him on our next visit.
Our men regarded the episode with
much wonder. Here were Chinese
(naturalized) who, though different
from Christians in the essentials of
the atonement, etc., still worshiped
one God, recognized Jesus (as the
second Prophet), and held to the
Scriptural beliefs in the patriarchs.
It was, I believe, a real help to their
faith in the Scriptures. — Mr. R. K.
Gonder.
Chaocheng— Miss Gregg of Hwai-
lu, in Chihli, has recently held a mis-
sion for women only at Hochow.
Mrs Taylor and I went up from this
district with about one hundred and
sixty women. The new chapel at
Hochow was quite full, and it was a
sight I shall not soon forget to stand
on the platform and look down on the
upturned faces of over five hundred
women and girls, it was quite an in-
spiration. At one of the after-meet-
ings ninety stayed behind, by doing
so they testified that they wished to
decide for Christ, and we know that
many did decide for the Lord. The
meetings lasted a week ; and on the
closing afternoon, a testimony meet-
ing was held, when two hundred and
twenty-five spoke very briefly, men-
tioning the Scripture or message that
had been blessed to them. The
arrangements were almost perfect, the
Normal School girls assisted as stew-
ards, each taking her position in the
chapel, showing people to their seats,
at other times stepping on to the
platform and reading the portion of
Scripture for the speaker. It must
have been quite an education to many
of the mothers present to see how
well trained and capable many of the
girls are. Another band of girls
helped distribute the food at meal
times under Miss French's super-
vision, the food arrangements were
excellent, indeed there was no con-
fusion or disorder in any depart-
ment.
Elder Wang and his helpers entered
heartily into the spirit of the mission
and worked well behind the scenes.
Elder Wang had to hold the men's
service on Sunday in the courtyard,
the chapel being full of women. They
have one hundred and five girls study-
ing this term, with leaders and helpers
I think they number about one hun-
dred and twelve, and everything is so
well condiicted, the nice new premises
being such an addition to their school
accommodation. — Mrs. A. Lutlcv.
China's Millions
87
Editorial Notes
MEMBERS of our Council and some of our
returned missionaries, are expecting to be
present and to speak at a number of the forth-
coming summer conferences. Dr. Erdrnan, Dr. Farr
and Mr. Knight, are hoping to attend the Conference
to be held at Erieside, Ohio, from the 22nd to the 31st
July, and Dr. Erdman, Mr. Knight and Mrs. Shap-
leigh are planning to be at Dr. Torrey's Conference,
at Montrose, Pa., from the 19th to the 28th August.
Will not our friends pray for these and other summer
conferences, asking that God will guide the leaders of
them and bless all the speakers in them in a peculiar way .
The heat of the summer which has come upon us
suggests that we should once more remind our friends
that there is particular need during the summer months
of prayer for our missionaries in China. The heat there
is generally much beyond that which prevails here, and
it is more evenly continuous, so that its effect is usually
considerably more trying. For these reasons, there is
special need of prayer for those who are now in China,
whatever their location may be. We earnestly ask that
this ministry of intercession may be fulfilled, in order
that lives may be spared for further days of service.
It is with thankfulness that we announce the safe
arrival in London of Mr. Hoste and Mr. Southey, the
one from Shanghai and the other from Melbourne.
These friends will be staying in England for some weeks.
Mr. Hoste, we regret to say, will be forced, on account
of physical disability, to spend a considerable portion
of his time in England in taking rest. We are glad to
say that our brother, in returning to China in the late
summer, expects to pass through America. We shall
expect to see him here, therefore, in the latter part of
August, and to have the joy of having him with us for
two or three weeks. May we not ask special prayer
for him, both that he may be recovered from his present
indisposition and also that he may be blessed in the
many conferences which he will have with those who
assist him in the work in the home fields ?
There can be no doubt about the fact that the
Government of China has made and is making a thor-
oughly honest effort to erradicate the growing and con-
sumption of opium in the empire. Through the indif-
ference of some officials, the governmental instructions
have not been fully carried out in a number of places.
But, on the whole, the officials have responded to these
instructions, and, as a result, there are several pro-
vinces and many provincial districts where not an acre
of growing poppy can be found. But now, a new
danger threatens China, for which America is largely
responsible. Foreign firms are flooding the land with
cigarettes, their agents being almost everywhere, and
the cigarettes being given away in thousands that the
habit of smoking such may be formed. Even from a
general standpoint this is serious. But it is doubly
serious when it is known that frequently these cigar-
ettes contain narcotics, including opium. Thus the
Devil, defeated at one point, prepares his line of attack
in another direction. Poor China ! It looks as if this
great nation was destined to be the victim of every other
nation which can succeed, for commercial reasons, in
preying upon her. Many men in these days, when
gold may be obtained, care nothing for souls. Their
creed is simply this ; we must be rich ; it is immaterial
to us whether the men who make us rich live or die,
whether they be saved or be destroyed !
According to statistics for the year 1909 prepared
by Dr. H. K. Carroll, there are in America as many
as 21,439,220 professing Christians. What an army
of men and women this is, and what a mighty host for
God they might be, if they only possessed spiritual
power. There is an old saying, by none other than
Solomon, to the effect that "A living dog is better
than a dead lion ; " and this proverb suggests what is
needed by this and every other multitude which bears
the name of Christ. It is not by a great but practi-
cally dead mass of people that God's work will be
accomplished ; a few humble persons who are filled
with the Spirit will accomplish more than all such.
This, however, is not to be forgotten ; there is an
increase of power just so far as God has an increase of
persons filled with the spirit of power. This is why
Israel of old was more powerful in some of her days
than in others, since she was at times nearer to Him,
as a whole, than at other times. God's ideal, as
touching Israel, was not to have one prophet filled
with the Spirit and the rest of the people in a state of
apostasy. He desired that all of His people should be
like the prophet, under the control of the Spirit. And
this, we doubt not, is His ideal now as related to His
church. The deduction of all this is plain. There
ought to be far more intercession in behalf of the
church at large than there is, in the hope that many
more of God's professing children should be prepared
by the Spirit unto every good word and work. This
is New Testament doctrine of the most emphatic
kind. " Praying always with all prayer and suppli-
cation in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all
perseverance and supplication for all saints."
"For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in
heaven." (Psalm 119:89.) Voltair declared that
the Bible was an exploded book. Ingersoll said,
twenty-five years ago, that in ten years the Bible
would not be read. As to some of the present
facts in the case, they are these. There are more
copies of the Bible sold annually than of any one
hundred other books combined. The Bible has been
translated into nearly five hundred languages and the
American Bible Society and the British and Foreign
Bible Society issue over six millions of Bibles every
year. The Oxford University Press issues twenty
thousand English Bibles every week, or over a million
every year. Thus it appears that Voltair and Inger-
soll were not wholly accurate in their estimates and
prophecies. And thus it will ever appear, that the
man who prophecies evil against the Word of God
will be found to be speaking against God Himself, to
the judgment of his soul. The world does not desire
the Word, and Christians, often, neglect it. At
the same time, the Bible remains, The Book. Beside
it, even in the estimation of a multitude of men, there
is none other.
Information for Correspondents
Henry W. Frost, Director for North America.
Frederick H. Neale, Secretary, Philadelphia, Pa. J. S. HELMER, Secretary, Toronto, Ont.
Correspondence may be addressed, donations may be remitted, and applications for service in China may be made to
the Secretaries of the Mission, at either of the Mission offices. All checks, drafts, money and express orders should be made pay-
able to the " China Inland Mission."
In the case of a donation being intended as a contribution toward any SPECIAL object, either at home or in China, it is
requested that this be stated VERY CLEARLY. If no such designation is made, it will be understood that the gift is intended
for the General Fund of the Mission, and in this case it will be used according to the needs of the work at home or abroad. Any
sums of money sent for the PRIVATE use of an individual, and not intended as a donation to the Mission, to relieve the Mission
funds of his support, should be clearly indicated as for " TRANSMISSION " and for the private use of that individual.
Form of Bequest
I give, and bequeath, unto the China Inland Mission, of North America (with offices at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and at
Toronto, Ontario), the sum of dollars, to be expended for the appropriate objects of said Mission ;
and I direct that the release of the Treasurer of the said Mission shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors in the premise*.
Form of Devise for Real Estate
I give, and devise, unto the China Inland Mission, of North America (with offices at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and at
Toronto, Ontario), all that certain (here insert description of property), with the appurtenances in fee simple, for the use, benefit
and behoof of said Mission forever ; and I direct that the release of the Treasurer of the said Mission shall be a sufficient discharge
to my executors in the premises.
Monies Acknowledged by Mission Receipts
From Philadelphia
FOR
MISSIONARY AND
GENERAL FURFO
9RS:
June, 1910.
Date No.
Amount
Date No. Amount
Date No. Amount
Date No.
Amount
Date No.
Amount
Date No. Amount
6-389-
$ 50 OO
8—396.... $ 5 OO
14 — 406... . $ IOOO
18 — 419...
$ 4 25
27 — 428A
ion. $ 25
2—379.... $ 3 00
6 — 390...
I OO
9—397.... 25 OO
15 — 407 IO OO
20 — 420...
1 00
29— 43 « —
5 °o
3—384.... IO OO
7— 39<-
I OO
10 — 398 416 66
408.... 12 75
22—422...
Int. 20 00
30—432..
4 00
4— 3 8 5— • 2 00
7—392...
I OO
13 — 401 l 00
410 Int. 30 00
423 —
1 50
433-
20 00
386 Int. 55 00
4—387.... 30 00
393-
8-394-
5 00
14 — 402.... 1 00
404 2 00
1 6 — 41 1 ... . 70 00
18 — 416 190 20
24— 425 —
27 — 426...
9 5°
2 00
436...
10 00
150 00
388.. . 100 00
395-
5 °o
405.... 1 00 418 1 00
FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES :
427...
1 00
$1,267 "
June, 1910
Date No.
Amount
Date No. Amount
Date No. Amount
Date No.
Amount
Date No.
Amount
Date No. Amount
3—382...
$ 19 OO
10 — 400... . $ 60 OO
17 — 413 $ 60 OO
20 — 421 ...
$ 15 OO
30— 434- •
. $ 15 OO
1-378.... $ 15 OO
2 380... . 5OO OO
383-
<o— 399—
20 OO
83 33
14—403.... 7 OO
15—409—- 3o OO
414.... I O OO
415... 30 OO
22 — 424...
27—429...
15 OO
15 OO
435-
15 OO
3—381.... 15 OO
10 — 400...
15 OO
17—412.... 25 OO
18 — 417 10 00
28—430...
30 OO
$1,004 33
From Toronto
June, 1910
Date No.
1-458....
2 — 461
462
3— 463- •
464....
Amount
5 00
10 00
4 00
1 00
5 00
Date No.
6—465.
8-467.
9—468.
10 — 469.
1 1 — 470.
47 '■
FOR MISSIONARY AND GENERAL PURPOSES:
Date No.
11—472..
Amount
6 50
5 00
1 00
5 00
50 00
3 00
Amount Date No.
> 25 00 |l6 — 482 $
12—473.... 5 OO 20—483....
474 I OO 484
475.... 10 00 4 8 5---
14 — 478 5 00 486Anon
15 — 480 5 00 487Anon
Lmount
Date No.
Amount
Date
Amount
25 OO
21—488...
$
5°
24—491...
$
IOOO 00
2 70
489...
1 00
25—492...
20 OO
I OO
23— 4 8 7 a "
25 00
28—495...
38 60
3 °°
24 — 488a..
3 00
496...
5 00
50
489a . .
2 00
497-
(. .,0
2 25
490...
5 00
$1
.287 95
FOR
June
Date No.
2— 459— •
460... .
6—466....
12 476
14—477....
15—479—-
16—481...
25— 493-
27— 494—
SPECIAL
1910. Date No
Amount 29 — 498
$ 6 OO
17 OO
IO OO
50 OO
30 OO
15 OO
IO OO
6 8 S
12 00
PURPOSES :
Amount
25 OO
$l8l 85
SUMMARY:
From Philadelphia —
For Missionary and General Purposes. $1,26? 11
For Special Purposes 1,004 33
$2,271 44
From Toronto —
For Missionary and General Purposes. $1,287 95
For Special Purpose* 181 85
$1,469 80
$3.74' 24
Brought Forward 27,867 34
Total $31,608 58
r>
HINA'S MILLIONS
TORONTO, AUGUST, 1910
The Eternal Labors of the Holy Ghost
Extracts from a deader in the "British 'Weekly"
I.
II.
TO the Church is vouchsafed the presence of the
living Christ. All the years from the beginning
and all the years to the end cannot fully reveal
the meaning and the glory of that word, " Lo, I am
with you alway." Christianity has been called the
historic faith, and the name is in every way well ap-
plied. Christianity rests on the mighty works of
God as revealed in Christ. Where the figure of
Christ is suffered to shade away into mist, Christianity
comes to an end. In His Birth, in His Miracles, in
His Resurrection, in His Ascension is to be found the
immovable and impregnable rock of Christianity. But
the name has a fuller application. The history of
Christianity is a continual history of the living Christ.
All teachers but He laid down their work when they
died. They left impulses to be transmitted through
disciples, but from the ancient center of force there
were no fresh discharges. But death, which closes the
activity of all other teachers and reformers, raised our
Lord to a Diviner form. Exalted to the throne of
God, He is still among His people in a warm and near
communion. What takes away all the rest from the
works to which they put their hands gives Him new
energy to carry that work forward. It is the Living
Christ who is the support and the inspiration of all
Christian endeavor.
We do not always realize it, but when things are
thought out we know that apart from this spiritual
presence of the Living Christ, His departure would
have been a grief past all consolation. His life had to
rise to higher levels, that the Holy Spirit might be
poured out. But even the gift of the Spirit would not
have comforted us for the loss of Christ. If each year
since His coming removed further from us the experi-
ences of the great Gospel days, where should we have
found redress ? True, it might be said that no believer
would ever be very long divided from the Lover of his
soul. The years take us away in our turn, and to die
is to enter the presence of saints and angels and Christ
and God. We should see Christ then as we hope to
see those who have ministered to our strength and joy.
But how little would that make up for the wealth in
promises like this : ' ' My Father will love him, and we
will come unto him, and make our abode with him."
The life in glory is remote until the Holy Spirit brings
it home to our hearts that He who was nailed to the
Cross and forsaken thereon is with us now. This is
the Real Presence ; not a presence of imagination, for
an imaginary presence is no presence, but the most
real of realities, for He is with us always, in our work
and in our prayer, in our joy and in our sorrow.
The manifestation of Our Lord is through the
Holy Ghost. The Spirit of God is a Divine Person.
He is more than a Divine Power. If He were merely
a Divine Power, the strength of His comfort would
almost fade away. He loves us ; He rejoices with us ;
He grieves over us ; He labors with us. He defends
the Divine life within us by His constant care. If we
will suffer Him, He develops and perfects and rein-
forces that eternal life which has its roots in Christ.
Vain is the spiritual faculty without the spiritual
supply. What service to us are our eyes if we are in
perpetual darkness ? What service to us are our ears
if no voice speaks to us ? But the Holy Ghost gives
light. It is He by whom our thoughts are ordered in
the right way. It is He who glorifies Christ before
us. It is He who leads us from wonder to wonder of
Divine revelation.
III.
The noble and puissant character is not the nega-
tive character. The discipline of the passions, the
rigorous suppression of evil tendencies — these are
needful. But the view of life that is satisfied with
such attainments as these is narrow and meagre and
poor. The Holy Spirit, if we avail ourselves of His
help, enables us to achieve character on the great
scale. A true Christian growth is conditioned on our
free concurrence and our ardent appropriation of the
power of the Holy Ghost. It cannot be the work of
an hour or a day or a year. It cannot be accomplished
without habitual, reverential, prayerful recognition of
the good-will and work of the Holy Spirit of God.
Conversion, in the end, whatever the preparation may
have been, is sudden ; but the transformation of char-
acter by the Holy Spirit and the gift of His full power
are -not sudden. A man is not carnal one hour and
spiritual the next. Praying in the Holy Ghost, we
may in various times and various seasons be flooded
with a rush of Divine power. But this is similar to
the experience of the mountaineer who, through cliffs
and rocks, emerges on a ridge, and sees the world
stretched under him. In order to obtain the endow-
ment of the Divine power, we must first of all recognize
the law of Christ, and render to it a simple and com-
plete obedience. It is true that neither our recognition
of the law nor our obedience to it can in this world be
complete. But by steps we move nearer and nearer
the goal. The chief hindrance to our fuller reception
of the Spirit is the cherishing of sins and weights that
we know to be such. Not until these are laid aside,
not until what we call secular life is handed over to
go
China's Millions
the Divine ruling, can we know the power of the Spirit.
It strikes us that there never was so much talk about
self-sacrifice among Christians as there is to-day. Men
exhort each other to sacrifice this and the other thing,
and yet perhaps never was sacrifice less apparent among
Christians. The seeming is not necessarily the real ;
there may be genuine sacrifice in a life outwardly pro-
fuse and splendid. But there have been days of visible
sacrifice in the Church, and these have been the days
of the Church's true glory. It may be feared that
often the Church is living on the memory of past hero-
ism. Only those who make the sacrifices are not much
in the way of talking about them, and they are not
willing to call them sacrifices. Such is the exhilara-
tion and glow that come to them when, in a true
devotion, wealth and friends, and even liberty and life,
are given to the service of Christ, that the thought of
pain passes and the note of joy rings clear. The great
masters in the love of God have spoken plain and terri-
ble things about surrender. If the Church is losing
power, may not the chief reason be found in her failure
to obey the inward monition ?
To live in the power of the Spirit, it is essential
that the heart and mind should dwell on things eternal
and Divine. We have to think about many things.
We are called or at least some of us are, to intellectual
labors. The most searching intellect cannot pass be-
yond the limit of God's universe, and we wait and
seek for further discoveries of His power and His
wisdom. So these thoughts need not and should not
carry us away from God. Perhaps the fairest side
that earth can show is that of a rich and varied nature
wholly subdued to Christ. Nor can we be strengthened
with might by the Holy Spirit without constant and
faithful prayer. There are those who have been
graciously visited in their solitude. Wrestling alone,
they have found the blessing ; but though this be so,
it is surely in the fellowship and worship of the Church
that the believer grows. " Grow up into Him in
all things which is the head, even Christ : from whom
the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by
that which every joint supplieth, according to the
effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh
increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."
But in any case, those who are filled with the Holy
Ghost must send forth their power and faith and joy.
It is not possible to receive richly of the Spirit of God
and to keep silence. We may pray for the descent of
the Spirit of God and for His presence if we understand
the sense in which we use the prayers. But we are not
to forget that even as Christ has come, so the Spirit
has come, and that what we need is to give Him
entrance, that He may achieve His triumph in us
and through us.
Teaching, Training and Translating
ADDRESS BY REV. W. D. RUDI,AND, TAICHOW, CHEKIANG
IN the year 1866 I had the privilege of accompany-
ing the Rev. J. Hudson Taylor to a prayer
meeting during the week of prayer. There had
been a good deal of prayer going up for the Lord to open
up China, but after a time Mr. Taylor rose to speak, and
in his quiet inimitable way said : ' ' Yes, I believe that it
is right for us to ask God to open up China ; but I
believe that China is already open if only missionaries
will go forward. ' ' He was right ! So it has proved from
that time to the present. China was, China is, open.
It was in that memorable year of 1866 that I first
went out on that historic vessel the Lammermuir. At
that time there were only ninety-one missionaries, of
all missionary societies, in China. Now there are about
fourthousand missionaries of all societies in that land.
That is a growth. And yet what are four thousand
missionaries among four hundred millions of people ?
Can you grasp it ? I cannot.
I cannot find out how many communicants there
were when we first landed in China, but I have a pretty
good idea of how many there are now. There are now
about 200,000 Chinese communicants in the various
churches. And it is an interesting and significant fact
that those 200,000 converts were brought to Christ main-
ly by the Chinese Christians. It is to the Chinese Chris-
tians that we must look for the evangelization of China.
The work of the missionary is not simply to stand
and preach the Gospel here and there, and give all
his time to evangelistic work. The work of the
missionary is to teach others, and set them to work.
The men who set most people to work are the men
who accomplish the most, and I know from experience
how well the Chinese Christians can, and will work, if
they are led. But you must lead them.
We have sometimes to mourn over serious cases of
declension in the Chinese church. I believe that a
very large percentage of these declensions are due to
lack of teaching. We cannot expect the native Chris-
tians, many of whom are unable to read, to grow in
grace if they know nothing about the Bible, and, it
may be, have no one to teach them.
We rejoice in the revival that is going on in China
just now, in the thousands who are confessing Christ.
But I am pretty certain that a great man}- of them
will not stand long without good teaching. The} - must
have it, and just now we greatly need missionaries to
teach these people.
But let me take you in thought to Taichowfu, in the
Chekiang province. That station was one of the first
two opened after we reached China. It was opened in
1867. Mr. Meadows, our senior missionary, had been
out there four years before we arrived in the Lammer-
muir. He and Mr. Jackson went to Taichowfu and
began the work. Three years after Mr. Jackson re-
moved to Wenchow to help Mr. Stott there. I went down
to Taichowfu to fill the gap for a time, and I have been
filling it ever since, and hope to fill it a wee bit longer.
Well, when I went down there two persons had been
baptized — only two, and there was a large district
allotted to me, with four cities around the center of four
counties. During the first ten years the work was very
uphill and very slow. But I spent a good deal of that
time teaching the few native Christians, and to this
day some of those early Christians are still the back-
bone of the work. Since then two thousand nine
hundred and sixty persons have been baptized from
that center. There are now one thousand four hundred
and ninety-nine communicants. The work is divided
China's Millions
9 1
up into four centers. For quite a number of years I
looked after those four centers myself, with their thirty-
two stations and out-stations. But about ten or eleven
years ago the district was divided into four, with foreign
missionaries in each city. Those four cities are included
in these statistics.
Since I went back to China nearly nine years ago, a
great deal of my time has been given to another work,
namely, translation of the Scriptures. I began, some
thirty years ago, to give the people God's word iu their
own tongue, in what is called the Romanized character,
that is, the printing of Chinese in English letters. I
have been working at it, as time would permit, ever
since, and last year we brought out the third edition of
our New Testament. That book has enabled hundreds
to read God's word for themselves, who never could
have read it iu the Chinese character. It has been my
privilege to work
on these lines.
But not only
have we brought
out three edi-
tions of the New
Testament but
since I went back
nine years ago I
have been work-
ing on the Old
Testament as
well, and we
have brought
out the books
from Genesis to
the end of II.
Chronicles com-
plete. Then we
passed over a
few of the books,
and completed a
second edition of
the Psalms.
These are being
bound up with
the New Testa-
ment, so that the
Psalms and the
New Testament
form one book.
Then I began
Isaiah. I found that Isaiah needed a larger vocabulary
than any other book. Translating Isaiah was very stiff
work. It needed all the brain power that one had, and
I could only do good work at it when I felt in a fit state ;
but through the Lord's goodness it has been done, and
a good deal of translation of other books as well.
Now this work was the very last thing that I
should ever have thought of. But it was forced upon
me by the necessities of the case. And dear Mr. Hud-
son Taylor pushed me into it, or I do not think that I
should ever have attempted it. But not only have the
books been translated, they have also been printed on
the spot.
I have just told you of going out in the Lamtner-
muir. Well, on that vessel was a printing press. I
knew nothing at all about printing when I went to
China ; but force of circumstances there made it
Photo by]
A PLACE OF WORSHIP IN THE HUANGYEN
DISTRICT, CHEKIANG.
The above was originally a Buddhist temple, but the temple (together with rice fields which
surround it) was given to God by a converted Buddhist priest
necessary for me to learn about it. By and by, I was
able to teach the Chinese how to use an English press,
and now we do our own printing. And not only have
our printers been trained, but, when the first edition
of our New Testament was going through the press,
one of the new printers was brought to Christ. He is
now our native pastor at Taichowfu, and has been a
valuable helper ever since 1879. We thank God for
that. Our head printer conducts a service in his own
native town about ten or twelve miles from the city,
going there sometimes on a Saturday evening, and
sometimes on Sunday morning and back again to his
work on Monday. We have others. One young
man, the son of one of my old students, has been with
us in the printing office for a few years. He is just
leaving to go in for study, to give himself to the Lord's
work. So, you see, the printing press is a training
ground as well.
Up to two
years ago the
work was all
done on the old
press that went
out in the Lam-
mermuir vn. 1866.
That press is
much the worse
for wear, and has
often given us a
good deal of
trouble to get it
to do good work.
But our dear old
friend Mr. Ber-
gin, of Bristol,
hearing of our
need of a print-
ing machine,
laid the matter
before some Sun-
day Schools
which began to
contribute to-
ward a fund to
purchase one.
Nine Sunday
Schools and
Young People's
Assoc i a tiou s
contributed to the fund, a Ladies' Working Meeting,
a Library, and also the dear orphan children at Ashley
Down. So there must be a large number of share-
holders in this machine, and they will get good inter-
est as it is busy printing the word of God. It is doing
the work of several hand presses.
We are greatly indebted to that valuable organiza-
tion, the British and Foreign Bible Society, for the
expense connected with all this printing work. With-
out their help it would have been impossible for us to go
forward with the work. They have backed us up in
the expenses and the}' are still willing to do so.
The last words I heardfromtheshore,asIwasleaving
in the boat which carried me to the steam launch which
was to take me to the larger steamer, were these — from
five members of the Church Missionary Society —
"Make haste back home and come and finish the Bible."
[Mr. C. Thomson.
92 China's Millions
Scenes of Devastation, a Result of the Riot at Changsha, Hunan
THE CHINA INLAND MISSION PREMISES AS SEEN FROM A
NEIGHBOR'S ROOK
MISS TILLEYS STUDY
THE INTERIOR OF A HOUSE BELONGING TO THE WESLEYAN
MISSION
THE INTERIOR OF A CHAPEL BELONGING TO THE NOR-
WEGIAN MISSION
Photos by)
RONT OF III! NORMAL S( 1IOOI.
{/■: A. Keller, M.D.
THE INTERIOR OF THE GOVERNOR'S YAMEN
China's Millions
93
u
Them that had need of Healing He Healed "
ADDRESS BY MISS C. F. TIPPET, PINGYANGFU, SHANSI
IT has been my privilege for the last seven and a
half years to work in the province of Shansi, and
latterly in connection with the Wilson Memorial
Hospital in Pingyaugfu ; and to-night I want to draw
a contrast between our work last spring and our work
this spring. If you had gone to Pingyaugfu last
spring you would have found us very busy indeed.
Our medical work is divided into three branches —
out-patients, in-patients, and opium patients. I am
now speaking of women's work, as in China women,
in our part, work only amongst women. Our out-
patients' days were Wednesday and Friday, and early
in the morning the women would start from their
villages, some very far
away, and gather to our
city. Had you gone
outside the hospital you
might have seen some
very lean donkeys, and
some very clumsy carts,
such as you would not
like to ride in, and a
number of people
crowded about the gates
waiting for the patients
who were inside. The
patients gathered
in the largest room we
had, which was quite
inadequate for the num-
bers ; and the first thing
that we did was to have
a Gospel service with
them. Our medical
work is only a means
to an end. We want
the people to come
about us so that they
may hear the Gospel,
and that they may get
to know the Lord Jesus
Christ as their friend
and Savior. Hence the
first thing that we do is
to gather them together
for a Gospel service.
Often we have to use
pictures to help these
ignorant women to un-
derstand our message. After the service they, in
turn, assemble in the dispensary. It is a dispensary
and a consulting room all in one, for, though some
part of the mission hospital has been built, as yet the
women's part has not been finished, and we are work-
ing in an old building which, so far, from our hospital or
medical standpoint, is most unsatisf actor}- for our work.
Every patient pays ioo cash, which is not quite seven
cents. For this sum they can attend the hospital three
times, and receive medical attention. The patients
are in turn seen by the doctor, and we are very care-
ful to try to get the right medicine into the right
patient's hands. That, I can assure you, is not always
MEMORIAL TABLET TO DOCTOR MILLAR WILSON AT PINGYANGFU
SHANSI, WITH MR. LI STANDING AT THE SIDE.
an easy thing. If a woman thinks that she can get
hold of two bottles of medicine instead of one, she
fancies she will get better possibly so much the quicker.
And we find that sometimes they make mistakes. We
had one woman who came back declaring that she was
ever so much better, and we discovered that she had
had two sorts of medicine given to her, a tonic and a
little Condy's fluid for a wound. We learned that she
had washed her wound with the tonic and had taken
the Condy's fluid. That, dear friends, is only one
side, but it needs a little coping with sometimes.
These women are seen. They come into contact
with the foreigner, and our medical work, perhaps, is
the only means which
brings some of these wo-
men into contact with
us. They receive kind-
ness at our hands and
they go away to their
homes, and tell of what
has happened, often re-
turning bringing others
with them. Thus the
gospel spreads and the
good name and the
knowledge of the kind-
ness of the foreigner
spread also. This means
that more people will
come.
Then we have our
in-patients. The in-
patients also pay the
sum of ioo cash, but
they have to bring their
food, their clothing, and
their bedding, and to
pay for firing and light.
The Chinese only ap-
preciate that for which
they pay, and we think
it well that they
should do this. Thus
we make, as far as we
can, the work self-sup-
porting, though, of
^course, the sum they
pay is totally inadequate
to meet the cost of the
drugs which are given out. The patients in the
hospital are also well taught. We have a very dear
old bible-woman, Mrs. Han, who in 1900 suffered fear-
fully at the hands of the Boxers, and to-day she is
branded with the marks of our Lord Jesus Christ, for
a cross was cut on her forehead at that time by those
cruel men. But she is doing her work in the hospital,
preaching to the women and exhorting, and she is, we
say, " worth her weight in gold," nay, more ; and in
her we have a demonstration of what can be done when
a Chinese soul surrenders itself to Christ, and works
for Him.
Then there are the operations, and I am glad
94
China's Millions
A LITTLE HOSPITAL PATIENT STARTING FOR HOME AFTER RECOVERY. HIS MOTHER IS HOLDING
HIM ON THE 'MOUNTAIN CART AND HIS FATHER IS RIDING A DONKEY.
to say these often result, as we may say, in the blind
seeing, and the lame walking ; for, perhaps, you do
not' realize that native medical help is barbarous and
cruel in the extreme. Let me cite one case, because
I do want to-night to bring home to you the need of
China and the need of medical men and medical wo-
men to go forth in the name of our God, healing the
sick and preaching the Gospel.
A young woman was brought to our notice, who was
led in by her mother. She could not see the way ;
and, when enquiring into her case, we asked what was
the reason of this distress and this condition. They
told us that some time before she had had very sore
eyes, and they had called in the native doctor. He
had done what he thought proper. He got an ear of
wheat from the field, for it was harvest time, and he
turned back the delicate mucous membrane of the eyelid
and rubbed itwith the rough earof wheat. The result in
this case was partial or perhaps total blindness for life.
In another case a little girl was bitten by a wolf. Her
father rescued her, and as quickly as possible they got
a fowl, plucked it, skinned it, and laid the warm skin
upon her while she
was bleeding pain-
fully. The result
was a fearful con-
dition of the child,
and only in answer
to our prayers was
her life saved.
And then a word
about our opium
work. Possibly
most of you know
that Shansi is the
province where opi-
um is more largely
grown than any-
where. Two years
ago I traveled in a
district, the most
fort ; lo • fl , , ANOTHER MODE OF TRAVELING IN THE NORTH. A. BABY IN EACH B\SKET SUSPENDED
rerine in tne pro- i R qm rm . : shoulder of the man in the foreground.
viuce, where the
whole river bed was
one bla/.e of poppies,
beautiful indeed to
look at, but carrying
the germ of destruc-
tion and death. Last
year I went into the
same district, and,
after traveling five
days, I did not see
one single poppy.
China is doing her
work in this way, and
we may well honor
her to-night.
When our opium
patients come in, they
have to pa}' a sum
which, partly, if not
altogether, covers the
cost of the medicine
which they receive for
breaking off. They
stay in our hospital for one month. They bring their
food, their clothes, and their bedding, and they pay for
fire and light. They have to conform to the rules of
the hospital. Each day they are expected, along with
all the other patients to repeat one text of Scripture,
and this, seeing that many of them have never learned
a character in their lives, is no slight ordeal for them ;
but it is wonderful, and I can tell you, dear friends, that
it does our hearts good to listen to their stammering ac-
cents repeating the word of the living God, for we do
believe that it is the Word of God which will bring
revival to the people of China, and that it is the only
thing which will truly save them. After these patients
have been with us a month they go home.
And now just one word about the weakness of our
medical work. They go home ; they go back to their
villages ; and, in all probability, all the doors in that
village are thrown open to us. Many of the women,
when they are leaving us say : " Do come and see us,
do come and preach the Gospel to us ; do come and see
our friends ; " and we can go into those homes, and
possibly may get perhaps all the women in the village
China's Millions
95
around us. They have heard about us ; they have
heard about the treatment and about the kindness that
has been shown to them, and they are anxious to see
the foreigner. Thus we have unique opportunities of
preaching the Gospel, but — and, oh, friends, alas ! that
there is this ' ' but, ' ' and would to God that you could
realize the fact— but we are undermanned, and because
we cannot leave the hospital, and because we have too
much to do — we are unable to tackle the work which
is daily pressed upon us. We cannot go out to the
villages. We cannot follow up these cases ; we cannot
preach the Gospel as we would ; and consequently,
perhaps, all these women are lost. We lose sight of
them, whereas, if we had workers enough to cope with
the demand and to go out to preach the Gospel and
follow up the work, we might have many, many more
results.
Now, that was Pingyangfu hospital in the spring
last year. We had more than we could do, and we
were practically refusing patients daily, for we had no
room to take them in. But to-day — and, oh, I am
glad of this opportunity to-night to tell you about it,
for I want you to get the facts not only into your ears
but into your hearts — to-
day the hospital at Ping-
yangfu is closed ! The
door is shut. Why? It
is through over-pressure
of work. Nature will only
stand so much. Dr. Carr
was obliged to leave on
furlough, and there was
no medical man forthcom-
ing in his place. Con-
sequently the hospital
to-day is closed. Mrs.
Carr and myself had to
perform the sad duty last
autumn of closing the hos-
pital, and I can tell you it
wasa heart-breaking thing
to lock those doors and
stow away the drugs,
knowing that they could
not be used. Before I left there was word coming in
from many of the cities around and from man)' of the
officials, asking when the doctor was coming back ;
and the only answer I could give was, " I do not know. ' '
There is no medical work going on there at present.
I wonder, is there any medical man or medical wo-
man or nurse in this hall to-night. I do want to tell
you that a work with unparalleled opportunities, and
the need for which is enormous, is closed because there
is no one to enter in, because there is no man at home
who is willing to go out and fill the place. We cannot
believe that it is so. Surely it is only because you do
not know. But, friends, you know now, and I would
charge you in the name of our God to lay this on your
heart and not forget it ; and, as you go about from one
to the other speaking of the need of China, oh ! will
you not do all in your power to help the work forward ;
and will you not pray that a medical man may be forth-
coming to go to fill the vacant place, or to assist in
the work ?
But, not only so. It took me seven traveling days
to reach the railway when I came home ; and what did
MRS. CARR AM) MISS C,
VISIT TO THE
I find ? I passed through several mission stations, and
in everyone the cry was, ' ' We are undermanned. Our
hands are tied and our work is crippled because we
cannot cope with that which comes upon us. ' ' We are
overwhelmed with the work which comes upon us in
our daily routine, and people are being lost, and we are
losing them because we cannot cope with the work.
And, more than that — and perhaps those of us who
have been out realize this more than anything — valu-
able, priceless, lives are, I might say, being done to death
through overwork. They are going forward as fast as
they can to a breakdown. And why ? Why ? There
is a cause somewhere. I cannot believe that this is
God's will. Is it so that the Church at home is so
asleep to the needs of China that she is willing to let
these priceless lives there be done to death ?
Oh ! my friends, in the name of God I would speak
to you to-night, and I would ask that everyone of you
when you go home would get down on your knees and
ask what is your duty towards China. I would ap-
peal just now especially to those who cannot go. Do
not think that, just because you cannot go, the work
is no concern of yours. You can work as much for
China at home as we can
who are in the Far East ;
and I do ask you that you
will do what you can to-
wards the furtherance of
God's work in that land.
There may be parents
here withholding their
children. Oh! will you
not think of what our
Lord suffered for us and
think that no sacrifice is
too great for Him. I hear a
good deal about the sacri-
fices of a missionary's life.
I wish people would talk
more of the joy, the privi-
lege, the honor, of being
allowed to go to China to
preach the Gospel. Oh !
if only friends would re-
alize what it means to be a herald of the cross in a
dark land ! One of the most supreme joys of this
earth is to be preaching the Gospel in a village where
it has never been preached before.
In closing I want to leave this word with you. In
the 3rd chapter of Proverbs and the 27th verse you
will find these words : ' ' Withhold not good from them
to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine
hand to do it. ' '
" Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were an offering far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all."
\RR STARTING FOR A
VILLAGES.
" Every believer is only blessed that he may carry
God's blessing to the world. Cry to God that His
people may know this, that every believer is only to
live for the interests of God and His Kingdom. If
this truth were preached and believed and practised,
what a revelation it would bring to our mission work —
what a host of willing intercessors we should have.
Plead with God to work it by His Holy Spirit."
96
China's Millions
Declension ! Confession ! Restoration !
ADDRESS BY F. H. SHINDIER, ANHWEI
IT is my purpose this evening to tell of Revival work
in our station at Ningkvvofu, in the province of
Anhwei. And in doing so I want first of all to
refer to several things which led up to, and prepared
the way for, the wonderful outpouring of God's
vSpirit that came upon us during nine days' meetings
in the early spring of last year.
In the first place, we had, during that year, a time of
great unity and mutual enjoyment in the work. As the
winter came on we held a seriesof special meetingsat dif-
ferent centers, and these meetings were greatly blessed.
During that winter, too, Miss Webster, who was in
charge of the boys' school in the city, asked the boys
whether they would like daily prayer meetings to be
started to ask God to bless them in a similar way to
that in which he has been blessing school work in a
station near by. These meetings were carried on for
a fortnight, and at the close a gracious visitation of
God's Spirit was vouchsafed.
Not only were meetings of this kind held among the
schoolboys, but they were held also among the women,
with similar results. For some five weeks, with a short
break at the Chinese New Year, daily prayer meetings,
for revival, were held in the city, and similar meetings
were encouraged in the out-stations. Guided by the
Word of God, and by prayer, the workers decided to
hold a large gathering in the city, to which all the
baptized Christians from the eight out-stations should
be invited. As Mr. Goforth was unable to come to
lead the meetings, we invited Mr. Westwood, and his
evangelist, Mr. Hsieh, from the neighboring station,
Nanchangfu.
The meetings commenced on a Saturday, and closed
on the following Monday week. We had our schoolboys
present, some twenty from the city, and some forty
from the out-stations around. By the Wednesday we
numbered somewhere between one hundred and fifty
to two hundred people.
The meetings, as I have said, commenced on the
Saturday, but, until the Monday night, nothing out of
the common occurred, except that there was in our midst
an unusual spirit of prayer. The prayers were short
and to the point ; and, as has happened elsewhere in
this wonderful movement, several persons would often
rise and pray at the same time. On the Monday evening,
when the address was finished, one of the schoolboys
rose to pray, and was quickly followed by another and
another, and there were smothered sounds of weeping.
In the course of a very few minutes the class of thirty-
two boys were weeping bitterly, and the sound of their
crying could be heard all over the compound. We tried
to do something to comfort them and direct their
thoughts, but found that all we said was unavailing.
The Spirit of God had begun a work among them, and
we had to stand aside. By and by one of the boys
arose and confessed to some sin which had been brought
to his remembrance. He was followed by another and
another ; and the remainder of the time of the meeting
was taken up by these schoolboys confessing their
sins. It was a touching sight, at the close of the
meeting, to see those boj's rise and go up to one another
and take hold of one another's hands confessing to
differences that had arisen among them, and making
friends again one with another.
During that evening meeting the work of the Spirit,
so far as one could see and hear, was among the
boys. But a preparatory work was also going on
among the adults in the meeting ; and the following
morning — Tuesday — before the address, our three
evangelists spontaneously came forward and, com-
mencing with them, the whole meeting was given up
to confession of sin. One felt, on the one hand, a sense
of shame, and on the other, a sense of deep gratitude
to God for this purifying work which He was doing
in our midst. I will speak of the three evangelists.
First, Mr. Hsieh. He is a scholarly man. He has
been an elder in the church for quite a number of years,
and a faithful worker during a long time of service.
He came forward, followed closely by the two other
evangelists, who sat on one side, waiting till he had
finished what he had to say. He ascended the platform,
and, with a face which indicated how deeply the work
was going on within him, began his confession by say-
ing, ' ' I am unworthy to stand in the presence of God. ' '
And so he knelt down on the platform, and for some
time confessed sins which had been brought to his
remembrance, out of the long past and more recent
years. And as he closed, confession turned into prayer
that God would enable him to be in the future an am-
bassador of Christ such as his heart desired to be.
Then, Mr. Li, the second evangelist, a very promis-
ing young man of some twenty-four years of age, came
forward. What seemed to have impressed him most
was his lack of the Holy Spirit's power in his ministry.
His had been a ministry in which he himself had been
prominent, and Christ had been rather in the back-
ground. He also referred to several people in the dis-
trict towards whom he had not shown a truly friendly
and loving spirit. Some were in the meeting, and he
asked them to rise, and he sought their forgiveness.
And then evangelist Wang stood up to confess. He
had been one who had given us much sorrow and anxiety
for the previous two years. He had allowed himself to
become entangled in business matters connected with
his son, and in this way his work in the church had
been neglected. Not only so, but a great difference had
arisen between him and an elder in the out-station
where he was stationed, and thus the work of the station
had been a great deal hindered. We had been praying
much for this man. He came forward several times
before he got really clear, but what he said covered all
the points for which we had been praying for so long.
During those meetings we saw what was quite
unusual and contrary to Chinese ideas of propriety,
justice and right, between man and man. For instance,
our pastor got up and confessed to a trouble which we
knew had existed between him and his wife for several
years, and in the meeting he sought his wife's forgive-
ness. In another case a man got up and confessed to
his younger brother. In another case a father got up
and confessed to his deficiencies in the family, and there
were many other things of this kind, which could only
have come about through a deep work of the Spirit of
God, such as we saw in those meetings.
China's Millions
97
Our Shanghai Letter
BY REV. J. W. STEVENSON
SINCE my last letter, dated Ma,v 31st, I am glad
to report that things have considerably improved
in Changsha. Mr. Veryard has returned and
Dr. Keller and he are living quietly in the city carry-
ing on the work. I was sorry, however, to hear that
Dr. Keller had had some fever, but he was better when
we last heard. The Chinese officials asked for a formal
letter from him, embodying the Mission's decision
to make no demand for indemnity for losses sustained,
and this letter was sent to the Customs Tao-t'ai, signed
by Dr. Keller and Mr. Hollenweger, covering the
Mission property of our own in the city, and also that
of the Liebenzell branch outside the south gate, as
well as all personal losses of the missionaries.
In a letter by Mr. Owen from Changteh, dated
June 14th, he mentions a most disastrous flood having
occurred, in which the crops have been entirely
destroyed in the
district round the
city. They had
rain for ten days,
day and night, and
during this period
the river rose
twenty-three feet ;
the embankments
gave way, and the
city gates had to
be closed to keep
the water out.
The river, at the
time of writing,
was fifteen feet
higher than the
level of the city,
and was only kept
from flooding the
city by the high
wall. This, of
course, is causing
great su ffering.
We notice that
the officials have
been sending rice
from Hankow to relieve the distress of the people.
We have also heard of a very disastrous fire at
Wanhsien, which destroyed nearly half the city, a
number of the Christians having lost their all. At
one time our own property was in great danger, but
God graciously protected it, in answer to prayer.
We are glad to hear that Mr. Ernest Taylor is
making a good recovery, and we hope that the rest
during the summer will thoroughly set him up.
We are sorry to hear that in Chefoo thirty of the
children are ill with measles, and ten with chicken-
pox. Miss Herbert has gone to Chefoo to assist with
the nursing during the summer. Miss Giles has
arrived safely in Chefoo.
Mr. and Mrs. Easton reached Hanchung on the
last day of May, having spent a few days at Sisiaug,
Yanghsien and Chengku en route. They did not see
Mr. and Mrs. Kennett, who had left for Laohokow,
TEA GARDENS IN NATIVE CITY, SHANGHAI
where they have arrived safely, and will spend the
summer at Haishan. Mr. Kennett's health is most
unsatisfactory ; we hope that he will improve some-
what during the summer.
We continue to hear cheering accounts of the
blessing resting upon the meetings conducted by Mr.
Lutley and Mr. Wang in Szechwan. We are expect-
ing to have the pleasure of seeing Mr. Lutley here
next week.
Mr. Muir mentions that he had returned to Ba-
tang, after an extended journey through Kiangka,
Draya and Chamdo ; and Mr. Herbert from Tatsienlu
mentions that he had paid a visit to the Kiarong
states, and that he had good success and blessing all
the way. They sold five hundred Gospel portions and
distributed a large number of tracts ; there were also
many opportunities for quiet talks along the road with
small groups of
listeners, and they
found the people
very friendly. Mr.
Edgar had paid
one visit to Ba-
tang, and had re-
turned to Tatsien-
lu in order to escort
his family to Ba-
tang.
Mr. Alexander
Miller, who has
been for the last
eight mouths hold-
ing special Bible-
schools through-
out the province
of Chekiang, has
been greatly en-
couraged. He
mentions that he
has visited thirty-
four chapels in
sixteen hsien dis-
tricts. These
Bible classes have
been greatly appreciated by the missionaries, and we
believe have been attended with much blessing to the
Chinese.
Within the last few weeks the condition of things
throughout the country seems to have improved con-
siderably, judging from the letters which we have
received, and good harvests have been reported in a
number of the provinces, which is cause for much
thankfulness to God.
Jesus, seeing the multitude, was moved with com-
passion and He said — " Pray" — " Pray ye the Lord
of the harvest." Again He saw the multitude and
was moved with compassion and said — "Give" —
"Give ye them to eat." Before His ascension, still
yearning for a perishing world — for whom He died —
He again commands and says — " Go " — " Go ye and
preach the Gospel to every creature. ' '
9 8
China's Millions
Tidings from the Provinces
Personal Notes
Miss J. A. Craig, of Chefoo, China,
Miss A. C. Lay and Miss E. A. Og-
den, of Kiangsi Province, Mr. and
Mrs. G. H. Seville and Mr. and Mrs.
McRoberts, of Chekiang, have recent-
ly arrived in America and are spend-
ing their first months of furlough
with their home friends.
Topics for Prayer
We would ask our readers to be in
special prayer for those parts of China
where famine conditions already
exist, and others where there has
been such failure of the crops as to
make famine almost inevitable. The
awful distress and need of food is
one of the causes for unrest among
the people.
We also ask that definite prayer be
made in behalf of all who take part in
the evangelistic campaign which will
be carried on in connection with the
Nanking Exhibition. Shall we not
ask that the results, spiritually, may
far exceed our petition and thought.
May remembrance also be made of
those who are home on furlough,
that those who especially need restor-
ation physically in order that they
may return, may be restored, and
thus have the desire of their hearts,
that of filling the ranks, and helping
in the field, where the need is so
great that words are inadequate to
express it. In this connection, too,
we would ask prayer for those who
hope to go forward this Autumn,
both for those who expect to return,
and very especially for those who are
going for the first time.
News Notes
Liang Ping-long, a Java Chinese,
paid $10,000 for the first ticket of ad-
mission to the Exhibition, in honor
of which piece of generosity entrance
was free to-day.
A Chinese telegram says that Prince
Kung, who is chief Anti-Opium Com-
missioner, has received many anony-
mous letters, accusing some officials
in the various ministries of still being
addicted to opiutn smoking. The
Prince, therefore, intends to summon
them for a strict test as to their
habits.
The Chinese people are deeply in-
terested in the Nanking Exhibition ;
from twenty to twenty-five thousand
people visit the grounds daily, and
great is the delight at the beautiful
effects when the twenty thousand
lights are turned on at night.
Few, however, understand the
strenuous efforts being made by the
united missions to utilize this unique
opportunity for acquainting the Chi-
nese, who will flock from all parts of
the Empire, with the purpose and
principles of missionary effort.
The Committee in charge of the
Evangelistic Campaign have made
satisfactory arrangements with the
authorities for a good site at the very
gates of the Exposition. $500 has
been spent on the grounds, $600 on
the grading and bunding along the
canal, whilst $4,200 has beenexpended
on building a handsome erection,
standing back fifty-five feet from the
main entrance road. This will be
used for gatherings, rooms for dis-
cussion, rest rooms, bed-rooms, etc.
It is also hoped that in the rear of
this building a larger auditorium will
be erected. Funds are urgently
needed for what has been done and
for what is further planned, and also
for bringing preachers from different
parts of China. It is hoped that,
among prominent Chinese pastors,
the famed Rev. Ding Li-mei, of the
north, will be able to spend a month
at least in the preaching services. In
addition to these such foreign helpers
are expected as President King of
Oberlin ; and Messrs. W. W. White and
R. W. Rogers, in addition to the
foreign missionaries.
The Chinese Imperial Post Office
has made a new departure in the in-
auguration of a motor-boat service
between the large towns of Shingtseh,
Puyuan and Kashing, thus connect-
ing these centers of the silk industry
with the Chekiang Railway at Kash-
ing. The boat is running on such a
schedule as to enable passengers and
mails to catch the train for Hang-
chow and Shanghai. The boat is
well named the Progress. She is
thirty-four feet long by over five feet
beam, and is fitted with a 15-20 H.P.
Kelvin motor which uses kerosene
only and drives her at the rate of
nine miles per hour. She was built
under the personal direction of Mr.
Pape, District Postal Accountant at
Hangchow. She looks a very trim
craft, and is no doubt comfortable for
passengers, though I have had no
opportunity to try her. We wish the
authorities every success in this new
venture and hope that it will prove
such a paying investment, especially
in rapid transit for mails, that similar
boats will be put on other runs.
There cannot be a smart, up-to-date
postal service without such craft in
this country where the roads are all
canals. With the words : His
Majesty's Imperial Post, in large
tvpe on her cabin roof and the dragon
flag flying at her stern, the boat
should prove a good advertisement
for the I. P.O., and impress the people
with the fact that the Post Office has
come to stay, and wants to go ahead.
According to the Chinese Press,
Wu Cho-mu, a Chinese resident in
Japan, and consulting Member of the
Provincial Assembly of Chekiang,
recently petitioned the Governor of
the province to the following effect.
He says that, in the course of busi-
ness for over thirty years abroad, he
is aware that Chinese residents in
foreign countries number many mil-
lions, and Chinese imports and ex-
ports amount to one fifteenth of the
world's trade. As China has neither
men-of-war to afford maritime pro-
tection, nor has she many merchant
steamers to carry goods, she has been
dependent on others in that respect,
thus suffering grave disadvantages.
He finds that in foreign countries
volunteer fleets exist, and in such
schemes the people subscribe capital
to purchase ships, which in time of
peace carry passengers and freight,
and in case of war enlist in the navy
for service. The State is thus saved
the outlay of maintaining the ves-
sels, and the scheme protects the
nation as well as merchants. He
says that such a plan might be
adopted for China, and in considera-
tion of the courteous treatment he
received at the hands of the authori-
ties, for which he feels grateful, he
will set an example by subscribing
Tls. 20,000 for a start. These may be
deposited in the Ta Ching Govern-
ment Bank for the sole purpose of
purchasing a volunteer fleet. When
a large sum has been amassed, ships
may be ordered and the scheme
worked into shape. He prays the
Governor to telegraph to the Throne
and obtain sanction for the scheme,
which will be submitted later in
detail for organization.
Kiangsi
Jaochow — Some further extracts
from my diary may be of interest to
you. Accompanied by a medical stu-
dent, I went out recently to our out-
station, Si-shih-li-kiai, twelve miles
away, for a week-end. We had a
meeting Saturday night and three
meetings Sunday, the evening meet-
ings being well-attended, and times
of blessing. After the Sunday morn-
ing service, we visited a number of
houses, giving away tracts and deal-
ing with the people, and were well
received everywhere. After the after-
noon service the student and I
walked to the top of a hill near by to
"view the landscape o'er." It was
a bright, sunny evening, and in the
golden light of the setting sun, the
wide expanse of pine covered hills,
China's Millions
99
little lakes, cultivated fields, green
and gold, with different kinds of
vegetables, temples and villages, the
snioke of whose evening fires ascended
in the clear air, made a charming
picture. After the evening service,
it being bright moonlight, we walked
home (twelve miles) in about three
hours, reaching home just before
midnight.
Easter Sunday, we decorated the
church with lilac, peach blossom, and
branches of the Judas tree (a tree
bearing bright, red flowers, which
cover the whole tree down to the
roots, and had a special service, four
of us gentlemen, two Chinese and
two foreigners, singing a quartette.
The chapel was well filled for the
service.
On April twenty-fourth, two of us
attended a Chinese Christian burial
service. Speaking of Chinese funerals
in general, they have two services for
their dead, one when the body is put
into the coffin, and the other when
the coffin is buried. A feast accom-
panies the second ceremony, and be-
cause of the expense of this, if the
money for it cannot be " raised, " the
coffin often has to wait in the house
for months or a year or more.
Wealthy families have the burial ser-
vice in the day time and march
through the streets in procession with
robed priests bearing instruments of
music (gongs, flutes, etc.), and carry-
ing paper images of household goods,
money, etc., which are burned to
send them to the spirit world for use
there. The procession is also accom-
panied with the firing of many
crackers, which are supposed to scare
away evil spirits. The poorer families
have the service at dead of night, as
they have not the money necessary to
make the display and show so dear to
the Chinese heart. The Christian
Chinese have two services, the one
when the body is placed in the coffin
and then on the day of the burial.
Then after the service all the friends
return to the house to partake of
food, but of course anything of an
idolatrous nature is not observed.
The service we attended was among
the poorer class, so was held at night,
necessitating our rising before mid-
night and getting home after 2 a.m.
We were glad to have an opportunity
in the service of pointing the hearers,
most of whom were unsaved, to
Christ, the source of comfort and
hope, our messages being attentively
listened to.
On May 4th I was present at the
wedding ceremony of our Evangelist's
daughter, the same whom I mention-
ed in my last letter as having been
engaged to a Devil worshiper who
has now been attending our services
for six months. In a Chinese wedding
feasts have to be provided by both the
bride and bridegroom's parents, the
men and women being provided for
separately. The wedding ceremony
is conducted at the house of the
bridegroom, to which the bride's
parents do not go, so of course they
do not see the ceremony. When the
chair comes to carry the bride away
to the wedding, she and the women
in her home all wail and make a
great outcry, she to show how sorry
she is to leave her home, and they to
show how sorry they are to lose her.
The tears shed however, are not
genuine ones, and can be turned on
or shut off at will. A peculiar fea-
ture of the wedding ceremony is that
the bride and bridegroom each sip a
cup of wine ; the wine is then mixed,
and each takes another sip. Wedding
ceremonies are performed at an un-
earthly hour, we having to rise at
two a.m. to attend this one.
We have recently had the joy of
baptizing thirteen converts at our
out-station, Ching-teh-chen, and
praise God for this fruit.
Monthly Notes
ARRIVALS
On June 19th, at Vancouver, Rev.
and Mrs. W. A. McRoberts and child.
Rev. and Mrs. G. H. Seville and two
children, from Shanghai.
On June 26th, at San Francisco,
Miss E. A. Ogden, from Shanghai.
On July 16th, at San Francisco,
Miss I. A. Craig and Miss A. C. Lay,
from Shanghai.
DEPARTURES
On March 5th, from Shanghai, Mr.
and Mrs. J. Meikle, for England.
On May 28th, from Shanghai, Mr.
and Mrs. C. A. Bunting and child,
for England.
BIRTHS
On June 27th, at Dunnville, On-
tario, to Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Mc-
Roberts, a son (Reed Augustus).
On April 7th, at Paoning, Szech-
wan, to Dr. C. C. and Mrs. Elliott, a
son (Charles Evans).
DEATHS
On May 9th, at Kiehsiu, Shansi,
Miss B. J. L. Reynolds, from typhus
fever.
On July 5th, at Hangchow, Che-
kiang, Rev. Wm. John Doherty,
Principal of the Bible Training In-
stitute, eldest son of the late Mr.
John Doherty, 5 Clooney Terrace,
Londonderry, Ireland (by cable).
Baptisms
1909
SZECHWAN —
Suitingfu and out-stations - 15
Previously reported 2,885
Total 2,900
Anhwei — 1 9 10
Shucheng ...... 5
Hweichow ------ 6
Yingchowfu and out-station 14
Ningkwofu out-stations - - 10
Chihchowfu ------ 1
Chihli —
Hwailu and out-stations - - 30
Chekiang —
Wenchow and out-stations - 42
Lungchtian and out-stations 49
Chuchow ------- 18
Sungyang out-stations - - 16
Ninghaihsien ----- 4
Fenghwa and out-station - 10
Tunglu out-station - - - 7
Tientai ------- 6
Hupeh —
Kuhcheng ------ 2
Hunan —
Yiianchow ------ 1
Honan —
Mienchih ------- 6
Taikang out-stations - - - 1 r
Sihwa and out-stations - - 14
Sinanhsien ------ 1
Honanfu ------- 5
Yungning ------ 4
Hiangcheng and out-stations 30
Kaifeng ------- 12
Kansu —
Tsinchow and out-stations - 8
KlANGSI —
Kienchangfu out-station - - 3
Fuchow ------- 3!
Takutang ------- 4
Jaochow out-station - - - 13
Iyang - - 1
Yiianchow ------ 1
Kweichow —
Tsunyi and out-stations - - 7
Anshunfu and out-stations - 7
Kiangsu —
Antung ------- 48
Szechwan —
Chungking - s
Kiangchow and out-stations 31
Kiatingfu out-stations - - 7
Kwangyiian and out-station 5
Shunking and out-station - 3
Paoning out-stations - - - 31
Yingshan ------- 17
Shensi —
Sianfu -- 10
Lantien and out-stations - 12
Weihsien ------- 8
Shansi —
Fengchen - - y
Tsoyiin ------- 5
Ishih -------- 13
Pingyangfu and out-station 5
Tatungfu and out-station - 8
Yicheng ------- 4
Chiehchow and out-station 9
Puchowfu - 8
Pingyaohsien ----- 13
Hotsin -------- 21
Chaocheng ------ 53
Hungtung ------ 21
728
Previously reported 2 1
Total 749
IOO
China's Millions
Editorial Notes
IT is not often that a newspaper correspondent in
China recognizes the value of foreign missions and
speaks favorably of its work. The correspondent
of the London Times, however, is a man of a different
kind, and he has many times acknowledged the value
of missions as being carried on in that empire.
Recently, this correspondent has been making an ex-
tended tour in the west of China. He has come thus,
into the northwestern portion of that land, and he has
met there Mr. Hunter, of our Mission. In his report,
published in a recent weekly edition of the Times, he
writes as follows : "In Urumchi, one Englishman has
made his home. Mr. G. W. Hunter, of the China
Inland Mission, is one of the most widely traveled men
in the province. Of fine physique, well equipped with
a knowledge of Chinese and Turki, he works untir-
ingly as an evangelist and colporteur. Already he has
visited nearly ever}' important center in the new
dominion. He takes rank with the most distinguished
and tactful pioneer missionaries sent by England to
China. ' ' Such words speak as well for the corres-
pondent as for the missionary to whom they refer.
The reports presented to the Edinburgh Conference
have brought out some interesting and some deeply
solemnizing facts. Among these there has become
prominent the fact of the utterly inadequate provision
which the Church has made for the evangelization of
the world, and hence the terribly destitute condition
the world is in. One report declares that, in sections
not included in any existing plan of missionary opera-
tion, there are one hundred and thirteen millions of
people wholly untouched by the Gospel. These mil-
lions are veritable outcasts from the compassion of
Christians, they being beyond the thought and effort
of those who have been put in trust with that Word
which might make for their salvation. To add to these
peoples those others who, though nominally provided
for, are not actually so, would increase the number to
a startling degree. And all this is true at a time which
is nearly two thousand years after Christ's command
to His people to, Go !
One of the speakers at the Edinburgh Conference
gave the following statistics. He said that the present
population of the non- Christian world is from
1,000,000,000 to 1,200,000,000, a conception of which
could be obtained by remembering that this was an
approximate estimate of the number of minutes which
have elapsed since the beginning of the present era.
Again, the entire missionary force for the evangeliza-
tion of these multitudes numbers about 20,000 men
and women, only enough to fill the Synod hall — where
some of the meetings of the Conference were held —
about eight times. And finally, Christians gave to
missions last year a sum amounting to about
$25,000,000, which represents roughly a gift of only
two cents a year for the evangelization of each mem-
ber of the non-Christian world. Such statements as
the above show the seriousness of the present situation
both at home and abroad. There has been a great
deal of talk about the progress being made by mis-
sions — and there is much in respect to this for which
we should be thankful — but it is evident that the neg-
lect of Christians is greater than their effort, and
their failure is greater than their success. A new and
great advance movement is needed, and that im-
mediately.
There was much in connection with the Edinburgh
Conference for which God's children may be devoutly
thankful. It is well that a representative body of
Christians has brought out openly such facts as the
above. It is helpful too, that men of different
denominations have faced their relationship to one
another and their mutual obligations toward a perish-
ing world. But we confess that there were certain
developments which took place in connection with the
Conference which we cannot but regard with deep
concern. It is evident that the dominant note through-
out the sessions was that of mission and church union,
and that this note was finally sounded so frequently
and loudly that it came to mean to some minds nothing
short of a union among all bodies bearing the name of
"Christian," including the Roman and Greek
Churches. We do not hesitate to believe that there
are true children of God in these last communions ;
but to recognize these, and other similar systems, as
integral parts of the Church of Christ on earth is more
than some of us can conscientiously do. To propose
union with such, therefore, seems to some of us as
nothing short of an exceedingly grave departure from
God's truth, and we should regard any real action in
this direction as apostacy of the most serious sort.
' ' The entrance of Thy words giveth light. ' ' (Psalm
1 19 : 130.) It is peculiarly incumbent upon Christians
in these days to search God's Word with new intensity
of mind and heart. In the first place, many strange
interpretations are being given to it ; and in the
second place, such new conditions are prevailing as
make it necessary to secure such additional knowledge
as is required for these conditions. We note in a cer-
tain large railway station that many passengers stop
daily before the great station clock in order to make
sure that their watches are running in accordance with
it. A similar thing is needed in our spiritual experi-
ence. There are many causes operating to put our
thoughts and lives out of harmony with God. But
God has given us His Word, by which we may regu-
late our lives according to His will for us. This
Word, therefore, is our standard, the one, only and
final standard of life. If we are in harmony with it,
we are right with God ; if we are out of harmony with
it, we are wrong with God. And it is well to remem-
ber, in the last case, that nothing will make up for
the loss which we must sustain if we are not in har-
mony with the Word. No popularity, no aggregation
of numbers, no apparent success, no supposed world-
wide victories will take the place of a humble com-
pliance with God's Truth, for this alone will bring
us under the divine blessing and will make for
true spiritual progress and development. Let us
go back then, again and again, to this source of all
true knowledge and inspiration, knowing that in
this light there is no darkness and that there
never can be any darkness which this light may not
illuminate.
CHINA'S MILLIONS
TORONTO, SEPTEMBER, 1910
" Remember My Bonds "
Address at the Annual Meeting:, April 19th, by the Rev. W. Y. Fullerton, of Leicester
WHEN the great missionary of the West wrote
to the saints at Colosse urging them to be
loyal to Christ and, in the course of the letter,
penned the most glowing words that are in the New
Testament about our Lord, between the salutation and
the benediction, quite at the end of the letter, he said
some very tender and human words, namely : ' ' Re-
member my bonds." Now, I, as a man who has been
privileged to see many of the missionaries in the East,
would like to say on their behalf a thing which they
are not very likely to say themselves. When they
come to us we want to hear of their calling and of their
success, of their toil and of their hopes, of their thrifty
expenditure of money and their prodigal expenditure
of life. But we do not often hear of their renuncia-
tions and longings ; and yet I think it is well that we
should bear these in mind ; even an Apostle said :
" Remember my bonds."
Now, I think that we should remember the burdens
of these our brethren so as to evoke our sympathy for
them in their great work. There are not many of
them, of course, that are called to bear an actual chain
for Christ, though we remember that Judson in Burma,
and recently some in China have had actual bonds
upon their bodies. But I question whether anybody
has ever gone as a missionary for Christ in a distant
land without suffering for it. That is no reason why
people should not volunteer ; for, if the sufferings
of Christ abound, the consolations of Christ abound
also. In this very letter to Colosse the Apostle says,
" I rejoice in my sufferings for you," and it is not
with tears but in triumph that he says, " Remember
rny bonds."
And yet, though we honor these missionary
brethren and sisters of ours for their work, it is well
to remember that they serve by their sufferings as well
as by their toil ; and I think that in great measure it
is given specially to the missionaries to ' ' make up that
which is behind in the sufferings of Jesus Christ in
their flesh, for His body's sake which is the church."
Not these redemptive sufferings of our Lord which
are finished and which are complete for ever, but His
sufferings which are for the winning of His redeemed
people, and for the full manifestation of God's love,
and for the perfecting in His body of that priestly
ministry and compassion to which we with Him are
called. There is a passive as well as an active side of
the life of the missionary, and he does much by what
he bears as well as by what he does. I think that if
you read the history of Christianity you will see that
all through the centuries, wherever the name of Christ
is brought into a new land, there soon comes a testing
time. It was so in the early church ; it was so in our
own land ; and it has been so in China. We are con-
stantly going back to the memorable year 1900. Do
not think that the suffering of that year is over. I
have met in China people who to-day have shattered
nerves because of it, and weak bodies, and a memory
of horrors that are so awful that you dare not speak to
them of the events of those days. I have seen in Ping-
yangfu a woman with the cross marked on her fore-
head — a plain peasant woman, but there is no doubt
as to whom she belongs. The glory of Christ is in her
eyes. And there is many a missionary with the cross
deep printed on his heart. And not only in China is
this true, but in all mission countries. And so I would
ask on behalf of the missionaries that you remember
their bonds. There are chains that are not so heavy,
perhaps, as iron fetters, and yet they have to be borne
longer. People who go to these foreign lands have to
put up with many inconveniences. One of the bright-
est women that I met in China said : "You have to
bid good-bye to comfort when you go to China. " She
said it very gladly and brightly ; and if my experience
in Chinese inns is any guide I can well believe it. I
remember the Chinese inns with their reeking odors,
and their gaunt bareness, and their accumulated dust
that, I think, really must have been accumulating
from the time of Confucius ; and, as for the other
inconveniences, I remember that a Chinese woman
who was just beginning to speak English said to her
teacher: "Ma'am, in summer the inns are very
bitesome."
And then there is the constant crucifixion of taste
that comes to these men and women, sometimes from
the repellent habits of the people, and sometimes from
the isolation from the people of their own land and
nation. There is the effect of the climate ; and there
is the constant recurrence of the feeling of malaise which
cannot be reported as illness, and yet has to be borne.
I think that one of the hardest things for the mission-
aries to bear is the breaking up of home. That splen-
did school at Chefoo of this Society makes it much
easier in the matter of children for the missionaries of
all the societies in China. But, remember that, even
though that school is in China, there may be mission-
aries months away from it. Both father and mother
and children may be in China and yet separated by
immense distances. Then think of the severance for
years — the children in this land and the parents yonder.
I have seen little baby graves in China. I saw in one
garden three little mounds that need never have been
raised if the home had been a little more healthy.
Surely, it is worth while to remember these things
which our friends have to bear. There are many things
that can never be put into the report. I was in one
102
China's Millions
place which I need not name, and there were two
yonng missionaries there. A bride came out from
America, and her society had allowed her and her
husband a modest sum of money to build a house out-
side the city wall. They built their house, and they
watched it rising. You know how a bride would
watch her new house, and she planned out a cupboard
here and a press
there and a store-
room there, just
to suit her own
fancy ; and the
house was just
finished when
news came that
another mission-
ary was about to
come to that city,
and that he had
six children.
That young wo-
man, raised in a
home of luxury,
said without a
moment's hesita-
tion: "These
people must have
our house, and
we will stay in the
city." There
they are in the
dank, dark
rooms, giving up
their house to
the newcomers.
Now, that is
never reported.
But I would like
to ask you
whether you
would be willing
to do that with
your house here
in London.
Remember the
bonds of these
people, and I
would ask for the
missionaries not
only your support
but your compas-
sion. I do not
think that they
would ask your
pity, for many of
them would pity
you, and they
would say : "I
would that you
were as I am, except these bonds
that they have human sympathies
A TEMPLE IN A CLIFF IN SZECHWAN
But bear in mind
and do not think
of missionaries as if they ever got quite beyond all the
ideas that you have and all the longings for that which
will satisfy their tastes and their upbringing. Why,
even the Apostle Paul longed for sympathy. At this
time he wrote two letters, one to the Colossians and
one to Philemon, and there are two men mentioned in
both of these letters, one Aristarchus and the other
Epaphras. In the first letter he speaks of the first
man as his fellow-prisoner, and in the other letter,
which seems to have been written almost at the same
time, he speaks of the second man as his fellow-
prisoner. From this I think you may conclude that
they took it in
turns to stay with
the Apostle and
to comfort him
and to give him
their human sym-
pathy in his
bonds. Now, let
us do this for the
missionaries.
Well, they do not
whimper. They
would not say
these things for
themselves. They
have the heroic
spirit, but do not
let us take the
heroic spirit for
granted and do
not let us with-
hold our meed of
praise.
And I may
say another
thing. I would
say, remember
the bonds of these
missionaries and
their limitations,
so that you may
soften your criti-
cism. Think of
the Apostle of the
Gentiles in prison
at Rome. And
think of him
going to sign the
letter. He takes
his pen, and his
hand is stiff with
the damp of his
prison, and he
begins to write
his name in large
letters. He tells
us in the Gala-
tian letter that he
always wrote in
large letters, and,
as he writes, he
becomes con-
scious of his chains, and he says, ' ' Remember my
bonds. ' ' The writing is constrained and awkward and
angular. Perhaps his chain rumpled the parchment,
or perhaps it slipped and blotted the parchment and
he has to make an apology. " The writing is not what
I would like it to be. I once could do better, and I would
that I could do better now, but remember my bonds."
An
short t
China's Millions
103
And missionaries are quite conscious of how far
short they fall of their ideals. They can criticize them-
selves far more severely than we can criticize them.
They say, " Remember our bonds." Think of their
drawbacks. Think of them as foreigners in a foreign
country, and how they have brought there all the pre-
judices of their upbringing. Comparatively few of
them become thoroughly expert in the language of the
people, and they are not sure how far they have got
into the native mind.
And, again, think of them in their loneliness away
from all the impact of the west and the communion
and the fellowship with their brethren in Christ to
which we owe so much. It is little wonder that some
of them are liable to misunderstanding. It is little
wonder that, putting so much stress on their own bit
of work, they might begin to think that the authori-
ties in charge of the mission are rather neglecting them
for the sake of some other place. Remember their
bonds, and, if you are going to criticize them, criticize
them a little more tenderly. And there is many a man
or woman who is glibly criticized at home, though, if
you knew all that lies behind in their history, your
criticism would be withheld. Remember their bonds
until you are able to praise God for them.
"THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST"
The Apostle in this same letter says another thing
about his bonds. He says : " That I may speak the
mystery of Christ for which I am in bonds." " The
mystery of Christ ' ' — what is it ? What is the mystery
of Christ for which he was in bonds ? It is this : that
the Apostle had it revealed to him that the heathen,
the Gentiles, were to be fellow-heirs and partakers of
the promise of Christ in the Gospel, and it was because
the Apostle would not abate a jot of this truth which
was revealed to him that he was in bonds in the prison
at Rome. And it is because our brethren say that the
Word of God must not be bound that they themselves
are in bonds in these far lands. " The mystery of
Christ : " it is that Christ is coming to reign over this
world some day. He has not begun to reign yet. He
is coming some day, but not until we prepare His way.
And when He comes there shall not be one nation but
shall be able to offer Him some firstfruit. There shall
not be one people but shall have heard the story of His
life and death and be able to recognize Him when He
comes. That is the mystery of Christ, and it is for
the mystery of Christ that our brethren are in bonds.
The Apostle says yet another thing. He says :
" My son, Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my
bonds." The very bonds were turning out to the
advantage of the Gospel. In another letter he says:
" By my bonds the Gospel — the good news— is heard
in all the pretorium. ' ' The Apostle was bound to a
soldier, and the soldier was changed every now and
then, and the Apostle spoke to the soldier the message
of his heart. He had a great advantage over some of
us preachers. The congregation could not get away.
They were chained fast to him, and, however long the
sermon was, they had to listen. And Onesimus was
not the only one begotten in his bonds. Some of us
know the little village of St. Tropez in France. Now,
Tropez is supposed to be one of the soldiers bound to
the Apostle Paul and won for Christ while he was
bound. And I should not be surprised if our land
first heard the Gospel because of Paul's bonds, and if
some of these soldiers who had been chained to him
afterwards came to Britain, and if it was by the
soldiers that the news of the Gospel of Christ first
came to our shores. You and I to-night, perhaps,
owe something to those bonds which we are bidden
to remember. Who can say what shall be the result
in days to come of the sufferings and the limita-
tions and the glad endeavors of those who have gone
to China and other lands for Christ's sake ?
THE GOSPEL AND MISSIONARIES ARE WORTHY
Two brief words and I will finish. The first one
is that the Gospel for which our friends are in bonds
is worthy. It is worthy. The mystery of Christ is
the greatest thing in our Christian faith. If we have
not understood it, we have not yet begun to know the
genius of Christianity. It is not out of one nation
only, but out of every nation and kindred and tribe
and people Christ shall gain His redeemed. And the
faith of Christ is the only faith in the world that has
gained a foothold in every nation in the world, and
it is the only faith that ever will. So by the bonds
of our friends in other lands we ourselves may become
much more bold to preach the Gospel. You may
doubt it here in this land, some of you, but out
yonder they are living for it and dying for it — this
faith of Jesus.
And the second and final thing which I have to
say is this — that the men and women who are in
bonds for the Gospel are worthy. I met hundreds
and hundreds of them in China belonging to many
districts, and I received unbounded kindness from
the missionaries of this Society in long road journeys
through the country ; and I say to you that they are
worthy men and women, and I think that, perhaps,
one of the best hours that I spent in that great
land was one in the China Inland Mission Home in
Shanghai. After breakfast we bent in prayer one
morning, and Mr. Hoste and Mr. Stevenson and
others led us, praying for province after province
and missionary after missionary, not looking on them
as mere units of a great army, but looking on them
as Christ looks on them — as men and women with
human feelings and human frailities and high
divine hopes. And in answers to prayers — their prayers
and our prayers — we shall see the day when Christ
shall free them from their bonds and free the nations
from their bonds and bring in the glad day of jubilee.
All nature, animate and inanimate, is fulfilling the
purpose of its creation. "Fire and hail, snow and
vapors, stormy winds, fulfil His word." Are we doing
so, who have been redeemed to show forth the virtues
of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His
marvellous light ? It is said of David, that " When he
had served his own generation according to the will of
God, he fell on sleep. ' ' Are we serving our generation
according to the will of God — doing all the good we can
to our fellow-men while we have the opportunity —
never losing sight of the higher privilege and duty of
giving joy to the heart of God our Father, of Christ our
Bridegroom, by obeying Him and keeping His com-
mandments? How wonderful it is that we may make the
Man of Sorrows the Man of Joy, just as loving, obedient
children give joy to their parents ! — J. Hudson Taylor.
ro4
China's Millions
Two Messages from the World's Missionary Conference
To the Members of the Church in Christian lands.
Dear Brethren in Christ, — We, the members
of the World Missionary Conference assembled in
Edinburgh, desire to send you a message which lies
very near to our hearts. During the past ten days we
have been engaged in a close and continuous study of
the position of Christianity in non-Christian lands.
In this study we have surveyed the field of missionary
operation and the forces that are available for its occu-
pation. For two years we have been gathering expert
testimony about every department of Christian Mis-
sions, and this testimony has brought home to our
entire Conference certain conclusions which we desire
to set forth.
Our survey has impressed upon us the momentous
character of the present hour. We have heard from
many quarters of the
awakening of great
nations, of the open-
ing of long - closed
doors, and of move-
ments which are plac-
ing all at once before
the Church a new
world to be won for
Christ. The next ten
years will in all proba-
bility constitute a
turning point in
human history, and
may be of more criti-
cal importance in de-
termining the spiritual
evolution of mankind
than many centuries
of ordinary experi-
ence. If those years
are wasted havoc may
be wrought that cen-
turies will not be able
to repair. On the
other hand, if they
are rightly used they
may be among the
most glorious in
Christian history.
We have therefore
devoted much time to a close scrutiny of the ways in
which we may best utilize the existing forces of mis-
sionary enterprise by unifying and consolidating exist-
ing agencies, by improving their administration and
the training of their agents. We have done every-
thing within our power in the interest of economy and
efficiency ; and in this endeavor we have reached a
greater unity of common action than has been attained
in the Christian Church for centuries.
But it has become increasingly clear to us that we
need something far greater than can be reached by
any economy or re organization of the existing forces.
We need supremely a deeper sense of responsibility to
Almighty God for the great trust which He has com-
mitted to us in the evangelization of the world. That
trust is not committed in any peculiar way to our
A WATER CARRIER
missionaries, or to societies, or to us as members of this
Conference. It is committed to all and each within the
Christian family ; and it is as incumbent on every mem-
ber of the Church, as are the elementary virtues of the
Christian life — faith, hope, and love. That which
makes a man a Christian makes him also a sharer in
this trust. This principle is admitted by us all, but we
need to be aroused to carry it out in quite a new degree.
Just as a great national danger demands a new standard
of patriotism and service from every citizen, so the
present condition of the world and the missionary task
demands from every Christian, and from every congre-
gation, a change in the existing scale of missionary zeal
and service, and the elevation of our spiritual ideal.
The old scale and the old ideal were framed in view
of a state of the world which has ceased to exist. They
are no longer adequate
for the new world
which is arising out
of the ruins of the old.
It is not only of the
individual or the con-
gregation that this
new spirit is demand-
ed. There is an im-
perative spiritual de-
mand that national
life and influence as a
whole be Christian-
ized ; so that the entire
impact, commercial
and political, now of
the West upon the
East, and now of the
stronger races upon
the weaker, may con-
firm, and not impair,
the message of the
missionary enterprise.
The providence of
of God has led us all
into a new world of
opportunity, of danger
and of duty.
God is demanding
of us all a new order
of life, of a more ardu-
ous and self-sacrificing nature than the old. But if, as
we believe, the way of duty is the way of revelation,
there is certainly implied, in this imperative call of
duty, a latent assurance that God is greater, more
loving, nearer and more available for our help and
comfort than any man has dreamed. Assuredly, then,
we are called to make new discoveries of the grace and
power of God, for ourselves, for the Church, and for
the world ; and, in the strength of that firmer and
bolder faith in Him, to face the new age and the ne\V
task with a new consecration.
To the Members of the Christian Church in Non-
Christian Lands.
Dear Brethren in Christ, — We desire to send
you greeting in the Lord from the World Missionary
China's Millions
105
Conference gathered in Edinburgh. For ten days we
have been associated in prayer, deliberation, and the
study of missionary problems, with the supreme pur-
pose of making the work of Christ in non-Christian
lands more effective, and throughout the discussions our
hearts have gone forth to you in fellowship and love.
Many causes of thanksgiving have arisen as we have
consulted together, with the whole of the mission field
clear in view. But nothing has caused more joy than
the witness borne from all quarters as to the steady
growth in numbers, zeal, and power of the rising
Christian Church in newly-awakening lands. None
have been more helpful in our deliberations than mem-
bers from your own Churches. We thank God for the
spirit of evangelistic energy which you are showing,
and for the victories that are being won thereby. We
thank God for the longing after unity which is so pro-
minent among you and is one of our own deepest long-
ings to-day. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for
all the inspiration that your example has brought to us
in our home lands. This example is all the more inspir-
ing because of the special difficulties that beset the glori-
ous position which you hold in the hottest part of the
furnace wherein the Christian Church is being tried.
Accept our profound and loving sympathy, and be
assured of our confident hope that God will bring you
out of your fiery trial as a finely-tempered weapon
which can accomplish His work in the conversion of
your fellow-countrymen. It is you alone who can
ultimately finish this work : the word that under God
convinces your own people must be your word ; and
the life which will win them for Christ must be the
life of holiness and moral power, as set forth by you
who are men of their own race. But we rejoice to be
fellow- helpers with you in the work, and to know
that you are being more and more empowered by
God's grace to take the burden of it upon your own
shoulders. Take up that responsibility with increas-
ing eagerness, dear brethren, and secure from God the
power to carry through the task ; then we may see
great marvels wrought beneath our own eyes.
Meanwhile we rejoice also to be learning much our-
selves from the great peoples whom our Lord is now
drawing to Himself ; and we look for a richer faith to re-
sult for all from the gathering of the nations in Him.
There is much else in our hearts that we should
be glad to say, but we must confine ourselves to one
further matter, and that the most vital of all.
A strong co-operation in prayer binds together in
one all the Empire of Christ. Pray, therefore, for us,
the Christian communities in home-lands, as we pray
for you ; remember our difficulties before God as we
remember yours, that He may grant to each of us the
help that we need, and to both of us together that
fellowship in the Body of Christ which is according to
His blessed will.
Latest Missionary Statistics
From "The Christian"
THE number of societies appointing and sending
missionaries is 338 — 107 of these being American
and Canadian, 76 British, 57 Continental, 23
Australasian, 19 South African, 3 West Indian, 8
African (beyond South Africa), 45 Asiatic. To these
are to be added 203 auxiliaries to appointing and send-
ing societies — of which 72 are American and Canadian,
and 59 British. Further, we read of 239 collecting
and co-operating societies — of which 52 are American
and Canadian, and 43 British. Yet, again, there are
8 auxiliaries to collecting and co-operating societies —
making a grand total of 788 organizations.
Under the head of contributions for one year, for
work among non-Christians, we find mention made of
no less than $10,204,188.30 within the British Islands,
and $9,769,514.34 in the United States and Canada,
while other sums bring the grand total up to
$24,680,295.00. Another important financial item is
$2,654,182.67 set down as the amount of contributions
made by members of native churches.
The number of missionaries at work is found to be
— ordained, 5,552 ; physicians, 641 men and 341
women ; other lay missionaries, 2.503 ; married women,
not physicians, 5,406 ; unmarried women, not physi-
cians, 4,988 — total (some ordained missionaries being
also physicians), 19,280. To these have to be added
native workers — ordained, 5,045 ; unordained preachers
and teachers, Bible-women, etc., 92,918. The num-
ber of mission stations is 3,478 ; and of sub-stations,
32,009 — with 16,671 church organizations.
THE INDIGENOUS CHURCH
Coming to the native church we find that, in 1907,
the number of communicants added was 127,875, mak-
ing a total of 1,925,205; though the number of bap-
tized Christians then living was 3,006,373, with no
fewer than 5,281,871 adherents. In 24,928 Sunday-
schools there was a membership of 1, 198,602.
Educational figures showed 81 universities and
colleges, with 7,991 students; 489 theological and
normal schools and training classes, with 12,543 stu-
dents ; 1,594 boarding and high schools, with an enrol-
ment of 155,552; 284 industrial training institutions
and classes, with enrolment of 15,535 ; 28,901 village
and elementary schools, with 1,165,212 boys and
girls; and 113 kindergarten schools, with 4,703
children.
The medical work was carried on at 550 hospitals
and 1,024 dispensaries. In-patients in twelve months
numbered 164,245, while 144,708 out-patients were
visited, and there were 4,231,635 dispensary treat-
ments. The total number of individual patients was
4,272,468, and of treatments 7,501,013. Surgical
operations were 157,655 in number. The in medi-
cal schools and classes had 830 students (including
136 women), and the 92 schools and classes for nurses
had 628.
Philanthropic and reformatory summaries. —
Orphanages 265, inmates, 20,206 ; leper asylums and
hospitals 88, inmates 6,769; homes for untainted
children of lepers 21, inmates 567 ; institutions for
blind and for deaf mutes 25, pupils 844 ; rescue homes
21, inmates 856 ; opium refuges 103, inmates 2,548;
homes for widows 15, inmates 410; industrial homes
28, inmates 1,788.
io6
China's Millions
Three Cries from Chinese Lips
BY MRS. G. CECIL-SMITH
DURING the time that I have been at home
several cries from China have been ringing in
my ears, and urging me to much prayer for
those whose need they represent. I have told these
little stories at various meetings, and God has used
them to arouse prayer and sympathy on behalf of
China. I trust that He may yet use them as His voice
to call forth some consecrated workers, who may go
with the Gospel of Life to the perishing in China.
THE STORY OF DR. TSEN
While I was living at the town of Anp'ing, an out-
station from Anshun, in Kweichow, in 1893, I became
acquainted with a native doctor and drug-seller named
Tsen. From the first time he heard the Gospel he
was deeply interested in it, and he at once began to
close his shop on the Lord's Day. Every morning
and evening he joined the Christians in worship, for
he thought it too long to wait till the next " worship
day" came round. We were much pleased with his
apparent zeal, but wondered how he would stand the
test of social persecution. After he had been coming
for a few weeks I put the test before him : " If you
really believe in Jesus as your true Savior, you should
take down your picture image of the goddess of Mercy
from your shop and burn it. " I knew that the taking
of such a decided stand for Christ would at once call
forth bitter persecution from all quarters. I can never
forget, nor do I wish to forget, the answer that Tsen
made : " / have been seeking a Savior for forty years,
and now that I have found One, do you think that I cannot
suffer for Him ? " He went home and at once took
down the paper idol and burnt it. He afterwards
brought me the charred stick that formed the bottom
of the scroll. Heavy and subtle persecutions immedi-
ately broke out against him, and for a time he lost all
peace and quietness in this world, yet the God of peace
reigned in his heart through it all, and kept him
steadfast. Since that time some other members of his
family have been brought to Christ through his
influence. I have found that his words were quite
true ; he had been a Buddhist devotee and a vegetarian,
going about from temple to temple to heap up merit
for the next life. In his blind, groping way he had
been seeking a Savior for forty years.
Oh, think of that, dear friends ! In all his long
search he had never seen a missionary nor a Bible, nor
heard the glad news of a Savior, until in the mercy of
God we were sent to Anp'ing to tell the story of Jesus.
WANG TA-KO AND HIS WIFE
Among those who came regularly to worship there
were a couple of poor country people named Wang.
The man had been baptized, and his wife was inter-
ested in the Gospel. They lived thirty li — nearly ten
miles — from the city, and earned a very scanty living
by the hardest of toil, but they were always regular in
their attendance at the services, whether it was wet or
fine. In the summer time they often arrived by nine
o'clock in the morning, remaining, as a rule, until five
in the evening, without a mouthful of food. On one
occasion I said to Mrs. Wang, " Don't you get very
hungry before you reach home at night ? ' '
"No," she replied, "not when I have a meal of
rice before I start in the morning." "What ! " I said,
"are there an) 7 times when you are unable to get
that ? " Mrs. Wang answered, " Yes ! When our rice
is gone and we have no money 7 to get more, we have
only the chaff mixed with hot water into a kind of
porridge."
' ' How do you manage to walk so far with such
poor food?" I asked. "Well," continued Mrs.
Wang, "there was one day when I was so faint and
tired on the way 7 home that I sat down by the roadside
and cried. My husband said weeping would do no
good, and that we had better get away from the main
road, and go behind the hills, where the passers-by
would not interrupt us in prayer. We did this, and
my husband prayed that God would make the hunger
of soul more real than the hunger of body." " Well,
Wang Ta-ma, what then?" I asked. "Why, of
course," she said, "we were not hungry after that ;
I got up and walked the rest of the way home, pre-
pared a supper of rice husks, and after eating this we
went to bed feeling quite happy. ' '
Their extreme poverty 7 is painfully manifest in this,
and one would not think it possible for them to give
anything to the Lord's work. They had, however, a
great longing to give something, and it was accepted
of God, according to what they had. After a time
" the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty
abounded unto the riches of their liberality," as the
following incident will show :
As is common in Chinese houses, the guest-room
was in the center of our house, with a large room on
either side. It had no windows, and the only natural
light that came to it was what filtered through the
paper covering of the lattice-work doors. The floor
was of earth, and in winter this got very damp and
sodden. Moreover, our feet had worn little hollows
in front of our chairs, and when the rain was heavy
these became so many 7 little puddles of mud and water.
It was impossible for us to kneel in worship, and I had
tried in vain to get some straw mats or hassocks for
the people to kneel on. After some time I gave it up,
and had even ceased mentioning it in prayer to God
as a need. One very hot Sunday in July, Wang and
his wife were late for the service— a most unusual
thing for them — and all the other members agreed that
they must have ague, or such a thing would never
have happened.
As I gave out the first hymn, Mr. and Mrs. Wang
appeared in the doorway 7 . They looked very hot and
tired, and we wondered for a moment what were the
bulky burdens which they carried on their backs.
They came forward to the center of the little group of
ten or twelve worshipers, and then each of them laid
at my feet five nicely plaited straw hassocks, saying,
" This is my present to the Church." Knowing their
deep poverty I thanked them warmly, and added,
" You shall be paid for these." " Oh, no ! oh, don't,"
they replied, " w 7 e can do so little for the Lord's work,
do let us do the little that we can. "
China's Millions
107
A SCENE JUST OUT OF SHANGHAI
' ' Where did you get them ? ' ' was the question upon
every one's lips, for straw was very scarce at that time,
and I had failed to get anyone to make them for me.
The reply gave further proof of their loving zeal. Mr.
Wang said, " Well, in the day-time, when we were at
work in the fields, we looked about for a little scattered
straw, and then, after our day's work was done, we
went and gathered it up." " But," said I, " working
so hard as you do, how could you possibly find time
to do this extra work ? " " Oh, ' ' he answered, ' ' we
just stayed up a few nights and plaited them." My
heart was very full that day as I saw these evidences
of real devotion to God on the part of these poor
peasants, who but a little while before had been in the
darkest of heathenism. I could only think of them in
their poverty as being "rich toward God," and rich
indeed they are in another way also — they are being
used in bringing the Gospel to their neighbors and
friends.
Mrs. Wang is an aboriginal woman, of the Hwa-
miao tribe, and so she has unbound feet. She was
never so extravagant as to walk the whole thirty li
and back in her shoes, but instead carried them in her
hand till she came in sight of the house, and then put
them on as a mark of respect for the worship of God
and for us.
CAN WE BE SAVED ?
One other cry from China rises up in my heart,
and I pass it on to you, as a loud appeal for help from
the aged- women in the almost countless villages and
hamlets of China. I was about to leave Kweiyangfu
for another station at Hingi, ten days' journey to the
south-west, and before doing so I went out for a short
visit in the country with two Chinese Christian women
from Kweiyang.
Several women of seventy or eighty years of age
gathered round me, and listened very attentively. I
told the Gospel story as briefly and simply as possible,
while they were getting dinner for my companions
and me. We also taught them a very short prayer.
I think they understood what we wanted them to
grasp. I saw tears in some eyes as one and another
said, "Why! I'm so old now, having little memory
left, and I never heard this strange story before, but
it is very good to listen to. ' '
All too soon I saw, by the slanting rays of the
sun, that it was time for us to be going homeward, if
we did not wish to lose our way among the lonely hills,
as I once had.
With great difficulty did I unloose their hands
from holding me by the loose sleeves of my coat, and
as they saw that I must go, one and another of them
said, " You'll come back soon, won't you ? We do so
want to hear more of these good words. " My life and
service were now to be in a distant part of the province,
and it was most unlikely that I should again visit the
villages around Kweiyang, so, very sadly, I had to
reply, "No, I do not expect that I shall ever come back."
" But surely you'll send someone else, won't you?"
was their next eager question, and to this also I was
compelled, with a very heavy heart, to answer, " No,
I can't do that, because there's no one else to send."
We were obliged to hurry, so began running along
the footpath between the rice fields. As we did so,
the cry came after us, and it has been ringing in my
ears very often since that night, " Can I be saved with
hearing only once ? Oh ! tell me, can I be saved with
hearing only once ? ' ' Fellow believers who read these
words, God has made us stewards of the Gospel. All
the riches of God's grace therein revealed are not
intended for us alone, but for ' ' every creature ' ' in
"the uttermost parts of the earth." Are we acting
as faithful stewards of the Gospel if we continue to
disregard these and many similar cries from converts
and enquirers in heathen lands ? As the man of Mace-
donia called upon Paul to go over and help them, so
do thousands of native Christians and earnest seekers
after the truth in China, call to-day upon Christians in
other lands, ' 'Oh, brothers, who have long had the light,
' Come over and help us. ' " Who will answer the call ?
" Resolved — (a) That the new political and social
conditions in China render it possible that every
individual in the empire may now be reached with
such a knowledge of the world-saving mission, the
redeeming death and resurrection, and the heart
transforming power of Jesus Christ as will suffice
for the acceptance of Him as a personal Savior.
" (b) That we appeal to the whole Christian world
to rise in its might, and, trusting to the guidance of
Almighty God, realize more adequately its responsi-
bility in this gigantic undertaking." — Resolution of
the Shanghai Conference, 1907.
ioS
China's Millions
In Memoriam — Rev. W. J. Doherty
THE REV
DOHERTY
'HI-: death of
our brother
Doherty, after
a long and gallant
fight for life, comes
as a heavy blow.
The facts are alto-
gether too pathetic,
and we hardly
know how to write
in the presence of
another of life's
painful mysteries.
Mr. Doherty sailed
for China as a
promising student
volunteer in 1894,
and during his
time of service he
has won, in a con-
spicuous degree,
the confidence and
esteem both of his fellow-workers and of the Chinese
Christians.
For some time the pressing need of a Bible Train-
ing Institute for Chekiang has been urgently felt, and
Mr. Doherty was finally appointed, with the full
approval of his colleagues in the province, as the man
best fitted by his gifts and training for this important
and responsible post. After his somewhat recent fur-
lough he eagerly undertook active preparations for the
founding of this school. Land was purchased in the
city of Hangchow, and building operations commenced.
All who have had building to do in China know how
trying such labor can be, and our brother's eager spirit
was evidently often sorely tried.
With some diffidence, we venture to quote a few
lines from a personal letter the writer of this note
received from our brother in the spring of this
year : —
' My own time has been fully occupied by the
B.T.I, work. I am sending you a translation of the
prospectus, which will give you some idea of what we
aim at. We rest in the assurance that you will remem-
ber us in prayer.
'The weather has been exceedingly favorable for
building, and good progress has been made. We
hope to have most of the building up by the summer.
Do not be surprised if I have to be included in the
obituaries of next year's report. I am a walking com-
mentary on Kipling's famous lines, which ought to be
placed at the top of our ' Principles and Practice ! '
' It is not good for the Christian's health
To hustle the Aryan brown,
For the Christian riles, and the Aryan smiles,
And he weareth the Christian down.
And the end of the fight is a tombstone white,
With the name of the late deceased,
And an epitaph drear " A fool lies here,
Who tried to hustle the Fast." '
Though Mr. Doherty doubtless wrote half in jest
and half in earnest, we have quoted these lines from
his letter as a somewhat remarkable illustration of how
the workers on the field often feel the strain of the
work. With this letter before one, the long struggle
for life has been watched with prayerful suspense, a
struggle which, to the doctor's amazement, was drawn
out many weeks beyond what it was thought human
endurance could sustain. Will our readers remember
in earnest prayer all who are bearing the burden and
heat of the day, especially during this hot season,
particularly remembering before God the needs of the
unfinished Bible Training Institute, now deprived of
its leader, with the sorrowing widow and bereaved
children. May they realize the answer to the prayer
of that hymn which says : —
' ' Be with me when no other friend
The mystery of my heart can share ;
And be Thou known, when fears transcend,
By Thy best name of Comforter."
"Pardon mistakes, I quote from memory,
the gist is there ! Ay, that's it ! "
But
News from Hunan
Through a letter from Dr. Keller, of Changsha, we
learn that things are now fairly quiet in the capital of
Hunan, and work going ahead steadily. He states
that he has received many expressions of gratitude
from the people, and some from officials, for the posi-
tion taken up in not accepting indemnity.
Referring to the new educational building at
Changsha, he states that he attended one session of
the meeting of the Hunan Teachers' Association, and
that he was treated with the utmost courtesy and
cordiality. The building has been put up entirely by
Changsha capital and Changsha workmen. It will
be remembered that the recent riots were in part
due to the local workmen objecting to workmen
from other parts assisting in the erection of the con-
sulate, etc.
There are, he states, occasional outbreaks in other
cities and smaller places outside Changsha, and a
report received upon the day he wrote stated that there
had been rioting at Siangyin Hsien, a city a little more
than midway between the capital and the Tungting
lake. This city is not a central mission station, so
that it is to be hoped that missionary work has not
been in any way involved.
In the light of the photographs printed in the last
issue of China's Millions showing the havoc caused
by the rioters, one obtains a little glimpse into the present
conflict between the progressive and the conservative
spirit which animate China to-day. Dr. Keller truly
remarks about Changsha — ' ' A remarkable city this
in a strange country ! "
Since printing the above we learn through a letter
received from Shanghai that Dr. Keller gives quite a
favorable report concerning Changsha and conditions
there. Dr. Keller was expected in Shanghai, when a
fuller account relative to matters generally would be
obtained. There is great cause for praise that the mis-
sionaries throughout the district have been able to
resume and continue their work in a much more peace-
ful atmosphere than was at first anticipated.
China's Millions
109
First Itinerating Experiences
BY MISS E. I. PII/SON. FUKOW, HONAN
MORE than five months have passed since I wrote
in a general way of our life out here. It has
been a time for which we are especially thank-
ful, for it has had in it more of contact with the
heathen world around us than any other time in our
very limited experience on this great mission field.
About the middle of February, soon after the
Chinese New Year, my friend, Miss Peet and I, made
our first attempt to itinerate from here by barrow for
a few days. It was rather a venture, as we did not
know just how we should fare in securing shelter for
the night : but it seemed a likely way of reaching
places, off the beaten track, and we decided to take
the risk. We prepared for roughing it, however,
including in our equipment camp-beds, provisions,
and a chafing-dish. The time following the New
Year is a great holiday season, so on this excursion
the crowds were large, and the native Christians' with
us had good opportunities for preaching and getting
gospels, booklets and tracts into circulation. There
was little cessation in our contact with the people ;
even when we reached a place of shelter for the night,
there was no guarantee of privacy, and most likely we
prepared and ate our evening meal under the gaze of
curious eyes, peering through the windows and through
the cracks of rickety old doors. The same curious
gaze was probably there to scan us in the morning, so
early as to make leisurely rising a thing to be avoided,
and breakfast was likely to be an affair of great pub-
licity. Later, when we emerged from our stable-like
quarters, a crush was to be expected, and if there was
an opportunity to mount a cart in the village street, it
was welcome as affording some relief from the pressure
of the crowd, and a position of vantage for preaching.
At one place, after we had mounted the cart, the
people thought it desirable to push the cart to another
position, so we had a rather sensational ride with the
crowd propelling us, but happily the cart was not
overturned, and no one was run down.
In March we made another barrow trip of a few
days, and again we had crowds and splendid oppor-
tunities for making known the Gospel. Later in the
month we itinerated by boat for about eight days,
spending the greater part of the time at a place of
some size about fifty It from Fukow. Here there were
many to hear for the first time, and it was possible to
get gospels and tracts into the hands of many, though
before we left some opposition seemed to develop, as
we heard that some of our books had been burned.
Yet, I think that there are still a good many little
gospels in the neighborhood which have escaped the
flames. Towards the middle of April, we left Fukow
for a boat trip of about three weeks. On this occa-
sion we went up-stream, keeping ourselves rather well
under cover of our native boat, as we were anxious
that the crowds should not hinder us from getting on
to new ground up this little river. After a few days
of this covert travel, though not without some hindrance
from the curious people, we reached a point on the
river near Weichuan, one of the hsien cities of this
province without a missionary or native evangelist.
Here we remained over Sunday, and in the afternoon
we entered the city. It was our first experience in
entering a strange city, where there was no Gospel
hall, and we did not know just what might happen ;
but we fared very well, and our natives were able to
preach a little and dispose of some literature. From
Weichuan we went on up-river to Changko, another
hsien city. Here we remained for over three days,
entering the city on one occasion. The people of this
city seemed perhaps unusually well-disposed, and the
opportunities for preaching were good. On our return
down river we lay near Weichuan again for about a
day and a half. Our arrival here was opportune, for
just at this time numbers of women from miles around
were coming into the city to burn incense in the
temple, and many of them were attracted to our boat
and heard the Gospel, some taking gospels and tracts
away with them. Further down the river, we found
ourselves in the midst of a fair on the river banks.
Throngs of people were gathered together here. Per-
haps I have not seen such vast crowds in China, and
among those who crowded on the bank by our boat
there must have been many from miles around, who
had never heard the Gospel before.
Our last excursion was to Weishih, another unoc-
cupied hsien city, a hundred or more li from here.
On this trip, we had the novel experience of living in
a cart for four days and three nights. To live in a
cart in the inn yard, was preferable to living in the
inn, especially during the warm days of the late spring.
The inn where we were quartered was in the city, and
as the people crowded around our cart almost con-
stantly, except early in the morning and after dark,
it was easy to get a hearing for the Gospel. Here
a woman came to our cart who seemed to show unusual
interest. She could read, a noteworthy accomplish-
ment for a woman, in this part of China, at any rate.
She bought a New Testament or a Bible, a hymnal
and a couple of other books ; and our bible- woman, in
her artless, earnest way, showed her how to pray and to
praise, and, if I understood aright, how to reckon the
days so that she should know when to keep the Lord's
Day. So we left her — alone with God's Word — in the
midst of that heathen city. Yet how. much better are
her circumstances than those of millions of souls
wrapped in the horror of great darkness that still
hangs over this land. We live face to face with the
dark reality of it. We hear those groping questions
out of the darkness : ' ' How shall we worship God ? ' '
' ' Knock your head on the ground to Him ? " " Burn
incense to Him ? " " Who is Jesus?" Yet even in
the midst of it all, how feebly do we feel the impulse
of the Savior's compassion !
' ' Civilization is good and can effect much, but it can-
not regenerate character. Philosophy is good : it can
teach many things, but it cannot satisfy the mind. The
latest discoveries of science are wonderful ; they may
transform man's surroundings, but they cannot bring
peace to his conscience. By all means let a Christian
people give of its best, but let the Church see that first
and foremost it sends the full Gospel of Jesus Christ. ' ' —
Extract from Present Day Conditions.
I IO
China's Millions
Three Days at an Out-station
BY REV. B. A. BROWNI.EE. KIANFU. KIANGSI
THREE days, Saturday to Tuesday, April 9th to
1 2th, were speut by Mr. Taylor and myself at
An-iuh, a walled city of about ten thousand
inhabitants, an out-station forty English miles from
Kian. It was 1113- first trip to an out-station and was
therefore of special interest to me. We went overland,
by sedan chair, and Mr. Taylor and the Chinese
evangelist, who traveled with us, had opportunity of
preaching to many along the way. We slept one night
in an ancestral hall in a little village nestled in a grove
of huge camphor trees. During the evening a service
was held, the first so far as is known ever held in that
village. Some forty or fifty heard the Gospel, most
of them probably for the first time. At the close of
the service the evangelist was talking with some of
the leading men of the village who had come in.
The light on the table where they were sitting failed
for lack of oil just as the evangelist was reading a
passage from his
Bible which the
men seemed inter-
ested to hear, so
that the evangelist
was unable to pro-
ceed. " We must
hear what it says,"
said one of the
men, and rising he
walked over to the
shrine where a
lamp is kept burn-
ing as an idolatrous
offering before the
ancestral tablets in
the ancestral hall.
Taking the lamp
from the sacred
place he carried it
over to the table
where the men
were gathered and
by its light our
evangelist read to
them the Word of
God. Surely the
lamp was put to a better use. Pray that the truth
made known that night may be instrumental in
leading many of these out into the light of life.
The work at the An-fuh out-station has been
somewhat discouraging during the last three or four
years. The permanent work was opened eight years
ago, and there are now only seven in fellowship apart
from the resident Chinese evangelist, his wife and
daughter. Of these seven one man is totally blind,
another is going blind, one woman is the wife of a
helpless invalid, and the other four are widows, three
of whom are poor. The outsiders say: "That is
what you may expect if you become a Christian."
Several who a year or two ago seemed promising
enquirers turned back. A change, however, has come
over the work during the last six or seven mouths.
New enquirers have been coming about, and of late
A GROUP OF SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN AT KIANFU
on fine Sundays as many as forty have been gathering
in the chapel for worship. During the four days of
our visit fourteen meetings in all were held, some iti
the chapel, some on the street, and one in an inn kept
by a Christian. At these meetings hundreds of the
people heard the Gospel. The little band of Christians
who have themselves been uplifted, have fervently
prayed that out from among the hundreds God, by the
power of His Spirit, would draw many in whom the
Christ may be glorified. Nine enquirers, three men
and six women, were examined with a view to baptism
and church membership at a later date. All of these,
with possibly one exception, gave evidence of having
the root of the matter within them. Their simple
faith in Jesus was beautiful to see. When asked
about "regeneration" or "the significance of bap-
tism," or some other abstract Christian truth, often
the face would cloud with a puzzled look and they
could not exactly
explain. They
were fresh from
heathenism and
only beginners in
the Christian way.
But when question-
ed about " trusting
Jesus " their faces
would light up as
with the joy of
heaven. Several of
them, placing the
hand upon the
breast, replied :
' ' Yes, I'm trusting
Jesus, and I know
he has forgiven my
sins because I have
peace and I am so
happy here." They
reminded one of
the blind man who,
when told by the
Pharisees that
Jesus was a sinner,
replied : ' ' Whether
he be a sinner or ?w, I know not : but one thing I know,
that, whereas I was blind, now I see." Devoutly we
thank God for what he has done in Anfuh. Pray that
His Spirit may yet more mightily work till there be
established in that place a people for His name.
If we are simply to pray to the extent of a simple
and pleasant and enjoyable exercise, and know nothing
of watching in prayer, and of weariness in prayer, we
shall not draw down the blessing that we may. We
shall not sustain our missionaries who are overwhelmed
with the appalling darkness of heathenism. . . . We
must serve God even to the point of suffering, and each
one ask himself : In what degree, in what point am I
extending, by personal suffering, by personal self-
denial, to the point of pain, the kingdom of Christ. That
what costs little is worth little. — Rev. J. Hudson Taylor.
China's Millions
1 1 1
Tidings from the Provinces
Kweichow
Tsunyi — At last after long waiting
the Lord has opened up our way to
begin what we trust may be regular
work among the women in the district
where we have out-stations connected
with Tsunyi. As it is about seven
years since this city was opened as a
station some may ask, why we
have been so long in attempting to
reach the women as well as their
husbands and sons. In reply I
would say, first, because our immedi-
ate duty was to the women of this
city. Second, when the time seemed
ripe for this work, there was no one
to take up this work, for the Lord
had taken my beloved sister and co-
worker to be with Himself. Then
again the distance between Tsunyi
and our out-stations is so great that
much time is taken up in traveling.
Kweichow is not favored with water-
ways and our only mode of travel is
by the sedan chair.
My recent trip occupied three
weeks, ten days of which was taken
up in traveling, while the balance of
the time was given to preaching and
teaching. Thus you will see that
itinerating in this province is a diffi-
cult problem. As we see the work
spreading amongthe men we earnestly
long to go to the women also, and I
praise God that it has been my privi-
lege to have a share in such important
work. Last year we were able to send
our bible-woman on this round and
she was much cheered by the pros-
pects of the work. This year we
rejoiced to be able to go together, our
first stopping-place being Meitan,
which is two days' journey from
Tsunyi. Here we received a very
warm welcome from the Christian
men and many of the women of their
families.
We held a gospel meeting for
women only in the chapel that even-
ing and it was quite full, there being
some forty or fifty women present.
On the Sunday we had four meetings
altogether.
Our next stop was at Lungchuan,
where we stayed overnight and held
a small meeting at the inn in the
evening. We also sold a number of
tracts and calendars. The next day
we went on to Mateodan, a large mar-
ket place, where Mr. Li, a Christian
man met us and took us to his home
which is about five H from the market
place. We remained here four days
and held a meeting each evening, our
congregation being composed of Mr.
Li's relatives, about twenty persons
in all. Mr. Li was cheered by our
visit. He manifests a real interest in
the spiritual welfare of the members
of his household. His widowed sister
was once a vegetarian but broke her
vow after hearing the Gospel from
her brother. There are other things
which hinder her from becoming a
true follower of Jesus. She seemed
to listen with marked attention when
we were preaching and we had other
opportunities of conversation with
her. Now we are praying that she
may be converted. During the day
we taught the children hymns, as
they had time to sit with us. We
went on to another centre, Uinhsin,
for a night and there had a gathering
of about thirty women at the inn.
The Yenchuang evangelist met us
here and brought Christian men and
inquirers to greet us. We then
returned to Meitan where we were
again warmly greeted. Here we re-
mained for a week, during which time
we held two meetings a day. The
morning one was held in the home of
the Christians and was for the pur-
pose of giving definite instruction in
the Scriptures to those who were
desirous of knowing more of the
truth. There was a regular attend-
ance of from fifteen to eighteen women
each morning — always the same
women. Invariably those who attend-
ed the morning classes were at the
evening meetings also.
Thus the days passed and our hearts
were cheered as again and again we
realized that God was with us. At
the end of the week the weather began
to clear, so that on Monday after the
morning meeting we started off on a
round of visits to the homes of some
of the Christians. We visited eight
homes. At one home we found that
the husband of one of the younger
women, and a nephew of old Mr. Liu,
one of our Christians, was blind ; his
blindness had come on gradually with
much suffering. He greeted us kindly
and invited us to tell him about the
things we had been teaching his wife ;
so we were privileged to speak for
our Master to this doubly blind one.
Pray that his spiritual eyes may be
opened to see Jesus. That evening
we had the largest congregation of
the week. We first met in the chapel,
but the women came in so rapidly that
we invited all who had been attending
the daily meetings to retire to the
house at the rear, where I gave them
a parting message, as I was to leave
for home in the morning. Mrs. Hsiao
and Mrs. Liu, our former helper's
wife, took charge in the chapel, which
filled up immediately. We think
that over a hundred women heard the
Gospel that evening. It was with
real regret that I said goodbye to the
women next day, promising to return
again as soon as the Lord opened up
my way. Mr. Hsiao is remaining
there for a fortnight longer, specially to
help those who want to learn of Jesus.
This has been a trial trip in order
to get an idea of the prospects for
work in the future, and I think that
upon our next visit we shall be able
to arrange to spend at least a few
days in each place. I had hoped to
be able to go on to Yinchiang Hsien,
three stages further to the north-east
from Lungchuan, but after careful
consideration, that seemed impractic-
able, so we gave up the idea of my
going, but if the Lord so guide, per-
haps later on the bible-woman may
be able to go alone.
During our absence from the station
our woman 's work was at a standstill,
and Mr. Windsor, who already has
more work than he can properly attend
to, had to take charge of my woman's
department on the compound. When
shall we have a sister to help in all
this great work ? — Mrs. T. Windsor.
Monthly Notes
BIRTHS
On June 17th, at Kiatingfu, Sze-
chwan, to Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Hock-
man, a daughter(Kathleen Elizabeth).
On July 2nd, at Chefoo, to Mr. and
Mrs. A. A. Ericsson, a daughter
(Margit Elisabeth).
Baptisms
Kansu —
Fukiang ------- 8
Shensi —
Hingping ------ 20
Lichuanhsien and out-station 3
Shansi —
Saratsi and out-station - - 10
Pao-t'eo and out-station - - 6
Soping ------- 1
Kiangsu —
Shanghai ------- 1
Szechwan —
Kiatingfu out-station - - 2
Chungking ------ 1
Kiungchow out-stations - - 27
Kweichow —
Anshunfu out-stations - - 167
KlANGSI—
Nanchang --._-- 3
Kanchow and out-station - 14
Changshu ------ 1
Chekiang —
Wenchow and out-stations - 14
Shaohingfu ------ 6
Ninghaihsien and out-stations 19
Taiping out-stations - - - 12
Pingyanghsien out-stations - 12
Fenghwa ------- 3
Hunan —
Wukangchow 2
Previously reported
Total 1,081
I I 2
China's Millions
Editorial Notes
WE are arranging for a party of young ladies to
leave for China during the present month, to
sail from Vancouver upon the steamer
" Monteagle," on the 20th. The party will be made
up of the following persons : — Miss R. S. Thorsen, of
Brooklyn ; Miss Anna Kratzer, of Buffalo : and Miss
Grace A. Van Duyn, of Waterloo, Iowa. It was our
hope that Mr. Hoste, on returning from England to
Shanghai, would join this party, but his health has
been so poor that he has been obliged to postpone his
visit to America by the space of another month, and
he does not now expect to sail from Vancouver until
the first part of November. We trust that our
praying friends will remember the above young ladies
as they go forth to their chosen and appointed service,
that they may be fully prepared for it. We trust,
also, that much prayer will be offered for Mr. Hoste,
that he may be fully restored to health, and that he
may be brought to America and taken back to China
in the full blessing of God.
It is our privilege at the present time to be enjoy-
ing a visit from Dr. and Mrs. F. Howard Taylor.
Our friends have been resident in England and Switzer-
land for the past few years, where they have been
working upon the "Life" of their father, Mr. J.
Hudson Taylor. Now, the first half of this work is
about finished and ready for the press, so that they
were able to come to this side of the Atlantic, at the
invitation of some friends, for rest and change. They
are at present at Camp Diamond, in New Hampshire,
and they are being much benefitted by the open-air
life there. Our dear friends have passed through
many severe trials during recent years, the last of
which was the death of their father, Dr. Grattan
Guinness, and they need our prayers. May God be
pleased to comfort and strengthen them ; and may He
use them increasingly as the years go on. It is not
yet certain how long Dr. and Mrs. Taylor will remain
in the States. It may be well to state that they will
not be undertaking an}- deputation work here, for they
will be giving themselves exclusively to the finishing
of Mr. Taylor's "Life."
It is a pleasure to announce that the Mission at
Toronto is to have the benefit, hereafter, of the
presence and service of Mr. and Mrs. William Y. King,
of Montreal. Mr. King is giving up his business in
Montreal, and he and his wife are disposing of their
beautiful home at Westmount in order that they may
give themselves to the Lord's service on behalf of
China. Mr. King will act as the Treasurer of the
Mission at Toronto, and will assist Mr. Helmer in the
office and in the Home. Mrs. King will assist Mrs.
Helmer in the care of the Home and in the entertain-
ment of its candidates and visitors. This provision is
in answer to the prayers of many years, and we feel
assured that our friends will bring to us and to the
Mission a great blessing. Will not those who have
so long prayed for the Mission in North America
include in their prayers, hereafter, Mr. and Mrs.
King, asking that they may be prepared by the Spirit
for their new responsibilities, and that their lives may
become a great blessing to China. It will interest
some to know that Mr. King is the brother of Miss
Margaret King, of our Mission in China, and that Mr.
and Mrs. King recently had the privilege of visiting
her in that laud and of taking somewhat extensive
journeys, while in the country, in various directions.
The report given elsewhere in this paper of the
death of the Rev. W. J. Doherty, is printed with
unusual sorrow. Mr. Doherty had visited America
several times and had much endeared himself to many
here, and some of us had seen him in the midst of his
service in China and we had learned to greatly appre-
ciate his work there. We do not hesitate to say,
therefore, that the Mission has sustained a great loss
in his taking away. This is particularly true as Mr.
Doherty had been recently selected to develope the
Bible Training School idea in the province of Che-
kiang, and had already proved himself peculiarly
adapted to that difficult undertaking. After a valiant
fight against disease, death has conquered ; and now,
for the time being, the Bible School is without a head
and its development is arrested. But God is over all,
and He is blessed for ever. Deep as all such mysteries
are, in face of China's need and the few workers to
supply the need, we can lovingly and trustfully leave
the issues with the One who sits upon the Throne.
He will not forget the work which He Himself has
established. Let us wait upon Him for an answer of
grace and peace.
"In due time we shall reap if we faint not."
(Galatians 6:9.) It is a pronounced fact in the
Scriptures that we are required, by so far as we enter
into the mind of the Spirit, to make sure that our
service be rendered to God rather than to men.
This was true in the Old Testament times and it is
true in the New Testament times, for the older priests
of the Aaronic order and for the present priests of the
Christ order. At the same time, while our work
is to be to God, it is to be also, for men. As Heb-
rews 5 : 1 puts it ; " Every high priest taken from
among men is ordained for men in things pertaining
to God," a law which, in right relationship, pertains
to us as under priests as it did to Christ as the great
high priest. It is clear from this, therefore, that we
serve in a double relationship, and that the per-
formance of the one is the guarantee of blessing
in the other. To the degree that we keep our eyes
fixed on God, to that degree we shall be faith-
ful toward men ; and in the measure that we
shall serve thus, will God accept of our efforts
and make them count in benediction upon our
fellows. To the obedient servant, therefore, there
is no room for discouragement, for first, whether
souls are saved or not, that one has the assurance
that he is bringing glory and joy to the heart of
Christ, and, second, that one knows that, sooner or
later, his work will count for the salvation and sancti-
ficatiou of men. Happy the missionary who, in some
lonely and hard part of the field, learns this lesson.
Such an one will never give up, nor will he ever lose
his joy in the Lord.
CHINA'S MILLIONS
TORONTO, OCTOBER, 1910
A Dreamer
" Your young men shall see visions. "
(It used to be said that Mr. Hudson Taylor was a mystic, a visionary, a dreamer)
N unknown dreamer dreamed concerning men,
And what he saw in vision came to pass,
For he, by -faith, had stood on sea of glass
And heard the Voice, and then had said, Amen !
Thereat, he quickly turned from heaven to earth,
The light of glory burning in his eyes,
To speak what he had heard within the skies,
To preach redemption through the heavenly birth ;
And so he saw what God saw from His throne,
And thus he wrought according to Gods plan,
And thence through years, though oft rejected, lone,
He voiced God's message to his fellow man : —
The dreamer died ; they laid him 'neath the sod ;
But now a countless host adores his God !
h. w. F.
Are We in the Succession ?
BY REV. J. H. JOWETT, D.D.
HERE, then, is a principle. The gospel of a
broken heart demands the ministry of bleeding
hearts. If that succession be broken we lose
our fellowship with the King. As soon as we cease
to bleed we cease to bless. . . . My brethren, are
we in this succession ? Does the cry of the world's
need pierce the heart, and ring even through the fabric
of our dreams ? Do we "fill up" our Lord's suffer-
ings with our own sufferings, or are we the unsym-
pathetic ministers of a mighty Passion ? I am amazed
how easily I become callous. I am ashamed how small
and insensitive is the surface which I present to the
needs and sorrows of the world. I so easily become
enwrapped in the soft wool of self-indulgency, and the
cries from far and near cannot reach my easeful soul.
' ' Why do you wish to return ? " I asked a noble young
missionary who had been invalided home : " Why do
you wish to return?" "Because I can't sleep for
thinking of them ! " But, my brethren, except when
I spent a day with my Lord, the trend of my life is
quite another way. I cannot think about them because
I am so inclined to sleep ! . . . My brethren I do
not know how any Christian service is to be fruitful if
the servant is not primarily baptized in the spirit of a
suffering compassion. We can never heal the needs
we do not feel. Tearless hearts can never be the
heralds of the Passion. We must pity if we would
redeem: We must bleed if we would be the ministers
of the saving blood. . . . Are we in the succes-
sion ? Are we shedding our blood ? Are we filling
up ' ' that which is behind of the sufferings of Christ ? ' '
They are doing it among the heathen. It was done
in Uganda, when that handful of lads, having been
tortured, and their arms cut off, and while they were
being slowly burned to death, raised a song of triumph,
and praised their Savior in the fire, ' ' singing till their
shriveled tongues refused to form the sound." They
are doing it in China, the little remnant of the deci-
mated Churches gathering here and there upon the
very spots of butchery and martyrdom, and renewing
their covenant with the Lord. They are "filling up
that which is behind of the sufferings of Christ."
They are doing it among the missionaries. James
Hannington was doing it when he wrote this splendidly
heroic word, when he was encountered by tremendous
opposition : "I refuse to be disappointed ; I will only
praise ! " James Chalmers was doing it when, after
long years of hardship and difficulty, he proclaimed
his unalterable choice : ' ' Recall the twenty-one years,
give me back all its experience, give me its ship-
wrecks, give me its standings in the face of death,
give it me surrounded with savages with spears and
clubs, give it me back again with spears flying about
me, with the club knocking me to the ground — give
it me back, and I will still be your missionary ! " Are
we in the succession ?
ii 4
China's Millions
Mohammedanism Unveiled
BY DR. SAMUEI, M. ZWEMER
THE OPPOSING STRENGTH
I WANT to put to you, first of all, the tremendous
strength of those whom we have to meet in the
strength of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I think it
is a great mistake of our day for us to minimize the
tremendous opposing forces to the evangelization of
the world through Jesus Christ. We gain nothing by
minimizing the strength of our enemy in military war-
fare. We gain nothing as a Church militant by mini-
mizing the tremendous obstacles and forces which are
opposed to the Gospel of our God.
ITS AREA
And first of all this religion is strong because of its
mighty area, and its vast population behind. This
morning, before the dawn painted the sky red, there
were three hundred thousand Moslems reciting their
creed : "God is great, and Mohammed is His Apostle."
At the very lowest estimate there are two hundred and
thirty millions Mohammedan followers, one-seventh
of the whole human race, who testify that Mohammed
is the eternal and chief source of inspiration.
ITS SOLIDARITY
Or turn from that rapid survey of the area of Islam
to the fact of its solidarity. Sometimes the fact of its
solidarity is challenged. The Moslem religion is solid
because it has three great heart capitals. Through
every one of these great capitals there come out to all
parts of the Moslem world — that great body which
Lord Cairns called ' ' not a State Church, but a Church
State" — one great solidarity of opposition to the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. I will not take witnesses
from India or China, but I will call my witness from
the South India Isles. A letter came to me the other
day from a lady working in the South India Isles, and
she writes : " Here in our work we have encountered
much Mohammedan opposition, a far more difficult
thing to meet than paganism. Many Hindoos will be
getting interested in Christianity, and then some
Mohammedan will come and form some counterplot to
lead them away." The same testimony comes from
British Guinea, where Mr. Hill writes only three
weeks ago in a missionary publication : " If the results
of centuries of missionary effort in British Guinea are
to be preserved, then the Christian Church must make
a more determined effort to combat the influence of
the East Indian Moslems. The struggle of the future
in British Guinea is with Mohammedans." Or from
Tokio comes this publication : ' ' The Awakening of
Islam. Moslems in China awake." A paper pub-
lished in Tokio by the Japanese Mohammedans calls
upon the twenty (some say ten) million Mohammedans
in China to awake from their sleep, and to carry the
cry, " The dawn of Islam," throughout the whole of
the Eastern nations. Here is a religion which has
two hundred and thirty millions behind it, which holds
its grip on all its victories, and like a strong man fully
armed flaunts itself against any opposition.
ITS TRUTHS
Then the Mohammedan religion is strong because
of its great truths. It is a mistake for us to minimise
the great fundamental truths which we and the Mos-
lems hold in common. You and I may admit at the
outset that the Mohammedan religion is strong, not
because it is a religion of falsehood, but because it has
in it great elements of truth. L,ike our American sky-
scrapers, built with a mere veneer of marble, that
have in them great steel columns that hold the struc-
ture together, so this Mohammedan religion has in it
a steel column of great theistic truth. Every one of
those Moslems, if they stood on our platform to-night,
could rehearse with us some of the Apostle's Creed.
It is impossible to abandon wholly, or classify a reli-
gion like that with paganism.
Then the Mohammedan religion is strong because
they hold its truths with tremendous conviction.
Some people find fault with enthusiasm in Christianity.
I tell you the enthusiasm of the Apostle Paul and the
holy enthusiasm of our Master were proof of their
convictions. The Mohammedan religion is a religion
of enthusiasts, a religion which believes its own mes-
sage up to the very hilt. I met a soldier in our western
States who said : ' ' We fought with the Maoris in the
Philippines, and the women would take their children
and throw them on our spears because they thought
we had come to destroy their religion." If anybody
should tear a single page of a Mohammedan bible in
Calcutta, or Cairo, or Fez, it might cost him his life.
And if any missionary were so foolish as to blaspheme
the name of Mohammed, he could not remain there.
It is a religion permeated with mighty conviction.
NO CASTE
And then it is a religion without caste. Caste is
the weakness of Hinduism. It shuts out the mission-
ary, but it also shuts in the Hindu. But the Moham-
medan religion levels all humanity. Allah is the
Creator of rich or poor, and they meet together.
There are no separate mosques for the rich or the poor
in Mecca. They meet together. There is no color
line in Islam, as there is, alas ! in our southern States.
And because of this the Mohammedan system has
passed over every other system that sets a difference
between believers and other believers. Islam has car-
ried out its lines over the whole earth.
And lastly, this religion is strong because it has
been left alone. Not a mulberry tree grown up in a
night, but a great, sturdy oak, that ran its roots down
deep all over the Moslem world, until to-day art, archi-
tecture, music, or the absence of music, bear the
impress or the character of Mohammed. You could
just as easily remove with your naked finger fossils
from a limestone cliff as remove the influence of
Mohammedanism from the literature of the Orient.
Every house in the Orient testifies that Mohammed is
God's apostle. Here you can build to any angle of
the compass, but in the Soudan they build their houses
to face God's temple at Mecca. What a strong and
a strange religion that, left alone, has grown so
strong that to-day it is the only foe which in a real
sense is stopping the advance of the kingdom of
God.
China's Millions
"5
ITS WEAKNESS
And then the Mohammedan religion challenges
our attention, and our faith, and our sacrifice, not only
because it is a strong and mighty foe of Jesus Christ,
but because it is so pitiably weak and terribly degraded,
sunk in such awful sufferings and horrors of im-
morality, that the plea for the Mohammedan world
to-day might be based solely on the sociological side.
If there is a man who does not believe Christianity, or
that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, you can still make
a plea that he should support missions on the grounds
of humanitarianism. In Saturday's Telegraph the
Right Hon. Winston Churchill says that of all forces
degrading the world, no force is so utterly degrading
as the Mohammedan religion. Schlegel, the German
philosopher, speaking of Mohammedanism, uses these
words : "A prophet without miracles, a creator with-
out love, who has always encouraged a thirst for blood,
and which began and ended in the most unbounded
sensuality." That is the philosophical estimate of the
real nature and character of the Mohammedan faith.
Or hear the word of Ian Keith Falconer : ' ' Thoughts,
conscience are surrounded in utter darkness, and
are suffering the horrors of Islam." I am not
speaking of this religion from a book, but after
sixteen years' experience in Arabia, and if I were to
repeat to you the character seamed through with false-
hood and things pulling down the heart to the nether-
most abyss, I would use the words of the Apostle Paul.
I know he did not speak of Mohammedanism, but
they sum up all Islam : ' ' For many walk of whom I
have told you often, and now tell you weeping ; enemies
of the Cross of Christ, whose glory is their shame,
whose god is their belly, who mind earthly things."
The Moslem religion is, of all religions, the most
false, because, like Judas Iscariot, it betrays the Son
of Man with a kiss. Hinduism, Buddhism, Con-
fucianism leave Jesus Christ severely alone. They are
non-Christian religions, but the Mohammedan religion
is not non-Christian ; it is anti- Christian. With their
lips they confess the Lord Jesus Christ, but with their
hearts they deny Him. They deny His real incarna-
tion, although they say that He was born of the Virgin
Mary miraculously. They deny His supreme position
as Lord of Lords and King of Kings, our Savior, the
Son of God. They deny the Atonement, in their book, in
their creed, in their lives, in their grievous persecution.
ENEMIES OF THE CROSS
During the Armenian massacres, of which I have
not time to speak at length, and I would rather not
speak of those horrors of Islam, they added shame to
the Name of Christ, in addition to all their persecu-
tions, by nailing Armenian girls to wooden crosses,
and flinging them into the river at Tarsus. Fnemies
of the Cross of Christ ! Why ? Because they are
enemies of the atonement of Jesus Christ. The Cross,
of course, is the missing link in the Mohammedan
creed, and because the Moslem never felt a real sense
of sin, he never felt the need of a Savior. And
ethically, I submit to-night that the Moslem religion
stands lowest of all non-Christian religions. For the
African who kneels before a fetish and sacrifices the
blood of a cock, is higher than the Mohammedan who
stands with head erect and unabashed.
NO HOPE
I will not speak of the hope of Moslems after this
life is over. I have seen Moslems die. I have never
seen them die with joy, and hope, and gladness. But
I speak of the life that now is, and I ask you is there
any hope in Mohammedanism now ? There is no hope
in that religion anywhere. It is a religion not only
hopeless, but a religion of degraded morality. As
Freeman says in the history of the Saracens, Moham-
med's God put his sign upon slavery, bigamy, concu-
binage. You cannot lift up manhood when you
degrade womanhood.
But you may say, perhaps, that is the testimony of
missionaries. Pierre Lotti, the French novelist,
speaks so that he who runs may read it in that terrible
novel, " Disinherited. " What is the Turkish woman
under the veneer of our civilization ?
And then Mohammedanism has low ideals. Liter-
ally I say it, and, alas ! newspapers confirm my state-
ment. They glory in their shame. What is their
glory? A book, a prophet, a paradise. And who of
us would dare to hold up that book, or that prophet,
or that paradise in the light of the Sermon on the
Mount without feeling that the Moslems are glorying
in their shame ?
And then it is a hopeless religion, because it lacks
spirituality. They mind earthly things. One writer
has said of them : " God and the devil are playing a
game of checkers in the old coffee shop, and when the
game is over, God blows out the candle, and that ends
it." Without Christ, without hope, without God.
' ' To suppose that temporal things are too little for
our condescending God, is to forget that He observes
the flight of sparrows, and counts the hairs of His
people's heads. Besides, everything is so little to Him
that, if He does not care for the little, He cares for
nothing. Who is to divide affairs by size or weight ?
The turning-point of history may be a minute circum-
stance. Blessed is the man to whom nothing is too
small for God ; for certainly nothing is too small to
cause us sorrow, or to involve us in peril. A man of
God once lost a key : he prayed about it, and found
it. It was reported of him as a strange circumstance.
Indeed, it was nothing unusual : some of us pray
about everything, and tremble lest the infinitesimal
things should not be sanctified by the Word of God
and prayer. We are assured that, when our Lord
gave His angels charge to guard our feet from stones
in the way, He placed all the details of our life under
heavenly care, and we are glad to commit all things
to His keeping.
" It is one of the abiding miracles of the present
dispensation that in Christ we have continual peace
under all trials, and through Him we have power in
prayer to obtain from the Lord all things necessary for
this life and godliness. It has been the writer's lot to
test the Lord hundreds of times about temporal needs.
Prayer has many, many times brought opportune sup-
plies, and cleared away serious difficulties. All things
in heaven, and earth, and under the earth, answer to
the command of prayer. Faith is not to be imitated
by a quack, nor simulated by a hypocrite ; but where
it is real, and can grasp a divine promise with firm
grip, it is a great wonder-worker." — C. H. Spurgeon.
n6
China's Millions
Tsui Dzie's Story
BY B. J,. AND F. E. T., CHBNCHOW, HONAN
" Except a corn of wheat fall into t lie ground ami die, it abideth alone, but if it die, it bringeth fortli much fruit."
ABOUT four years ago, when in Chenehowfu,
Honan, China, we received a letter from Mr.
and Mrs. Barnett, of Yingchow, Anhwei
province, informing us that they were compelled to
leave China for their health, and asking us to take
charge of two Christian Chinese girls, for whom they
desired to provide a home. Could we take them into
our school ?
We had not any boarders, but as the father of the
eldest of the two girls had expressed a wish to sell her
to a heathen husband and she could only be saved from
such a fate by being placed in a mission school, we
felt this was a call from the Lord to begin a new
branch of work, and we wrote to our friends expressing
our willingness to receive them.
Well do we remember their arrival one day in
early June. The father of Yang Dzie had wheeled the
girls in a barrow over the hundred miles which separ-
ated their home from ours, and we were impressed by
the bright face of Yang Dzie, and the more sober
demeanor of Tsui Dzie. That they loved the Lord
was apparent, for morning and evening their hymns
of praise rang out over the courtyard as they unitedly
waited upon the Lord in their own room. Tsui Dzie
especially seemed fond of her Bible and of prayer, and
we often found her on her knees in her bedroom.
She also seemed to find pleasure in reading biographies,
such as The Life of Mr. Hudson Taylor, George
Mi'iller, and others. Both girls were clean and neat in
their appearance and always industrious. When
leaving them for a compulsory visit to the hills, we
gave them some study books and board money, and
entrusted them to the care of the bible- woman. We
were greatly pleased upon our return to find how care-
ful they had been in their expenditure, having kept a
strict account of every item ; indeed, we feared they
had lived on too meagre a diet, but they looked well
and happy, and appreciated the gifts we had brought
for them. On re-opening the school in September,
the girls began regular lessons with eagerness. We
found both exercised a good influence among their
school fellows, and seemed to be much respected.
They loved to bring an offering to the Lord on Sun-
days in church, often doing so at the cost of much
self-denial, and they stimulated the other girls by
their example. Their prayer life for their own rela-
tives, and their willingness to help, introduced a good
spirit into the schoolroom.
As time passed we became better acquainted with
their characters and discovered that Tsui Dzie was
rather slow in learning new subjects — she had evidently
been fully impressed with the dignity, which, in the
Chinese mind, is closely associated with slowness of
movement — and she objected to being hurried in any
work. She was inclined to be somewhat self-righteous,
and was unwilling to be told her faults ; but she dis-
played a beautiful trait in her disposition in the loving
manner in which she cared for a little motherless child,
the youngest of our scholars. Tsui Dzie was, however,
nervous and timid in rebuking any unruliness among
the younger girls, so that, notwithstanding her many
good qualities, she did not occupy the position in
school which her seniority by years should have given
her. The routine of school life was a new and rather
trying experience to Tsui Dzie, who being an only
daughter at home had always had her own way. She
was, however, a good student, and made remarkable
progress with her studies.
When the autumn term commenced we were disap-
pointed that Tsui Dzie was not among the first of the
scholars to resume work, but we learned that she had
been detained at home for lack of a proper escort.
However, when at last she came we were impressed
by the change in her whole character. The nervous
shrinking from leadership had given place to a quiet
confidence and power which soon made itself felt, and
she quickly rose to her natural place as head of the
school. It was no unusual sight to see her surrounded
by young, perplexed-looking faces, all seeking her
help and counsel, which was freely and patiently
given. For the children to take any matter to Tsui
Dzie was to have it satisfactorily settled. She taught
a class of Christian women on the Lord's Day, morn-
ing and afternoon, and their interest in the Scriptures
rapidly grew under dear Tsui Dzie's tuition. One
rather refractory woman remarked, ' ' The young
teacher is the best type of Christian in the church."
We realize that the sanctifying power of the Holy
Spirit was doing a new thing in her life, and that she
had taken the step of surrender in its full meaning.
Upon asking her the cause of the change she herself
told us that the Lord had had a controversy with her,
that she had for a time resisted Him, but finally yield-
ing she was conscious of a new power which came
into her life. When the autumn conference was held
in 1908 the Lord visited the church at Chenehowfu in
great power, and the Holy Spirit came upon the people.
Tsui Dzie was closely associated with this movement.
She was the first to stand up and confess coldness of
love to Jesus, the effort to do this ending in a burst of
sobs. And so highly did the church esteem her that
all seemed convicted of sin simultaneously, and the
following took place. The account of the blessing is
best described in the words of our young evangelist,
Mr. Song, who writes as follows :
" In the tenth moon Miss L- and Mrs. T. wished
to have a gathering of the Christians for prayer.
Some two hundred odd came in from the country out-
stations, others from nearer the city, and the city
members. Three days' meetings were held, and in
the third day, just as we were praying, the Holy Spirit
suddenly came like a great gust of wind, sending the
whole assembly to the floor. A loud crying and
wailing on the part of all continued for four hours,
afterwards, all, the boy and girl scholars included,
were moved by the Holy Spirit to confess their sins.
We truly praised God for bestowing this grace of the
Holy Spirit. This to®k place last year, and on the
14th day of the 1st moon of this year fourteen new
members were added by baptism. We truly thank God."
• From this time forward there was a rapid growth
in spiritual power. Tsui Dzie became our right hand
China's Millions
117
help in the school, and as we had lost our sewing mis-
tress, Tsui Dzie willingly took up this extra branch
of work and taught the girls well. She wrote an
exceedingly neat hand, and was a great help in teaching
writing. Occasionally we would find poorer scholars
clothed in some of Tsui Dzie's garments — she was
always ready to help the needy — and finally when
severe sickness compelled us to leave Chenchow in
February, 1909, and lay down the work which was so
dear to us, we looked to Tsui Dzie to comfort the
sobbing children and women who gathered round us
to say " good-bye."
When in Wuhu, early in March, we received a letter
from one of the school girls, telling of a further work
of God. We give the translation : "I have one thing
to say in this letter — what is it ? It is this, the scholars
in our school have all received the Holy Spirit. At
our Christian Endeavor meeting the subject was,
' The suffering of Jesus on the Cross,' and three of the
girls were convicted of sin. The next evening at
family prayers, when sister Tsui was speaking on
' The wise and foolish virgins ' in Matthew twenty-
five, she spoke very earn-
estly and concluded with
the question, ' If our Lord
returns and we are not
ready to welcome Him,
what shall we do ? ' At
that juncture all the school
girls began to cry and say,
' I have not made ready to
meet Jesus, I do not know
if I am saved or not.'
Just then our pastor came
into the schoolroom to ask
why we were all crying,
and sister Tsui told him.
He replied that he would
not interfere with the work
of the Holy Spirit. Even
our youngest schoolgirl,
eight years old, was crying
about her sins, but I am
sorry to say two of the girls
resisted the Holy Spirit."
As dear Tsui Dzie had given herself unreservedly
to God for His service, and had expressed her deter-
mination, wisely or unwisely, from a Chinese stand-
point, not to marry, we looked forward to a career of
great usefulness ; but this was not to be.
In the autumn of 1909 we heard that Tsui Dzie
had been able to help for a little while in Mrs. Mal-
colm's school at Taiho, eighty miles south-east of
Chenchow, but the letter was quickly followed by
another bringing the sad news that our dear young
helper had developed serious sj'tnptoms of tuberculosis.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson of Yingchowfu, Tsui Dzie's
native place, did their best to save her, and hired a
boat to convey her and her mother to the nearest
European hospital, more than a week's journey
distant. The doctor made a careful examination of
the patient, but gave no hope of her recovery ; and
after receiving full instructions as to treatment
they turned the boat homewards, and reached Ying-
chow where the}' were kindly cared for by the mis-
sionaries.
As the expenses incurred were heavy, we felt
assured that the friends at Ilfracombe, who had been
supporting Tsui Dzie for some time, would be glad to
share in ministering to her in her dying condition, and
we wrote to Mr. Bevis, asking him to forward some
help to Tsui Dzie from the Ilfracombe fund. We
quote from Mrs. Ferguson's letter penned on Febru-
ary 24th, 1910 : "I thank you very much for your
loving, sympathetic letter and for the kind offer to
share the burden of Tsui Dzie's illness with us. We
kept her supplied with eggs, chicken broth, and
delicacies from our own kitchen as long as she could
take them, and did all we could to relieve her suffer-
ings, which were very great. As she could not bear
the noise in her own courtyard we rented a quiet room,
near our Mission premises, for her, and visited her
daily. The day before her death she had a vision —
she saw the Lord Jesus coming to her, and He said
she was to be well. Tsui Dzie looked so bright and
happy, her eyes were glistening, the voice strong, no
pain, the face flushed, full, and red. (All of
which the natives here say is a sure sign of death. )
I asked her if she were
ready to go should the
Lord call her, and she re-
plied in the words of
Simeon, 'Lord, now lettest
thou thy servant depart in
peace.' "
The next morning
Mrs. Ferguson was awak-
ened before daybreak and
informed that Tsui Dzie
had been called ' ' up
higher." Just before pass-
ing away she asked her
mother in a loud, clear
voice to hold her hand,
and then ' ' she was not
for God took her."
The funeral expenses
were borne by Mr. Fergu-
son and the friends at
Ilfracombe, and dear Tsui
Dzie was laid to rest
" until the day dawn and the shadows flee away."
She only lived twenty-one short years in China,
but how many hundreds were influenced by her
precious life we shall never know here. The blank
in the school at Chenchow, caused by her removal,
has not yet been filled. The need is appallingly great
for such consecrated workers. Who will fill her
place ? May not someone who reads or listens to this
paper offer themselves to God for work among the
girls and women of China ? Let Tsui Dzie's life and
service constitute a call from God to our soul.
WHAT BARROW TRAVELING MEANS IN HONAN
" The revelation of a personal Christ to those who
go apart with Him into the desert of paganism is so
much richer than before, that it repays all toils and
trials. But for that missionaries would sometimes die
or become insane." — J. Hudson Taylor.
" If there was more true abiding in Christ, there
would be less selfish abiding at home." — J. Hudson
Taylor.
n8
China's Millions
Recent Reforms in Yunnan Province
BY W. T. CLARK, M.D.
THK province of Yunnan, which lies in the extreme
south-west of China proper, has an area of
146,680 square miles and has a population of
12,000,000. Burmah borders it on the west, Tibet
on the north-west, Szechwau on the north, and the
French territory of Toughing on the south. Lying
as it does so far from the seat of government at Peking,
one would naturally suppose that reforms in this out-
of-the-way place would be few and far between, but
such is not the case. Yunnanfu, the capital of the
province, has not been behind in taking on the modern
informs instituted in other parts of China, and the
other large cities of the province have speedily followed
her example. In this city of Tali, which is nearly
midway between Yunnanfu and Burmah, a great many
reforms have taken place in recent months.
Some eighteen months ago a company of modern
drilled soldiers arrived here as a nucleus for recruiting
soldiers for the new army. The recruiting officers
began work in earnest and soon had enlisted one
thousand five hundred men from this and surrounding
cities. They were to serve for three years and were
to receive about three dollars and twenty cents per
month. The officers appointed to drill these raw
recruits had spent three years in the military academy
at Yunnanfu. It was harder work than the new
recruits had anticipated to drill every day from morn-
ing till night, and many of them deserted, but the
severe punishment meted out to those who were
caught, one of whom was beheaded, soon put a stop to
this. It costs the men one tael (eighty cents) a month
for their rice and the greater part of the balance of
their wages is clear profit. The amount that they
receive is considered very good pay from a Chinese
standpoint. The officers receive from forty to sixty
taels (thirty-two dollars to forty-eight dollars) a month
and usually belong to the gentry or official class. The
soldiers are allowed one day in seven, but it can hardly
be called a Sunday as they usually do all their buying
on that day. A small squad of soldiers in charge of
an officer patrol the streets all day on Sundays to keep
order among those who are off duty for the day.
Several of the large temples in the city have been
appropriated for temporary barracks, and are now
occupied by the soldiers. This is one of the things
that shows the marvelous change that has taken place
in China during the past few years, as such a desecra-
tion of the temples would hardly have been tolerated
before the Boxer troubles of 1900. Extensive bar-
racks have been erected about a mile and a half out-
side the north gate of the city and will be completed
before the end of this year. The buildings are very
substantial and have an appearance of permanency
about them, and are all detached as a precaution in
case of fire. Hundreds of carpenters and masons have
already been engaged for many months on the work,
and the buildings will cost, when completed, in the
neighborhood of S8o,ooo (gold). The soldiers are
supplied with modern rifles, and although they are
very ^reen in the eyes of a foreigner, yet when com-
pared with the old time rag-tags of soldiers they are a
improvement. It is no exaggeration to say that
within a few years China will have an immense army
of thoroughly trained and equipped soldiers, who will
be able to hold their own against those of other
nations.
Another reform that has taken place is the forma-
tion and training of a local police force. The men
are uniformed and carry batons the same as police in
America, and are provided with boxes to stand in to
shelter them from rain and the hot sun. The inspector
of police has his office at the police station, and is
empowered to punish offenders without reference to
the local magistrate. Lamps have been placed oppo-
site the boxes occupied by the police, and the streets
are now lighted at night. Of course the light is very
dim, and only seems at times to increase the darkness.
Yet it is a step in the right direction, and possibly in
the not distant future, when the resources of the
province have been developed, a more luminous sub-
stance than vegetable oil will come into use.
Last year the official here adopted the foreign
custom of giving the prisoners in the yamen something
to do, and they are now to be seen on the street in
their chains clearing away refuse, etc.
Makeshifts for public lavatories have been erected
in various places all over the city, and small baskets
have been hung at intervals along the streets for the
reception of paper ; large boxes have also been placed
at the corners of the main streets into which refuse is
thrown prior to being carried away.
All the houses in the city have recently been
numbered. Formerly it was impossible to find a man
except by his name and the street he lived on, and as
many names are very common it was often very con-
fusing. The numbering of the houses is quite a
foreign idea.
A few months ago the official issued a proclamation
prohibiting pigs running loose on the streets. This
was rather drastic from a Chinese standpoint, as each
family has its own pig, which often represents the
family bank, and as the courts of the houses are very
small and crowded the street was the only place for
the pig to run loose. Some time ago I saw a crowd
of people on the street not far from our place, with
the magistrate standing in the midst, and upon enquiry
I learned that a woman, whose pig had just been
seized, was beseeching him to return it to her. He
ordered the pig to be killed, gave her half, and appro-
priated the other half himself.
It used to be the custom here to hold the vegetable
market on the main street near a busy corner, but the
official, prompted by the spirit of reform, appointed a
special place for the sale of vegetables, and the people
are now not allowed to spread them on the main street.
The most radical reform of all has been the sup-
pression of opium. Yunnan has been one of the
largest opium producing provinces in China, and the
Yunnanese have been proverbially heavy users of the
drug. When the opium prohibition came into force,
it was suggested by some that if opium could be sup
pressed in Yunnan there would be hope for the rest of
China. Some of the more energetic reformers in
China thought the time limit of ten years in which to
China's Millions
n 9
Photo by] THE TAL1FU DRILL GROUND [W. T. Clark, M.D.
At the present time there are two thousand soldiers in Tali being trained by officers who have spent three years in the military school at Yunnanfu.
carry out the reform entirely too long a period, and
they asked that the limit be fixed at three years.
One of these reformers was Hsi Liang, the late
Viceroy of Yunnan, who was recalled last year and
appointed to the viceroyalty of Manchuria. He
undertook to put down the opium at once, and it has
been largely due to his determined effort that the
growth of opium in Yunnan has been suppressed for
the past two years. Of course there are still large
quantities of opium in the country, and unscrupulous
people will continue to make money at the expense of
the poor wretches who still cling to the drug ; but if
no opium is produced in the country, and the supply
from India is cut off, it will only be a matter of time
before what is now in the country will be used up.
When I came into the province some six years ago,
fields of poppies were to be seen on every hand, but
this year it would be difficult to find a field of
poppies in the whole of Yunnan. All opium shops
have been closed, and those who deal in the drug
have to carry on an illicit trade, and are always in
danger of having their stock confiscated. A few
months ago the district magistrate seized and
confiscated opium on two occasions, and had it burnt
on the street as a warning to others. It will doubt-
less take many years to put down the opium trade, as
human nature is the same all the world over ; but,
when one considers what has been accomplished in
the past two or three years, one cannot but admire
the ability of the Chinese in dealing with this gigantic
evil. When the opium reform began, it was sug-
gested by some that the abolition of opium spelt the
ruin of Yunnan, but, in view of what has taken place,
I fear those people must have had a personal interest
in the traffic. As far as this city is concerned, it is in
a more prosperous condition, outwardly, than it has
been since my arrival here. Rice is cheaper than it
has been for years, and other food-stuffs too are
cheaper now, as the land is almost entirely given up
to the production of corn, wheat, rice, beans,
and vegetables. More foreign goods are coming in
from Burmah than ever before, and, now that the
French railway is completed to Yunnanfu the province
will soon be flooded with foreign goods. The railway
was completed to Yunnanfu by February 1st, and it
was possible on that date to go a few miles by con-
struction train and connect with the regular train to
Mengtze. The railway has been in use for some time,
but will not be officially opened until April of this
year. When the railway is in proper working order
it will be possible to reach Shanghai from Yunnanfu
in ten days or less. The overland trip to Shanghai
would require about two months.
One of the latest reforms at the capital is a tax on
tea-shops of one cash per cup. It is proposed to use
the money thus raised in erecting large reformatories
for the thousands of fallen women at Yunnanfu. The
brothels will then be closed, and offenders severely
dealt with.
While it is true that some of the reforms that
have been instituted are only a poor imitation of what
prevails in Western lands, yet they indicate progress,
and doubtless later on the people will demand more
elaborate reforms.
" I am glad you have'made up your mind to begin
your charge over my flock Take heed to
thyself. Your own soul is your first and greatest care.
You know a sound body alone can work with power ;
much more a healthy soul. Keep a clear conscience
through the blood of the Lamb. Keep up close com-
munion with God. Study likeness to Him in all
things. Read the Bible for your own growth first, then
for your people. Expound much ; it is through the
truth that souls are sanctified, not through essays upon
the truth. Be easy of access, apt to teach, and the Lord
teach you and bless you in all you do and say. You
will not find many companions. Be the more with God.
Study Isaiah 6, and Jeremiah 1, and the sending of
Moses, and Psalm 51:12, 13, and John 15 : 26, 27, and
the connection in Luke 1:15, 16." — Extract from a
letter of Rev. R. M. McCheyne's to Rev. W. C. Burns.
120
China's Millions
A Chinese Helper's Report
The following report of the work at Kweihwating, Shausi, has a special interest in that it is written by the Chinese helper, Mr. Kia,
who, since the return /iodic of' Mr. and Mrs. Ehn on account of Mr. Ehn s ill-health — he died in Sweden on December Jist, tgog — has
been caring tor the work. Mar its perusal call forth prayer Jor Mr. Kia and his co-laborers in the little church oj thirteen members at
this station. There is no foreign missionary there at preset/.
became gradually colder and few came to the ball,
while men could uot stand to listen on the streets for
the cold, so there was no other plan, and tracts were
bought and given to those who could read. Meetings,
etc., in the hall went on as during the first half of the
year, but none came to break off opium. This is a
resume of the latter half of the year.
During the year, looking at the outward aspect of
the church, there was constantly a going out to preach
and scatter tracts ; hearers and readers could not be
called few, but looking at the population of the city,
hearers and readers cannot be called many, for there
are many men who have not heard the Gospel because
the city is very great, and the people are very many.
Laborers for the Lord are truly few, truly few indeed.
May the Lord send many more workers, may He send
many more workers.
Looking at the inner aspect of the church, there
are pupils studying books, there are men breaking off
opium, there are special gatherings, there are prayer
meetings, there are worship meetings. The work
done may not be counted little, but the work completed
is truly little, because the workers are all men of little
strength, just like little children themselves, needing
to look to men for guidance ; how then can they lead
others ? So that even the already ripened harvest
cannot be gathered in. May the Lord quickly send
men of strength to come and help. And may those
who read this letter cry much to the Lord for the
church at Kweihwating that He will soon add that
which is lacking and fulfil our hopes.
" Now the God of peace, who brought again
from the dead the great Shepherd of the Sheep
with the blood of the eternal covenant, even our
Lord Jesus, make you perfect in every good thing to
do His will, working in us that which is well-pleasing
in his sight, through Jesus Christ ; to whom be the
glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Kia I-shu,
the little child of the church at Kweihwating.
CROSSING A RIVER IN A MOUNTAIN LITTER IN SHANSI
THE church at Kweihwating, from the time that
Pastor Ehn and Mrs. Ehn have put things in
order, using many plans to lead it on, has
greatly prospered. But, alas ! Pastor Ehn had not
been here many days before he contracted a coughing
complaint and his body became very weak. Never-
theless, he was very diligent in all the Lord's business,
exerting himself to do the work, but in the winter of
last year he became much weaker and could no longer
exert himself, so there was nothing for it but to return
to his own country and recuperate, and he left us in
the second moon of this year ; there are but few of us
brethren here, some entirely working on behalf of the
church, some entirely seeing to their own work.
After Pastor Ehn left us the brethren, as usual, car-
ried on the work of preaching. They opened (in
connection with the church) a small school with
between ten and twenty scholars, some of whom,
through reading the books, understand the doctrine ;
they also opened an opium refuge and there are a few
men who have already broken off their opium. On
Lord's Day all the brethren, by rotation, conduct the
meetings, reading the Scriptures and exhorting one
another ; on Wednesdays they gather for prayer, while
daily they either open the hall for preaching or preach
on the big streets and scatter tracts ; because there are
more who can hear on the streets than in the hall they
more often preach on the streets ; there are some
willing to receive the message. Sometimes brethren
go to the villages with colporteurs to preach, and
some post Christian magazines at the door of the hall
for passers-by to read ; some, reading, come in to ask
about the doctrine.
In the sixth moon they had special gatherings,
and Messrs. Oberg, of Saratsi, Hill, of Fengchen, and
Soderbom, of Si'ianhwafu, came to give help in con-
ducting meetings. When about to close these meet-
ings there were a few scholars and women entered
their names as enquirers. This is a resume of the
first half of the year.
During the latter half of the year the weather
CMC OV SHANSI S MOUNTAIN LITTERS
China's Millions
121
Our New Missionaries
MISS ANNA KRATZER, BUFFALO, N.Y.
Sailed September 20th, igio
MISS R. S. THORSEN, BROOKLYN, N.Y.
Sailed September 20th, 1910
MISS G. A. VAN DUVN, WATERLOO, IOWA
Sailed September 20th, 1910
A Chinese Conversion
BY REV. JOHN ARCHIBALD, HANKOW
From the " Quarterly Record of the National Bible Society of Scotland"
IN February I paid a visit to Kaifengfu, the capital
of Honan, and once the metropolis of the empire.
It is now connected with Hankow by rail. While
calling on Mr. Bird, of the China Inland Mission, a
pleasant-faced, elderly native gentleman came in, and
was introduced to me as Mr. Chu, the first Protestant
convert in those parts, who had been a Christian long
before he ever met any foreign missionary. Later he
told us his story, which was so interesting that I set
it down.
" It is not much of a story, ' ' he said, his eyes taking
on a far-away look ; "it only shows the goodness of
God to me. Eight-and-twenty years ago, while I was
going to the city one morning, I noticed by the road-
side a Hupeh man, who had a box and a lot of books
about the foreign religion. He was showing these to
the people, and asking them to buy. I thought I
should like to get a book, and was looking through
them when a great scholar, named Wang Kwang-fu,
came rushing up, and said if we looked at those books
our eyes would go blind. He kicked over the box,
scattering its contents on the road, and drove the
Hupeh man away with blows and curses. He then
ordered us to gather the books into a heap, and he
would burn them. But I did not like to see this
waste, so while gathering them I put as many as I
could up my sleeves and took them home. Among
these were the four gospels, ' The Christian Catechism,'
' The Guide to Heaven,' and other tracts.
"As soon as I began to read I knew that the
doctrines they taught were true — that there was only
one God — who made us and loved us, and wanted to
save us from our sins. I saw that the idols were a
fraud, and at once gave up all idolatry. I also
preached these doctrines to my neighbors all around,
and the people called me ' Chu, the Christian,' but I
knew quite well I was not a true Christian.
With me it was only a matter of the head, for I
was altogether unwilling to receive the truth into
my heart. I was an opium smoker, as were all
the members of my family, and I loved to live a sin-
ful life.
"What became of the Hupeh man I never
learned ; he never came back, nor did I ever
meet with any other colporteur or missionary.
Meanwhile Wang Kwang-fu, the scholar, went
mad, and, as he was dangerous, the magistrate
had him fastened with a long chain, by the neck,
to a millstone in an outhouse. He would not
allow himself to be clothed, and there he remained,
summer and winter alike, stark naked, until, after
ten years, he died. I thought that God had
changed him into a beast as a judgment on him for
rejecting the truth, and I was desperately afraid for
myself.
' ' Then I heard that some foreign missionaries
had come to live at Weihweifu, four days' journey
north of the Yellow River, so I went there to ask :
' What must I do to be saved ? ' They spoke to me
of Jesus, prayed with me, and gave me more books,
and before I left I had decided to be a Christian.
Thanks to the grace of God, I have been a happy
man ever since. Then Mr. Powell came to live at
Kaifeng, and Mr. Ford (both of the C. I. M.), so
I always attended the services until they were
driven away in the Boxer year. When they returned
a church was formed, of which I was the first
member."
122
China's Millions
Tidings from the Provinces
Topics for Prayer
Shall we not take as a constant and
definite subject for intercession the
work which the returned missionaries
are hoping to do during these coming
months. As they voice China's un-
speakable need, may we not pray that
those who listen will recognize God's
voice, and render, as never before,
just the service for China which our
King requires and has the right to
expect.
China's autumn and winter work
and those in charge of this work to-
gether with the Chinese helpers need
our special and unceasing remem-
brance. Some of the branches which
might be mentioned are, the Bible
training institutes, the day and board-
ing schools, the station classes for
Bible teaching, the opium refuge
work, the medical work, the itinerant
work, and the daily routine of the
regular station work. Power belong-
eth unto God and He has ordained that
through intercession His messengers
in China may see His Spirit working
in mighty power.
Again we would remind our friends
of the important part prayer has in
connection with the organized effort,
on the part of themissionaries, to make
the Gospel known to those who attend
the Exposition now in progress at
Nanking.
A special request for prayer has
come from Miss Pike of Kiehsiu,
Shansi. They are to have a series of
special meetings at this time, and
earnestly desire the prayers of God's
children that He would raise up for
them a Chinese leader of His own
choosing, that the Christians may be
quickened, and that the hundreds
who have heard and understand the
truth may yield themselves to
God.
Miss Johnson, of Kiiwo, in Shansi,
also asks that definite prayer be made
for a woman in their district who has
opened her heart to the Lord, and in
consequence is suffering bitter perse-
cution. Nevertheless, she is deter-
mined not to go back to the
old life.
Mrs. Porteous, of Yuanchow, in
Kiangsi, made mention of the deep-
felt need of prayer for one of the out-
stations in their district. Their hearts
were specially burdened for some of
the members in the out-stations.
Shall we not unite our petitions with
theirs, seeking, to some degree at
least, to realize how keen is the fight
which these Christians, who are so
young in the faith, have to wage
against the power of the Evil One.
Personal Notes
During the past week those in the
Toronto Home had the pleasure of
welcoming Miss I. A. Craig, who has
just returned from China. Miss
Craig has spent eight years in the
Chefoo schools and at our Friday
evening meeting gave a most inter-
esting address, which gave her hearers
a new conception of the need, im-
portance of the school work, and the
fruit resulting from it.
Mr. Montague Beauchamp, who is
on his way from China to England,
also visited Toronto during the past
month. While here Mr. Beauchamp
had the opportunity of speaking in
several of our city churches. He
also visited the Moody Bible Institute
in Chicago, where some very interest-
ing meetings were held. He is now
spending a few days in Montreal,
where he will hold meetings in the
interest of the Mission and speak of
his work in China.
Mrs. Stott has just returned from
a visit to friends in Rochester. Many
of our readers will rejoice to know
that Mrs. Stott 's throat is much im-
proved. Though still unable to
resume her former work she is now
able to take meetings occasion-
ally.
Miss Leggat and Mrs. Talbot have
returned from Muskoka and are at
present holding meetings in Buffalo,
N.Y. Their service in that vicinity
may extend over the month. They
will, I am sure, value the prayers of
our readers.
The Rev. W. P. Knight had the
privilege recently of attending the
farewell service of Mr. S. H. Mc-
Clure at Bellefonte, Pa. God blessed
there and at other meetings which
were arranged by Mr. McClure, who
is one of our party which sails for
China on October the eleventh. Mr.
and Mrs. Knight are looking forward
to having their children with them
during the remaining months of their
furlough,
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Hanna intend
spending the winter months of their
furlough in Toronto. Their scene of
labor has been in the province of
Yunnan, where they have been in
close touch with the work among the
aboriginal tribes. Hence Mr. and
Mrs. Hanna have a double message —
China's need and also that of these
ignorant tribes who are so eager to
hear the Gospel.
Mr. and Mrs. McRoberts, who are
also home on furlough, are still with
Mrs. McRoberts' friends at Dunnville,
Ontario. Mr. McRoberts has had a
number of openings for meetings in
that district.
Mrs. A. L. Shapleigh will (D.V.)
spend the winter in Toronto and will
be free to do some deputation work.
News Notes
Sir Alexander Hosie has lately
made a tour of inspection of the
northern provinces of China ; he was
impressed by the seeming prosperity
of these parts, which looked their best
in their summer coat of golden grain
and heavily-laden fruit trees.
A Chinese telegram says that, as
the government is aware that iron is
produced in Shansi province, it pro-
poses to establish a government iron
factory there on a large scale,
for it deems the scheme a profitable
one. It has telegraphed to consult
with the governor of Shansi on the
project.
The Hupeh merchants who in
former years were great buyers of
opium now take back goatskins,
eagle-wings, pig-bristles, donkey-
skins (for shoe-making), and now a
new trade is springing up for human
hair and I am being asked continu-
ally whatever the foreigners can want
this for. Some here say the great
amount of pigs' bristles are required
for making sateen ; maybe we shall
hear what the hair is used for later on.
The Christian headquarters just
outside the main entrance to the
Exposition grounds were opened July
the third. Since then the work of
preaching and distributing Christian
literature has been going on continu-
ously. This is a unique opportunity
for making known the Gospel of Jesus
Christ to many who heretofore have
not understood clearly the mission-
ary's reason for being in China.
In the province of Kansu raw opium
is selling at about six hundred cash
per ounce, and the ten cash rolls for
the poor smokers do not contain much
of the drug, but we hear the loss is
made up by adding arsenic. It will
become necessary for the government
to control the sale of this drug which
is so cheap and so easily obtained.
I hear the exchangers of new opium-
pipes for old do so for the sake of the
opium in the stem of the old pipes
which is used in the preparation of
the many so-called opium cures.
These are very numerous in these
days and seem to do a thriving
business.
Opium is, we hope, a thing of the
past in this district, and the neigh-
boring cities of Lihsien, Hsiho,
Tsinan, Tsinshui ; in all these places
China's Millions
123
only a little was to be found on the
borders. In Hueihsien and Cheng-
hsien a large quantity was gathered,
also in Kongchang and Fukiang ;
but taking it all round there cannot
have been one-tenth of the drug
gathered this year. One good result
is that the price of silver is rising, as
there are no opium-merchants frotu
Shansi and Shensi, and so silver is
scarce, this will be a help to business
as the exchange has been very low,
i.e. , 1,000 cash per tael at the beginn-
ing of the year.
Kweichow
Anshunfu — Extracts from a diary.
Hsing-long-chang. — Lord's Day,
April 24th. Last night and to-day
we have had good meetings, but the
building is far too small ; nearly seven
hundred were present, inside and out.
At the Lord's Supper one or two
hundred believers could not be seated,
and stood throughout the worship.
Monday, April 25th. — Hsiao-mieh-
tsai. On the way here I baptized the
twenty men and women received by
the church last night.
Lord's Day, May 1st. — Ta-kai-tsi
and Ta-sung-su. A most blessed and
full day : the prayer meetings were
times never to be forgotten. Over
one thousand Christians at the meet-
ings today ; eight hundred believers
gathered around the Lord's Table.
At Keh-ni-p'o there are two remark-
able sisters named Mary and Eliza-
beth. Mary is a sweet singer, and
her favorite song is an Easter hymn.
She and her sister sat for a long time
reading the last chapter of Mark, and
kept repeating the words "every
creature." Mary remarked to her
sister, " I am one of the every creat-
ures, and I believe and am saved, but
not baptized. " She would leave off
singing and address me thus.
"Teacher, I can only read so many
chapters of Mark, but in chapter
thirteen I read ' to each one his work ; '
I took my Mark's gospel and walked
more than ninety H to the home of
my kinsfolk. I read Mark to them,
telling them of the Savior, pleading
with them to believe and be saved. I
am only a ' gatekeeper ' and could but
point out the way to them. "
When leaving, all the women and
girls and some of the men escorted
the party a few miles along the road
singing hymns. Reaching a clear,
running stream we had a meeting,
and there by the roadside Mary and
her sister were baptized.
Trouble has broken out at our
newest out-station south of Anshunfu.
For years these South Antung Miao
have been attending our city meet-
ings. A school has been opened, but
the ground landlord has objected to
the meetings being in the village near
his house. We ask special prayer
for this forward movement among the
Antung Miao. A day or two further
south other Miao tribes are becoming
interested in the Gospel. During
this visit 167 converts were baptized.
—Mr. J. R. Adam.
Anping — Our meetings every even-
ing in the chapel are very well
attended, often crowded, especially
on the men's side. Numbers of
children come regularly, so we have
a children's meeting on Thursday
evenings, which is principally sing-
ing, followed by a Bible story, and
some of the big folks seem to enjoy
that meeting more than any other.
My husband always questions the
children on the story told them the
previous week, and in this way a
number are getting pretty well ac-
quainted with some precious truths,
which we hope may bear fruit in their
lives.
Last Sunday my husband was asked
to assist at the demolishing of the
idols in a home in the city, the man
of the house saying that his daughter-
in-law had been brought back from
the verge of the grave in answer to
the prayers of some of our Christians.
He had often come to our meetings,
and said he would, long ago, have
taken down the idols, but for his
mother, who was most unwilling, she
being what is called here a Quei-la-
p'o, a kind of sorceress. Since the
young woman's recovery, this old
woman gave her consent to the
burning of the idols, and we hope
that the family will really now turn
to the Lord. — Mrs. I. Page.
Kiangsi
Yuanchow — God has been using
Mrs. Lawson in the school. There
is a great improvement in the children
in everything. On our closing day
we had an evangelistic meeting, when
we realized God's presence in a
marked way. The children were much
moved and all expressed a desire to
follow Christ. Some of them will
find it hard as their homes are scenes
of sin and temptation.
The foundation to our very much
needed new chapel is just about laid.
Please pray about this work. It is
exceedingly difficult to get material
and workmen. The people like to
get the money, if we could only be
satisfied with the promise of material
and labor. While it would be nice
to please them in this way, we could
hardly hold meetings in a mere
"promise " even though we hold a
good many on some ' 'better promises ' '
which come from a different source !
Our present chapel is uncomfort-
ably crowded on Sundays.
There are about forty women and
girls coming regularly to the classes.
— Mrs. R. Porteous.
Kansu
Ningsiafu — Our work has gone
steadily on during the quarter, but
just what our gain has been it is hard
to say : we have had many removals
by death. Our guestroom work is
better this quarter, the total number
of guests being eight hundred and
forty-eight. Forty new women
visitors have been here, who never
heard the Gospel before. A few
homes have been visited frequently,
and others for the first time. Over
17,000 cash worth of books and
calendars have been disposed of.
Please pray for the Christians in
Ningsia.— Mr. J. S. Fiddler.
M
Monthly Notes
ARRIVALS
On Sept. 29th, at Vancouver, Rev.
Beauchamp, B.A., from Shanghai.
BIRTHS
On July 16th, at Chefoo, to Mr.
and Mrs. R. K. Gonder, a daughter
(Ivy Palmer).
DEATH
On July 29th, at Shanghai, the Rev.
Walter C. Taylor, from dysentery.
Baptisms
Kansu —
Siningfu ------- 6
Shensi —
Meihsien ------- 16
Shansi —
Hunyiian and out-station - 9
Fengchen ------ g
Chihli —
Shuntehfu ------ 19
SZECHWAN —
Kiangtsing ---.-- ^
Sin-Tien-Tsi ----- 3
Suitingfu ------ 3
Kweichowfu and out-station 10
Fushun and out-stations - 5
Kweichow —
Tsunyi -' - - - - - - 13
Anhwei —
Laian and out-station - - 8
Chengyangkwan - - - - 2
Chekiang —
Lungchiian out-station - - 7
Ninghaihsien and out-station 6
118
Previously reported 1 , 08 1
Total 1,199
I2 4
China's Millions
Editorial Notes
THERE have recently reached us from London
copies of " China and the Gospel " — the Animal
Report of the Mission — for 1910. This is now
for sale in the Mission offices, for the sum of thirty-
five cents a copy, postpaid. We trust that our friends
will purchase this volume. To read it is to secure a
liberal education in Missions, so far as China is con-
cerned. There are few books to be obtained which
give a more recent and more comprehensive account
of missionary work in the Chinese empire.
We are about to put into tract form the article which
appeared in our lastnumber, "Three Cries from Chinese
Lips." This is a tract which has had a wide circula-
tion and has been largely used of God, and we are
hoping that its re-issue may be taken advantage of by
our friends. The tract may be had from our offices at
Philadelphia and Toronto. The price, postpaid, will
be three cents a copy, or twenty-five cents a dozen.
Three young men will be leaving us for Shanghai,
during the present month, to undertake their first
service in China. These are Mr. E. A. Merian, of
Bayonne, N.J., Rev. S. H. McClure, of Bellefonte, Pa.,
and Rev. K. B. Naumann, of Circleville, Ohio. These
friends will sail from San Francisco, on the S. S.
"Asia," upon the nth instant, which should bring
them to Shanghai in the first part of November. We
shall follow our friends with many prayers, and we
trust that their lives may be the more blessed of God
the nearer they draw to the realization of their desires
to stand and serve anions: the heathen.
We regret to say that the visit of Mr. Hoste has
been once more postponed, on account of his enfeebled
health. Mr. Sloan has written that he had recently
visited him at the place where he had been resting in
Norfolk and had spent two days with him there, and
he has reported that our brother had gained very
slowly and that it seemed inadvisable for him to attempt
journeying and conferring with us here about Mission
affairs until he should be much stronger. It is hoped
now that he may come to America in October. But
this is not certain. Mr. Hoste is suffering from a
nervous break-down, and, while it is not as serious as
it might be, it is sufficiently so to preclude active work
for the time being. We shall value the prayers of
God's saints for him, that he may be speedily raised
up and set free for the service in which he fills so
important a part.
We were surprised and shocked recently, in receiv-
ing a letter from the Rev. John Southey, our Austra-
lasian Director, to learn of the sudden death of his
wife. Mr. Southey had come from Australia to Eng-
land to attend the Edinburgh Conference and the
Keswick Convention. On account of serious sickness,
he was only able to spend two days at Edinburgh and
was not able at all to visit Keswick. Both of these
experiences were serious disappointments to him.
Following and surpassing them, came the sad word by
cablegram that Mrs. Southey — whom Mr. Southey
had left in comparatively good health — had passed
away upon August 2nd. We do not need to attempt
describing what, in addition to all else, such a message
would mean to our brother. We are thankful to add
that he has been greatly sustained in his weakness
and affliction. It is our prayer that God our Father
will continue to strengthen and comfort him, ' ' until
the shadows flee away. ' ' Mr. Southey hoped to return
to Australia by way of America, but he has given up
this thought. He now expects to go to Melbourne
direct. May we ask special prayer for him as he
returns to his motherless children, and to the work of
the Mission, in which he will no longer be cheered by
the prayer, and faith of his beloved wife.
We are grieved to say that Mrs. Rogers, the
beloved wife of Mr. Elias Rogers, of Toronto, has
suddenly passed away. Mrs. Rogers, as the wife of
a member of our Toronto Council, had expressed her
interest in the Mission by many acts of sympathy, and
she had become a dear and valued friend. We bear
glad testimony to the fact that she was a woman of
deep piety. She willingly engaged herself in laborious
work for those who needed her aid, her chief ministry
being in connection with the Friends' Church, the
Young Women's Christian Guild, and the Mission
Union. It may be truly said that her life became
thus, "full of good works," and it was constantly
recognized that she served Christ with a devotion not
commonly seen among women of similar social position.
Toronto is indeed the poorer for her departure, and
we, of the Mission, will greatly miss her presence and
ministry. We lovingly commend Mr. Rogers and his
children to the sympathy and prayers of our friends.
" Arise, therefore, and be doing, and the Lord be
with thee." ( 1 Chronicles 22 : 16.) Christian service
is a strange combination of passivity and activity.
From one point of view, the Christian is told that he
can do nothing ; from another point of view, he
is expected, almost, to do everything. This is one of
the mysteries of our faith. At the same time, it is,
and it is ever to be, a fact. As for self energy and
self accomplishment, we are to come under the control
of the word, " Be still, and know that I am God ! "
But as for apathy and hopelessness, we are to hear
such a word as that above, " Arise, therefore, and be
doing ! " Great as is our need to learn the deep
lesson of abandoning our strength, this is not the only
lesson which we are required to lay to heart. Neces-
sity is likewise upon us to discover that God has power
for all those who put their trust in Him, and hence,
that there is no room in His spiritual economy for
weakness or for idleness. The times are late ; the
work which remains undone is more than that which
has been done ; the demand and the opportunity are
illimitable. Before such conditions, God's thought is
but one ; He commands us to arise and to do. But
the word which He speaks does not stop there, for He
adds to His command, His encouraging promise to
the effect that the Lord will be with us, in all and
through all. This is the fact which will make every-
thing that is desirable, possible and effective. In our
quotation above, it is David who speaks to Solomon.
A greater than David or Solomon speaks similarly to
us : " Go ; — and lo, I am with you always ! "
CHINA'S MILLIONS
TORONTO, NOVEMBER, 1910
The Island Life
An Address by the Rev. Harrington C. Lees, M.A., at a Valedictory Meetingr. held in London England,
on Tuesday Evening, September 6th, 1910
THE word which I believe God has laid upon me
to speak to-night — as a message which you who
are going forth may lay hold of, and which we
who are not privileged to go forth may well lay to
heart — is a twofold one. You will find it in that great
missionary Book, the Book of the Revelation, the first
chapter, verses nine and ten: " / was in the Isle;"
' ' / was in the Spirit. ' '
It is not possible for any man to be in two places
at the same time, but, thank God, it is possible for him
to be at the heart of two circles at the same time —
" concentric " circles, as we call them. And in these
two short phrases St. John records for us what were
the two circles of life in which he dwelt, "/was in the
Isle ; ' ' that was the circle of his daily trial ; for, remem-
ber,- Patmos was a penal settlement. Men were sent
there to the mines, and the island might well have been
called, as one of the penal settlements of our French
neighbors is called, ' ' The Isle of the Devil. " " / was
in the Spirit ;" that defines the inner circle. The
other, after all, was only the outer one. The words,
" I was in the Spirit," mark the inner circle of St. John's
heavenly environment ; for I challenge you, brethren,
to tell me, is there any island in all the ocean of which
you would say that it was more the Isle of God, and
less an Isle of the Devil, than the Isle of Patmos?
Perhaps no little spot on all God's world ever seems
to have been the gate of heaven quite so much as the
island of which we might have said that it was " in the
devil ; " and yet it was because of the great Comforter
in Whom he lived, and had his environment, that St.
John was able to give us this wonderful testimony to
the contrary : "I was in the Isle ; " "I was in the
Spirit."
To you, brothers and sisters, for whom life in a
Chinese city may often seem to be like dwelling at the
gates of hell itself, may these words be a reminder that
even there you may be in Paradise already.
The significance of an island life has impressed
itself upon us as an island people so much, that word
after word in our language expresses the dangers or
the conditions which surround us. The word ' ' isola-
tion," the word "insularity," and the word "insula-
tion,' ' all mean the same thing — the condition of island
life. And so to-night I would like to dwell upon this
thought and study some of the dangers and conditions
of the island life.
I think that we may take, first, the danger of
monotony. There are some islands which permit you
to forget that the}- are islands. I do not think that it
seriously troubles us in England that we live on an
island ; but I was staying in the Isle of Wight a little
while ago, and I was very seriously impressed with the
limitations of it. We seemed to be always coming to
the coast. Now, the island on which St. John was
living was a third of the size of the Isle of Wight.
He was " cribbed and cabined and confined " on every
side, and there was every danger that this man's life
should be one of monotony ; and yet I ask you, as you
have read the Book which God gave him to write,
did you ever think of a man who seemed less in dan-
ger of monotony than St. John the Divine ? " Write
what thou hast seen in a book. ' ' But what was there
to be seen ? I once read a book about Patmos written
by a distinguished traveler, and the thing that
impressed me was that there was little to be seen and
less to be written about. " What thou seest write in
a book. ' ' He says seven times, ' ' I beheld ; " and then
he says at the end : "When I beheld I worshiped."
And friends, after all, it is when the eyes are anointed
to see that all peril of monotony goes. There was a
man once who realized his intense danger and nothing
else, and he said : "Alas, master, what shall we do?"
And his master prayed and said: "Lord, open his
eyes that he may see ; " and God showed him not only
the outer circle, but the inner circle ; and he saw not
only the horses and chariots of the Syrians, but the
angel hosts, horses, and chariots of the Lord Most
High. So St. John had open eyes. "I was in the
Spirit ; " and all monotony went.
And you, brethren — when the day comes for you
to stand in the dull monotony and the daily routine of
some mission station, where it seems that the blessing
is withheld and the labor difficult — I pray that your
eyes be anointed with eye-salve. Seek the face of the
Lord Most High, that when you write what you have
beheld, it may make a very Apocalypse of blessing, as
a testimony to your own heart, and the hearts of those
who hear from you, that God is near you, and that
you are "in the Spirit."
And you, brethren at home, who complain of
monotony, perhaps you might find less monotony if
you went to the mission field. But, at any rate, will
you also remember that this precious promise is for
those who stay as well as for those who go — diversities
of operations, but the same Spirit.
There is another danger, the danger of loneliness.
We have noted it in our own language in the word
"isolation." This man might have been the most
solitary of all men, but have you ever read of a man
who seemed less in danger of loneliness than St. John?
There is a phrase that recurs, I think, some half-dozen
times in the Book : " The voice of Him that talked
with me." He was not feeling lonely. He had a
126
China's Millions
Companion always by his side, and the words come in
very suggestive connections. "I turned," he says in
the first chapter, ' ' to see the voice that talked
with me." You cannot see a voice. Ah, yes, you can,
if you have the wisdom to make the deduction that
John made. The voice presupposes a person. The
Person was there at St. John's side, and that made it
eternally impossible for him to say : "I stand alone."
He knew " the fellowship of the Holy Ghost," as we
say ; and that means no benediction merely for the end
of the meeting ; it is the constant benediction on every-
day life, the comradeship in which we are to abide.
Take that other word in the fourth chapter. He
says : "I saw a door opened in heaven, and the . . .
voice . . . talking with me." You mothers have done
that many a time. You remember that when the little
child was feeling lonely in the dark you have said :
' ' See, I will leave the door open between your room
and mine ; " and the child was no more lonely for he
heard the voice of one that talked with him. And God,
lest His child should be lonely in the island in which
He had set him for His testimony, set the door of
heaven ajar that he might hear the voice of God there.
And may the doors of heaven ever stand ajar for you,
brothers and sisters, as you go for your life on that
mainland, which yet is an " island-life," for the isola-
tion to which you are called.
There is another word in the tenth chapter : "I
heard the voice of one who talked and said, Take the
little Book." God is always bidding you to take the
Book, brethren ; and as you dwell on the Book and feed
on the Book you will find that the Spirit-life is devel-
oped, and the power of the Spirit works in you and
through you. May your Bible ever be to you increas-
ingly the message of God Most High, speaking with
very human accents that we can understand, yet with
the unmistakable dialect, which tells us that heaven
itself is the atmosphere in which it was written, in
which it is living to-day, and in which everyone who
feeds upon it shall live.
Take the other danger, the danger of narrowness.
We have written that in our language in the word
"insularity." It is a very real danger to all those
who have lived in cramped surroundings — the danger
of pettiness, the danger of getting behind the times. I
think that this is seen in a small island as, perhaps, in
no other place. And yet, here again, as you read this
Book, are you ever impressed with its smallness ? Are
you ever burdened with the fact that it is behind the
times ? On the question of smallness, may I remind
you that the word "kingdom" comes some thirty
times, the word " heaven " sixty times, and the word
"world " eighty times in this small Book. There is
no narrowness there. Is it behind the times ? On the
contrary, there is no book in the Bible so much in
front of the times ; and he who lives in the Spirit of
God is the man who is always really ahead of the
spirit of his age.
And so may I remind you of the great fact that
there will be no narrowness as you deal with your
Bible and with the Spirit of God, even though you be
in some lonely hill-station far away in inland China.
And there will be no narrowness in your life as you
are kept in touch with the world through prayer, with
God through Christ, and with heaven through the
Spirit of God, in Whom you live and move.
But is there no danger of insularity still ? I turn
from our brothers and sisters who are going out, and
I say to you who are sitting here in this room to-night :
" Are you in danger of that petty insularity which
regrets their going, and of that real insularity which
thinks that the home work must come before the foreign
work, which grudges the pennies which are given, or
the dollars still more, and which has the feeling that
to go out and leave your present career will be a
wrecking of your life ? " There is no worse insularity
than that. I have been thinking back into the late
eighties to-night. I cannot forget the first mission-
ary call that ever came to me was at a China Inland
Mission meeting when I was at school in Cambridge,
from the lips of a clergyman and his wife, two out of
about eight or ten who spoke, one from the words :
"Whose I am, Whom also I serve," and the other
from the complementary text: "Ye are not your
own." I do not think there are many persons here
who would question God's ownership. Will you
remember ' ' Whom also I serve ? ' ' We are so apt to
live in the blessing of divine sonship and to forget the
privilege of divine service. Is God calling anyone
here from insularity out into this great Spirit-life in
which the circle shall be large and wide and deep, as
God gives you a new opportunity for service for
Him?
But I cannot forget that there is very real connec-
tion between the two circles. I have spoken as
though they were opposed to one another. But,
when you get back to the divine purpose which over-
hangs all our life, you will find that the two circles
are really wheels working in the same divine machine.
• ' I was in the Isle ' ' is quite as much God's doing as
" I was in the Spirit." When you come to see why
St. John was in the Isle, you will see that he was there
' ' for the testimony of Jesus Christ. ' '
And so, when you come to look at the reason why
John was in the island, you must, I think, get back
to another island word, the word "insulation." I
have a friend, a high official in the National Telephone
Company, and he took me once through one of their
great exchanges ; and the thing that he impressed
upon me as he showed me the wires which came into
that great exchange, was the careful way in which
each wire was insulated. There were two reasons for
it. The first was protection for the wire ; the second
was the transmission of the message. Now, if you
are isolated in your lives, I would like you to alter the
word and call it not " isolation " but " insulation ; "
for insulated means set apart for special divine protec-
tion, which means that God is always encircling you
in a special measure in order that you may be kept for
His service ; and it means, further, that the keeping
power, the insulation, is there in order that the mes-
sage through you may be perfectly transmitted to
those who are waiting to hear the Gospel.
John looked onward as he drew near to the end of
the Book ; and he said that the island life came to an
end after all, for there was "no more sea;" no
more islands, no more voyages, and no more partings
in that day. We look forward to it gladly, but it will
not come until He comes Who said : ' ' Surely I come
quickly." Shall our hearts go up to Him in these
closing moments, and shall we say : " Even so come
Lord Jesus."
China's Millions
127
Tibetan Experiences
BY MR. JOHN R. MUIR, BATANG, TIBBT
MR. AND MRS. MUIRS HOME IN BATANG
THE eyes of the world have been turned toward
the land of Tibet during the past few months.
The progress of western civilization makes it
certain that no nation and no people will be able much
longer to hold the doors shut against the Occidental.
Not many years ago we were speaking of Korea as the
" Hermit Nation," and now, within a few years the
development has been so rapid, that even methods of
assassination, all too common in the west, are not new
in that land. But while one after another of the
nations have been compelled to open their doors Tibet
has remained still " The Great Closed L,and." There
have been signs enough to indicate that the old preju-
dices were being done away with and those of us who
are here have thought again and again that
the end was near. Now we see the Chinese deter-
mined on a policy of complete subjugation, and hear
of great bodies of Chinese troops, with all the latest
equipment, entering Tibet with that intention. Though
it would seem to us that such troops would be neces-
sary, the fact is that a very small number of rather
poorly equipped soldiers have been sent to the frontier
and on into Tibet. Some time last year when praying
for the complete opening of Tibet, it seemed to us that
our prayers never could be answered, except at the
cost of lives and property in a very severe war. But
to our surprise we have seen one tribe after the other
disperse their troops and yield at once to the Chinese
without standing for a single engagement. One or
two minor scrimmages have been fought, but we know
of no great bloodshed and hear of no great distress
such as war brings. We feel very grateful to God for
being able to say this.
It was no surprise, therefore, for us to learn last
March that the Chinese official would permit a journey
into districts that have always been closed to the mis-
sionary. One of our missionaries of another mission
located here in Batang went first and reached a point
some five days to the west of Batang. Soon after he
started I also made ready and started away into
regions unknown, of which the following is a descrip-
tion. Batang lies at the extreme west of a strip of
country that has been called Chinese Tibet, or the
Tibetan Marches, or the Marches of the Mantze.
For three hundred miles to the east of us this strip
extends to the city of Tatsienlu, which is the real
frontier of China Proper. It has always been sup-
posed that all that territory has been a part of the
Chinese province of Szechwan; but we now learn
from official sources that we are not in the province
of Szechwan, but that we are outside of China Proper
(China Proper is taken to mean the eighteen pro-
vinces). We had supposed that Tibet (so called)
commenced at this point and extended to the west,
but now we must reconstruct our ideas and speak of
Tibet in a different sense.
Be that as it may, we have had access to the region
east of us as far as Tatsienlu, and thence to China,
and year by year we have entered one district after
another in which we hoped eventually to commence
work. But the great barrier to the west of us kept
us out of the part of Tibet that was then governed by
the Tali Lama as effectually as if the border had been
a high and impregnable wall. Many prayers have
gone up to God with our eyes on that wall. The
opportunity to cross it and travel in Tibet came like a
direct answer to prayer.
Having made all our preparations we left Batang
the last day of March and made our way down the
Yangtze river. I had with me a Chinese evangelist
who is helping us in the Tibetan work, a Tibetan
interpreter and a servant. The official had sent the
usual Chinese soldiers with rifles as an escort. The
first few days was not new as I had been over the
ground with Mr. Edgar in 1907. Here the great river
runs full and strong, though some thousands of miles
from the mouth. There is a boat manned by strong
Tibetans, even the women help at times, and the
cumbersome craft is rowed across the current from
side to side of the river. The river is very quiet for
some distance and as I looked upon it the thought
would come, "what a comfort it would be to commit
oneself to the soothing current and float and float
down to the sea and across the sea to loved ones in
America, were it not for the work and other attach-
ments here."
We slept at the ferry the first night where we met
Dr. Shelton, of whom mention has been made. He
reported a good journey to Gartok and return. The
next morning we crossed the river and began our
ascent into the mountains to the west and unto the
great plateau. For almost two years I had not been
out of the Yangtze valley, but now once more the
traveling was to commence in altitudes ranging from
12,000 to 16,000 feet above sea level. Tibet is all
mountains and valleys. There is scarcely a plain
worthy of the name. Wide valleys are sometimes met
with, but the traveler is always hemmed in by the
128
China's Millions
SHOWING GROUND COVERED AND PLACES VISITED BY MR. Ml/IR ON IIIS RECENT TRIP
China's Millions
129
Study
the Faces
and
Pray for
these
Representa-
tives of
"The Great
Closed Land'
WOMEN WATER CARRIERS IN TIBET
mountains that rise everywhere. A strict account of
a journey would mean every day something like this :
' ' We crossed such a pass this morning and went down
into such a valley and crossing such a pass in the after-
noon we again descended to sleep in such a valley."
But that is rather too monotonous for such an article
as this and the reader can imagine that that is the
ordinary daily programme without the necessity of
being so explicit.
I am only going to mention in turn some of the
places we visited and give a short description of the
country. There is a very pleasant farming community
extending for many miles in a pretty valley that we
passed throirgh on the third day. It is really a series
of villages and in the whole there is a considerable
population. It being at the point where the main
roads to Lhasa, and Yunnan, respectively, diverge the
district is of some importance.
It has been our hope ever since
we first saw the district that we
would be able some day to com-
mence work there for the Gospel.
Doubtless when our evangelists
are familiar enough with the
Tibetan language one, or two,
can be put there for several
months at a time to live among
the Tibetans and introduce the
Gospel. Will someone who reads
this please put the name of
Bamutang on their prayer list ?
It is at this point that the
border is crossed into what has
been Tibet Proper. There is a
stone at the top of the mountain
with the characters in Chinese :
" The border between Szechwan
and Tibet." Whatever political
significance that stone has had
in years past it will cease to be
of any interest now that the new
A GROUP OF TIBETAN FACES
A TIBETAN TEA CARRIER WITH BETWEEN THREE
AND FOL'R HUNDRED POUNDS OF TEA
plans of the Chinese are succeeding. Many foreigners
during the past three or four decades have been turned
back at that stone. Dr. Shelton was the first Protest-
ant missionary to cross over and travel for any distance,
though Mr. Edgar and I went over to the first village
without any to hinder in 1907.
It was with a deep sense of gratitude to God that
I crossed over this time and our hearts went out in
prayer to God that that mountain would never again
prove a barrier to the Gospel. Many, many times
during our journey did Mr. Wu and I lift up our
hearts to God for this object. The first village of
importance is called Lhamtun. Here we spent a quiet
Sunday and got acquainted with some of the Tibetans.
Our landlord was especially friendly and would wel-
come our coming at any time. There is no use saj'ing
that workers are needed in each place. We are on
virgin soil and in none of these
places has the Gospel ever been
preached till this year.
On Monday, we started away
on what proved to be a very long
and interesting week's journey.
By the next Sunday, we found
ourselves resting far away among
the mouutains of Tibet, where we
had not dared to hope we would
lie able to travel when we left
home. The first two days we
passed through two more pleasant
districts before we reached the
city of Gartok.
Gartok is the Tibetan name
of this the first political division
in Tibet. To this place an offi-
cial was sent from Lhasa. The
last incumbent raised an army
and was prepared to oppose the
Chinese advance, but he fled as
soon as the Chinese arrived and
his army was scattered. Then
130
China's Millions
Photo by]
VIEW OF TIBETAN VILLAGES
the Chinese took possession and when we arrived there
was a Chinese officer exercising the duties of magis-
trate. We found also several hundred Chinese soldiers
that had moved from Batang a few months previously.
The city is just a cluster of mud houses one story high.
They are all built together with narrow lanes between
the houses. There are several hundred Tibetan families.
Gartok is, of course, the center of a large district. It is
difficult to arrive at any proper estimate of population.
Perhaps in the whole district there are 3,000 or 4,000
families of Tibetans. These are scattered in lamaseries,
in lonely villages, in all the valleys for four and five
days in all directions, and last, but not least, in the
nomad camps that are scattered everywhere where they
can find feed for their flocks and herds. Some day a
mission station will be opened here. Those who may
come here will live at a greater altitude than we do at
Batang. They will find it much more difficult to get
supplies from outside, and it will not be possible to get
the good supplies of vegetables and fruit and wheat
that we have in Batang in the summertime. There
will be need of the heroic spirit in those who come to
settle for the sake of the Gospel on the wild stretches
of Tibet's plateau.
At Gartok we found no official objection to our
going farther, so we made arrangements with the
official to proceed to Chamdo on the main road to
Lhasa. The following day we got away late in the
forenoon, as we wished to get on as rapidly as possible.
The first day we followed the plain to the north. To
this point settlements had been met with every few
miles, but now we were getting so high that all we
found were the nomad
camps. We spent the night
at an official rest house and
the next day went on to
Lishu. Here we found
another interesting district
under the control and gov-
ernment of Gartok. For
a great distance along the
river we found settlements
both the first day and the
following till we left this
valley. The number of
families given seems alto-
gether inadequate. We
learned in time that the
population given when a
request was made was only
the official number reported
to the Chinese. The
Tibetans never report more
than is necessary, as the
official figures are taken as
a guide when orders are
issued for transport and
other service that the Tibet-
ans render to the Chinese.
But setting all figures aside
one can judge from the look
and general prosperity of a
district what might be ex-
pected. There is a pleasant
district in the next day's
[Mr. lohn R. Muir • ,, ,
journey in a valley much
higher than Lishu, from which an evangelist would
have access to a number of villages in many directions,
but it is my opinion that the Chinese will seek first to
develop Lishu, and probably settle a small official
here in time.
The place mentioned is Ara Tang, in a pretty plain
that is only partly cultivated. The name is derived
from the numbers of small animals, looking like
ordinary rats, or small guinea pigs, that have bur-
rowed holes all over the plain. We did not stop here,
but went on down to another village that is not as
high as Ara Tang. After a night's rest here we
passed out of the Gartok district and into Draya.
Here we spent Sunday at Adzu. At this place we
were more kindly received by both Chinese and Tibet-
ans than at any other point on the journey, though
we had uniformly good treatment all the way. The
Chinese officer had made provision for us in the official
rest house and the Tibetan official called many times
to talk and look over our things, in which they always
take a keen interest. We distributed a great many
Tibetan and Chinese gospels.
The following two days we went up and down
through nomad camps and villages to the city of
Draya. This is said to be the largest district in this
part of Tibet and only second to Derge in all eastern
Tibet. We found a wide valley partly cultivated, in
all of which there are said to be one thousand families.
The city is built on the slope to the west of the plain
and the lamasery rises above the city. Contrary to
the general rule Draya has enjoyed a measure of
independence. No official was sent from Lhasa and
China's Millions
131
there was, of course, no Chinese magistrate. The
Great Lama in the lamasery was virtually king and
under him were other lamas acting as magistrates.
This is only one of two large institutions, the other
one is in the valley of the Mekong river, two days to
the west of the city. Both lamaseries recognize the
Great Lama as head, so that we may say that Draya
has the largest lamasery in eastern Tibet, though com-
prised in two separate institutions.
It has long been our idea that the first station to
be opened west of Batang would be at Draya. It lies
just midway between Gartok and Chamdo, so that it
would be convenient to look after evangelists stationed
in those places. Moreover, as we now find, the climate
of Dra}^a is better than either Gartok or Chamdo, and
vegetables could be grown much better than in the
other places. There is one great difficulty. For days
we have seen no timber on the hills, and here at Draya
there is not a stick of anything, except the poplar trees
that are grown for fuel. There is some talk of coal
having been found in the mountains and that may be
the Lord's way of making provision for Draya. With
that problem solved a family could live in Draya in
comparative comfort. There is at present no pos-
sibility of a station being opened, even if we had the
workers, but again may I suggest that some one pray
definitely for Draya. God will answer in His own time.
From Draya the daily programme was about the
same. We crossed a very high pass and found the
air clear, though cold. The next two days we had
snow almost continually and we were told that had we
been a day later we would have been stopped from
crossing that pass. This was only one of the evidences
of God's care and protection, for it would have been
at some risk had we attempted to cross the pass in the
snow. For two days we were in comparatively low
altitudes passing from one valley to another through
the district known as Wangka, which we found the
most interesting and populous small district on the
whole journey. It was here that we were greatly
surprised to receive a communication that came from
the Imperial Chinese Commissioner at Chamdo
advising strongly against our traveling in the district.
Having had permission of the officials, and knowing
that another foreigner had just been as far as Gartok,
I had gone on my way rejoicing, thinking that the
land was at last open to us. But here comes word
that would have stopped me altogether had it been
received earlier. It informed us that the district
through which we were passing was a very wild and
dangerous region and that the Chinese officials could
not undertake to protect us though we had an official
escort with us. It was difficult to decide what to do,
but we finally determined to get on to Chamdo where
there were more soldiers and trust to the Chinese to
devise a way for our return.
The effect was quite depressing, as we had hoped
to learn from the Commissioner at Chamdo that he
had now subdued the Tibetans and that we might
travel freely wherever we wished. That was not to
be. We reached Chamdo two days later, and the
officials were very friendly and showed no objection to
my visit after I had explained all the details. Chamdo
is just a small Tibetan city and there is not much of
any population in the immediate neighborhood. We
had passed through several villages since leaving the
Draya district and there are said to be more in the
valley of the Mekong river that flows past Chamdo
and also in the mountains to the west. But I think
that Chamdo is probably a smaller district than Draya
though larger than Gartok.
The great lamasery is the striking feature about
Chamdo. It is built above the river in the fork of the
two streams that join here to form the Mekong. The
Tibetan city is built on the first level and the lamasery
is on another level above the city, so that it may be
seen from all directions. This lamasery is very
wealthy. I was not permitted to see the main temple,
but it is reported fabulously rich in gold and silver
and gems. The one small chapel that I did see gives
an idea of the wealth. It was the shrine of the thousand
Buddhas. In this shrine in every lamasery the
thousand images of Buddha are painted on the walls
or on a scroll, but here in Chamdo each separate
Buddha was an image of brass about six inches high
and gold plated. The main idol was adorned with
gems and gold and silver and coral and in all the
small chapel gave an idea of richness and prosperity.
As in Draya the rulers of Chamdo are lamas. The
Great Lama here is said to be so heavy that he cannot
walk, but he is worshiped as a god and is the political
as well as the religious head of the district. It is this
great system of religion that we have come to combat.
No country in the world at present is ruled by priests
and monks as is Tibet. The Holy Roman Empire
under the Popes was no more priest-ridden than is
Tibet. At least one boy out of every family goes to a
monastery, even if there is only one son. We have
then to fight a system that controls the country socially
by the ties of blood ; religiously by the bonds of super-
stition and politically by the force of law. The
Chinese are breaking the hold of the latter. I did not
see Draya and Chamdo under Chinese rulers as the
change had not been made, but we are prepared to
hear at any moment that the Chinese magistrates are
set up in those places. But what about the other two ?
Where was there ever a nation where one out of every
family went into priestly organization ? Where is
the nation to-day where religion is so popular ? Can
we break it ? No, not we, but the power of God can
and will enter Tibet and put an end to the powers of
the lamas. Brethren pray for us.
Since my return to Batang we learn that the Chinese
Commissioner, who has complete control of the region
from Tatsienlu to within two hundred miles of Lhasa,
has given out that no foreigner has the right to travel
in Tibet. He has even forbidden districts that till this
year were opened to us adjacent to Batang. It looks
very much as if their intention was to keep us from
any communication with the Tibetans. But while that
restriction is on we find events in other ways working
out for good. The flight of the Tali Lama to India,
where he was well received by the government, will
have the result of making the Tibetans feel very
kindly toward Britishers and when we can overcome
the opposition of the Chinese we can hope for a speedy
opening of all Tibetan districts to us.
The return from Chamdo to Batang over the same
road was without incident. We must still report that
the doors are closed, but all these experiences must in
God's own time work out for the complete opening of
Tibet to the Gospel.
132
China's Millions
Arrival ! Reception ! Impressions !
BY MBS. WM. Y. KING
(Last year Mr. and Mrs. King visited China and spent some time with their sister at Yangchow, Kiangsu)
THE small steamboat that has brought us up the
Grand Canal from Chinkiang is nearing Yang-
chow. It is quite dark, and as the boat touches
the landing-place, it sounds as if hundreds of men are
shooting to us from the shore — a regular bedlam let
loose — it is a relief to learn that they are simply asking
permission to carry our baggage, in order to earn a
few cash. Fortunately Miss King has her own man,
and we soon find her bible- woman, Mrs. Sie — this dear
woman is in great distress, it is a fete-day, and our
friends at the Mission have sought in vain for chair-
bearers to meet us; "to think that the honorable
brother and sister have arrived and there are no chair-
bearers ! " We try to assure her that the walk will
do us good and start off.
However, before long we are
met by four coolies with a
chair, after some hesitation
I am persuaded to take it, and
away we go, the men all
running, the foremost shouts
"Hi-Hie" continually, and
everyone stands aside to let
the chair pass — it is all so
strange and interesting that I
quite forget I am alone in a
great Chinese city — the streets
are so narrow that I can reach
out and touch the high walls
on either side, large, gayly-
colored lanterns hang at every
gate or door and light the
streets fairly well, the main
business streets are quite
brilliant with two, three or
more lanterns in front of each
store. If it were daytime,
and we had a friendly escort,
we would like to go more
slowly past those strange-
looking stores — they are like
large stalls with shelves on
three sides where all the
goods, such as silks, china,
cotton, etc., are displayed.
There are also stores where
idols and tablets are sold, but one of the strangest is
where there are to be found paper money, houses,
furniture, men, etc., these are bought by the relatives
of those who have died and burned at their graves
with the belief that such things will be real in the life
beyond and bring some comfort to them. How sad
that these poor people know nothing of the beautiful
Home where there is fullness of joy and where every
desire is satisfied, because our loving God and Savior
Jesus Christ is there ; they do not even know His
name !
But it is night and my men are running swiftly
along the narrow, crowded streets, I think I must
soon be at the Mission and begin to say " Nui-ti-
Hwei " (China Inland Mission) (the only Chinese I
MISS CLOt'GH AND MISS Kl
know), over and over lest we should stop at the
wrong door, but presently I hear Miss Clough's voice
calling me by name, the chair is set down, and as I
step out I am greeted by all her girls (about thirty-
two) saying together in English, "Good evening,
Mrs. King. They had been practising this for weeks.
I am so taken back that I must appear very rude for
I do not know how to answer their happy greeting.
Such dear girls they are, as bright and full of life as
any girls could be, and yet most of them very earnest
in their love for their Master. We are invited to
morning prayers — the mother of one of the girls is
dying, Revelation twenty-first is therefore chosen for
the reading, that chapter has a new meaning for me
now. Heaven is a real place
to these girls and as we read
the last words, ' ' they which
are written in the Lamb's
book of Life," I look into
those bright young faces, and
rejoice that their names are
written there, and that one
day we shall meet again in
the streets of that City ' 'where
there is no need of sun, neither
of the moon, to shine upon it ;
for the glory of God did
lighten it."
In the afternoon I have
the privilege of accompanying
Miss King and Mrs. Sie as
they go to a distant part of
the city to preach to women
who have never heard the
Gospel, I must put on Chinese
dress for otherwise the women
would be too interested in my
clothes to listen tothe message,
I am glad to do so for not
only is the Chinese dress more
comfortable, but one is so
much less conspicuous in the
street ; at another time, when
in foreign dress, ten or twelve
small boys followed us then
running ahead for a block
would wait in order to obtain a better view as we
passed, and it was a relief this afternoon to walk along
unobserved. We choose the quieter and narrower
streets and after some time we are invited by a young
woman to sit down on long benches, without backs,
in front of her door. Presently about thirty women
and children are gathered, and Miss King begins to
talk to them, I do not understand her words, but
know it is the message of God's wondrous love for
those very souls before us. They listen, some atten-
tively, but oh ! how dull of understanding are their
faces— not a ray of light is there. After a little, Mrs.
Sie begins to speak, she has been a Christian for
many years ; I look at her face, it is old and
wrinkled before its time with many sorrows, but it is
China's /Millions
133
beautiful, simply reflecting the light that is in the
face of Jesus as she tells of all her Lord has been to
her. I wonder how these women can resist her mes-
sage — but there is rib answering light in their heavy
faces, and I realize as never before how much inter-
cession at home can help God's servants as they try
to make known the ' ' mystery of the Gospel ' ' to those
dark hearts in China.
u
It Shall Not Come Nigh Thee"
Extracts from a diary of Mr. G. W. Hunter, of Tihwafu, in Sinkiang. Sinkiang, in Chinese Turkestan , reaches tight itilo the
heart of Asia. With Tihwafu as his station centre Mr. Hunter is engaged in widespread itinerations throughout these inhospitable
regions. Equipped with portions of Scripture in Chinese, Turki, Mongolian, and Tibetan, and also a Jew thousand tracts in Arabic and
Turki, lie has been journeying many hundreds of miles, during the past year, often experiencing gieat hatdshtp, and at limes danger.
But God has been unto him " a God of deliverances " as these extracts show.
AUGUST 10.— I was told to-day that the head
officials were in great difficulty owing to an ex-
soldier being wrongfully executed by a military
official. At sundown this evening I heard that there
was a crowd of people mobbing the governor's yamen,
and demanding that the military official, who killed the
innocent soldier, should be put to death. When dark
we heard the yelling and shouting of the crowd still
mobbing the governor's yamen. This kept on at inter-
vals from sundown until about eight-thirty. During
the evening we heard that the city jail had been broken
into by the crowd, and the prisoners let loose. About
nine we saw a gleam of light near the hsien magis-
trate's yamen. The place set on fire was the residence
of the head military official of the camp, where the
innocent soldier was executed. Before half of this
building had been burned to the ground, lights were
observed near the governor's yamen. A very short
time after this the greater part of the west street was
in flames. Shouting and yelling, the crowd came on
with lighted torches setting fire to the shops as they
came along the north street where our house is situ-
ated. By this time most of the people had gone on to
the roofs of their houses. I thought sure that our
hall shop would be burnt down, as the landlord is a
Tientsin man ; but strange to say that although shops
on each side of us were set fire to, ours was left un-
touched. The robbers shook the doors, and then
passed on, burning, smashing and shouting as they
went along. As they approached the middle of the
city we heard the report of the firing of guns, and
learned afterwards that the Tientsin merchants had
fired in order to defend their shops. One bullet struck
and killed a robber leader named Wang, and after this
the others were checked in their mad course, not,
however, before they had kindled enough fires to de-
stroy more than half of the most valuable shops in the
city. When the robbers passed our place I was really
afraid ; it was dark, and one did not know who was
friend and who was foe. We were soon in the midst
of roaring flames, shut up and locked in the city, with
no means of escape. Yet the whole night I felt a calm
and a peace which even surprised me. I prayed that
God would stop the ravages of the flames ; I also had
to praise Him for saving us in the midst of an almost
general conflagration.
August 11. — This morning I went on the street to
see the extent of the ruins, and also to see Mr Peter-
son of the Imperial Post Office. The damage done
is certainly very great, probably over two or three
million dollars worth of property has been reduced to
ashes. Last night it seemed as if there were neither
officials, policemen or soldiers in Tihwafu. This
morning fixed bayonets, etc. , are conspicuous on the
streets. The city to-day presents a sombre sight.
vSome Tientsin merchants are to be seen digging in the
debris of their burned property in the hopes of recover-
ing some of the melted silver, copper, etc. ; a crowd
is looking at an unshapely corpse which has been
burned in the flames ; one meets two yamen runners
carrying a man's head on a pole ; towards the after-
noon there is a great gathering of people at the gover-
nor's yamen to witness the execution of ten men con-
nected with the burning of the city. Last night, as
soon as the robber leader was shot, the other robbers
broke the lock of the east city gate and thus made
their escape. The city police and soldiers were called
from their ordinary duty on the streets to protect the
officials and the official yamens.
August 12. — All passed quietly last night and
to-day. The north and south city gates are open.
One feels specially grateful for the prayers of God's
people at times like these. The military officer who
killed the innocent soldier has been publicly executed
this evening.
August 13. — There are rumors to-day about horses
being stolen by the thieves who escaped from the city
the night of the riots. The provincial judge sent his
secretary with a card asking about my welfare, etc.
The head policeman of the district also came to see me.
Four foreign drilled soldiers were sent to guard us.
August 14, Sunday. — All passed quietly to-day
and we had our ordinary morning service.
August 15. — There is a good deal of trouble here
just now owing to the thousands of tael notes issued
by the merchants. All shops of any importance issue
their own tael notes, so that each shop is a private
bank. A number of such shops have now been burned
down. Tihwafu has several times been on the verge
of riot through people with small capital issuing these
notes. Business is at a standstill.
August 16. — There is heavy rain this morning.
The streets are deserted. Yesterday bands of soldiers
paraded the streets everywhere.
"Some are jealous of being successors of the
Apostles. I would rather be a successor of the
Samaritan woman, who, while the Apostles went for
meat and forgot souls, forgot her water-pot in her
zeal to spread the good tidings." — -/. Hudson Taylor.
' ' Study the habit of delight in God. This is a most
valuable law of life. It gets out of our way all unre-
pented sin, all hindrances to fellowship and com-
munion. ' The joy of the Lord is our strength.' '
J. Hudson Taylor.
x 34
China's Millions
REV. S. H. McCLURE
Sailed October n, 1910
MR. E. A. MERIAN
Sailed October 11, 1910
REV. K. B. NAUMANN
Sailed October 11, 1910
A Child's First Offering of Money to China
ON the way to worship one morning I asked my
little boy (of seven years) if he had any-
thing for the offering, and he said "only my
shilling, mother, and I could not put all that in,
could I? I shall want to buy some other things."
This was the first time I was taking him to worship
after he had been through a terrible attack of typhoid
fever, from which illness the Lord had miraculously
brought him through, and I, like Hannah, was wish-
ing to dedicate him afresh to the Lord, offering my
"all," and I felt I would have liked him to have
given his "all." I made a guarded reply in saying
that all money that was given on this morning would
be used for the poor, and the Lord Jesus said what
was given for them would be given to Him, so that,
whatever was given, would be really given to Jesus.
As the meeting came to a close, I saw him bring out
his shilling and waiting for the box to come round
(his little face full of animation, and his eyes spark-
ling) put his shilling into it.
Meeting being over, a lady asked us to drive with
her. Before leaving her, she leaned over and dropped
something into my little boy's coat-pocket, saying
1 That is to get something from me for the voyage" —
we were shortly leaving Canada for England. As
we were going indoors he took the gift out and with
astonished pleasure said, "Mother, I gave my shilling
to Jesus, and He has given me another." (No one
knew, or had heard what had happened previously but
our two selves. )
Yet a greater surprise was in store for him,
when, less than two hours afterwards, our door
bell rang and a small parcel was handed in addressed
to my laddie. I helped him to take off the outer
wrapper, and we found a small sealed cardboard box,
on which was written, " No one but God knows how
much this little box contains, it is the savings of the
small change of our family for some months past for
God's use for His missionary children, and we feel it
should be given to you. ' ' The child's face was a picture
as we undid the box, and out of it came silver and copper
coins. Excitedly he exclaimed: "Just think of it
mother, I gave Jesus my shilling, and He gave me
another shilling, and now He has given me more
money than I can count ! " I told him he must ask
Jesus to guide him about using it, as Jesus had found
him faithful over little things He had now made him
His little steward over much. I said He would per-
haps like some of it used for China. The reply came,
" You shall have it all mother, and take it to the poor
when you go back," and we decided we would pray
and think about it.
Next morning he said, " I don't think I'll give it
all to the poor, mother, I'll put it into three parts,
give one to the poor, one to teach boys about Jesus,
the other part for these boys to have, to buy presents
for other boys." This giving general satisfaction, we
went to see the Secretary of the Mission to talk over
the important matter of my laddie sending this gift to
China at once. He placed the box and its con-
tents into the Secretary's hands, and putting his arms
around the gentleman's neck, whispered into his ear
what he had decided. It was interesting to see the
face of the little one full of emotion, and the veteran's
face breaking into a smile as these confidences went on.
The interview ended by the Secretary saying, " Very
well, we will send it to China the first opportunity and
we will say what you wish done with it."
The friend who dropped that shilling into his
pocket, was, in less than a year afterwards, called up
higher into the presence of ' The Lord of the Harvest. ' '
At the great Harvest ingathering we will learn the
result of the little seed sower's gift, and "the sower
and the reaper will rejoice together."
In the meantime shall we not definitely pray for
the boy life of China, that those who received of my
laddie's "all" may give their "all" to the Savior
and seek to make Him known to others.
China's Millions
i35
In Memoriam — Mr. J. F. Broumton
ON Sunday, Sept. 25th,
at Bath, England, there
passed to his reward a
well - beloved and honored
member of the Mission — Mr.
J. F. Broumton. And surely
he must have been glad to go,
for during recent years he had
such a prolonged and weary
struggle with physical weak-
ness and pain, that the rest
and refreshing and reunion in
the Paradise of God must
have been infinitely welcome.
He has gone to see the Lord
Jesus, face to face, and can
any imaginable experience be
more gloriously blessed than
that.
Mr. Broumton' s term of
service in China extended
over a period of thirty-five
years. He sailed for that land
in 1875 with Mr. Easton.
Chinkiang was reached on
Dec. nth, 1875, and from
there he went first to Wu-
chang, in Hupeh, arriving on
Jan. 16th, 1876. Here, it
would seem, he remained for
a year, studying the language, and generally preparing
for his future work. On Jan. 2nd, 1877, he, and Mr.
Chas. H. Judd, his brother-in-law, started on their
long and dangerous journey through Hunan into the
province of Kweichow. We say "dangerous journey,"
for, as was afterwards discovered, a secret society,
" headed by fifteen of the greatest men in China " —
so the journal reads — had been formed in Hunan for
"the purpose of hindering any foreigner entering or
passing through that province. " It is interesting, in
this connection, to recall an incident quoted by the
Rev. W. G. Lewis, of Bayswater, in his Valedictory
Address to our brethren, Messrs. Broumton and
Easton. Mr. Lewis told this story :— " On Feb. 17th,
1682, when Francis Bamfield was preaching in the
city, a constable came up to him, saying : ' Mr. Bam-
field, I hold a warrant in the name of the Lord Mayor,
to stop you.' ' I hold a warrant from the Lord Maxi-
mus to go on,' was the reply." The Lord Maximus
had bidden Mr. Broumton and Mr. Judd "goon" to
Kweichow, and thus it came about in the month of
February they reached the haven of their desire,
Kweiyang, the capital of Kweichow. Mr. Broumton
wrote on Feb. 20th announcing their safe arrival.
Mr. Judd remained with him only a short time, and
the young missionary was then left alone, the one
solitary witness for Christ among seven and a half
millions of people. For close upon eight years —
from February, 1877, to September, 1884 — Mr. Broum-
ton labored, with more or less encouraging success in
Kweiyang and district. First as a single man, and
then, after his marriage in the spring of 1881, with
Mrs. Broumton, whose sudden death from cholera in
MR. J. F. BROUMTON
the early summer of 1902,
was the great sorrow of his
life. Our brother was much
interested in the aboriginal
tribes of Kweichow, and
greatly desired to work among
them. Indeed, the first Miao
Christians, a man, his wife,
and a boy, were baptized by
him. But he was not per-
mitted to remain in the pro-
vince. In the autumn of
1884, ill-health necessitated
his return to the coast. The
visible results of Mr. and Mrs.
Broumton's ministry in Kwei-
yang and district were, when
they left, sixteen church mem-
bers (eighteen had been bap-
tized from the commencement
of the work), three of whom
were Miao converts ; and a
girls' school of fifteen pupils.
Six of the elder girls in this
school were baptized by Mr.
Broumton the year he left his
station. The present church
membership at Kweiyang is
sixty-three, but one hundred
and thirty have been baptized
since the work began. The work among the
aborigines, which had its beginning in those three
Miao-tze baptized by Mr. Broumton nearly twenty-eight
years ago, has in recent years developed amazingly in
the province. After a furlough of only a few months'
duration, our brother returned, with his wife, to
China. On arrival there he was asked to undertake the
important work of Treasurer of the Mission in China,
and was stationed first for a short time at Wuchang,
and afterwards at Shanghai, where eighteen years ago
he was appointed a member of the China Council.
At the Saturday afternoon prayer meeting follow-
ing his decease, Mr. Hoste made most appreciative
reference to his long and valuable ministry. ' ' I con-
sider it fitting," Mr. Hoste said, "that as in the
presence of God, thankful acknowledgment should be
made here of the value of Mr. Broumton's services to the
Mission. For long years he served as Treasurer in China
with remarkable devotion, loyalty, real self-sacrifice,
and ability. He was most accurate and painstaking,
working frequently late into the night when the duties
of his department so required it. In large measure,
indeed, he wore himself out in the work of the Mission.
His personal kindness and sympathy, and his ready
willingness to help his brethren, will be gratefully
remembered by very many members of the Mission."
May we, who remain, follow him, as he followed
Christ, humbly, loyally, faithfully, seeking not great
things for ourselves, but " content to fill a little space
if He be glorified." We pray for Mrs. C. H. Judd,
Sen., the sister of our departed brother, and for all
who mourn for him, that in their sorrow they may be
greatly comforted of God.
i^6
China's Millions
Editorial Notes
THE weekly prayer meeting at Philadelphia has
been resumed for the winter. We earnestly
invite all of our praying friends in the locality
to attend the meetings, as often as they find it possible.
Such persons have a great ministry to offer to God and
men at these times of intercession, and we long to see
our gatherings made, in this way, a place of power.
The meetings are held on Friday afternoons, from
4 to 5. 15, at 1329 Walnut Street.
For the sake of those in the States who may desire
to purchase, for Christmas and Easter use, cards
bearing Scripture texts, we have imported from Eng-
land a large number of the well-known Mildmay Text
Cards. The cards of the present year are particularly
beautiful, and few presents could be more acceptable
and useful. The cards are in various sizes and are
sold at various prices. Orders may be placed at our
Philadelphia book-room.
For a number of years past, Mr. Frost has been in
the habit of writing verses, expressive of his spiritual
experiences. Lately, these have been gathered into a
connected whole, and they have been published by
Messrs. Morgan and Scott, of London, under the title
of, " Pilgrim Songs." Copies of this book are now
for sale at the offices of the Mission, and by the Gospel
Publishing House, New York. Further particulars
are given in the advertisement upon the last page of
this paper.
It is a cause to us of much rejoicing to learn that
our Australian friends have had long-deferred prayer
answered in the recent gift of a Mission Home. For
years past they have felt the need of such a Home at
Melbourne, and have prayed for it. But their faith
and patience were much tried, for the years went by,
with the need becoming more acute, and yet with no
apparent answer from God. But now, they have the
satisfaction of knowing by blessed experience that,
while God may remain silent, He does not forget, and
that His answers are well worth waiting for. The
house which has been secured is a large one and it is
situated in quite an extensive piece of ground, allow-
ing of present usefulness, and, if need be, of future
expansion. How good our Father is, from first to
last, to this Mission, and how impartial He is in His
gifts as related to the different parts of the work.
Whether in one homeland or another, or whether in
one part of China or another, it is ever the same, He
proves Himself to be the faithful Creator. We praise
Him for every mercy, and particularly now, for this
last mercy shown to our brethren in Australia.
Word has just reached us that Mr. J. F. Broum-
ton, who served for many years as Treasurer of the
Mission at Shanghai, has fallen asleep in Christ. Our
brother passed from this life to the life beyond, upon the
evening of September 25. He had been residing for
some time at Bath, England, and was under the care
there of the kind and expert physician, Dr. Wilson
Smith. The treatment received had been beneficial to
him, and it was hoped that his life would be spared.
But this last was not to be, for our beloved brother
was suddenly taken worse, became unconscious, and
passed away in a few hours. For him, it is " far
better," and we can but rejoice, in view of his great
physical weariness, that he is at rest and in the presence
of the Lord whom he loved. We bespeak the prayers
of our friends for the four sisters who are left.
A prayer which should be frequently offered by
those who are interested in China is to the effect that
God will develop a strong and an independent native
church in that land. The missionaries have been and
are a necessity in China. But their presence and
ministry there, almost necessarily, have tended some-
what toward begetting among the Chinese Christians
a spirit of dependence, and, therefore, of weakness.
The time has come now, when the development ought
to be in an opposite direction. And a prayer which
should accompany this is that God will raise up from
among the Chinese Christians wise and strong evan-
gelists and pastors, who shall be able to guide and
build up the native church, and who shall be instruc-
tors of all other leaders who may follow them. It will
be on these lines that the most effective and extensive
work will be accomplished in China, and we shall do
well if we make such plans the burden of our prayers.
The cry of " China for the Chinese " is a somewhat
dangerous one from a political standpoint ; but it has
a large element of truth and blessing in it from a
spiritual standpoint.
"They also that erred in spirit shall come to
understanding ; and they that murmured shall learn
doctrine." (Isaiah 29 : 24.) What a heartening
thing the Word of God is. It is because the God
of the Word is so infinitely compassionate and for-
giving. Other systems of religion make short work
of the man who fails. But the Gospel, which is
above them all and whose ideal is as high as heaven,
stoops lower than them all and reaches even the one
who is of the earth earthy. And this is just where
the above verse finds and meets us ; for what one
of us has not erred from the way of God and mur-
mured against His person ? Thus, there is the
promise that we shall come to understanding and
shall learn right doctrine, in spite of every mistake
and sin, and hence, we have a right to go straight on
in life and service. Some of the old Chinese
women, after failing to learn their Scripture les-
sons, will exclaim: "Foreign teacher you must
tell me again ; I am so stupid." It is likely that
this will have to be our attitude of confession toward
God. At the same time, our Father is willing to
teach even the stupid ones, "line upon line and
precept upon precept." Let us not be discouraged,
therefore, in our lives and service. Our chief con-
cern should be, first, to confess our mistakes and
sins, and then to learn from them what God
would teach us through them. It will be thus that
we shall discover that the Lord is more than a ruler ;
that also, He is a mighty over ruler.
CHINA'S MILLIONS
TORONTO, DECEMBER, 1910
The Harvest of Self-will
BY MR. D. E. HOSTE
" Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee." — GENESIS 3:18.
THE above words describe one sure result of dis-
content with a divinely-appointed limitation,
and of self-willed efforts on the part of man to
obtain that which was not in the purpose and will of
God. He must have fruit, whether forbidden or not ;
and lo ! he finds that he has but obtained a harvest of
thorns.
It is to be observed that the fruit of the tree of
knowledge of good and evil, which was the subject of
the divine prohibition, was not in itself bad or unde-
sirable ; on the contrary, it had been created by the
Lord and was, therefore, "very good." Whether in
course of time our first parents would have been per-
mitted to partake of the fruit, it is impossible to say,
as the Holy Scriptures are silent on the point. How-
ever that may be, the solemn lesson is the same, as we
contemplate the consequences that flowed from that act
of disobedience. It is well to take to heart and con-
stantly to bear in mind the practical application to our-
selves of this lesson as we pass through life, and to take
heed lest at any time we should grasp at some prospect
or some advantage which it is not in the purpose of our
heavenly Father for us to possess and enjoy. The
question, be it repeated, is not as to the intrinsic good-
ness, or otherwise, of a particular object, but rather
whether it be God's choice and appointment for us.
Students of Scripture are familiar with the contrast
presented between the first Adam and the Second in
this regard. We find the first placed in a garden and
surrounded by all that could minister to his wants and
gratify his tastes, one single limitation alone being
placed upon him. Our Lord, on the contrary, is led by
the Holy Ghost into the wilderness to endure the pangs
of hunger, and to experience the apparent forgetfulness
and neglect of His bodily needs by His heavenly Father.
It was His, in obedient faith and perfect patience, to
accept His circumstances of want and privation and to
wait patiently until such time as His Father sent relief.
We know that the essence of the Satanic temptation lay
not in any intrinsic wrong attached to the act of turning
stone into bread, but in the departure from this attitude,
which such an act would involve. The Christian must
expect to be confronted with this temptation in one
form or another, not once only but many times, as he
passes through life, and he needs to recognize that it is
no sign of his heavenly Father's displeasure if he, too,
is at times suffered to hunger ; for it was, indeed, just
after the Lord Jesus had received the testimony that
He pleased God that this experience was sent to
Him.
It is possible in this connection to be a " stony
ground hearer," that is, we may at one time honestly
and with joy receive the word of His teaching, and yet
later on, fail before further temptations brought by
new circumstances in life. How important for us so
to be walking with God that the senses are exercised
to discern between good and evil, and thus be pre-
served from the allurements that would turn us from
the path of the divine will.
For instance, is it not sadly true that many a har-
vest of ' ' thorns and thistles ' ' has been reaped by sor-
rowing parents through failure in this important
point ? The Scriptures record as one of the previous
sins of Israel, that "they made their children go
through the fire to Moloch " : and may not something
of the same iniquity lurk in parents allowing such
considerations as social advancement and better pros-
pects in this life unduly to influence them in their
arrangements for the education and starting in life of
their children, whilst the claims of their spiritual
interests are practically given a secondary place ?
The action of Joseph in regard to his two sons is a
striking instance of a parent observing the will of
God and holding fast to it in spite of great tempta-
tions in the opposite direction. It was obviously open
to Joseph to found a great house in Egypt, and start
his sons in careers of influence and honor in what
was then the dominant power of the world. But we
find him bringing them to the feet of Jacob, and cast-
ing in their lot with the humble, alien shepherds liv-
ing entirely outside the great world of Egypt. It is
noticeable that in Hebrews 11:21 the blessing of these
sons of Joseph is recorded as the outstanding act of
faith in the life of Jacob, showing that he participated
with Joseph in the choice thus made.
Again, in regard to the acquisition of wealth, how
many have proved that riches are "deceitful," and
how often has the desire for them injured the spiritual
life ! Not, be it repeated, that wealth in itself is an
evil ; on the contrary, it may and should be a means
of great good ; the practical danger is lest the heart
become ensnared with the desire for it, and thus it
gradually usurps the place which the Lord and His
interests should have. The warning conveyed by our
Lord Himself in His parable of the man who pulled
down his barns and built larger, and also the numerous
exhortations in the Scriptures to be content with
such things as we have, need ever to be borne in
mind. We may well ponder the words with which
our Lord closes the account of this man — esteemed,
doubtless, by his fellow-men as able and prosperous —
but described by God as " a fool," with the added
comment, "so is he that layeth up treasure for him-
self and is not rich toward God."
i3«
China's Millions
Missions and Rationalistic Criticism
EXTRACTS FROM AN ADDRESS BY THE REV. A. T. PIERSON, D.D.
WE have watched for fifty years the growth of
" higher criticism," and with increasing con-
viction that it is permeated with rationalism
and naturalism, and imperils both sound doctrine and
pious practice, and is especially fraught with risk to
missions.
To begin with, " the gospel of the Fatherhood of
God and the brotherhood of man " is, to our minds,
a very elusive, if not delusive, doctrine. That there
is a natural relation of man to God as creative Father,
there is no doubt ; for " we are also His offspring ; "
but our Lord teaches plainly that sin has perverted
this natural relationship, as there is alienation and
practical destruction of the filial bond, and that instead
of God, the Devil is rather the spiritual father of
sinning humanity ; and hence the need of a new birth
from above — a spiritual regeneration — to constitute
man the spiritual child and son of God.* So, like-
wise, a new spiritual brotherhood of men is constituted
by this new Fatherhood of God in Christ and by the
Holy Spirit. We much fear that this preaching of
divine Fatherhood and human brotherhood, without
proper lines of discrimination between what was
originally natural and creative, and what is spiritual
and redemptive, only tends to exalt and flatter the
natural and carnal man and encourage human pride
and self-righteousness ; and make Christian character
more a development of something already found in
universal humanity than the planting of God that He
might be glorified. It is those who receive Christ
who also receive the right to become children of God.t
To teach a heathen that God is his Father and man
his brother may lead him to infer that he needs no new
and divine birth to make him a child of God, or bind
him to other regenerate sons of God in a true brother-
hood. What we fear is the exaltation of natural
religion and the practical displacement of the super-
natural.
As to the "evolutionary hypothesis," whatever it
may be considered in the province of science — though
even there not a few of its advocates confess that it is an
" unproven theory," and at best only a "working
hypothesis ' ' — in the department of history, and especi-
ally of religion, we regard it as not only unproven but
as very misleading and dangerous. If there be any-
thing inseparable from Biblical teaching, there are two
great positions without which Biblical history and
theology fall into chaos : one is that the human race
began on a comparatively high level and sank to a
lower in the fall of man through sin ; and, second,
that in Jesus Christ we have a perfect man — the God-
man — not a product of evolution, or a sort of excep-
tional freak of nature in giving us, in advance, a kind
of anticipation of the final product, but a divinely per-
fect humanity due to a vital union of the Spirit of God
with the seed of the woman.
These two Scriptural positions are so diametrically
opposite and opposed to the teachings and inferences
of evolution that it is necessary to choose between
them ; combination and compromise are simply
'John 8 : 44.
fjohn 1 : \2.
impracticable and impossible ; and it is becoming
more and more apparent that between the two there
can be no wedlock. If this doctrine of evolution is
right, Scripture is wrong, Adam is a myth, and a
Simian ancestor must take the place of the first man.
And a more serious inference must follow as to the
second man. He is not the last Adam, but, however
comparatively perfect, only a sort of premature and
exceptional development on the way to the final and
full-orbed perfection. He was imperfect alike in
knowledge and virtue, however much in both respects
in advance of his day. This theory is an easy way to
account for our Lord's so-called mistakes of ignorance
and judgment in teaching and practice ; but while it
affords an explanation of supposed errors, unhappily
it is utterly destructive of all His claims to Deity or
infallibility and finality as a preacher or even exemplar.
His claims as a universal and only Savior from sin
become, if not audacious assumptions, at best mistaken
self- persuasions.
We happen to have from all quarters unmistakable
testimony to the destructive influence of these views
upon the faith of the new converts in heathen lands,
and the very existence of the native church. One
conspicuous missionary in India writes of seeing the
rapid decay of faith in the Bible and the deity of Christ
where these views are taught. It is a conspicuous
fact that when a very prominent higher critic
.recently visited India he was approached by the most
successful Indian evangelist in the presidency and
frankly told that the views he taught and embodied in
his books were actually undermining the faith of con-
verts all over India. He was so much impressed that
he called together the missionaries of the city and
locality and besought them not to promulgate these
zn'ews he had advocated!
We are persuaded that much Biblical criticism in
these days is reckless on the one hand, and distinctly
rationalistic and naturalistic on the other. No one
can study its history without seeing that it is very
largely led by professed unbelievers and skeptics.
There has been, at the bottom of it, a determined pur-
pose, or at best an unconscious bias, in the direction
of a desire to eliminate the supernatural in both
prophecy and miracle. To eliminate this is to reduce
the Bible to the level of other books and make «it no
more, at best, than the foremost human product of
religious literature. And it must not be forgotten
that the high claims of the word of God to divine
authority, if unsupported, only sink it to a lower level
than other books by the collapse of its unsupported
assumptions. How can it be the supreme human book
if at bottom its claims are either imprudently arrogant,
or mistakenly confident, or fraudulently false ! If
Moses was a myth and the whole Levitical order a
post-exilic invention and fabrication ; if there is no
proper prediction in the Old Testament beyond a
sagacious human forecast ; if the Old Testament
miracles are folklore or traditional exaggerations of
natural occurrences ; if Christ taught as He believed
and was taught, but was Himself a victim of prevail-
ing ignorance and popular tradition, then the Bible
China's Millions
i39
Photo by]
A VIEW OF YENCHOW. CHEKIANG
[Air. C. Faircloitgh
ceases to be the final authority in faith and practice,
and each man's reason and conscience become the
final arbiter of truth and duty.
How these "newer views" and "new knowledge"
can advance missions we are at a loss to comprehend.
We had always supposed that the unique claim of
missions was based upon the infallible authority of
Christ and the Scriptures on the one hand, and the
indispensable proclamation of His salvation on the
other. If all even of His teaching were marred by
uncertainty and error, and all religions are simply steps
and stages in evolving a final faith and character, why
expend thousands of lives and millions of money in
carrying the Gospel to the ends of the earth ! Why
not let the race evolve toward perfection !
Before dismissing this theme we are constrained to
add a few facts which are very significant :
1. Some prominent advocates of evolution have
actualh T become its antagonists. There has been a
marked reaction
against it as a
' ' scientific cer-
tainty."
2. Every new
discovery in the line
of archeology has
confirmed and vin-
dicated instead of
impairing and con-
demning the Scrip-
ture statements.
When the stones
cry out, it is as a
witness for the
Word of God even
■where it was sup-
posed that mistakes
were most obvious.
3. Wherever
the "higher criti-
cal " views most
strongly obtain
there has been a
loss of spiritual
Photo by]
A COUNTRY CHAPEL IN CHEKIANG
power. Especially do we know of no missionary whose
impulse toward the world's evangelization has been
quickened by the reception of these newer views.
4. The constant tendency of our day is toward
loss of all external authority in religion ; and toward
a kind of intellectual and moral anarchy where, as in
the days of the Judges, there is no king to command
and compel, but every man does that which is right in
his own eyes.
How anything but evil can be the outcome of such
teaching we can not imagine, except as good is devel-
oped by compelling more intelligent and independent
search into truth and more persistent and consistent
opposition to error and evil. Perhaps, too, much of
our faith and conduct have been the result of tradition.
We have believed because others have believed and
done what others have done before us. Nothing will
do so much to correct misleading views of Scripture as
a devout and prayerful habit of close Bible search.
Particularly do
we feel convinced
that the motive and
impulse which,
since Paul's day,
have constrained
the greatest evan-
gelists of all ages,
and has driven the
hosts of missionar-
ies to the ends of
the earth, have
been the solemn
acceptance of the
twofold declaration
of Scripture that
' 'death passed upon
all men for that all
have sinned ; ' ' and
that he that believ-
eth in the Son hath
everlasting life,
" neither is there
salvation in any
[Mr. C. Fairc/ough Other."
140
China's Millions
Idolatry — A Word Picture
(A Unique Opportunity for Making Known the Gospel)
BY REV. E. G. BEVIS
EVANGELIST
SITUATED in
the north sub-
urb of Chen-
chovvfu, Honan, is
a mound which is
reputed to be the
grave of the ancient
emperor, Fuh Hsi,
who lived from
2953 to 2838 B.C.
He is believed to
be our first ances-
tor, and is wor-
shiped by multi-
tudes from all parts
of the country,
some worshipers
coming a distance
of one hundred
miles. This great
fair, as it is called,
is held in the second
moon of each year
and lasts for nearly
a month. A glance at the preparations for this event
will help us to understand the awful spiritual condition
here in China, even in this, the year of our
Lord 19 10.
A large number of stalls and booths were erected
on the grounds in such a way as to form streets, where
business men aud traders stock their goods. With the
exception of the main avenue leading to the temple,
the vast area of eighty acres was turned into a mina-
ture town. This was kept clear this year, because,
during the last fair, fire broke out and destroyed a
valuable pavilion. Inns and temporary dwelling
places were prepared all over the suburb, and eating
booths were everywhere in evidence. Crude toys in
great variety, incense and fire crackers, abounded.
Vendors of quack medicines, acrobats, tricksters,
thieves, fortune-tellers, ballad-singers, beggars, were
gathered from all points of the compass. Gamblers
had large tables at the main entrance to the temples,
and at every turn the click of dice and rattle of cash
could be heard. Side shows and a foreign gramophone
stand were prominent attractions ; in short, every
device for making money and hoodwinking the public
was there. A tent in the main avenue was erected
for the expositors of the sacred edict, where generally
three orators held forth on the duties of family rela-
tionship, "superior and inferior." The tent was
faced with a large colored painting on canvass which
depicted the above, while underneath were the eighteen
chambers of purgatory which I suppose were meant to
portray the fate of those who failed to perform these
duties !
The heresy of the Seventh Day Adventists was
established in a tent on the road leading to the suburb,
but they evidently found preaching to the heathen
uncongenial, for they soon disappeared ; however,
not before they had sold numbers of copies of the
"Signs of the Times," containing expositions on
Daniel and Revelation.
This fair constitutes the crowning act of devotion
of the year for the multitudes in Central Honan.
Truly it is a masterpiece of Satan ! A jumble of
religion, business, pleasure, and vice. We so often
remarked to the people, "what could you expect
here but delusion and evil. ' '
On every road leading to Chenchowfu were to be
seen trains of rough country carts, burdened princi-
pally with women and girls, who are the chief wor-
shipers. These poured their thousands into the fair,
and for twenty odd days and nights an almost endless
stream passed up the avenue to the temple ; and as end-
less as the stream was the sound of music, beating of
gongs, letting off of firecrackers, accompanied by men
who operated long, colored dragons and tigers. Then
followed the devout prostrations, and the burning of
incense and paper. The din and confusion baffles all
description — and this is worship ! Surely hell hath
enlarged her mouth ! What a contrast to the pure
and spiritual worship of Jehovah.
As it was our privilege to organize for Gospel work
at this great idolatrous center, we were early on the
scene, and secured a splendid position on the main
avenue where all the idolators passed. We erected a*
large mat tent capable of housing a number of men ; to
this a large canopy was added and forms arranged.
The large characters, " Gospel Pulpit," and the text,
1 Timothy 1 : 15, on canvass were hung in a prominent
position in front, while colored parables formed the
background ; and before the raised platform a table
of Scripture portions was placed. As our force of
of workers was wholly inadequate, help was solicited
from other stations, and in response, ten evangelists and
preachers came from Chowkiakow, four from Taikang,
three from Sihwa, two from Kaifeng, who together
with our own four evangelists and six other preachers,
a total of thirty men, spent various periods of time in
strenuous preaching of the Word. Mrs. Mathews of
Sihwa and Mrs. Bevis, together with two bible-women
and a number of others experienced in preaching,
did work among the women both at our hall and at
the fair. Every day we put up a moveable tent lower
down the avenue and also had two or more other
stands for preaching. At our street chapel preaching
continued all day and up till late at night with relays
of workers, thus enabling us to reach large num-
bers. At the main tent, speaker followed speaker
all day, and by lantern light till nearly midnight.
God worked in a remarkable way, so that large num-
bers assented to the message of God, and not a few
decided to renounce idolatry and turn to God. The
interest was so deep and sincere that all the workers
were impressed. Habit and custom still have a
terrible hold on this people, but they are realizing
that the old fountains are dry, and are ready
for better things. The combined force of laborers
spent three hundred and seventy-five days of work, a
year's work in a month. A unique opportunity, the
results of which only eternity will reveal.
China's Millions
141
Mrs. Liu's Conversion
BY MRS. A. ARG8NTO, KWANGCHOW, HONAN
AMONGST the women attending the meetings at
Kwangehow was an old vegetarian lady named
Mrs. Liu, who was seventy-three years of age.
Her daughter-in-law, who had attended the meetings
for a long time, tried to persuade Mrs. Liu to come to
hear the Gospel— but it seemed to be in vain. The
old lady was one who would not easily give up the
doctrine of her ancestors. However, after a few
months, she yielded to her daughter-in-law, and from
that time came regularly to the meetings, but did not
seem to want to have any intercourse with us.
One morning, on my way to the school, I heard a
voice within me saying: "Go to see Mrs. Liu just
now. " Thinking it was merely a thought of my own
which flashed through my
mind, I went on, paying no
attention to it, but again the
voice seemed to say : ' ' Go to
see Mrs. Liu." I hesitated,
and began to reason with
myself, thinking that she, as
usual, did not wish to see me,
and on the other hand, that
I had so much to do. So I
tried to forget the voice, but
again I heard it, and this time
much clearer and stronger.
Being sure now that the com-
mand came from above, I
made preparations for my
visit and when ready called
to my bible-woman to accom-
pany me ; she, naturally, was
rather surprised to find me
going at that time of the day.
Arriving at Mrs. Liu's
home, we called her name but
did not receive an answer.
We entered and found the
small room empty — but in
one corner, separated from
the first room by a couple of
screens, we found Mrs. Liu on
her bed . We greeted her and
told her that we had come to
see her, and she at once got
up to receive us, and offered
us seats. After a few ques-
tions about her health and so
on, I began to tell her that we had come on purpose
to tell her about the living God, and that God had
sent His Son to suffer and die for us, and that " who-
soever believeth on Him should not perish, but have
everlasting life. ' ' As she listened to our message her
face suddenly changed ; she seemed like one waking
from a dream, and exclaimed : " Is it true what you
say ? Is it true that the Son of God died for me, and
that if I believe on Him I shall be saved?" Using
my Bible I sought to assure her that it was true and
after a while her face became radiant with joy — that
face which before was so wrinkled, so dark, and hope-
less. She then said: "Do tell me again and again
that Jesus died for me. Remember I am over seventy-
three years old — do not tell me much — I am so forget-
ful — but tell me the same words over and over again."
Again I quoted from the Scriptures, verses about the
love of Jesus to us while we were yet sinners, and she
said: " But when you in foreign countries knew all
this, when you knew how to obtain ' peace,' and knew
how to obtain forgiveness of your sins, why did you
delay so long before coming to tell us ? Why did you
not come before ? I have never heard anything like
this — do tell it again. For over forty years I tried to
find peace for my soul, and relief from the burden of
sin, going on my small feet from temple to temple,
reading prayers, abstaining from meat, etc. , but never
found peace — and now I am
so happy."
From that time she be-
came a true-hearted Christ-
ian, and destroyed all her
idols. Whenever she came
to the meetings it was her
constant wish that I should
repeat the old story that
Jesus died for her lest she
should forget it. On the
day of her baptism she said :
" I do not know much — but
this I know that Jesus died
for me."
As for myself, I cannot
express the joy which filled
my heart. It seemed as if
heaven had opened to me.
Dear friends, let us constant-
ly and prayerfully remember
our dear brothers and sisters
in China.
A WOMAN OF M
(One who knows tha
RS. LIUS TYPE
t Jesus died for her)
An Appeal to the British
Nation
This appeal is in har-
mony with the action of the
National Assembly and was
cabled from Peking to the
Christian Union for the Sup-
pression of the Opium
Traffic, of which Mr. B.
Broomhall is the Honorary
Secretary. The cable read as follows: "Peking,
November 14th. National Anti-Opium Society formed.
Members of National Assembly appeal to British Nation
to free China from Opium Treaty immediately and pro-
hibit importation." What is to be the attitude of the
British people towards such an appeal ? In face of what
China has accomplished, and in view of the rising tide
of China's national life, it is to be hoped that Great
Britian will take more drastic steps towards the a boli-
tion of this trade than have yet been indicated. It is of
supreme importance, quite apart from the moral aspects
of the question, that we should not alienate the sympath-
ies or quench the zeal of the Chinese people at this time.
142
China's Millions
Origin and Object
(The Burrows Bible Training School at Nanchang, Kiangsi)
BY MRS. W. S. HORNE
MR. AND MRS. HORNE AND THE ELEVEN STUDENTS
HOW I should like if you could at this present
moment look in at the classroom door or win-
dow of the Bible Training School ! You would
see twelve men, each one sitting at a separate table,
earnestly bent over a book. Eleven of these you can
distinctly see are Chinese, while the one facing the
eleven is their missionary teacher. They are all
studying, contrary to the Chinese custom without a
sound, their lesson for to-morrow ; it is "preparation
hour," and they are studying the Word of God. You
may be interested to learn something of the history of
the school. Whilst the name which it bears tells its
object.
Years ago the call to work in China came to
Lieutenant Burrows, of the Prince of Wales yacht,
he applied to the China Inland Mission and was
accepted. It has been said of our late King Edward
the Seventh, who was then Prince of Wales, that when
any religious subject was being discussed in His
Majesty's presence, he would remark: "You ask
Burrows about that, he knows all about those
things."
Upon his arrival in China, Mr. Burrows was
appointed to a station in the north, but after a short
service there his health failed and he was advised to
go back to his native land. He still longed to spend
his, perhaps few, remaining years for the people of
China, so returned and was sent south to our Kiangsi
province, being stationed in this city, the capital of
the province. He was only permitted to live and
labor on for two years or so, then his call to higher
service came.
Now this school has been built to his memory by
his brother and sister, who are in England, and it is
called " Burrows Memorial Bible Training School. "
The first page of the prospectus, ( which my husband
prepared and sent out before the school was opened)
will give you a definite idea of what kind of men enter
the school, so I herewith copy it for you to read :
"Design. The great design of the school is the
training of consecrated men as Christian workers and
helpers. It is intended for those who are believed to
have been called of God to Christian service, and who
desire a fuller knowledge of the Bible. For these the
school aims to furnish a thorough and systematic
training in the knowledge of the Bible. It is also
sought that the students should go forth to their work
with an intense love for souls, and full realization of
the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in their life
and service. The vital importance of prayer and
intercession in connection with the ministry of the
Word will be emphasized, and effort made to lead the
students into a deep and strong prayer life.
Admission. While primarily intended for the
better equipment of those who are likely to be paid
helpers, the school is open to all who have a real desire
for a fuller knowledge of the Bible. Candidates for
admission must however be recommended by the mis-
sionary in charge of the station or district from which
he comes, as possessing an approved Christian char-
acter and giving promise of usefulness in the Lord's
service. They should be able to read and write and
take notes with some degree of facility. They are
required to have some knowledge of the Bible, to be
studious and teachable. They should not be under
twenty nor over fifty years of age. All students are
expected to spend some part of their time in preach-
ing, conducting Gospel services in the chapels or on
the streets, conversing with enquirers, and other kinds
of Christian work. This work will be carried on
under direction of the missionary teacher.
Course of Study. The full course of study
extends over two years. The instruction is Biblical
and practical and has for its special aim these three
great ends ; a consecrated, prayerful life, an adequate
knowledge of the Word of God, and the effective use
of the Holy Scriptures in Christian service."
At present the school year has been at work
twenty-seven days ; the term having begun on
September the first. My husband has great joy
in teaching them because they are so eager to
learn. We do praise the Lord for this oppor-
tunity of having His Word the more fully under-
stood by these believing Christian men, and it is
our earnest desire and prayer that they may be chan-
nels of usefulness in the present and future of the
Lord's work wherever it is His plan for them to serve
Him.
This is only the second term, the school was
first opened March the tenth, of this year. Four of
this term's students were here at the first, and two
of the number have entered for the full course,
while three of the new scholars have come with the
same expectation, for which we are thankful. Please
pray for the Lord's richest blessing to be upon each
student and on their teacher and leader.
China's Millions
H3
A First Service
BY REV. E. A. BROWNXEE, KIANFU, KIANGSI
TO escape the
intense heat,
we have spent
some weeks at a
summer house on
the hills in connec-
tion with the Yung-
sin station in
Kiangsi. A preach-
ing hall has recent-
ly been rented in
Yungling, a small
walled city, four
miles away, nestled
in a valley among
the hills. The
opening service was
held on Sunday,
August twenty-
eight. We started
in the early morn-
ing to avoid the
heat, a party of
six foreigners in
all. Down, down
we went one thou-
sand five hundred
feet on a series of
stone steps, built
probably one thou-
sand years ago. On
our way we passed several places where the road had
been broken up four years ago by an unfriendly man-
darin at Yungling, who hoped by the inconvenience
thus caused to rouse against the foreigners, who had
built the summer house on the hilltop, the indignation
of the hundreds of Chinese who pass over this main
highway between Yungsin in Kiangsi and the province
of Hunan. Instead, the indignation turned against
the mandarin himself ; he being subsequently removed,
and the road repaired. Reaching the plain, we wound
around among the rice fields, here and there passing
groves of Cyprus, and occasionally an orange or pumelo
tree in fruit. Entering the quaint little city, we found
at the preaching hall upwards of one hundred
people gathered, all of them heathen, with the excep-
tion of the one Christian man in Yungling, and a few
native Christians from a neighboring city. The people
listened for an hour and three quarters to the singing
and speaking with as much decorum as could be
expected from those who know absolutely nothing
about a religious service, and who were far more intent
on seeing the strange foreigner than on hearing any-
thing that was said. Three foreigners and four
Chinese Christians spoke, and by each the story of God's
love and Christ's death for men was told, admonishing
their people who walk in darkness, to enter a brighter,
better way. It was virgin soil, many of those who
listened were hearing for the first time the glad news
with which we have been familiar from the cradle.
God grant that into some of these hearts the seed of
truth may fall as into fertile ground. This was the
A LAKE SCENE
first service of its kind ever held in the city of Yung-
ling, although evangelists had formerly preached on the
streets. Occasionally a service had been led by a
passing foreigner, in the home of the one Christian in
the city, but never before had a regularly appointed
service been held in a building rented for the purpose.
It marks the breaking down of some of the local pre-
judice that such a building could be secured.
This is all a very simple story in itself, one that
could be duplicated indefinitely in every heathen land.
Yet every such incident is the planting of another out-
post in the name of Christ the Conqueror. One by
one they are opened, these centers from which radiate
the light and truth of God. Throughout the length
and breadth of the land they spread, each one a point
of contact between Christ and the world He came to
save. Let the outpost line sweep on, till little by little,
or, if it be His will, by more glorious bursts of con-
quest, this great eastern empire.be laid at the feet of
Him of whom from of old it was written, " the root
of Jesse, which standeth for an ensign of the peoples,
unto Him shall the nations seek."
" Our union with Christ is a precious truth about
which we cannot be too fully informed and convinced.
It is a fact, not a feeling. A man is as much one
with his wife when asleep as when awake, when
abroad as when at home. Consciousness and enjoy-
ment may spring from it, but neither constitute it or
contribute towards it : it is independent of both." — J.
Hudson Taylor.
i 4 4
China's Millions
An Echo From Nineteen Hundred
BY MR. E. O. BARBER
Photo by] A HILLSIDE VIEW {Mr. J. H. Melloiv
OF THE YUTEOHO MILLS IN SHANSI
Some of our missionaries rented one of these to use as a cool retreat during
the summer.
Photo by] THE COURTYARD [Mr. J. H. Melloiv
OF THE MILL RENTED BY THE MISSIONARIES
There are about seventy of these mills in the valley, all run by water power.
They make quite a lot of flour.
FAR off in distant Shansi, in the village of U-ri,
Mrs. Meng sits weaving cloth on a cumbrous
household loom. It is tedious work, involving
time and patience and often at the expense of an
aching back at the close of the long days work. But
a goodly roll of cloth at the rear of the loom indicates
that the work is nearly done and that the time has
come to cut the threads and remove the cloth. It is
not as white as it might be and there are queer little
knots and disfigurements here and there, but it is the
best she can do with such poor materials and appliances.
Perhaps she sighs as she compares it with the spotless
white, regular woven, foreign cloth which the local
store keeper has just procured from the far off city on
the sea.
It will soon be finished ; the stillness is broken
by the regular clank of the pedals and the swish of
the shuttle as it swiftly passes from hand to hand —
how like the moments of her life, so soon, like the
cloth, to be cut off and taken from the loom.
But other sounds are mingling with the clanking
of the loom and she pauses to listen. These are
troublous days in Shansi, especially for those who
would weave fair cloth. The tumult increases, the
sounds come nearer and are more distinct — alas! such
sounds had become only too familiar in the village of
U-ri and full well does she know their meaning. And
then the work goes on again — clank, swish, clank,
swish — and now a crowd of fierce faces appear in the
darkened doorway. " What do they want ? " Little
need to ask. " Will you deny your faith in Jesus ? "
"Wait till I get down from the loom," shecalmly replies.
Having done so, without a word she quietly goes to
the large press where Chinese households keep the
clothing that is reserved for high days and holidays
and putting on her best garments, as do those about
to enter the unseen world, turns and kneeling before
the Boxers says, "Now you may do as you please fori
will not deny Jesus." A few quick movements and
the threads are severed in the loom and Mrs. Meng's
weaving is completed. In some respects it may not
be of as fine a texture as foreign cloth, but it was
stouter in fibre, it may have been greyer in shade and
narrower in width, perhaps there were knots that dis-
figured its fair surface, but with such crude impliments
and so few opportunities it was the best that could be
done under the circumstances, and she " loved not her
life even unto death."
Her son, Lai-ken, a bright little Christian, twelve
years old, was hurriedly caught up by a friendly
neighbor and carried off. The poor child, terrified at
the time, has been so influenced by heathen relatives
that although several attempts have since been made
to reach him they have hitherto been unsuccessful.
Even the government indemnity lies untouched owing
to the dread of that terrible day.
Such is the story told me by the elder, who on
several occasions has endeavored to see the lad. The
elder knew him as a little boy, but that was over ten
years ago and now he is a young man of twenty.
Does he ever think of the One for whom the mother
so bravely laid down her life?
John Falls, writing from Pingyao, Shansi, says : —
" Prayer has been answered for the conversion of the
Lew family, and we have great cause for thanksgiving
that the fourth son, the school master, and next in the
family to our dear friend in Kansu, has now turned to
the Lord and been baptized. This was in the fourth
moon this year, and since then I have been going to
his school twice a week by mutual agreement, to give
Scripture instruction to his scholars. These number
about twenty-five all told , but thus far only fifteen came
up for the Scripture lesson. Of the rest, their parents
are not yet favorable to the Gospel, and so no pressure
is brought to bear upon their boys, but we hope, by
and by to see these lads converted. We regard this as
a very valuable opening in the city."
China's Millions
i45
Our Shanghai Letter
BY REV. J. W. STEVENSON
MR. G. W. Gibb, of Hweichow, on September
21st writes that one of his old pupils, con-
verted six years ago while in the school,
returned recently from Hangchow, where he is study-
ing medicine. He took the morning service on Sun-
day, and gave a good address on Christ's first miracle,
which touched the hearts of quite a number of those
present. At the same time two other old scholars
were present, from the Nanking University, where
they seem to be doing very well, both in their studies
and in their testimony as Christians. Mr. Gibb
speaks of still another, who was a teacher in the dis-
trict until quite recently ; he has also gone to the Nan-
king University, and has obtained the highest place
in the college department there. These instances
show that Mr. Gibb's labors in connection with the
school in days gone by are bearing fruit.
A letter from Dr. Keller, written from Changsha
on September 27th, says: — "On arriving here and
talking with the Chinese, in view of the recent very
serious disturbance in Siangtan, it did not seem best for
me to go in person to the peak, ' ' Nan Yoh ' ' ; besides,
there was an abundance of work here that needed to
be done without delay. However, our return made
it possible to organize a fine party of Chinese workers
for the work. We got together thirteen evangelists
and colporteurs from five different missions, and sent
them up to the " Peak " under the leadership of our
own evangelist, Mr. Hsiao, and we are receiving splen-
did reports from them. The pilgrims manifest a real
interest in the Gospel, receive the copies of the " Fu
Yin Yao " (Summary of the Gospel in the words of
Scripture) and other books with gratitude, and come
in large numbers and sit patiently through two-hour
evangelistic services in the evening. Our edition of
25,000 " Fu Yin
Yao" is exhaust-
ed, and we want
to get out a new
edition of
100,000 as soon
as possible.
(These books
are being pub-
lished at the
expense of the
Bible House at
Los Angeles.)
Dr. G. W.
Guinness, writ-
ing on October
4th, says: "Mrs
Guinness and I
have left Kai-
f en gf u for a
brief visit to
Chong-mou, a
town ninety li
from Kaifeng.
The Lord has
man offered a house, fronting on the main street, free
of charge. Though small, it has a small courtyard
with one room where I see women patients, and two
rooms in front where men are seen, books sold, and
our assistants and I sleep. This has been a very diffi-
cult place to reach. Mr. Bird has been here with his
wife, and on a former visit I brought the magic
lantern and exhibited it in the yamen and school and
inn. This time we brought medicines, and the people
are very friendly, men and women coming in crowds.
To-morrow my wife has to return to Kaifeng, as the
following day (Friday) is her "T'ai-t'ai" day, as
we call it, when a number of ladies, specially invited,
are coming to her home for a meeting. Twice a
month she has special days for ladies. Hospital work is
of great influence in drawing people within the sound
of the Gospel. We do thank God for all He is effecting. "
Miss J. L. Turner, writing from Teng-teng, Kwei-
chow, says : — " I came here with Mr. and Mrs. Adam
three weeks ago, and it has been interesting to see the
work in this small Miao village. A service is held
every night, and somewhat lengthy meetings on Sun-
days. The congregations are very good, so much so
that only women are able to sit inside the chapel ; the
men sit outside on forms. There is such a readiness
to pray amongst these people ; often two or three will
be praying aloud at the same time, some in the Miao
and some in the Chinese language. Many of the
people come from long distances."
I mentioned in my last letter that the country on
the whole seemed to be quiet, and I am glad to add
that this condition prevails throughout our stations.
Friends are writing us very hopefully of the beginning
of the autumn's work. May I ask your prayers that
God will specially bless the work of the coming months.
prospered us
greatly; a gentle-
Photo by] THE HOSPITAL AT KAIFENGFU, HONAN
Women's morning at the dispensary. Showing- some o( the barrows on which patients come.
[Dr. G. W. Guinness
Mrs. Guinness is standing to the left.
146
China's Millions
Tidings from the Provinces
Topics for Prayer
We ask special pra} r er for our new
workers who have recently arrived in
China and who are now busily study-
ing the language. Pray that from
the beginning of their life of service
they may be made a rich blessing in
that dark and needy land.
There is also much need of prayer
for the Chinese in those parts of
Ilupeh, Honan and Kiangsu where
floods have recently wrought such
destruction of life, property and har-
vest. Please remember the mission-
aries who live in the midst of such
suffering and also the native Christ-
ians. For the latter, observing the
Lord's Day means also to fast as they
have not money to buy food for a day
in which they do not work.
We would ask our readers to con-
tinue their remembrance of the depu-
tation work which has and is being
done b}' our missionaries who are
home on furlough. During the past
month the Rev. W. A. McRoberts
has been holding meetings in Pitts-
burg, Pa. Mrs. vStott and the Rev.
F. A. Steven have had some cheering
opportunities for service in Detroit.
Miss Leggat and Mrs. Talbot have
found many open doors in and around
Buffalo. Mr. and Mrs. Hanna have
been busy in and out of Toronto.
Mr. Knight, of whom mention is
made elsewhere, has been in Cleve-
land, Chicago and Wisconsin during
the month. Miss Lay, of Owego,
N.Y., who has recently returned to
America, is taking occasional meet-
ings in that centre. The Rev. G. H.
Seville, of Bellevue, Pa., while not
doing full deputation work at present
is speaking on behalf of China. Mrs.
Shapleigh's present field is the city
of Cleveland, and she will (D.V.)
during the month of January be hold-
ing meetings in Montreal, Ottawa
and probably Kingston. May the
messages spoken by these whose
names have been mentioned, call forth
just the ministry which God desires
from His own in the home land.
At one of our recent Saturday after-
noon gatherings for prayer in London,
Mr. Hoste, who conducted the meet-
ing, reminded the friends present that
during the next two months or so
thousands of Chinese will be coming
forward as candidates for baptism,
and he besought prayer for the mis-
sionaries and their Chinese fellow-
workers, that they may be greatly
helped in dealing with these candi-
dates. It is of great importance that
thev be neither too hasty, nor too
hesitant in receiving them into
Church fellowship.
Then, again, during these autumn
months there will be held in many
places throughout China great
Church gatherings. The Christians
who attend these meetings have been
hard at work during the summer, and
it is not unlikely that many of them
will feel very parched and dry in
soul. Will friends pray that these
gatherings may be seasons of refresh-
ing for the Christians; occasions when
the Holy Spirit will work in power ?
Personal Notes
Those in Philadelphia have, during
the past weeks, had the pleasure of
welcoming Mr. and Mrs. BeinhofT,
who have returned home for furlough.
While those in the Toronto Home
have had the pleasure of a visit from
Mr. and Mrs. Meikle, who are spend-
ing the last few months of their fur-
lough in Canada.
News Notes
A Chinese report says that Sheng
Kung-pao favors the adoption of a
gold standard in China, and has
decided first to mint one million of
the new silver coins and adopt a
nominal gold standard as an experi-
ment.
A local vernacular paper says that
the International Reform Society has
submitted a memorandum to the Gov-
ernment Council, praying that pro-
hibition should be instituted against
cigarettes in China on the same lines
as opium snioking. The Government
will refer the subject to the National
Assembly.
It is stated that the five Chinese
Prison Reform Commissioners, dis-
patched by the Ministry of Justice on
a mission of study have completed
their work in England and reported
that they were starting for America.
They have been much impressed with
the excellence of the British system
of prison administration, which sur-
passes those in other countries and
will recommend its adoption as the
basis of Chinese prison reform on
their return.
According to the Chinese press the
provincial delegates presented, the
petition praying for the early opening
of parliament to the National As-
sembly (Senate), and it was received
by the secretary and transmitted to
the president and vice-president.
Last Saturday a number of Mukden
and vShantung students jointly ad-
dressed to the delegates' corps an
appeal, written in blood, urging them
to lose no time in making efforts to
gain their object. It is stated that,
owing to the enthusiasm displayed in
these prayers, the Prince Regent
summoned the Grand Council to a
conference and Prince Su handed the
petition and described with sincerity
the delegates ' warmth of feeling. The
Regent sighed after listening to this
account, and on Sunday commanded
the government to consider the expe-
dition of the inauguration of parlia-
ment by one or two years. During
the conference Grand Councillor Hsu
Shih-chang urged compliance with
the popular demand, and Princes Su
and Pu Lun also advised that the
people's desires should be met.
Recently, according to the Chinese
Press, Viceroy Jui Cheng of Lianghu
and Hsi Liang of Manchuria urged
that a foreign loan of many million
taels should be borrowed to build rail-
ways extensively in China, and ad-
dressed telegrams embodying their
suggestion to all the Viceroys and
Governors in the empire for an ex-
pression of their views. Viceroys Jui
and Hsi point out that unless some
important, and simple measure be
resorted to, China will not possess
sufficient financial strength to carry
out the nine years'reform programme,
arranged for the eleven ministries,
which must consequently fail. They
further point out that at the outset of
the United States reform policy,
greater opposition by the States to a
centralization policy was experienced
than exists now in China. It was
discovered that impeded communica-
tion and different local conditions,
were the causes and the United States
adopted the scheme of extensive and
rapid construction of railways, which
consolidated the republic. The Vice-
roys suggest that imperial permission
should be obtained to borrow several
hundred million taels to complete
trunk lines such as the Yuet-Han,
Szechwan-Tibet, Kalgan-Kiakta, Ili-
Tsitsihar, etc , within ten years, and
as soon as the loans are obtained,
railway building should immediately
be taken in hand so that the funds
may not be diverted to other pur-
poses. The two Viceroys say that all
materials and labor should be obtained
in China and the only benefit that
foreigners would derive would be
wages and interest. The bulk of the
money borrowed would be circulated
among the people, and would relieve
their poverty within ten years. After
that period, the lines would have been
completed and administration would
be greatly facilitated, and enlighten-
ment would follow ten times more
rapidly than by education. They
urged that this is an important and
simple plan to start with. China,
though a large country, does not reap
China's Millions
H7
the benefits that her size should entitle
her to, nor does she derive profit from
her vast population. The completion
of railways would concentrate the
country 's wealth and might strength-
en her a hundredfold, and enable
her to exist side by side with the
Powers. Otherwise the evils that
arise from disunion will endure and
her strength will be divided, and the
people will continue poor. To
strengthen China by military power
would take fifty years and reform in
administrative matters would take
thirty, and it is feared that the for-
ward movement of the world will not
tarry for China to trudge along in her
course. The two Viceroys pray all
the other Viceroys and Governors to
endorse their views and join in
memorializing the throne to grant the
request. To this the Viceroy and
Governor of this province have
replied, disapproving the suggestion,
as the evils, they feel, are greater
than the benefits. Grand Councilor
Hsu Shih-chang, the Viceroys of the
Kuangs, Kansu and Szechwan, it is
stated, support the scheme, but Duke
Tsai Tse, President of the Ministry
of Finance, and the President of the
Yuch'uanpu both oppose the plan.
In the circumstances, the Govern-
ment intends to refer the question to
the deliberation of the National As-
sembly in Peking.
Honan
Chenchow — If those in the home-
lands who are interested in our girls'
school could see the change in the
girls after a few months at the school
they would rejoice with us. The
examination papers for this last term
were especially gratifying. Some of
the girls who were here when Mrs.
Talbot and Miss Leggat were here
did not return. In several cases
schools have been opened in their
own district, and Tsui-dzie, their most
faithful helper, is now with the Lord.
One girl is married, and two others
are engaged and will be married this
year. Pray that they may be blessed,
and be a blessing, as they go to their
new homes. Although they go into
Christian homes they need our
prayers.
New pupils have come to take the
places of those who did not return.
Some are hindered because of their
home people, for these we can only
pray that what they have learned, and
the impressions which have been made
during their short time with us, may
in the future bring forth fruit to His
glory. The Word and the work are
His and He has promised that it
shall not return unto Him void. —
Mrs. E. G. Bevis.
Shansi
Luch'eng — I should like to relate
part of a testimony given by one of
our Christians.
The subject was " Evidences of the
new birth." This young man said:
"Formerly, when working on my
land, if I came across weeds, thorns,
stones, or other rubbish I used to
throw it aside. No matter if it did
go into my neighbor's field, it was
not on mine. But since being born
again, what I do not want on my land
my neighber will not want, so I do
not throw it on his land."
Please remember our need of work-
ers, especially for the women's work.
— Mr. A . Jennings.
Kuwo — At the recent fair we had a
constant stream of women from early
morning until sundown. One woman,
whose home is thirty li from here,
came and stayed at our place during
the days of the fair. We have known
and have been praying for her for
some time. She is a vegetarian, a
faithful follower of Buddha, and lives
a strict, self-sacrificing life, trying to
obtain merit by her good works.
We have been seeking to show her
that it is only through the merits of
Jesus Christ that she can get true
happiness. Often when she hears
the Gospel she sighs and says, " Oh!
how I have been working to obtain
this." She remarked when leaving
us after the fair, that on returning to
her home she would put away the
false for the true. This woman is
very much laid upon our hearts, and
we would ask special prayer for her.
— Miss E. C. Johnson.
Yunnan
Kutsingfu — Our services continue
to be well attended, and last month
we broke the record at the men's
meeting. Next door, at the Ts'ai-
shen Miao, theatricals were in pro-
gress, and it was arranged to have
the play at the same time as we were
showing the lantejn. People visiting
the temple came to our place, how-
ever, and there they remained, the
result being that we got all the
audience. Finding no one to look at
them, the actors also came to our ser-
vice. One of their number stood by
me, and was asked if there would be
no play that night. "No," he said,
"Everybody is here." Some one
else exclaimed, " This is much better
than watching the play." There
were fully 1,500 present, and the fol-
lowing Sunday all the services were
crowded. In response to an invita-
tion, we went to Chu-kiai-tsi last
week. A crowd of about 700 greeted
us, and we trust that the message left
will prove fruitful." — Mr. A. H.
Sanders.
Monthly Notes
DEPARTURES
On September 18th, from Shang-
hai, Dr. H. G. Barrie, for England,
via Siberia.
On October 16th, from Shanghai,
Mr. E. Paulson, for North America.
ARRIVALS
On October 1st, at San Francisco,
Mr. and Mrs. E. O. Beinhoff and
child, Mr. G. E. Larsson, Warren and
Constance Knight, from China.
On October 15th, at Shanghai,
Misses G. A. Van Duyn, R. S. Thor-
sen and A. Kratzer, from North
America.
BIRTHS
On September 2nd, at Tsoyiin, to
Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Anderzen, a
daughter (Gotea Ljnea).
DEATHS
On October 27th, at Shanghai, the
Rev. A. O. Eoosely of Chekiang
province.
Baptisms
Kansu —
Liangchowfu and out-station 3
Lanchowfu ------ 3
Ning6iafu ------ 3
Shansi —
Luanfu --...-. 8
Euchenghsien ----- 3
Saratsi and out-stations - - 9
YUncheng - 4
U-u (Chen) ------ 7
Tatungfu out-station - - - 2
Kiehsiu ------- 6
Kiangsu —
Yangchow - 11
Shantung —
Chefoo ------- 7
Szechwan —
Kwangyiian ------ 1
Tachu and out-station - - 11
Kweichow —
Anshunfu and out-station - 40
Tsunyi ------- 2
Yunnan —
Talifu -------- 1
Hupeh —
Kuh-Ching out-station - - 6
KlANGSI —
Sinfenghsien - - - - - 6
Nanfeng and out-stations - 13
Anhwei —
Kwangtehchow - - ■- - 1
Liuanchow and out-station - 8
Anking out-station - - - 1
Chekiang —
Ninghaihsien ----- 1
Wenchow and ont-stations - 30
Sungyang out-stations - - 10
Tientai ------- 1
Eungchiian out-station - - 9
207
Previously reported 1 , 1 99
Total 1,406
148
China's Millions
Editorial Notes
THE Evangelical Alliance has issued its annual
invitation to the churches of the world to
observe the first week in January, 191 1, as a
week of prayer. It suggests the following topics as
subjects for prayer : — Monday, Thanksgiving and Con-
fession ; Tuesday, the Church Universal ; Wednesday.,
Nations and their Rulers ; Thursday , Foreign Mis-
sions ; Friday, Families, Educational Establishments
and the Young ; Saturday, Home Missions and the
Jews.
Further news concerning Mr. Hoste gives us to
know that we may not expect him to visit us in this
country for several months to come. Our brother is
not dangerously sick ; but the physicians have warned
him that the only way to avoid a serious break-down
is to rest, and he has taken their advice. We are
thankful to add that Mrs. Hoste who, also,
has been sick, was sent for, and that she has
recently rejoined her husband in England. We
trust that much prayer will be offered for these
beloved friends, and, too, for their three boys in
China.
The deputation work of the Rev.W. Percy Knight
is, we are glad to say, being much blessed of God.
His arrangements up to Christmas include meetings at
Chicago and Buffalo. He expects at the first of next
year, to come east, to New York, Philadelphia and
contiguous places. We hope that he will be earnestly
prayed for, and that God will be pleased to give large
results in lives surrendered to Him for service for and
in China. If any friends in the east desire Mr.
Knight's services at the beginning of the coming year,
will they please address Mr. Neale at the Philadelphia
office.
Our esteemed friend, Dr. A. T. Pierson, has
started out for a world tour, with the object of
examining the mission work being carried on in con-
nection with different Societies and at various places,
and in order to hold conferences with mission workers,
wherever there is opportunity. Dr. Pierson is accom-
panied by his wife and daughter, and we trust that
all three of the travelers will be remembered in prayer
before God. That friends may follow the party in
thought and prayer, their proposed itinerary is given,
as follows: Japan, November 3-17; Korea, Novem-
ber 20 30 ; Manchuria, December 1-10 ; China, Decem-
ber 12-20 ; India and Burmah, January ; Ceylon, Feb-
ruary, 1-10; Egypt, March.
year." We confess, when we read such a record of
faithfulness toward us, in view of the fact that the
writer is an exceedingly busy man, that we felt almost
ashamed of having suggested that he should offer
more prayer in our behalf. No wonder God blesses
our service when we have such prayer-remembrancers
at home. May the Lord reward our friend, and all
others who are like him.
Recently, we wrote to a member of our Council,
asking for special prayer in behalf of the Mission in
view of present, pressing needs. Our friend, in reply-
ing, said : " I pray for every missionary of theC.I.M.
every day. I pray for Mr. and Mrs. Hoste by name
every day, especially that they may be helped in their
prayer life and guided in the conduct of the Mission.
I pray especially for the finances of the Mission every
day. I pray for quite a number of the missionaries,
whom I personally know, by name every day. But I
may be able to pray more for the Mission this coming
The need of medical men in China is a great one.
There are hundreds of cities there which have no hos-
pitals, dispensaries or physicians, and we know of two
places where hospitals are standing in full equipment
but with closed doors because there are no medical
men to fill them. This is sad indeed when remem-
brance is had of all the suffering there is in such cities,
and of the many Christian doctors there are in the
home-lands, who might go abroad. It is not to be
discussed whether medical work in China is justifiable,
for that question, by the experience of doors opened
and souls saved, has long since been settled. The
only question now is where are the physicians who
will be willing to put their skill at the disposal of God
that the Spirit may use it, as He uses many other
means, to open hearts to the message of salvation. If
these lines meet the eyes of some young physician
who has been redeemed by the blood of Christ, will he
not ask himself if redemption does not mean Christ's
lordship, and if it does not imply a full and quick
obedience to Christ's command. We need scores of
physicians for China. May it please God to raise up
not a few of them from the States and Canada.
"After this, I will return." (Acts 15 : 16.)
Foreign mission work often seems discouraging. And
there is reason that it should seem so, especially to
those in the midst of it. To go out to China, for
instance, to labor there for twenty or thirty years, and
to see as the result of a life's service not more than two
hundred or three hundred persons gathered into church
fellowship, makes one wonder if the sacrifice and labor
were worth while, and if the Gospel, after all, is
making much headway. But our conclusions, in such
a direction, are not always wise, because they are not
based upon a wide enough view of facts. As to
numerical increase on the foreign field, Dr. Dennis
has recently shown that there was, last year, an aver-
age addition of two thousand, six hundred communi-
cants for every Sunday in the year, which is no mean
increase when taken in the aggregate. But aside from
the encouragement to be obtained from such conquests,
there is another aspect of the case which may well
nerve anyone to constant effort, whatever the numerical
results may be. We refer to the fact that the life of
obedience on the part of the one who goes and preaches
the Gospel to the unevangelized is the fulfilling of
conditions which are the divine requisite for the return
of the Lord and for the establishment of His kingdom
upon earth. Here then is a motive of service which
is above that which is to be obtained even from mani-
fest results, and which may inspire anyone who is
easily discouraged to the most constant endeavor.
God would have us look, not around, but forward,
and, not down, but up !
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