The planting and development of missionary churches

JBRARY OF PRINCETON

APR 1 4 1998

THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

1899
Livingston,

BV 2063 .N48
Nevius, John

1829-1893.
The planting and developmentit

of miasiQua.rLY.chut.ctie.S>,

The Planting and Development

Missionary Clmrches

BY

Rev. JOHN L. NEVIUS, D.D.

LATE MISSIONARY TO CHINA

t/'s ^^^K,^irt<^^

FOREIGN MISSION LIBRARY

156 Fifth Avenue

NEW YORK

NOTE PREFATORY TO THIRD EDITION

This little book first appeared as a series of articles which
were published in the " Chinese Recorder " in 1885. They
immediately aroused great interest in a missionary scheme
about which little was generally known, except that it was
very successful. So great was the demand for these letters
by the late Dr. Nevius, that they were reprinted in book
form by the Presbyterian Press, Shanghai, in 1886.
The interest in the discussion having spread to this coun-
try, a second edition was prepared by Mr. W. H. Grant
and published in the " Foreign Mission Library " of the
Presbyterian Board, New York.

During the years that have intervened since their first
appearance, Dr. Nevius's methods have been successfully
tested in other fields— notably and most fruitfully in Korea
—and have been very highly endorsed by many board sec-
retaries. While it is but fair to other theories of mission-
ary work to say, that even in Dr. Nevius's own field his
plans were not wholly satisfactory, and that from 1885 to
the present year some Chinese missionaries have strongly
argued against them, it is also true that no single scheme
hitherto published promises so well to meet the pressing
emergencies of the present time.

When every dollar must do its utmost good with the
least harm, and when candidates for the foreign field are
studying as never before the varied aspects of missions, it
was deemed best to bring out a new edition for the special
use of mission study classes of the Student Volunteer

3

1

4 NOTE PREFATORY TO THIRD EDITION

Movement for Foreign Missions. The present book dif-
fers from the preceding edition in its title, in tlie omission
of a few lines having local and temporary interest only, and
in the chapter and paragraph divisions, which have been
made to correspond to other books of the Movement. It
may be said with reference to these latter changes, that the
bold-faced Clarendon type indicates main divisions, the
paragraphs headed by Arabic numerals constitute sub-
ordinate divisions, and other paragraphs subdivisions.
Numerals have been employed for the convenience of
students and leaders of classes who use an analytical out-
line—published elsewhere— in preparing for the class.
New Yukk, iMarch i, 1899.

CONTENTS

I. The t)i.i) System Criticised

Introductory; Old System vs. the New, 7; Spirit and Attitude

in this Discussion, g; Old Method a Natural One, li ; Ob-
jections to the Old Method, 12.

II. How Deal wuh New Converis? .....
Abiding in the Old Calling, ig ; Importance of Precedents, 21 ;

Nature of the Church and Its Development; Test Necessary
before Advancement. 26 ; Necessity of Training, 27 ; Com-
mit Converts to the Lord, 28.

III. Origin and Growth ofStaitons in Central Shan-tung.
General View of the Shantung Work, 30; Relations of the

Missionary Helpers and Leaders; Principle Underlying Sta-
tion Organization, 32 ; Instruction of Inquirers and Church
Members, 35; Bible or Training Classes, 39; Results to
Station Members, 41 ; Manner in which Stations are Propa-
gated, 42 ; Classes to which Our Church Members Belong,
44; Persecution, 45 ; Sabbath Observance, 46; Discipline,
48; Contributions; Schools, 51; Men Employed and Inci-
dental Expenses, 52 ; Summary and Forecast, 53.

IV. Organization of Stations, Present and Prospective,
Varying Views Concerning Church Organization, 55 ; Scripture

Teachings as to the Best System for China, 58 ; Experience
Proves the Wisdom of Scri])lure Teachings, 68.

V. Beginning Work,

The Study of the Language, 71 ; Beginning Direct Missionary

Work, 75 ; Independent Individual Work, 76 ; Itinerating,
77; Assistants or Helpers, 78; How Shall We Reach the
People? 81 ; How Best Expend One's Time? 83 ; Mission-
aries but Instruments in Spiritual Work, 84; Personal Ex-
perience in Beginning Work in Shan-tung, 86; IIow may
We Best Get Out of " 01<1 Ruts" ? 88.

30

■^5

71

^

PLANTING AND DEVELOPMENT OP
MISSIONARY CHURCHES

THE OLD SYSTEM CRITICISED

Introductory.

A request from the Editor of the " Chinese Recorder " to
prepare for pubhcation some account of the character and
results of our country work in Shan-tung, and private let-
ters from various sources asking for information on the
same general subject, have furnished evidence that such in-
formation may be of service, more especiallv to young mis-
sionaries. ■

The interest which has been taken in our work in central
-Shan-tung by missionaries in other provinces is due no
doubt to the fact that we have to some extent adopted new
principles and methods. It is too early to determine what
the final issue of this new departure will be, but perhaps not
too soon to derive some important lessons from present
facts and experiences and results so far as developed.

Old System vs. the New.

1. The adoption of the new jilan having been the result
in many cases of difficulties and discouragements in con-
nection with the previous one, our present position will be
best understood by considering the two systems, which
may for the sake of convenience be called the Old and tiie
New, in their relation to each other. In the following
pages we will present the reasons which have led to the dis-
use of the former, the adoption of the latter, and the man-
ner in which the transition has been made.

2. I think' it may be stated that forty years ago, mission-

7

8 PI.AiWINC OF MISSIONARY CIIVKCHIiS

aries in Cliiiia, with few if any exceptions, followed tli'e ( )1(1
Method. The ciiange of view has not been sudden but
gra(Uial and always in the sanie direction, producing a con-
tinually widening and more irreconcilable breach between
the two systems. Iherc is now a prevailing disposition in
our part of the field, at least among the missionaries of the
American Presbyterian, the English ria])tist,and the Amer-
ican Baptist Missions, to follow the New Plan, wdiich may
still, however, be regarded as in a formative and tentative
stage of development.

3. These two systems may be distinguished in general by
the former depending largely on paid native agency, while
the latter deprecates and seeks to minimize such agency.
Perlia[)s an e<|ually correct and more generally acceptable
statement of the difference would be, that, while both alike
seek ultimately the establishment of independent, self-re-
liant, and aggressive native churches, the Old System
strives by the use of foreign funds to foster and stimulate
the growth of the native churches in the first stage of their
development, and then gradually to discontinue the use of
such funds: while those wdio adopt the New System think
that the desired object may be best attained by ap])lying
principles of independence and self-reliance from the begin-
ning. The difiference between these two theories may be
more clearly seen in their outward practical working. The
r)ld uses freely, and as far as practicable, the more ad-
vanced and intelligent of the native clutrch members in the
capacity of paid colporteurs, Bible agents, evangelists, or
heads of stations; while the New ])rocceds on the assump-
tion that the jiersons employed in these various capacities
would be more useful in the end by being left in their
original homes and em]iloyments.

4. The relative advantages of these systems may be de-
termined by two tests — adaptability to the end in view, and
Scripture authority. Some missionaries regard the prin-
ci[)les and practices ado|)ted by the Apostles in early times
and recorded in the Scri]iturcs as inapplicable to our
changed circumstances in China in this nineteenth century.
Leaving the consideration of this question for the present,
it will no doubt be acknowledged by all, that any plan
which will bear the application of the two tests of adapta-

TIII- OLD SYSTEM CKITICISF.n 9

bility and Scrii)lure anthoritv, has a nmch stronger claim
upon our regard and acceptance than a i)lan which can only
claim the sanction of one test.

As a matter of fact the change of views of not a few of the
older missionaries in China is due, not to theoretical, but
[iractical considerations The ( )ld Svstcm has been grad-
ually discarded because il did not work, or because it
worked evil. In my own case I can sav that every change
in opim'on was brought about by a long'and painful experi-
ence; and conclusions arrived at have been only a con-
firmation of what I regard as the teachings of tl'ie Bible.
'I he same conclusions might have been reached with an im-
mense economy of time and labor by simplv following the
authoritative guide which God has given us. If the New-
System be indeed sanctioned by Scri|)tnre authority as well
as by the tests of practical adaptability and use, an exchange
or reversal in the application of the names New and Old
would be more in accordance with fact.

Spirit and Attitude in this Discussion.

1. In stating what I regard as serious objections to pre-
; vio'is methods, I may come in conflict with the opinions of

my brethren. I desire, however, to write, not in the spirit
of a critic, nmch less of a censor, but as one earnestly de-
sirous of knowing the truth. I have in former years to a
considerable extent believed in and worked upon the Old
.System, and what I have to say by way of strictures on it
may be considered as a confession of personal error, rather
than of fault-finding with others. Foreigners who have
come to China to devote themselves to business or diplo-
macy have made their mistakes; it is not strange, but
rather to be expected, that we should make ours. Let us
acknowledge them and profit by them.

2. I am aware that it is [jossiblc to state facts in such a
way that the impression given will be a false one, and the
conclusions arrived at misleading. It will be my earnest
endeavor in the ensuing papers, not only to give facts and
honest conclusions therefrom, but to present them in such
a way that the impression given will be, if not always an
agreeable one, yet strictly true and just.

lO

PLANTING OF MISSIONARY CHVRCHES

3. I wish furtlicr to disclaim all assumption of ability tn
speak authoritatively on this subject, as though 1 had my-
self reached its final solution. Ihe effect of long experi-
ence in mission work has been in my case to deepen a sense
of incompetency, and to excite wonder in remembering the
inconsiderate rashness and self-dependence of a quarter of a
century ago. Still, though we may not feel competent to
give advice, we may at least give a word of warning.
Though we may not have learned what to do in certain
cases and under certain circumstances, is it not nuich to
have learned what not to do, and to tread cautiously where
we do not know the way, and to regard with hesitation and
suspicion any preconceived opinion which we know to be
of doubtful expediency, esjiecially if it is unauthorized by
Scripture teaching and example?

4. f gladly recognize the fact that the use of other meth-
ods, depending to a greater or less extent on paid agents,
has in many cases been followed with most happy results;
and that to a certain extent tried and proved native agents
must be employed. I do not wish to make invidious com-
parisons, nuicli less to decide where the happy mean in
using a paid agency lies.

5. Let us bear in mind that the best methods cannot do
away with the difficulties in our work which come froiu the
world, the flesh, and the devil, but bad methods may multi-
ply and intensify them. For unavoidable difficulties we
are not responsible; for those which arise from disregarcl
of the teachings of Scrijjture and experience we are.

6. Let us also remember that while in undertaking the
momentous task committed to us, we should by the study
of the Scriptures, prayer for divine guidance, and compar-
ison of our varied views and experiences, seek to know
what is the best method of work; still, the best method
without the presence of our Master and the Spirit of all
Truth will be unavailing. A bad methotl may be so bad as
to make it unreasonable to expect God's blessing in con-
nection with it; a right and Scriptural method, if we trust
in it, as our principal ground of hope, might be followed for
a lifetime without any good results.

With this much by way of introduction, I now propose
to consider some objections to the Old Method.

THE OLD SYSTEM CRITICISED

Old Method a Natural One.

II

I. It is only natural that missionaries should at first seek
and employ niany native agents. They are anxious for im-
mediate results, and home societies and the home churches
are as impatient to hear of results as missionaries are to
report them. No connnunications from the field seem so
indicative of progress, and are so calculated to call forth
conuncndation and generous contributions as the an-
nouncement that native laborers have been obtained, and
are preaching the gospel. While the missionarv himself is
for months or years debarred from evangelistic work by his
ignorance of the language, a native agency stands waiting
his employ. His circumstances and his wishes add strong
emphasis to the oft-repeated truism, " China must be evan-
gelized by the Chinese." So urgent seems the necessity to
obtain native assistants, that if such as he would like are'not
forthcoming, Ije is glad to avail himself of such as he can
get. How many of us have thought in connection with
some specially interesting inquirer, even before he is bap-
tized, " What a capital assistant that man may make."

2. While the circumstances of the missionary furnish the
strongest motives to induce him to multiply native agents
as fast as possible, the circumstances of the natives nat-
urally and very strongly lead to the same result. The
dense population of this country, and the sharp struggle
for existence which it necessitates, have developed in the
Chinaman a singular aptitude for finding and using ways
and means for making a living. The comparatively ex-
pensive mode of life, as a rule absolutely necessary for for-
eigners, in order to live in China with anv reasonable hope
of health and usefulness, naturally suggests the idea to the
native that so intimate a relation as that which subsists be-
tween a teacher and his disciples will in this case undoubt-
edly prove a profitable one. The I^amine Relief work in
the northern provinces left the impression that foreigners
have money in abundance, and are very ready to give it to
those in need; and there are many about us now as much
in need as some who received aid during the famine. It is
not .strange, but only human, that natives under these cir-
ctnnstanccs should see their opportunity and make the most
of it.

12 ri.ANTlNG Ol- MISSIONARY CHURCHES

X,. Willi these strong motives in tlie minds of the mis
sioiiaries and natives eonspirinjj; \.o the same result, it is not
vvitliont exense that we should have fallen into what 1 now
believe is a serious mistake, uttei ty unaware of the danf^'cr
and injury to the mission eause whieh ten, twcntv or thirt
years of experience liavc diselosed. In tiiis oi)inion I am
not alone; and it is a significant fact tliat those who hold it
are for the most part persons w ho have had a long experi
ence on mission ground. To some, these lessons have
come too late to be of nuich service to them individually,
but they will be none the less useful to those who are willing
to profit by the experiences of others.

4. I fully recognize the fact that the employment and pay
of nati\'c laborers is, under suitable circumstances, legiti
mate and desirable, as much so as the employment and pay
of foreigners. Mere, however, the important question
arise, who shall lie employed, and when and how shall they
be employed? These (luestions will come up for consider
ation in the course of this series of articles.

Objections to the Old Method.

The following are some of the objections to what we
have agreed to call the " Old System " :

I. Making paid agents of new converts affects injurious-
ly the stations with w hich they are connected.

A well-informed and influential man. perhaps the leading
spirit in a new station, is one who can be ill-S|)ared. Hi
removal may be most disastrous to the station, and he him-
self may never find elsewhere such an opportunitv for doing
good. I have in mind four persons who about twentv
eight years ago gave great promise of usefulness in their
homes in connection with our out-stations in Ning-po
While working with their hands in their several callings
they bore testimony to the truth wherever they went, an<l
were exciting great interest in their own neighborhoods, ll
was not long, however, before these men were cmplo\e(l,
one by one mission, another by another, and the interest
Christianity in and about their homes ceased. It is to be
lio])ed that they did some good in the positions which thev
afterward occupied, but I have not been able to learn of

THE OLD SYSTEM CRITICISED

13

any one of tlieiii, that his after career was a specially useful
one. 1 refer to these cases not as unusual and exce|)tional.
I could add many others from Che-ehiang and Shan-lung,
and [ doubt not that similar instances will occur to the
minds of most missionaries who read this jiaper.

'Hie injury to a station in these cases docs not consist
simjily in the loss of the man's influence for good; positive
evil is introduced. Envy, jealousy and dis.satisfaction
with their lot are very apt to be excited in the minds of
those who are left. Others think that thev also should be
employed, if not as preachers, as servants, or in some other
cajiacity. It would be a less serious matter if this feeling
could be confined to the station where it originates, but uii^
fortunately it extends to other places and there produces
the .same injurious efTects. The religions interest which
passed like a wave over the neighborhood, gives place to
another wave of excitement, and the topics of conversation
are now place and pay. The man emploved has lost very
much the character he bore as a disinterested worker for the
spiritual good of others, and is now likely to be regarderl by
many as a kind of employ-agent who ought to use his in-
fluence to get them places.

2. Making a paid agent of a new convert often proves an
injury to him personally.

He is placed in a position unfavorable to the development
of a strong, healthy, Christian character. Some of these
men. originally farmers, shopkeepers, pedlers or laborers
in the fields, find themselves advanced to a position for
which they are by previous habits and training unsuited.
The long gown and the affected scholarlv air are not be-
coming to them, and they naturally lose the respect of their
neighbors and their influence over them. Men who were
self-reliant and aggressive in their original jiositions, now
perform their routine labors in a formal and perfunctory
manner. Some, on the other hand, are puffed up wth
pride and self-conceit, and become arrogant and offensive.
Here again I am not theorizing, but speaking from exjieri-
cnce, and could nniltiply cases — as I presume most mis-
sionaries could — of deterioration of character in both direc-
tions above indicated.

No doubt the employment of some of these men has been

14

PLANTIMG OF MISSWNARV CHURCHES

followed by good results, Init it is still a question whether
they niiglit not have accomplished more liad thev been left
where tlicy were found. Some of them have proved most
unsatisfactory to their emjiloycrs, but are retained in their
places from year to year, because it seems an injustice to
send tlieni back to a mode of life for which they have be-
come unfitted. Others have been dismissed from service,
and returned to their homes disappointed and aggrieved:
while not a few when they have been dropped as enijiloyees
have dropped their Christianity, brought reproach upon
the cause of Christ, become the enemies of the Church, and
given evidence that they were only hirelings — never fit to
be enrolled either as preachers or as church members.

3. The Old System makes it difficult to judge between
the true and false, whether as preachers or as church mem-
bers.

That the Chinese are adepts in dissembling, no one who
has been long in China will deny. The fact that not a few
who were earnest preachers have fallen away when they
have ceased to be employed has already been referred to.
How many others there are now in employ whose profes-
sions are suspended on their pay no one can tell. The Chi-
nese are close analysts of character, and know how to adapt
themselves to circumstances and individuals. They are
less apt to deceive their own people than foreigners, and
less apt to deceive others than those by whom they are em-
ployed. The desire that the native preacher may prove a
true man biases the judgment. Doubtless the man em-
ployed is often self-deceived.

I have had a considerable number of intelligent, and to
all appearances sincere Christians, connected with my sta-
tions, who fell back and left the Church when they found
they were not to be employed. These and a still larger
number of inquirers, who learned during the time of their
probation that there was very little hope of getting place
and pay and fell back before they were baptized, would in
all probability, if their desire for employment had been
gratified, be found to-day in the Church, sustaining perhaps
a fair reputation as preachers or evangelists.

What lesson are we to learn from these facts and experi-
ences? Is it not this, that so long as a free use is made of

•g^jmm

Tl/F. 01. n SYSTEM CRITICISEP

'5

new converts a<; paid preachers, we dcjirivc ourselves „f one
of tiic most effective means of separating the chaff from the
wheat, and of assuring ourselves liiai tlie men we are em-
plovmg are what we hope they are, and that we arc not
building, or vamly altem])ting to build, on a bad founda-
tion.

4- The Employment System tends to excite a mercenary
spirit, and to increase the number of mercenary Christians
Of course we fully ac'mit that maiiv paid agents are sin-
cere, earnest men and that thev bring into tlie Ciiurch sin-
cere and earnest believers, some perhaps who would not
otherwise be reached. We are here simply pointing out an
evil influence and tendency which are connected with one
system and avoided by the other. A man will sometimes
be found who will listen to a native preacher, apparently
much interested, but knowing and caring very little about
what IS said. When he finds an opportunity, he obtains
from the preacher, directly or indirectly, a knowledge of
what pay he gets and how he obtained his position. This
man perhaps becomes a diligent student of the Scriptures
and i)asses an excellent examination as a candidate for bap-
tism ; but he IS interested in Christianity only as a means to
an end. When this mercenary spirit enters a church it
has a wonderful self-propagating power and follows the
universal law of propagating after its kind. The merce-
nary preacher, whether paid or hoping to be paid, as natu-
rally draws to himself others of like affinities as a mamiet
attracts iron filings.

In one of the districts of this province there seemed a few
years since to be an unusual religious awakening. The in-
terest spread from town to town, the number of intjuirers
was large, and hundreds of apparently sincere believers
were gathered into the Church. It was afterward found
that the movement was due largely to mercenary motives
of different kinds, both in the pro[)agating agents, and in
those who were influenced by them. That district now
seems to be struck with a blight. The larger part of those
who were received are now cxcommunicatal or under dis-
cipline : a very unfavorable impression has been made upon
the people generally, and persons sincerely interested in the
truth are kept back from seeking a connection with the

i6

PLANTING OF MISSIONARY CHURCHES

Clinrcli hy tlie imwortliy examples of its mc'iiil)(,'is. In this
district, Sliiii-kiiaiit;, tlicrr is little hope of anything l)ciiig
accomijlishcd until after the pinning process has been car-
ried still farther, and we can make a new and better bcgin-
ning. It is nuicli easier to get unworthy members into the
Chnrcli than it is to get them out of it, and very little good
can be accomplished while they hang upon it as an incubus.

5. The Employment System tends to stO|) the voluntary
work of im])aid agents.

The question naturally arises in the mind of the new
convert, " If other persons are paid for preaching why
should not I be?" Under the influence of jealousy and
discontent it is easy to go a step farther and say, " If the
missionary is so blind or so unjust as not to see or acknowl-
edge my claims to be employed as others are, I will leave
the work of spreading Christianity to those wdio are ])aid
for it." This again is not an imaginary case but a conuuon
ex[)crience. It is evident that the two systems are luutually
antagonistic, and whenever an attempt is made to carry
them on together, the voluntary system labors under al-
most insurmountable difficulties. This is a serious objec-
tion to the Old System, that it stands in the way of the
other, and makes the success of it well-nigh impossible.

6. The Old System tends to lower the character and
lessen the influence of the missionary enterprise, both in the
eyes of foreigners and natives.

The opprobrious epithet, " Rice Christians," has gained
almost universal currency in the East, as expressive of the
foreigners' estiiuate of the actual results of missionary
work. This unfavorable judgment, formed by those wdio
are supposed, as eye-witnesses, to have good grounds for
it, finds its way to Christian nations in the West, who sup-
port missions, and prejudices the missionary cause in the
opinion of those who would otherwise be its sympathetic
supporters. It is a serious (piestion how far missionaries
arc to blame for this. While we resent as false the sweep-
ing generalization which would include all Christians in
Cliina. or the larger part of them, in this category, it is
worse than useless to ignore the readiness of large classes
of Chinamen to Ijecome " Rice Christians," and the diffi-
culty of determining who do, and who do not, belong to

TIIF. oil) SYSTF.M CRITICISED

17

this class. We nuist also admit the fact, that not a few
of those who have found their way into the Church have
proved, after years of trial, to be oidy " Rice Christians."
The idea of getting rid of such altogether is undoubtedly
a fallacious one. They have been connected with the
Church, and ()robably will be, in all lands and in every age.
Still, as this rejjroach has resulted largel>- from the fact
that hitherto a considerable proportion of native Chris-
tians have " eaten the missionary's rice," one effective way
for removing the re|)roach is obvious.

The injurious effects of the paid-agent systeiu on the
mass of the Chinese population outside of the Church, are
perhaps still greater. The general opinion of the China-
man as to the luotive of one of his countrymen in projia-
galing a foreign religion, is that it is a mercenary one.
When he learns that the native preacher is in fact ])aid by
foreigners, he is confirmed in his judgment. What the
motive is which actuates the foreign luissionary, a motive
so strong that he is willing to waste life and money in what
seems a fruitless enterprise, he is left to imagine. The
most common explanation is that it is a covert scheme for
buying adherents with a view to political movements in-
iiuical to the state. Of course it is supposed that no loyal
native will have anything to do with such a luovement. If
the Chinaiuan is told that this enterprise is prompted by
disinterested motives, and intended for the good of his peo-
ple, he is incredulous. Simple professions and protesta-
tions have little weight with him, in comparison with his
own interpretation of facts. Observing that in some of
our stations only those who are employed and paid remain
firm in their adherence to the foreigner, while not a few' of
the others fall back, his opinion is still further confirmed:
and he looks on with quiet complacency and rallies his un-
successful neighbors on their having fallen behind their
competitors in their scramble for money. Here again I
am not imagining what may happen in the future, but am
stating what has actually occurred. The result is that
many well-disposed Chinamen of the belter classes, who
might be brought under Christian influences, are repelled,
and those who actually find their way into the Church are
composed largely of two opposite classes — those whose

i8

PLANTrNG OF MISSIONARY CIlUnCHES

lioncsl convictions are so stroiip that tlicy outwcigli and
overcome all obstacles, and unworthy persons to whom
that feature in mission work which we are controverting is
its chief attraction.

Now we readily admit tliat wliatcvcr course we may
take, the C hinese in general will still regard us as foreign
emissaries, our religion as a feint and our converts as
mercenaries. What we deprecate is, gratuitously furnish-
ing what will be regarded as conclusive evidence that these
unfavorable oiiinions are well founded. Our enemies are
sufficiently formidable without our giving them an unnec-
essary advantage. The obstacles which oppose us are
sufficiently appalling without our adding to them and in
this way postponing the time of final success.

'l"he above arc some of the princijial objections which
may be urged against the paid-agent scheme. We will
next consider what we regard as a better and more Script-
ural way.

II

HOW DEAL WITH NEW CONVERTS?

The reception of first converts in any niissi(jn is an eirach
fruitful (if conse(|uences for good or evil. The course pur-
sued at this time will establish precedents, and in a great
measure fix the policy and determine the character of the
Church of the future. How then shall these first converts
be dealt with? To this weighty question the Scriptures
furnish us some ready answers.

Abiding in the Old Calling.

1. The command of i Cor. vii. 20, " Let each man abide
in that calling wherein he was called," is repeated in a dif-
ferent form in the twenty-fourth verse of the same chapter,
" Brethren, let each man, wherein he was called, therein
abide with God." This Apostolic injunction we are fur-
ther told was ordained " for all the Churches." It teaches
most emphatically that Christianity should not disturb the
social relations of its adherents, but requires them to be
content with their lot, and to illustrate the Gospel in the
spheres of life in wiiich they are called. How many of us
have given these passages of Scripture that weight of au-
thority which they deserve? How many of us have real-
ized that in taking untried Christians out of the positions
in which God has called them and making evangelists of
them, we may be literally, though unconsciously, opposing
a divine purpose. Such a course directly tends to unsettle
the minds of new converts and excites the very feelings of
restlessness and discontent which this command seems
specially designed to prevent.

2. It may be objected that the literal carrying out of this
injunction would prevent missionaries ever employing
any native assistants, and would in fact have prevented our

19

20

PLANTING OF MISSIONARY Clf OUCHES

coming to China or entering tlie ministry. This objec-
tion, so far as it has any weight, lies against the Scripture
itself. It may be remarked, however, that all Scripture
connnands are limited and conditioned by other Scripture
teachings and are to be interpreted by them. This pas-
sage does not determine whether a man is to abide where
he is called jicrmanently or only tem]iorarily. This is a
(|uestion to be left to the future. Special providences af-
terward may indicate a further and different divine pur-
pose no less clearly. So Paul did not hesitate, when the
proper time had come, to remove Timothy from Lystra,
and there was no inconsistency in his doing so.

As for ourselves, we entered the ministry because we be-
lieved we had a divine call to it; and the Church has sent
us to China because it concurred in this opinion, and con-
sidered our characters sufificicntly tested and proved to
warrant our being sent forth to preach the Gospel, with a
reasonable assurance that we had renounced worldly aims
and worldly advantages to give our lives to the service of
Christ. All we insist on is that the same principles and
the same prudence should be used in dealing with the
Chinese.

3. In determining whether this command to let every
man abide in his calling is applicable and binding at jires-
cnt, it is undoubtedly legitimate to incpiire whether there
may not be special reasons in this present time which over-
rule and annul it. I can think of none except such as we
may regard as growing out of our special circumstances.
For instance, we may liave been praying for laborers for
the " great harvest," or more specifically that God would
give us a native agent to occupy an important station at

, and we say: " Is not this the man God has sent for

this very object?" We should not forget, however, that
when this injunction was given there was as great need of
workers and as many important places were waiting to be
occuiiied as now.

The object we all have in view is of course to secure the
greatest usefulness of the convert, and the greatest good
to the common cause. Now if the young Christian seems
to have qualifications for making a good evangelist, is he
not just the man wanted to develop the work wliere he is?

now

DEAL IVITII NEW CONIEHTS?

21

And wMll not further experience at home fit him all the
better for domg other work to which he may be calle<l in
tlie future, when perhaps he may be sj.ared from his station
without Us sulfermg in consecpience? God's designs with
rdercnce to this man are wiser than ours. Let us wait for
tho.se designs to develop, as thev surelv will, and follow
carefully as we are led.

4- Other jiassagcs of Scripture place our dutv in this
matter in a still clearer light. " Not a novice, lest being
puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil " By
one rash and unauthorized step we mav inHict an irrepara-
ble injury on the person in whom we are .so much inter-
ested, and destroy all hopes of his hiture usefulness Again

l^e not many teachers, my brethren, knowing that we
shal receive heavier judgment." This is a warning to
\yould-be teachers, and may be applied with etiual force to
those who would gratuitously assume the responsibilitv of
recommending and employing teachers, without suffic'ient
Scriptural grounds for doing so. Again we are taught ■

Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of
other men s sins; keep thyself pure." The pertinencv of
these passages is too obvious to require lengthened' re-
marks. ^

Importance of Precedents.

I. The Chinese are remarkable for their tendency to fol-
low a hxed routine, and to be governed by precedents If
the hrst convert is soon employed, those' who follow will
expect to be also. If the f^rst station is supplied with a
chapel, succeeding ones will require the same, and so on
indefinitely. As a matter of precedent, the question as to
uhcthcr the Gospel shall be first introduced by the instru-
mentality of paid or unpaid agents is of such" importance
as to deserve very careful attention. Here again we get
light from Scripture. Nothing is more strikingly charac-
eristic of the missionary methods of the Apostle I'aul than
Ills purpose to preach the Gospel freely or " without
charge. He gives us very clearly his reason for doing
tins. tor yourselves know how ve ought to imitate us-
lor we behaved not ourselves di.sorderlv among you-
neither did we eat bread for nought at any man's hand' but

22

PLANTING OF MISSIONARY CUVKCIIRS

in labor and travail, worldiig niglit and day, that \vc might
not biuden any of you: not because we have not the right,
but to make ourselves an ensample mito you, that ye should
imitate us. For even when we were with you, this we
conunanded you, If any man will not work, neither let
him cat. For we hear of some that walk among you dis-
orderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. Now
them that arc such \vc command and exhort in the Lord
Jesus Christ, that with t|uietncss they work, and cat their
own brcail." 2 Thess. iii. 7-12. There were in Thessa-
lonica and other places in Greece, as there are now in
China, idlers, busybodies or disorderly persons, who would
fain live without work. From such persons Paul appre-
hended great danger to the infant Church ; and he not only
denounced them in uns|)aring terms, but determined by
his own e.\am[)le to furnish a precedent which would have
more weight in establishing a fixed usage in the Church
than anything he coidd say. In addressing the Ephesiaii
elders he gives the same reason for the course adopted.
" Ye yourselves know, that these hands ministered unto
my necessities, and to them that were w'ith me. In all
things I gave you an example how that so laboring ye
ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of tlie
Lord Jesus, how he himself said, It is more blessed to give
than to receive." Acts xx. 34-35.

2. The Apostle in the ninth chapter of First Corinthians
lays down the general rule that, as a matter of right, the
teacher should depend for his temporal support on the
taught; still in first introducing the Gospel to a heathen
people, he felt it his duty to waive this privilege. The ex-
ample which he set was that of a preacher not having his
influence curtailed by the susjiicion that he is laboring for
pay. While the Church at home has decided that in lands
where Christian institutions are established the pastor
should depend for his support on his flock and abstain from
secular employments, I believe it is best, at least in the first
stage of mission work, for the native evangelist to follow
Paul's example. Take a man laboring on the plane of his
ordinary life as an earnest Christian and make him a paid
laborer, and vou deprive him of half bis influence. It may
be said that by paying him you enable him to give all his

now DEAL WITH NEW CONVERTS 'i

23

time to evangelistic work. .Still it is a fair (piestion— \ye
are now speaking of new converts — whether a man will
accomplish more for good in the end by preaching, or by
simply living Christianity. The examples that we want
are those of men illustrating Christianity during six days
of secular work, as well as by one day of .Sai)bath ob-
servance. Such men and such women ])resent Christianity
in the concrete. They are " cities set on a hill," " epistles
known and read of all men." When stations multiply after
this type they strike root into the soil. There is life and ag-
gressiveness in them.

3. Some will probably ask, " Why do not missionaries
themselves work with their own hands and set the same
example that Paul did?" If circumstances were the same,
and the course chosen by the Apostle were now practica-
ble and would secure the same end that it did in his case,
it ought to be adopted, and 1 believe missionaries would
adojit it gladly. The reason why we do not is, that doing
so m our case would defeat the object aimed at. Our cir-
cumstances as foreign tnissionaries in China are different
from those of the Apostle Paul in aliuost every particular.
He was a Roman citizen in the Roman empire. He la-
bored in his native climate; was master of Greek and
Hebrew, the two languages required for prosecuting his
work; and his physical and intellectual training had been
the same as those with whom and for whom he labored.
We, in coming to China, are obliged from the first to un-
dertake the work of ac(|uiring a spoken and a written lan-
guage, both very difticult, taxing mind and body to the
utmost, and demanding all our time and energies. We
have to submit to the disadvantage and drudgery of learn-
ing in comparatively advanced life — so far as we are able
to do it — what the Chinaman learns, and what Paul
learned, in childhood and early manhood. Besides, for a
foreigner to supjMjrt himself in China in competition with
natives in anv (lepartment of manual labor is manifestly
impracticable, and one attempting to do so would diminish
rather than increase his influence. Were it practicable and
consistent with duty, how many of us who have a natural
taste for mechanics, or agriculture, or business, would
gladly spend a portion of our time in these pursuits, rather

24

PLAATJA'G OF MISSIONARY CHURCHES

HOW DEAI. WITH NEW CONVERTS {

25

tliaii in llie wearisome work of tlie study. Is it not ol)vi''.Lis
that tlie only persons wlio can furnish in Cliina the nuicli
ncedeil example of propagating^ Christianity while tlicv
lahor w ilii their own hands, are not I'liiro|)eans, but natives
laboring for and among their own ])eople?

4. The im])ortance of trusting at first mainly to volun-
tary unpaid agency, or rather to the inlluence of Christian
men and women remaining in their original callings, may
be further shown by other considerations. It is a preva-
lent idea in China that diligent and successful attention to
temporal and religious matters at the same tiiue is impos-
sible. We often hear the remark from Chinamen, " I am
tired of the world and its emplo\nients, and should like to
enter the religion," tiie true interpretation of which gen-
erally is, that the man would like to avoid work and live on
the " Chiao-hui." Another says, " Christianity is good, but
I must earn a living for my family." Sometimes this is a
mere excuse and sometimes it expresses a man's honest
conviction, that an effort to lead a Christian life will inter-
fere with his temporal prospects. I believe that nothing
is more important to the success of our work than to do
away witii this idea, and this can be best accomplished bv
living examples showing that a man may be a good Chris-
tian and a good farmer or artisan at the same time; or in
other words, that " Godliness is profitable for all things,
having the promise of the life that now is, and of that w hich
is to come." Even voluntary and unpaid preaching is not
to be compared for wholesome inlluence to earnest, con-
sistent. Christian lives. The secret of the world's evangeli-
zation is to be found in the words of our Saviour, " So let
your light shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven."

During the last few years I have often found it necessarv
to exhort and remonstrate with some of my people in sucli
language as the following: " Though it is commendable
for you to visit your friends and acquaintances, and to talk
to them about Christianity when you have time to do so,
you must not neglect your business. Your usefulness as
a Christian, the religious interests of your station, and the
spread of the (iospel in the neighborhood, depend largely
on your success and prosperity in temporal matters. If

you neglect vour business and run in debt and are obliged
to sell one acre of land this ycaf and two the next, you will
he a warning to all your neighbors and they will point to
vou and sav, ' Ileware of the Christian religion; our friend

entered it and in a few years he and his family were

brought to want.' If this is the outcome of your life in
lemporal things, all your preaching to your neighbors will
<lo little good."

^ Some will sav that depending largely upon the volun-
tary and mii)aid labor of native Christians for the prop-
a-'ation of the Cospel is pre-supposing a larger amount
oT zeal and devotion on their part than is found among
Christians at home. If this is true, so much the worse
for Christians at home. I believe the contrary, however.
There is a great arniv of active workers at home, as well
as idlers As to voung converts in our country stations,
it is a fact that thev are willing t(j do this work and able
to do it, and still further that they do it. In the early liis-
lorv of the Church, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles
Ch'ristianitv spread chieflv through the voluntary zeal oi
ordinary church members, and the work of the Apostles
consisted mainlv in superintending and organizing the
companies of Christians thus gathered. Their zea was
so great that i)ersccution could not repress, but only m-
tentihed it. If there is not that zeal and efTort in the
Church at home, it is much to be deplored. Perhaps the
want of it is due in a great measure to a growing habit of
leaving work for Christ to be done by those who are paid
for it Where such an idea prevails, whether at home or
on missionary ground, it tends to paralyze the power of
the Church for good. .

6 It mav be objected further that this aggressive zeal
to which I have referred is due largely to the expectation
of being emploved, and that for this reason it is not to be
relied upon, since it will decline as the hope of employ-
ment diminishes. There is no doubt much truth in this.
Shall we then knowinglv and deliberately pander to this
mercenary spirit, and, bv continuing to employ new con-
verts increase and perpetuate an evil which we deplore?
or shall we not rather bv refraining from employing them
put a slop to the evil as soon as possible? While, how-

26

PLANTING OF MISSIONARY CHURCHES

HOW DEAL ]\Tril NEW CONVERTS?

27

ever, without doubt some of tliese voluntary laborers are
working with selfisli aims, T believe there are others who
work from higher and worthier motives. Let us depend
on these, and we shall not be disappointed. Not giving
pecuniary eni])loymeut to new converts will probably re-
tard our work for a time, at least so far as numl^ers of ad-
herents is concerned, but it will promote the work in the
end.

Nature of the Church and Its Development.

We may get help in learning how to deal with new con-
verts and stations by considering the nature of the Church
and tlie law of its development. Christianity, whether
embodied in tlic individual or in a Church, is the out-
growth of a vital principle. In the spiritual as well as
vegetable kingdom every vital germ has its own law of
life and development, and it is only by following that law
that the highest development can be secured. Christianity
has been introduced into the world as a plant which will
thrive iie.st confronting and contending with all the forces
of its environment; not as a feeble exotic which can only
live wJien nursed and sheltered. All unnecessary nursing
will do it liariu. A pine may be trained into a beautiful
antl fantastic shape so as to be an object of interest and
curiosity, and may flourish in a way; but it will not tower
heavenward as the king of the forest, unless from first to
last it is subjected to the various and seemingly adverse
influences of scorching sun, biting frost and raging tem-
pest. A certain amount of care, and especially the right
kind, is necessary; too much or injudicious care is injuri-
ous and may be fatal to the life which it is intended to
promote.

Test Necessary before Advancement,

Young converts should be proved before they are em-
ployed and advanced to responsible public positions. It
is said of deacons in the third chapter of First Timothy,
" Let these also first be proved." The also refers no
doubt to the previous qualifications fequired in bishops.
These varied qualifications include knowledge, experience,
self-culture, spiritual growth, and discipline, all combining

together to form a stable and reliable basis of character.
If deacons and bishops must first be proved, is there not
the same necessity for proving preachers and evangelists?
There are laws in civilized countries requiring that ill test-
ing an anchor-chain or a wire cable it shall be subjected
to a strain greater than will be re(|uired in after use before
precious treasure and more precious lives are trusted to it.
Ordinary prudence, aside from Scripture command, would
dictate the still greater necessity of testing the character
of a man who is to be used in matters affecting the tenipo-
ral and spiritual interests, immediately and prospectively,
of perhaps thousands. In the zeal and glow of first con-
verts thev are apt, and that unwittingly, to deceive not
only us but themselves. By all means let them be proved.
How can this be done without leaving them to meet the
difficulties and trials incident to the condition in which
they are found, and that for a considerable length of time?
We have further authoritative teaching from our Saviour
himself on this point, especially designed to guard against
the dangers resulting from the influence of false teachers.
" By their fruits ye shall know them." The outward ap-
pearance of a tree may give promise of its being every-
thing we could desire, but we cannot be sure of its charac-
ter until it bears fruit: for this we may have to wait for
years, and even then find ourselves disappointed.

Necessity of Training.

Young converts before they are advanced to positions
of prominence and responsibility, should also be trained.

I. The processes of proving and training, though quite
different and distinct, are carried on simultaneously, and
largely by the same means. This training includes not
only study, but work, trial, and perhaps suffering. It
should be such as will fit a man to endure hardness as a
good soldier of Jesus Christ. A man may be carried
through a course of theological training, freed from the
struggle of ordinary life bv having all his wants provided
for, and yet get verv little of this disciplinary training which
is so important. We may think we are helping a man by
relieving him of burdens when we are in fact injuring him

28

ri.ANTING OF MISSrONAKY CirVKCUES

!)>• iiiUrfcriiif,' witli this training;. IUtc ap;aiii llic element
of time is a necessity. We are so apt to l)e in haste — to
spur ourselves on to prematme and frnitless cTfort by the
consideration of how many souls are perishinp; while we
are delaying. After the Apostle Paul was chosen and
called, he was kejit waiting nearly ten years before he was
commanded to enter upon his special life work. Who will
.say that those ten years were not as important as any other
|)eriod of his life, or ti'at his after usefulness did not de-
])end on them? Timothy also, by years of active and suc-
cessful la!)or at home, obtained a good report of the
brethren in Lystra and Derbc, after which he accompa-
nied Paul as a helper: and when many years of proving
and training were pas.sed, he became l^aul's co-laborer and
succes.sor in the work of evangelization and the founding
of churches.

2. If it be further asked. What then is the best w-ay to
train men for usefulness in the Church? 1 know of no bet-
ter answer, at least for the first stage of preparation, than to
repeat the Scripture injunction, " Let every man aiiide in
the calling wherein he was called." Nothing else can sujv
ply the place of God's providential training in the school of
ordinary life and practical exjierience. If God, who has
called a man to the fellowship of His Church, has also
called him to the work of the ministry. He will manifest His
purpose in His own time and way. Meanwhile, we should
give these young converts all the instruction, advice, and
help which Christian sympathy and prudence suggest.

now DEAL WITH jXF.Il' CONVERTS?

29

verts often left Timothy or Silas or others to spend days t)r
weeks in instructing, exhorting, and comforting lliem, and
also sent s[)ccial messengers to individual churches to cor-
rect abuses and furnish bel]) as occasif)n re<|uired; but we.
read in the Acts of the Apostles of no case in which he left
any one to slay with them as their resident nnnister. I
believe that in failing to follow this Apostolic exami)lc we
iiave often checked the devcloi)ment of individual gifts, and
self-reliance, and aggressive power in our Churches, mak-
ing them weak, inefTicient and dependent from the first.

In the meantime, in view of the great need of evangelists
to enter open fields not yet reached, and of pastors and
teachers to care for those are already gathered into the fold,
let us heed the solenui injunction of our Lord, "Pray ye
therefore the Lord of the harvest that He send forth labor-
ers into His harvest."

Commit Converts to the Lord.

We should with faith and confidence commit young con-
\erts " to the Lord on w liom they believed." This was the
course unhesitatingly adopted by the Apostle Paul, and I
know of no reason why we should not follow his example.
Om- Saviour has promised to lie al\va\s with His peojilc
unto the end of the world, and to send the blessed Spirit of
all giace to abide with them forever. He will give them by
conferring special graces of His Spirit, prophets, teachers,
exhorters, helps, and governments, as they are required.
Paul on his departure from places where he had made con-

Ill

ORIGIN AND GROWTH OF STATIONS
SHAN-TUNG

IN CENTRAL

General View of the Shan tung Work.

1. Preaching tours formed a proiniiient part of mission
work from the first occupation of Slian-tung Ijy I'rotestant
missionaries in the year i860. During the years that
immediately followed, the whole of eastern Shan-tung was
traversed by members of the American Baptist and Presby-
terian Missions. In 1866, Rev. C. W. RIatccr and Rev. H.
Corbctt made a tour in central Shan-tung for the purpose
chiefly of distributing and selling books. This was the first
visit ]iaid to Ch'ing-chou Fu and vicinity by Protestant
missionaries. It was afterward visited repeatedly by Dr.
Williamson and other members of the United Presbyterian
Mission of Scotland, and Rev. J. Maclntyre, a member of
that mission, resided two years in Wei Hsien, the chief city
of the adjacent district on the east. It was also visited from
time to time by dififercnt members of the American Pres-
byterian mission, and in 1874 and 1875 was included in my
regular itinerating tours, made twice a year.

Rev. Timothy Richard commenced regular work in
Ch'ing-chou Fu as a resident missionary in 1875. There
were then in that region onl}' two converts, and these were
connected with Mr. Corbett.

Previous to the work of Famine Distribution in the
spring of 1877, ^'^^- Richard had gathered about him a little
company of inquirers, and I had also a few inquirers in the
district of Aii-ch'iu, about forty-five miles S. E. of Ch'ing-
chou Fu.

2. In the spring of 1877, Mr. Richard and Rev. Alfred
G. Jones gave all their time and energies to the work of
Famine Relief. I took- part in the same work in Kao-yai,
a market town in the western extremity of An-ch'iu, and

30

i

GKOWTir OF STATIONS IN SllAN-TVNG

31

near the borders of the two other hsicn, Lin-ch'u, and
Ch'ang-lo, and continued it about three months until the
close of the famine, distributing aid to about 30,000 people,
from more than 300 villages.

The famine relief presented us to the i^eoj^lc in a new and
favorable light, and gave a fresh impulse to our work of
evangelization. 'i"he establishment of stations may he said
to have fairly begun after the famine, though a sjjirit of in-
quiry had been awakened before. In the spring of 1879,
Mr. Corbett again visited this region and from this time
took part in mission work there.

3. On the main points of mission policy we arc happily
nearly of one mind. All these stations jirovide their ow-n
houses of worship; none of them are cared for by a resident
paid i)reaclier; but in each of them one or more of its own
members voluntarily conducts services on Sunday, and at-
tends to the general spiritual interests of the little company
of believers with whom he is connected, under the superin-
tendence of the foreign missionary in cliarge. In all these
stations great prominence is given to catechetical teaching,
and also to affording special instruction to the leaders, with
a view to their teaching others. These form the distin-
guishing features of our work, and our main points of
agreement.

4. The Baptist stations have multiplied chiefly through
the voluntary labors of impaid Christians, and radiate from
the centre at Ch'ing-chou Fu. Their staff of Chinese
laborers now consists of a native pastor, who is a Nanking
man baptized more than twenty years ago, four evangelists
paid by the mission, and two elders paid by the native
Christians.

My work spread from the centre at Kao-yai, almost en-
tirely, so far as natives are concerned, through the volun-
tary labors of the Chinese Christians. My staff of paid
laborers at present consists of two native helpers, supported
hitherto partly by the natives and partly by myself. I have
from the first used a few others occasionally.

Mr. Corbett commenced his work with the assistance of
church members from older stations. He has used a much
larger number of helpers, and his stations are more discon-
nected, being found in different districts to which his

32 PLANTING OF M/SS/ONAKV CIJUKCHES

prcaclicrs and evangelists have been sent. His staff of na-
tive laborers consists of about twenty-two paid helpers, and
twenty teachers. The latter receive from him on an aver-
age about fifteen dollars a year, with what they can get in
addition from the natives.

5. With these general .statements respectmg the whole
field, I propose to" give a more detailed account of my own
stations and work, with which I am naturally more in-
timately acquainted. I presume, however, that in detailing
my own exjierience I shall be giving in the main that also of
my brethren. When important points of difference occur
they will be spoken of m loco.

Kelations of the Missionary Helpers and Leaders.

The characteristic feature of our stations is that the prin-
cipal care of them is intrusted, not to paid preachers set
over them and resident among them, but to leaders belong-
ing to the stations. These leaders are simply church mem-
bers among church members, pursuing their daily calling
as before conversion. They form a very important link in
the chain of influences starting from the foreign missionary.
Next to the missionary is the native helper, who is generally
a well-instructed Christian of some years' experience. He ^
is under the control and direction of the missionary, and
acts for him in supplementing his labors and carrying out
his instructions. Next to the helper is the leader, through
whom principally the helper brings his influence to bear on j
the Christians and iiK|uircrs generally.

Principle Underlying Station Organization.

I. It is our aim that each man, woman, and child shall be
both a learner from some one more advanced, and a teacher
of some one less advanced. Theoretically, the missionary
does nothing which the helper can do for him, the helper
does nothing which the leader can do, and the leader does
nothing which he can devolve upou those under him. In
this way nnicli time is saved, the gifts of all are utilized and
developed, and the station as an organized whole grows in|
knowledge, strength, and efificiency. The leader constantly '

GROWTir OF STATIONS TN SHAN-TVNG

33

superintends, directs, and examines those under him; the
lulper directs and examines the leaders and their stations;
and the missionary in charge has a general supervision and
control of the whole.

2. It has been my habit to visit the stations regularly
twice a year in order to examine carefully into the circum-
stances of each one of them and the ])rogress in knowledge
and performance of Christian duties of each Christian and
iii(|uirer.

One of my helpers has the charge of nearly forty stations,
located in four dififerent districts or hskn, which he visits
regularly once every two months. The other helper has the
charge of about ten stations and devotes part of his time
to evangelistic work outside of them. A few arc without
the care of a native helper, and are only visited by the for-
eign missionary.

,^. The forty stations under one helper are tlivided into
seven geographical groups of from four to seven stations
each. The helper visits these groups in regular rotation
once every two months by appiiintment, spending about a
week in each. On Sunday he liQ.lds a general or union ser-
vice, leaders and other prominent church members being
present. The object aimed at is to make this union service
conducted by the helper the model for the leaders to pattern
after in their several stations during the seven or eight
weeks when they are by themselves. Once in two months
when the helper is absent, each of these groups has a sim-
ilar union service conducted by the leaders, exercises and
persons in charge having been appointed by the helper in
advance.

4. The form of exercise for Sundays, both morning and
aflcrnoon, consists of four parts. First, a kind of informal
Sniiday-school in which every person present is expected,
with the superintendence of the leader and those under him,
to prosecute his individual studies, whether learning the
Cliinesc character, committing to memory passages of
Scripture, telling Scripture stories, or studying the cate-
chism or Scripture question books. Second, we have the
more formal service of w orsliip, consisting of singing, read-
ing of the Scriptures with a few explanations or exhorta-
tions, and prayer, the whole occiqiying not more than three

34

rr.ANTING OF MISSIOMARY CHURCHES

GROWTH OF STATIONS IiV SUAN-TUNG

35

(luartors of an liour. Tliird, \vc liavc the Scripture story
exercise. Sonic one previously appointed tells the story;
the leader of the meeting then calls on different persons one
after another to reproduce it in consecutive parts, and after-
ward all ])resent take part in drawing practical lessons and
duties from it. There is never time for more than one story,
and often that one has to he divided and has two Sun-
days given to it. Fourth, if there is time a catechetical
exercise follows in which all unite, designed to bring out
more clearly the meaning of what they have already learned
— as the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Conunandments, select
passages of Scripture, some hook of Scripture, or some
special subject such as the duty of benevolence, etc. This
general order of exercises is modified or varied when the
circumstances of a station make it advisable that it should
be.

5. Leaders are sometimes formally selected by their sta-
tions. More generally, however, they find themselves in
this position as the natural result of providential circum-
stances. Ill many cases the leader is the person who origi-
nated the station with which he is connected, the other
members having been brought into the Church by his
instnmientality. These members look up to him as their
natural head and teacher, and a strong feeling of gratitude,
Christian sympathy, and responsibility grows up spontane-
ously. In some cases persons brought in afterward are
more gifted or literary tlian the original leader and after a
time take his place, or are associated with him as joint lead-
ers. In some stations women are the first converts, and
even after men have joined them, exert a marked if not the
chief influence, and take a prominent part in teaching, ex-
hortation, and prayer.

6. The chapels, with the chapel furniture, are provided
by the natives themselves. As a rule they are not separate
buildings, but form a part of the ordinary Chinese dwelling
house. Often the chapel belongs to the leader. Sometimes
it is rented by the Christians, and in a few places it is a new
buikling specially erected for the purpose of worship.
When this is the case, Christians from other villages assist
with their contributions, and I have also gcnerallv con-
tributed, to the amount of about one-tenth of the value of

the building. The cost of these chapels ranges from thirty
to one hundred dollars each. There is as yet no chapel the
ownership of which is vested in the Church as a whole.
Even when a new building is erected, it belongs to the man
on whose ground it stands. The fact that the chapels form
a part of the 1 rdinary dwelling houses of the people ex-
tm])ts the Chri tians, 1 think, from a good deal of prejudice
and persecution which is apt to be excited by and directed
toward distinctive church buildings.

Instruction of Inc[uirers and Church Members.

Perhaps the most important (|uestion which can arise in
connection with our country stations is. How shall we most
effectually carry out the command of our Saviour, " Feed
my sheep," " Feed my lambs."

1. As has been before indicated, the ])ersons mainly de-
pended upon for performing this work are the leaders. In
our present circumstances in Shan-tung, no other plan is
possible. Where could we obtain native preachers for
teaching and superintending the one hundred and fifty sta-
tions already established? There are less than a dozen can-
didates for the ministry in the whole field. We cannot yet
know how many of these will be acce])table to the jjeople,
and the nundjer of stations is constantly increasing. Were
it desirable to supply each station with a native jireacher we
have not the men, and it would not be reasonable to sup-
])ose that we should have at this stage of our work. If we
had the men, who would su[)|)ort them? 'The natives at
l)resent are too weak to do it, and if the foreign Boards
were able to assume this Ijurdeii, their doing so would es-
tablish a precedent which would add very much to the diffi-
culties of making the native churches independent and self-
supporting in the future.

2. In my opinion we may go a step farther, and say that
the introduction of paid teachers in each station, even if it
were possible, would not at present be desirable. The lead-
ers understand better than a person from a distance could,
the individual peculiarities of the neighbors, and also the
tones and inflections of the local dialect, local expressions,
illustrations, and habits of thought. They are likely to be

3(3

r I. ANTING OF MlSSrONAKV CHURCHES

more interested in those about them, most of wliom may be
called their own converts, than any one else could be, and
are more disposed to give them the care and attention
necessary in instructing beginners. In leaching they set an
i.'xample to others, a larger number of teachers is thus
secured than could be obtained in any other way, and learn-
ing antl teaciiing go on togelhcr, the one preparing for the
other, and the teaching being an important part of the
learning, perhaps quite as useful to the teacher as to the
taught. Though the knowledge of the leaders may be
elementary and incomplete, they are quite in advance of the
other church members and in(|uirers, and what they do
know is just what the others need first to learn. The
leaders are especially fitted to comnumicate this knowledge,
simjily because they are not widely separated in intelligence
and sympathy from those who are to be taught.

3. It must be admitted that in this matter of appointing
leaders we meet in the beginning with serious difficulties.
Sometimes it is almost impossible to find one. The station
contains perhaps not a single person who can read. Even
then, however, a modification of our plan is found to work
good results in the end. If the weak station is within reach
of a stronger, older one, it can obtain help by worshi|3ping
with and gaining instruction from it, or by some mendier
of the older station coming to spend Sunday with his less
advanced and less favored brethren. The helper, too, is ex-
pected to give special time and care to these weak stations.
There are not a few cases of men, and also of women, who
at first could not read, who can now read the Scriptures,
teach and lead the singing, and are not only efficient leaders
in their own stations but exert a happy influence outside of
it.

4. From the first, we emphasize teaching rather than
preaching. I here use the word "preaching" in its specific
sense of logical and more or less elaborate dissertation. We
should remember that continuous discourse is something
which is almost unknown in China. Even educated China-
men follow it with difficulty. A carefully prepared sermon
I from a trained native preacher or a foreign missionary,
/ such a sermon as would be admirably suited to an intelli-
i gent educated Christian congregation, is out of place in a

GROWTH OF STATIONS IN SHAN-TUNG

37

new station. I'"roni the fact that it is adapted to another
kind of congregation, it is by necessary consequence un-
?uitai)le here. An altenii)t at formal preaching by those
who have neither the Scri|)tural knowledge nor the intel-
lectual and practical training to fit tiieni for it is still more to
l)c deprecated. We who are accustomed from childiiood to
instruction liy lectures and sermons, iiaturall\ and very
l)ro])erly introduce them in the mission centres where we
are located; and our personal teachers and pupils trained
in our schools become accustomed to them and are profited
by them. In the country stations a few of the more ad-
vanced Christians may be benefited by a sermon, but to the
great body of hearers who most need instruction it would
be like listening to utterances in an unknown tongue. This
kind of iireaching gives rise in the Church from its very in-
fancy to a kind of formalism whicii is almost fatal to growth
and progress. The congregation rises, or sits, or kneels as
directed, and may maintain a reverent attitude and listen,
or have the appearance of listening, to what is said: in a
word they have a service and go home with their con-
sciences satisfied, but their minds not enlightened. Even
the Quaker method of sitting before God in silent medita-
tion or mute reverence would be preferable to having the
mind distracted by allusions to something they have not
heard of, thoughts beyond their reach and processes of
reasoning whicli they cannot follow. I am far from saying
that no good is accomplished. Those who engage in such
a service, as many of them do, feeling that they are offering
lioniage and worship to the true God their Heavenly
Father, though they may only catch an occasional idea
Irom a prayer, or an exhortation, or a sermon, will be bene-
fited, and their worship will no doubt be accepted. Most
of the persons in our congregations are, as regards their
mental development, in the condition of children and have
to be treated as such.

5. But to return to the methods of teaching which we
have been led to adopt. All converts at first receive more
or less oral instruction and direction from the foreign mis-
sionary, or the native helper, or the leader by whom they
are brought into the Church. They are required to com-
mit to memory and to learn the meaning of a simple

38

PLANTING OF MISSIONARY CHURCHES

GROWTH or STATIONS IN SHAN-TUNG

39

catccliisni coiilainiiit; a coniiK-iulium of Cliristian doctrine,
and also forms of |)i a\cr and |)assa.m-s of Scripture. Durint;
tlie peiiod of probation they are ex|)ccte(l to attend services
regularly and to perform tlie religious duties of professing
Cln-istians. The time of probation has varied from six
months — or less in exceptional cases — to one or two years.
Our English RajHist brethren have recently increased it,
fi.xing the minimnm at eighteen months.

We have found it necessary, in order to systematize and
unify our work-, to establish rules and regulations, which
have been put up in the chapels as placards. Most of these,
having been adopted by Mr. Corbett and myself, are now
embodied in the new edition of the " Manual for Inquirers,''
which is published by the North China Tract Society. This
Manual, the Catechism and the Gospels, arc the books
which I place in the hands of every inquirer, and little more
is needed for 3ears in the way of te.xt-books for those who
have not previously learned to read.

The Manual contains, — General Directions for Prose-
cuting Scripture Studies; Forms of Prayer; the Apostles'
Creed; and Select Passages of Scripture — to be conmiitted
to memory. Then follows a large selection of Scripture
stories and parables, with directions as to how they should
be recited and explained; only the titles of these are given
with references to the place in the P)ible where they are to
be found. Next follow: Rules for the Organization and
Direction of Stations; Duties of Leaders and I^ules for their
Guidance; a system of forms for keeping Station Records
of attendance and studies, etc.; Form of Church Covenant;
Scripture Lessons for Preparing for Baptism; the same for
preparing for the Lord's Supper; Order of Exercises for
Church Service and Directions for S])ending Sunday; a
short Scripture Catechism — enforcing the duty of giving of
our substance for benevolent purposes; and a short essay
on the Duty of Every Christian to make known the Gospel
to Others. To the whole is appended (|uestions on the
various parts, specially prepared to facilitate the teaching
and examination of learners. A selection of our most com-
mon Hymns is also sometimes bound up with the volume.

6. Studies prosecuted are divided into six kinds. All
church members and inquirers are supposed to be carrying

on two or three of these at the same time, of which a com-
plete record is kc])t. The six kinds of studies are — learn-
ing to read, memorizing Scripture, reading Scripture in
course, telling Scripture stories, learning the meaning of
Scripture, and reviews of former exercises. The books
iisecl arc almost exclusively in Mandarin, in the Chinese
character.

7. W'e find Catechisms and Scripture question books of
great use, not only for inquirers, but for the more ad-
vanced Christians. I give great prominence to learning and
reciting Scrijilnre stories and jiarables, and nothing has
been found to produce more satisfactory results. It excites
interest, develops thought, and furnishes in a simple form a
compendium of Bible history and Christian duty; while a
careful training in relating Biljle Stories and drawing prac-
tical lessons from them is one of the best ways of develop-
ing preaching talent wherever it is found.

8. Scholars as well as the illiterate are required to learn
the Manual, not only for their own sakes, but in order to
teach others. They soon familiarize themselves with its
contents, and pass on to the general study of the Scriptures
with the help of conmicntaries.

Bible or Training Classes.

The stations of Mr. Corbett and myself are on an aver-
age about two hundred miles distant from our home in
Chefoo. In visiting them we have only time for necessary
examinations, together with general instructions and di-
rections. To secure thorough and methodical teaching, no
plan has been found practical)!e but that of a select number
of the learners coming to us in Chefoo. These have been
organized into classes which have formed a kind of Normal
School. At first incpiircrs came. Since stations have been
established, inquirers in the vicinity of them prepare for
baptism at home.

I. For several years past our classes have been com-
posed of the more advanced church members especially
selected and invited. They come with the understanding
that in going back to their homes they are to communicate
what they have learned to others. They are in no sense in

40

PLANTINC OF MISSIONARY CHURCHES

GROWTH OF STATIONS m SHAN-TUNG

41

our eiiiplov or pay, ami tlirir jirfvious occupations and re-
lations continue as before. As we are absent on our tours in
the spriii}; and autmnn, tlie classes asseniljle in C liefoo
durint; the sunnner aiul winter months when we arc at
home, and continue in session from six weeks to two
months.

2. Ill many cases we have been obliged to pay the travel-
ling expenses of members of the classes in returning home,
the money they bring with them being as a rule expended
before the session is over. During the last few years, how-
ever, not a few have jirovidcd their own travelling expenses
for both coming and returning. During their stay with us
the}' are our guests, we furnishing them with food and
lodgings. We have found this course necessary and dc not
think it under the circumstances unreasonable. Most of
these students are poor and could not afTord to pay all their
expenses. Coming as they do requires what is to them a
considerable outlay in providing decent clothing and food
bv the way. The loss of time in attending the class is also to
some a matter of no small importance. Many incur heavy
expenses in the course of the year in discharging the duties
of Christian hospitalitv in their homes, where they have
frequent visits from natives and foreigners; so that in enter-
taining them while with us, we are only in part repaying in
kind what they have already expended in establishing and
extending the work in their own neighborhoods.

3. The studies while with us arc mainly Scriptural, with
additional elementary instruction in astronomy, geography,
history, and general knowledge. Here, as in the stations,
lessons are carried on catechetically, and what is taught one
day is the subject of examination the next. Much attention
is also given to rehearsing Scripture stories. One hour a
day is assigned to instruction in vocal music, which has
been taught for many years, principally by Mrs. Ncvius,
who has devoted herself to it with singular assiduity and
success. While the classes are with us we give nearly all
our time and strength to them. Those who come here with
an earnest pur|)ose to learn, enjoy the exercises and are
benefited b\- them; those who do not, cannot bear the
pressure and soon find an excuse for going home.

My classes have numbered of late about forty. So far

as practicalile, the same individuals come vear after year,
lliey have gone over the ( iuspcls— some of tlieni re-
peatedly—the Acts of the Apostles, Koinans and several of
llie other JCpistles, and parts of the Old 'festamcnt. Their
proficiency in ScrijUure knowledge will compare favorably
with that of intelligent adult classes in Sundav-schools at
home. They could sustain a verv creditable examinati(jn
oil the Acts of the Apostles, and also on J^omans, master-
ing the argument and being able to rei)ro<luce it. Some
have written while here so full and clear an analysis of that
Epistle that their manuscripts were sought for and cojiied
by others who could not come to the class. The hymns
ttliich they sing are for the most jiart translations of famil-
iar English hymns, in the same meters as the originals, and
sung to the same familiar tunes. They are taught losing
by note and some of them read music very well. 'Jhey have
great difficulty with the half tones, their scale and ours
being different.

4- These classes have almost fulfilled tlieir purpose and
will probably soon give place to theological classes, those
who have attended them having acquired such a familiarity
with the Scriptures as enables them now to carry on their
studies at home, with the help of commentaries and other
Christian books.

Results to Station Members.

The proficiency in Christian knowdedge of the members
of these country stations will, I think, bear favorable com-
parison with that of the converts cared for bv resident
preachers.

I. The degree of illiteracy of the inhabitants of these
rural districts is perhaps .somewhat greater than that of the
population of China taken as a wliole. Not more than one
out of twenty of the men can read, and not one of a thou-
sand of the women. Among our Christians, nearly all the
children and most of the adults of both sexes under fifty
years of age learn to read. Some have made remarkable
progress in the study of the Scriptures. A large proportion
of them have committed to memorv the Sermon on the
Mount and many other select passages of the Bible. Script-

42

ri.ANTINC OF Af/SSrONAKV CHURCHES

HKonrii or staiioxs in siiax-tvng

43

lire ideas and ])lirases have eiUeted into tlie lanp;uage o(
cverv-day life, reisuns (if athaiu'ed aj^e, lliougii them-
selves unable to read, take great pleasure in relating
Scripture stories and |)aral)les, and in teaching others less
instructed what they have learned.

2. The mental devcl()])nient of the converts and their en-
thusiasm in their studies have in many places attracted tiic
attention and excited the wonder of their heathen neigh-
bors. In one of our stations there is a literary man named
b'u, now over fifty years of age, who has been tt.>tally blind
for more than twenty years. He has taught his daughter, a
girl of fifteen, to read the liible, she describing the charac-
ters as seen, and he telling her the names and meanings of
them. She has in this way learned about two thousand
characters. Her father has memorized from her lips the
gospels of Matthew and John, the Acts of the Apostles, and
Romans, and many other jiortions of Scripture. He and
other members of his family have taught his sister, Mrs.
Kuiig, who is also blind, to repeat nine chapters of Mat-
thew, and this Iilind woman has taught her invalid, bed-
ridden sister-in-law, Mrs. Wang, to read the Scriptures,
by repeating them to her character by character from
memory, while her sister-in-law finds out the words on the
printed page.

Manner in which Stations are Propagated.

Many of the stations in this province originated, as be-
fore stated, in the labors of paid agents employed as evan-
gelists. When new ones are established, however, they are
usually organized under a leader chosen on the plan de-
tailed above. The English Baptist stations and my own
have for the most part been estalilished without the help ol j
paid evangelists. They radiate from self-propagating cen-
tres, reminding one of sarmentaceous plants which prop-
agate themselves by runners striking root and producing j
new plants in the vicinity of the parent stock, the new plants j
in their turn repeating the same process.

I. \\nien a man becomes a Christian the fact is known
through the whole circle of his acquaintances, male and
female, far and wide. It is generally believed that his mind \

has lost its balance. He is shunned fur a time, but before
long his friends visit him either from syinjiathy or curiosity.
They find him in apjiarently a normal condition and work-
ing (juietly in his slui]) or on his farm, and aie curious to
know what this new clejiarture means. An opportiuiity is
thus afforded of |)rcsenting the claims of Cluisliauily as
not the religion of the foreigner l)Ut the true religion for all
mankind. The visitor goes home and thinks about the
matter and comes again, attends service on Sunday, is in-
terested in the truth, makes a profession of Christianity,
and in process of time his home becomes a new propagating
centre. Stations started in this manner have the advantage
of a natural ccnmcctitin with the jiarent station, and they
are nourished and sujiporled I)y it until they are strong
enough to have the connection severed and live and grow
independently.

2. The Baptist mission, having tried both methods for
some years past in the same field, have found that as a rule
the stations which have originated as the result of the
labors of paid agents have been comparatively weak and
unreliable, and some have entirely fallen away, while those
which have been commenced on the self-propagating
principle have generally maintained a healthy, vigorous
growth. Instead of increasing their paid agents as the
Miunber of church members has increased, that mission has
diminished them nearly one-half. This self-propagating
principle often results in the establishment of stations one
or two days' journey from the propagating centre.

3. I have often been asked, " Why do you not employ
and pav more native agents? " I reply by another (|ues-
tion. Why should I ? The only men I could employ are ex-
erting what influence they have for good where they now
are. Mv paying them money and transferring them from
one place to another would not make them better men nor
increase their inlluence. It might have the opposite effect.
During the last few years I have in fact frec]uently been in-
clined to attempt to enlarge and hasten on the work by se-
lecting and emjiloying native agents from my stations, and
have requested money appro|)riations from our society to
enable me to do so. \\'hen the time has come for carrying
out this plan, however, 1 have refrained from taking the

44

PLANTING OF MISSIONARY CHURCHES

GROWTH OF STATIONS IN SHAN-TC'NG

45

proposed stcj), fcariiif; that it would do more harm tlian
good.

4. I am asked a,!j;aiii, " Do )'ou intciul never to cmplnv
native paid ai;ents?" J\Iy reply is, I leave this question to
be determined by the circumstances and in the light of the
future. If suitable men are found and it is clear that em-
ploying them as paid agents would do good, I should he
glad to see them employed, and the more of them the
better.

Classes to Which Our Church Members Belong.

Most of our stations are found in country villages, and in
general the Christians may be said to belong to the middle
class. Although none of them are what wc should call rich,
not a few are "well-to-do" as compared to the majority oi
their own people. Many are farmers and day laborers. We
have also school-teachers, artisans, peddlers, and innkeep-
ers. As a rule men preponderate in numbers, though some
churches are composed mostly of women. Sometimes the
men are first reached and influence the women of their
families to follow them, and sometimes the reverse is the
case. The work among the women has in my stations, and
in the main in all the others, been carried on without the
help of foreign ladies. A few country women have come to
Chefoo to receive instruction from Mrs. Nevius. In most
places visits of ladies, except the wives of missionaries ac-
companying their husbands, would hitherto have been hn-
practicablc and, in the opinion of the native Christians, un-
desiralile. The common assertion that heathen women
cannot be evangelized through the instrumentalitv of men
is certainly not universally true in China. Facts prove the
contrary. In most places, indeed generally in the interior
at a distance from the established central stations, they can
hardly be reached and evangelized e.xcept by men. In
many of the Shan-tung stations women stand out prom-
inently as examples of zeal and proficiency in Christian
knowledge.

Persecution.

1. 0(i(iositioii and [lersecution have marked the course
of our work to a greater or less extent in every district.
The authority of tlie family or elan is often invoked to
overrule the imlividual in his determination to eiUer the
new religion. \'illage elders and trustees of temiiles unite
in efTorts to exact from Christians contributions for theatres
and the repairs of temples. When native Christians persist
ill asserting their i)urpose to follow their own convictions
of dutv in oiipiisition to those who think they have both
the right and the power to control them, ojien outbreaks
ensue, resulting in brutal assaults, housel)urning and in
some cases driving Christians from their homes. Native
Christians are sometimes arraigned before the local magis-
trates on fictitious charges; and when it is found, as at
tinies is the case, that the local magistrate is only loo glad
to join in the persecution, false accusations become more
mimerous, and old law-suits in which the Christians were
parties are revived. In these litigations the persecutors
have every advantage. There are among them those fannl-
iar with all the arts and intricacies of Chinese law-suits, and
those who have friends in the ya-iucn and money for brib-
ery when it is required. Under these circumstances the
Christians have small hope of justice. Charges are brought
against them with such a show of plausibility, and such an
array of evidence, that officers who are disposed to act
justly, as I believe some of them are, may almost be ex-
cused for regarding Christians as guilty culprits and treat-
ing them accordingly.

2. In cases of great injustice and abuse, missionaries
have taken up the complaints of the native Christians, ap-
pealed to their consuls, and in some instances obtained
partial redress. It must be acknowledged, however, that
we have not invariably elicited correct representations of
these cases; and also that, when through the influence of
the foreign teachers the tide of fortune has turned in favor
of the Christians, they have not always been free from a
spirit of revenge and retaliation, r.ittcr and imjust as the
treatment has been which our Christians have often re-
ceived, it is a growing opinion here that the best weapons

46

ri.AiV77Xa OF A//SS/O.V,lh-Y (■/fURC//F.S

with wliicli to imet this (i]i])ositioii arc Christian ])aticnce
niid fdrilicaraiicc, and that the surest victory and the one
wliicii will lie followed hy tlie l)est results is that of " ovcr-
coniiiic; evil with good. " We are less and less disposed to
appeal to the civil power on behalf of our people, except in
extreme cases.

Sabbath Observance.

1. The difTiculty of enforcins^ strict rules of .'-iahhatli ob-
servance is not less here than in other parts of China. Our
own mission has taken strongs jjround on this subject. We
regard the Sabbath, not as a Jewish institution, but an in-
stitution for man in all ages wherever found. We believe
it lias the same authority as the other commandments of
the decalogue; that the obligation to keep one day holy
tmto the Lord antedates tiie decalogue, as the duties en-
joined in the other commandments do; and that the deca-
logue is but the divine reanmuiciation and publication of
universal and eternal law. As such we hold that it can
never be abrogated, tliat its observance is inseparably con-
nected with the prosperity of the Church, and an index of
its spiritual state.

2. In determining how Stmday shall be observed, or in
other words, in the interpretation of the fourth conmiand-
mcnt, we have an infallil)le guide in the teachings of our
Saviour. He has declared that it is lawful and right (l) to
do good on the Sabbath day; (2) to perform acts of neces-
sity; (,^) of mercy and kindness; (4) to perform work con-
r.ected with or necessary to the worship and service of God;
(5) that, as the Sabbath was made for man and not man for
the Sabbath, this commandment should be so construed as
to subserve and not interfere with man's best and highest
good. God's revelation of truth and duty is one consistent
whole, each part connected with and conditioned by the
others. Cases may occur in which one command overrules
and supersedes another. The paramount authority and
command of God may make it a man's duty under some
circumstances to disobey a parent; the civil law or the in-
herent right to preserve one's own life against lawless vio-
lence, may make it right to destroy human life; and the
necessities of war or famine may justify a man in taking

CKOWril Ol' S-/-A7-/OXS IN SUAN-TIINU

47

and using what does not belong to him. So circumstances
may justify the |)erformance of (jrdinary labor on the Sab-
bath, in which case such lal)or is not to be regarded as ig-
noring or breaking the fourth connnandment, but as obey-
ing God's will in the exceptional as well as the usual
observance of the day. Nothing should be done which the
above principles laid down by our Saviour do not warrant.

3. It is evident that the natural outcome of these princi-
ples must be a great diversity of practice, growing out of
varied situations and conditions. Jt is evident also that the
application of these principles must be left largely to each
individual Christian. 1 believe this may safely be done so
long as the divine obligation of the command is acknowl-
edged. On the graduated scale, representing on one hand
actions plainly inadmissible, and on the other, actions as
manifestly admissible, there is a wide medium of debatable
ground where room must be left for the exercise of indi-
vidual liberty and Christian charitv.

To make the matter more practical. On the side of un-
justifiable Sunday labor we may designate that of the
farmer who tills his own land and is, or ought to be, the
master of his own establishment; or the artisan who works
in his own shop with or without employees. In such cases
as these we insist on a strict observance of the Sabbath and
make a breach of this observance a matter of censure and
discipline.

On the side of justifiable work we designate enforced
labor performed on Sunday by slaves, minors, daughters-
in-law, etc.

In our stations the duty of Sabbath observance is gen-
erally acknowledged, and I think I may say that there is
a manifest hnprovement in public sentiment on this sub-
ject. In my own field there is a considerable proportion of
the stations in which the observance of the day is gratifying
and connnendable; but in a majority of these'stations strict
observance is the exception, and a loose and partial one the
rule. We hope to see a gradual advancement in this matter
as the result, with God's grace and help, of careful Bible
teaching and the examples of our more advanced and con-
scientious Christians.

4. It may be objected that insisting on the divine obli-

48

r I. ANTING OF M/SSniXAKV CI/IKC/IKS

■I* r

gation of Sahhatli observance, and al tlie same time |)ro-
vidiiig for tlie relaxing or annniling of these obligations,
practically leads to about the sanie result as leaving the
whole matter to be determined by individual choice or ex-
pediency. It should be remembered, however, that this
modification or relaxation is not one of our suggestion, but
is specifically laid down by the Lord of the Saljbath Him-
self. The practice here advocated provides, too, for the
gradual and finally complete introduction of the Sabbath
into heathen lands on a basis of divine authority; while
the theory that the Sabbath was only a Jewish institution
makes the observance of it a matter of choice rather than
duty, and condones for its neglect or abuse, which gradu-
ally becomes a habit interwoven with social and national
customs. Under one theory, so far as this cjuestion is con-
cerned, the Church is like a ship at turn of title drifting in
different directions in obedience to the temporary inllu-
ences of wind and tide, but still lujlding fast to her anchor
and destined to settle soon in a fixed position; under the
other theory she is without anchor anil drifting hopelessly.

Discipline.

1. We regard the administration of discipline as indis-
pensable to the growth and prosperity of our work, and at-
tention to it claims a large portion of our time and
thoughts. \\'ith the use of our Record Book, the assistance
of our leaders and helpers and information obtained from
other sources, the difficulty in gaining a knowledge of the
real state of things is not so great as might at first be sup-
posed.

2. The proportion of those who have been exeomniuni-
cated on account of scandalous offences is comparatively
small. The great majority of them, perhaps as many as
eighty per cent., are cases of gradual and at last complete
neglect of Christian duties, commencing with giving up
iiible study, disregard of the Sabbath and neglect of pub-
lic worship. It now ap()ears that most of these persons
entered the Church witliout a clear apprehension of what
Christianity, theoretical and practicaf, is. Their motives
seem to have been to obtain a place as a preacher or ser-

CKOn rif Ol- STATIONS IN SIIAN-TUNG

49

vant, or pecuniary aid in other wa\s, or to get help in
law-suits, actual or anticipated — all these motives being
connected no doubt with the sincere conviction that Chris-
tianity is true and a desire to share in the spiritual bless-
ings which it confers. They were also ignorant of the diffi-
culties and trials connecteil with a Christian |)rofession,
and so when they met with opposition and iiersecution
they fell away.

3. We administer disci])line as directed by the .Scrijitures
and generally practiced by Christian churches at home:
first, by exhortation and admonition, followed if necessary
by a formal trial and suspension ; and after a period of sus-
pension varying from a few months to one or two years, in
failure of reformation, by excommunication.

4. The whole number of adult baptisms in my own field
during the last seven years has been about one thousand.
The projiortion of excommunicated persons is about twen-
ty per cent, of the whole, and more than half of them have
been from the one hskn, Shiu-kuang, where there were for
a time numerous accessions under a good deal of excite-
ment. In the other four hskn, the proportion of excommu-
nicated persons as compared to the whole number of con-
verts is about ten per cent. While there has been this fall-
ing away in individuals, there has been a comparatively
slight loss of stations, nearly all having left in them a few
earnest men; so that the ])laces where there have been most
excommunications are really stronger and more promising
than when they had more names on the roll. No station
has as yet been entiiely given up. It is feared, however,
that we shall soon have to give up four, three of them in
the district of .Shiu-kuang.

5. Cases of discipline have diminished considcrablv dur-
ing the last year, and we hope the number may be much
curtailed in the future by avoiding some of the causes which
iiave led to them. \'er\ few excommunicated persons have
returned to us. Very few have become enemies and open
opposers. Most are indifferent, some soured and disap-
pointed. Many of them retain strong sympathy with the
Cliurcli and continue to attend services. In every case, so
far as I know, the administration of discipline has been sus-
tained by public opinion in the Church and outside of it,

so

rLANriNC, or M/ss/ox.ih'v curia irr.s

and the effect of discipline has been decidedly good. I be-
lieve the neglect of it would soon restilt in checking the
growth and perhaps extinguishing the life of the Church.

6. It has been objected to tiiis plan of conducting sta-
tions that with the niissionar)- living so far away from
them, and the new converts left so much to themselves, it is
impossible for him to know what is occurring, and the dif-
ficulties of finding out and correcting abuses and irregu-
larities must be greatly increased. There is weight in this
objection; but, in my opinion, the flifificulties are much less
than might be imagineil and the advantages of the stations
being left to themselves far outweigh the disadvantages.
The lielpcr is able to find out (piite as much about the sta-
tions as the missionary could if he were constantly living
among them. While there may be motives at work in-
fluencing church members to conceal important facts from
the missionary and also from tlie helper, there are other
motives which work strongly in the opposite direction. Ir-
regularities or improprieties on the part of an individual or
a party in the Church are very likely to be reported on the
first opportunity by another individual or party. Should a
whole station l)e interested in concealing something which
ought to be l<nown, some adjoining station, or people out-
side the Church, will probably be foiuid ready to give the
requisite information. Our main dependence, however, is
on the honesty and integrity of the leaders and the church
members, especially on tlie fact that the station is theirs
and not the missionary's, and that they, rather than lie, are
the ones who arc chiefly interested in correcting abuses.
The fact that they do not depend upon the missionary for
pecuniary support, which eliminates the strongest motive
for concealment or deception, is a matter of much greater
importance than the proximity or distance of the mission-
ary. Many facts will prove that where there is a motive to
deceive, the daily presence and supervision of the mission-
ary is no sure guarantee against concealment and decep-
tion being carried on during a long course of years.

GKOH'Tll Ol- STATIONS IN SHAN-TUNG

Contributions,

51

In contributions we have not accomplished what we
ought. This matter has been constantlv kept before the
Christians, and special books and placards treating of this
subject have been prepared fur IJicm and studied by them.
\ good beginning has been made in ways which i't is not
easy to tabulate and publish in public reports. Chapels
have been built and furnished; a good deal has been done
especially by those who are connected with chaiiels in en-
tertaining and instructing iiK|uirers; voluntary labor in
evangelizing the " regions beyond " has been carried on to
a considerable extent; and poor church members have
been assisted. In addition to this, most of the stations have
Riven a contribution through the foreign missionary once
or twice a year, varying in amount from one to three or
four dollars or more, which has been applied hitherto to
paying the expenses of the hel]iers. Om Christians need
further instruction as to the duty of giving and more pres-
sure to induce them to give, and also to have ])laced before
them objects suited to draw out their svmpathies. The
example of other missions has been very helpful to us.

Schools.

The opinions and policy of the missionaries here as to
schools vary considerably, and the course to be taken in
the future is not yet fixed. There are but few places where
the native Christians are strong enough in numbers and
wealth to support schools of their own. One member of
our mission is trying the experiment of helping countrv
(lay schools, paying about one dollar a year for each i)upii.
This help is furnished on the conditions that the schools
have Christian teachers, that the [)upils learn Christian
books, and are subject to the examination and control of
the foreign missionary and his helper. A similar plan has
been adopted to some extent by the English Baptist mis-
sionaries.

For myself I have not been successful with this plan. I
am helping three day schools this year to the amount of
from five to eight dollars to each school. These are started

52

I'LANTING or MlSSlOiVAKY CHURCHES

n

1 + ^

by the natives who api)lie(l to me for assistance. In eacli
of tiicni, I am (lis])osi(l lo tliink tlial a prominent, if not tlu'
chief motive, is to provide a support for tlie teacher, who
otherwise would have no source of income.

So far no i)lan for sciiools has seemed to me so practi-
cable and satisfactor}' in its results as that of making sta-
tions themselves a kind of training school for all their mem-
bers. A great deal may be accomplished by systematic
teaching on Sunday and also employing leisure months ami
days in study.

The plan of a free day school during the winter months,
when the farmers have little to do, suggested and adopted
last winter in one of the stations, has interested me greatly
and I should like very much to see it or something similar
generally adojited.

Men Employed and Incidental Expenses.

1. From the more than eight hundred churcli members
in my stations, I have at present in my own employ two
men, viz., one helper, who receives five thousand ca.';li
($4.67) per month, and one servant. The other helper is
from one of the older stations. Besides these, there are
the following men from my stations in the employ of other
missionaries, viz., two teachers, three helpers, and six ser-
vants, making the whole number employed and paid by for-
eigners thirteen.

2. Besides these, I have for several years supported from
private funds a young man from a wealthy family who has
been driven from his home by violent and continued per-
secution. His expenses are from fifty to seventy dollars a
year. I-fe is now studying medicine and doing a good med-
ical and evangelistic work in and about his home. lie will,
I hoi)e, soon be independent and require no further help.

3. The amount expended for providing food for the Bi-
ble classes at Chefoo composed of leaders from the stations
has been about one hundred dollars a year. By tabulating
the above and other items we have the following as the en-
tire expense for my stations for the past year, 1885, aside
from the salary and itinerating expenses of the foreign niis-
sionarv:

(;A-Olt 77/ OF STATIOA'S IN SIIAN-TUNG 53

Salary of two helpers. $1 12.TO

Aid to one medical stu.lcnl 6; 00

^:''''^ .'-"''■'^ses : ^^^

Lonlnbnlions to three day schools 18.00

Contrii)u(ions towards building chapels. 14 60

Occasional preaching tours jc.go

Helj) in cases of persecution \^.\%

Total $298.58

About one-half of this sum total is supplied by the mis-
sion. The above will jjresent a fair average of expenses and
the number of men employed from vear to year. It does
not mclude private assistance given to the poor, amounting
during the past year to about fortv dollars. In 1884 I had
an additional helper, and in 1883 two additional ones—
both from the college at Teng-chou Fu. ] expect to have
for the coming year, 1886, but one paid helper.

Summary and Forecast.

The foregoing statements will give, 1 think, a correct
general idea of the character and condition of these stations
at present. They are marked bv the same weaknesses and
defects which are found in a greater or less degree in
churches everywhere, and which we should expect^o find
in converts just emerging from the darkness of heathenism
who are still surrounded bv heathen influences and only
imperfectly emancipated from old heathen habits In
every respect they fall short of the Christian ideal and the
ideal of the plan on which we are working. I am glad to
be able to say, however, that the evidences of vitalitv and
growth are more and more ai)parent cverv vear; that in-
dividual Christians are advancing in knowledge and spirit-
uality; that the stations are in the main giving evidence of
stabdity and promise of pcrmanencv; and that they are
gaming a good report from those whiD are without.

What the future of these stations will be we cannot know.
In view of the dangers to which thev are exposed and the
disappointing resuhs which have so often marked the his-

54

PLANTING OF MISSIOXAKY CIU'RCIIES

tory of missionary enterprises iii Cliina, we can only " re-
joice witli Irenthlint;." ( Hir Iio|h' is in llic continned pres-
ence and i)icssin^ of our Divine Master. VVc rejoice that
this vine of God's (ilanting is strikinic its roots into tiie na-
tive soil, and we heheve that witli (lod's blessing it will con-
tinue to grow and spread wide its branches and bring forth
fruit to His glory.

ORGANIZATION

IV

OF STATIONS,
I'ROSl'l':CTlVE

PRESENT AND

Varying Views Concerning Church Organization.

1. The (jucstion, What is the liest mode of organization
for native converts in new stations? scarcely enters the
mind on one's first arrival in China. Most of us are satis-
fied that the mode adopted by that branch of the Church
with which we are severally coimccted is the best ; that it is,
if not the one specially enjoined by .Scrijitm'e authority, at
least the one most in harmony with Scripture teachings,
and fully sanctioned by practical experience. Moreover,
it is the one with the working of which we are individually
most familiar and into the practice of which we naturally
and unquestioningly fall. If we are unable to adopt it at
once, it is a matter of regret and we are anxious to put it
into o)3eration as soon as possible.

2. When the missionary, associated with co-laborers of
(lifTerent nationalities and church connections, looks at the
question of organization from the stand-point of mission
work on heathen ground, it assumes new aspects, and a few
years experience and observation will probably efTect a
considerable modification of views. He soon finds tiiat
missionaries of different tlenominations ignore in a meas-
ure for the time being their several systems and, in the first
stage of their work, agree in the main in a new plan which
all have adopted under the force of circumstances. He
sees com()anies of Christians placed under the care of un-
official religious teachers, and native evangelists preaching
in unevangelized districts, while there are as yet no or-
ganized churches, and perhaps no bishops, elders, or dea-
cons, nor even candidates for the ministry; — only mission-
aries, and native preachers having the names of " helpers,"

55

^mmmm

56

ri.Aj\'r/xa of missio.varv c//l'kcjies

" catechists," " native assistants," " colporteurs," " Bible
agents," or " cvanpjelists." In places where stations have
reached a more advanced stage of development, requiring
some sort of organization, missionaries are sometimes led
bv personal pmclivities and local circumstances to the
adoption of metiiods (|uite aside from their previous ante-
cedents. Not long since in a conference at Chefoo of mis-
sionaries from different parts of China, it was discovered
tliat an Indejicndent was carrying on his work on Presby-
terian principles, " because they suited best in his field; "
in the methods of another Independent from a difTerent
province the jirelatical element predominated, while a Pres-
Ijvterian was found working on a plan which had very little
of Presl^yteriauism in it, but a singular blending of
Methodism, Independency, and Prelacy.

3. What lessons are we to learn from these facts? Is it
not this, that practical exi)erience seems to point to the con-
clusion that present forms of church organization in the
West are not to be, at least without some modification, our
guides in the founding of infant churches in a heathen land?
If it be asked, W hat then is to be our guide? I answer. The
teachings of the New Testament. If it be further asked,
Are we to infer, then. th;it all the forms of church organiza-
tion in the \\'est arc at variance w ith !-lcri|iture teaching? I
answer, By no means. A plan of organization in England
or America may be very different from one adopted in
China, and both though different may be equally Scriptu-
ral; and one of tlicni may be suited to the home church
and one to a mission station, just because they are different.

The all-im])ortant (piestion is. What do the Scriptures
teach respecting church organization? Do they lay down
a system with fixed and un\arying rules and usages, to be
observed at all times and under all circumstances? or a
system based on general principles, purposely flexible and
readily adapting itself, under the guidance of God's Spirit
and providence and conuiion sense, to all the conditions in
which the Church can l)e placed? I believe the latter is the
true supposition. The same conclusion might be inferred
from the fact that, while the doctrines of Christianity, which
are obviouslv and by connnon consent regarded as funda-
mental and essential, arc taught in the Scriptures specifi-

S/-AT/OXS PRESF.NT AiYP VKOSriiCTllU

57

cally, elaborately and repeatedly, there is no portion of
.Scripture where a comi)lete and detailed system of church
government is presented or referred to. It may be said,
and very truly, that God might reveal to us a complete and
authoritative system of church government, infercntially
as well as explicitly. Had he done so, however, would
there not have been a general agreement with regard to
these teachings as there is with regard to Christian doc-
trine?

1 believe that the distinctive principles which underlie
(he different systems of church organization j^revailing in
the \V'est are all Scriptural. The jirinciple of the authcjrity
and responsibility of individual believers in matters relating
to the conduct of the Church is a very prominent part rjf the
teaching of the New Testament. The imp(jrtance of ap-
j)ointing elders, or Ijishops, as authoritative leaders and
riders in the Church is taught no less clearly. The Script-
ural sanction for the appointment, at least in the early his-
tory of the Church, of superintendents or overseers, hav-
ing the charge and care of many associated churches with
their elders and deacons, is no less evident. The degree of
prominence or ])roportionate use of these different prin
ciples or elements of church organization mav varv in-
detuiilely according to the condition and rei|uiremenls of
the church. This theory ]irovides for constant change and
modification suited to the stage of the church's develop-
ment, the character of its members and its conditions and
surroundings.

If I mistake not, diversity and gradual progression in the
application of these principles is distinctly traceable in the
New Testament. Tlie Gospels and the earlier part of the
Acts of the Apostles indicate a very simple form of organi-
zation, or no pronounced form ; and the latter part of the
Acts, with the Epistles, shows a more complete system
gradually developed from previously established germinal
principles. Constant development and change in divergent
directions mark the whole course of ecclesiastical history
from the Apostolic period to the present time. How far
these developments liave been Scriptural, or in accordance
with the leadings of God's Spirit, and promotive of the best
interests of the Church, it does not fall within the province

"TS???^

58

PLANTING OF MISSIONARY CHURCHES

of these letters to inquire. May \vc not, however, raise the
general Cjuestioii as to whether the present forms of church
govennnent are not severally characterized by the special
development of some one clement (o the exclusion of others
which should siip])lcmcnt and modify it, presenting ab-
normal and disproportionate growths, each Scriptural in its
dominating idea, but unscriptinal in its human narrow-
ness?

4. Another question arises in this connection of great
importance. In our present position of missionaries repre-
senting different branches of the Church, closely related to
one another in a connnon work, our methods simple and
presenting many points of agreement, and our difTercnt
systems of organization in a rudimental imdeveloped state,
should we not make use of our opportunity to avoid as far
as possible in the future the divergences which impair the
unity and efficiency of the Church at home, retaining and
perpetuating a degree of uniformity and co-operation
which in western lands seems impracticable? Is it not our
duty to do this? Would it not be in accordance with the
express teachings of our Saviour and also with the wishes
of most of those whom we represent? Would it not have
a decided influence for good on the home churches?

5. On the supposition that present forms of church or-
ganization are adapted to secure the best spiritual interests
of the Church in tlie West, the presumption is that in cer-
tain respects they are for that very reason not adapted to
the wants of mission churches in China. What circum-
stances could differ more witlely than those of churches
wiiich are the development of centuries or a millennium of
Christian culture, and those just emerging from heathen-
ism?

Scripture Teachings as to the Best System for China.

The question recurs. What may we learn from the Scrip-
tures as to the best system of organization and supervision
for the Church in China at the present time?

I. The extension of the Church must depend mainly on
the godly lives and voluntary activities of its members.

In early times, as a result of ordinary business and social

STATIONS TRHSENI' AXn I-ROSPECIIVI-:

59

intercourse and the aggressive zeal of the early Christians,
Christianity found its way to Cyprus, Syria, Cilicia and
Egypt, and as far west as Rome. The disciples went every-
where ])reaching the Word. A great advance had been
made before the Apostle Paul was called from his home by
Ijarnai)as to assist and strengthen the disciples already
gathered at Anlioch. Wherever he went afterwards in his
work of establishing churches in new fields, he obtained
from the believers gathered into the Church numerous
voluntary helpers and coadjutors, both men and women.

1 can find no authority in the Scriptures, either in specific
teaching or Apostolic example, for the practice so common
iiowailays, of seeking out and employing ])aid agents as
preachers. At the time when Paul commenced his public
ministry, the churches established in Syria and Cilicia
might iio doubt have furnished a large number of such
persons, if they had been wanted. It may be said that there
were no missionary boards at that time and that the Church
was too weak to undertake such an enterprise. This ex-
planation, however, does not meet the case. Paul did not
hesitate to call upon the churches for contributions when
they were needed. He evidently thought them able to give
and that it was their privilege and an advantage to them-
selves to give, and they did contribute freely when they
were asked to do so.

The evils resulting from employing new converts as paid
agents for preaching the Gospel have been referred to in
previous pages. What wt wish to emjihasize here is that
such a course is without precedent in the P.ible. The mem-
bers of the early Church were all witness-bearers. Such we
must teach our church members to be; and without such
an agency as our main dependence, we have little reason
to expect the Gospel to prevail in China.

2. Elders must be " appointed in every city." This duty
is enforced in Scripture, both by precejjt and example.
Missionaries have not been backward in carrying out this
injimction. It is possible that we have erred in the oppo-
site direction. While elders should be ordained as soon as
practicable, we should not forget that the qualifications of
elders are minutely laid down in the Scriptures: and to
choose and ordain men to this office without the requisite

6o

riANTlNG OF AI/SSIOiVAKV CIUKCIIES

(inalifications is in fact goinp contrary to, rallicr than obey-
ing the Scri])tincs. If suitable cklcrs arc not to be fonnd,
we slionld wait for tlieni, however long a waiting may be
re(|uirc(l.

The Apostolic usage of ordaining ciders soon after their
reception into the Church, under circumstances very dif-
ferent from ours in China, is apt to mislead us. The work
of the Apostles in heathen lands commenced for the most
part in the synagogues of the Jews resident in those lands.
Even in such places as Lystra, where there seems to have
been no synagogue, there were Jewish families and their
inflncnce had been felt by the native population. Among
the first converts to Christianity were both Jews and Jewisli
proselytes who for generations had been freed from the
thraldom of idolatry. They were sincere worshippers of
Jehovah, familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures and
waiting for the long promised Messiah. From such per-
sons the first elders of the Christian Church were no doubt
lai'gely drawn. It is not strange that, as a rule, we in China
have to wait for years before Christians of the same intel-
ligence and stability of character can lie had. Our experi-
ence in this matter in Shan-tung is worth relating.

Twenty years ago our mission in considering tliis subject
reasoned on this wise: We are Presbyterians, and our
churches should be organized from the first on Presbyte-
rian principles. If we caimot get men for elders as well
(|ualificd as we should like, we must take the best men we
can find, men who seem sincere and earnest Christians, and
who mav develop in character and ability to fulfil the duties
of elders by having the duties and responsibilities of this
office laid upon them. With these views and expectations
several churches were formally and constitutionally or-
ganized. It was found, however, in not a small proportion
of cases that the elders did not, or could not, perform their
official duties, and were an obstruction to any one else at-
tempting to do so. They were placed in a false position,
injurious to themselves and the churches of which they had
the nominal charge. Some were hardly al)le to sustain the
character of an ordinary church member and others were in
the course of a few years exconnnunicatcd. We then took
action as a Presbytery, determining that' elders should not

SVA/'/OiVS

rKESIuyr A A'/) ri<OSPI:CTlVr.

6 1

hi' appnintc.l unlc.ss their .|uali(lcations conformed in some
good degree to those rec|uired in Scripl.ne. Perhaps we

In central Shan-lung no church has as yet been organ-
ized wuh nal.ve elders, though sonu- of our stations hale
md an existence w.th from ten to twentv and more ch cl
members for a penod of seven or eight n ears. We are op
■ng very soon to ordain elders in some of Ihese stations „
tl e mean nne the ea.lers are unofficiallv perfornung ,nan •

appoi ttd. 1 he nussionary or evangelist in charge trans-
acts all miportant business by consultation with the whole
company of native Christians or Iheir leaders. Tec
Christians or eaders have only advisorv power, the au-
thority of decH ing questions being vested .solely in the mis-
sionary. It IS Ins aim to instruct and train leading church
members in the management of church business, devolving
It on them as they are able to undertake it, thus fitting th.m

s soon as possible for assuming the care of (he churches al-
together. The missionary keeps a record of these meetines
following in almost all particulars the or.linary form of ses-
sion records, and this rqwrt is presented to the Presbytery
for examination and revision. Many of our present leaders
v;fl .nail probability, after they have been fully trained and
ined, become our first elders. We have found in the ex-
perience of the past eight years much reason for thankful-
ness that we did not ordain elders at an earlier period

3. Our nnssion churches under the charge of elders are
possessed of a Scriptural organization without the addition
0 a paid pastor such as is found in most of our western
ciuirches; and the appointing of such a pastor might prove
injurious rather than advantageous '

In enlarging on this point I will .piote the language of

} W- '^^■■"'^'•■'y professor in the Theological .Semi-

ary at Allegheny, Pa. It has special weight as coini,,!.

from one who is not only a highly esteemed theological

acher m our Church, but has been for years a missionary
n India and has the advantage of large experience and ob-
ervat.on of mission matters. The quotations are taken
from an article in the " Catholic Presbyterian," November
'f^/Q- page 347. Dr. Kellogg says:

62

rLANTINC OF MISSIONARY CIIVKCITES

;'M

■

■•; '),

i!,

" VVc fear tlicrc is icasf)ii to think that our missionaries
Iiavc often been in too nnich liastc to introduce- tlie one-
man pastorate of the European and American clnirches,
and tliat the {growth of a church bearing tlie true indivicKiai
character of the jiarticnlar jicople or race has been thereby
seriously retarded. I'lxed in the conviction that the primi-
tive form of C'hurcli (government was l^resbyterian, men
Iiave api)arently jum[)ed to tlie concUtsioii that therefore
the present form of I'rcsbytcriaiiism is the primitive and
Apostohc arrangement, — a point, we may venture to af-
firm, wliich has not yet been estabhshed, nor is likely soon
to be. Under this belief they have not only felt that if they
established churches they must give them a Presbyterian
form of government — in which they Iiave been right — but
that it must be that particular form of development of Pres-
byterian principles which has obtained among ourselves;
wherein, as it seems to us, they have been as clearly wrong.
For to take any one of our full-grown ecclesiastical systems
and attempt to set it nj) bodily in our heathen fields, regard-
less of the widely differing conditions of the case, is, we
submit, a great mistake. ... In too many instances, the
course pursued has proved a mistake by its practical work-
ing. ...

" But, it is asked with some confidence. What is the mis-
sionary to do? Shall we leave the young church without a
pastor? We ask in reply, Where in the New Testament is
there any intimation that the Apostles ordained pastors, in
the modern sense of that word, over the churches which
they formed? We read over and again of their ordaining
" elders " in every church, and that, having done so, they
left them and went elsewhere. Where is there the slightest
.hint that, at this early period, any one from among these
elders was singled out and appointed by Paul to a position
like that of the modern minister or pastor of a church, or
that until such an officer was found they did not dare to
leave the church? "

4. The appointment of elders should not interfere witli,j
the voluntary activities of church members. Rather than
encourage such an idea I should postpone their appoint-
ment.

We are taught that, when our Saviour ascended on high,

STATnuVS I'RESENT AND mosrECTrVE

63

_ lie led captivity captive. an<l gave gifts unto men "
And he gave some to be apostles; and some , o he s"
and some, evange ,.sts; and sou.c, pastors and teac r "
Elsewhere we read of " exhorters," ' workers of n frac e!'"
speakers of tongues," " interpreters of tonguci' " he „ '"
and goyer.munts," " f,nfts of healing," an '' no er to
cast out devds." May we not confideu ly expect S?at the
.vme Spu-.t udl also confer .special gifts u,S he Gmh
of he present, perhaps not the .same as a first bu Sft
sn. cd o our tunes and circun.stances as those cf e^rK
Church were to theirs? And shotdd not our method of
church organ,za|iou bo such as to give the free t cope to
tlie exercise of all special gifts conferred? ^

earu'cimiH, ?,'7"'^'^'.,"'^t "' "'c gifts conferred on the

eai y Lhuich elders are not mduded. Mav it not be

I a this IS because the " gifts " are special and va b '

In e the office of elder is fixed and permanent? It is n t
the function of the elder or overseer as such to assume i
undertake wholly or mainly the work of the CI "h
o encourage, direct, an.l assist all believers in the cxe^c c
and development of their special gifts as members of the
one sp,nt„a, body of Christ ; to set\n example of work ng
or all to imitate; to be leaders and capta ns in Qiri t?
army, ruhng, instructing, and directing those uWe
under their authority and care ose wno are

I am disposed to think that the tendency to make work-

'uSn oV n c/r"? '"■'"'-^- "f °ffi-'-'--s alone r"tler
an of al Christians, |s introduced bv missionaries from
the Church at home. There is a prevailing disposition

N^ 1 as m the Romish Church, to an all-pervading spirit o
ccclesiasticsm. Ihe Church is regarded as an organiza-
tion under the direction and superintendence of its^'ro, er
officer or officers, whose function it is, for and on behal of
.Is members and the ecclesiastical judicatory over then, to
undertake and administer all clu/rch matters. A cl mch
men,ber has a ,|uieling sense of having discharged his
du y I he has con.nbuted generotisly Towards iSiillli, g
a suitable church edifice and the supj,ort of a preacher is
always found ,n his place as a worshij.per, and attends to
tlie prescribed ntes and observances of the Church. ThS

64

ri.ANTIh'C, OF M/SS/OiVARy CHURCHES

spirit, wliercver it is found, tends to formalism both in the
clergv and tlie laity. W'iiilc it is far too prtvaleiit, and it
is to he feared fjrowintjly so, vvc may well rejoice that it is
by no means nniveisal. There are not a few churches in
which the main work of the jiastor is to keep all under
him at work. In such chinches you will find individual
growth and church growth, joy in God's service and in-
fluences for good extending to the ends of the earth.

Mav we not regard the religious activities which have
during the present generation sprung up outside the
Church, such as those connected with the Moody and
Sankey work. Young Men's Christian Associations, also
new methods for reaching the masses recently adopted in
the English Church, and even the " Salvation Army," as
legitimate protests and healthy reactions against the ten-
dency wdiicli we are reprobating. Let us not, by allowing
our chinch members to think that their chief duty is to
contribute money to the supjiort of their |iastor and attend
religious services, reproduce iicre in China one of the most
reprehensible features of the Church at home.

5. Paid or salaried agents should only be added as the
people want them and can supjjort them.

Here we meet with the imjjortant Scriptural principle
that teachers in the Church should look for help in tem-
poral matters to those whom they teach. Many advan-
tages spring from this relation of mutual dependence. As
the pastor gives his time and energies to his people and
watches for their souls as one who shall give account, his
people naturally accept from him not only instruction but
admonition and rejiroof. The fact that he depends upon
them wholly or in part for his support gives to them a
reasonable claim upon his services, and to him a strong
motive for the diligent and conscientious performance of
his duties. When the native jtastor is supported by the
Foreign Board the advantages growing out of this mutual
dependence between jiastor and people are lost, and a one-
sided and unnatural relation is introduced of ])eople and
pastor depending on foreign aid, which works evil rather
than good.

The experience of the London Mission in Anioy is
worthy of notice in this connection. In the year 1868 a

STATlOh'S VRESENT AND rROSPECTIVE

0$

debt of $100,000 made it necessary for the foreign society
to retrench and the native churches were forced, with great

pasors. I hat financial cnsis is now, I believe, looked
back o as a providential blessing. It developed the
strength independence and self-respect of the native Chris-
t.an.s an,l was the beginning of a new era of progress Is
It not probable that there are other stations aiul other de-
partments o mission work from which the witlulrawal of
foreign funds would i-rove in the end a blessing rather
than a misfortune? *'

It does not follow from this principle of nuitual depend-
ence that the native pastor must neces.sarily receive a
regular salary and full support from those to whom he
ministers ; the wisdom of the London Mission in insist-
ing that they should, in the case above referred to may
possibly be questioned. In the early history of a station
it may not be either neces.sary or desirable for the preach-
er or pastor to depend entirely on his flock for support
or to devote his whole time to their spiritual care and over-
sight. In the early history of the United States and at
present m the new settlements, the minister spent and still
spends no inconsiderable portion of his time in secular
labor lor the maintenance of himself and family Existine
circumstances, both at home and on the mission field may
make it desirable for the good of tJic church and usefulness
of the pastor that he sliould take the same course The
relation of mutual dependence and responsibility between
tlie teacher and the taught may be fully expressed and the
advantages arising from that relation secured bv difi-crent
' cgrces of help, according to the needs of the minister and
the ability of his people.

6. The evils connected with the appointment and sup-
port of native pastors by foreign societies are such as to
demand further consideration.

The same desire to stimulate and advance the work
prompts the employment of paid evangelists in opening
new fields and of paid preachers afterwards. The eflfect in
)otIi cases is, I believe, in the end the opposite of that in-
tended. In the former case the injury to the cause devel-
ops earlier; in the latter it is entailed on future workers and

66

rj.ANTING OF AI/SS/ONA/n- CHURCHES

};

H;

goes down to successive generations. Here again I can-
not do better than to quote further the language of Dr.
Kellogg. In speaking of the importance of not employ-
ing and paying native pastors from the funds of foreign
boards, he says:

"This plan [that of organizing churches without pas-
tors in the modern sense of that term] would also meet
the vexatious, and — as it has proved in sonic missions that
we could name — the hitherto insoluble problem of the
sup])ort of a native pastor. The pecuniary question has
been one of the main difficulties, thus far, in the establish-
ment of independent churches in our foreign mission fields.
It is plain that if a man be set apart to give his whole time
to the pastoral care of a church, he is rightfully entitled
to a full sup])ort. But where is this to be raised? Most of
these young churches in India, China and Africa are very
poor. Fix the slipeiul as low as we will, they are not able
to pay it. Shall the Church in America or Europe supple-
ment their contributions? This is often done, and to the
inexperienced might seem a very simple and excellent
solution of the ilifficulty; but, in fact, with this arrange-
ment, difficulties only multiply. For example, what shall
be the salary? If, as has often been done, it is fixed at a
point much higher than the average income of the people,
this works great mischief. It elevates the pastor unduly
above the average condition of the people of his church.
It degrades the ministry by making the pastorate an object
of ambition to covetous and unworthy men. It makes the
church, in many cases, despair, from the first, of reaching
the position of self-support. A moderate salary they might
in time hope to be able to pay of themselves; a higli salary
they, with good reason, look upon as unattainable. We
affirm, without fear of contradiction, that no one thing has
more effectively hindered the development of independent,
self-sustaining native churches in many foreign fields, than
the high salaries which, with mistaken wisdom, are paid to
many of the native jiastors and helpers from the treasuries
of the home churches. Shall we then give a low salary?
We shall not thereby escape serious difficulty. Men edu-
cated even as pastors commonly are in heathen fields feel
that they are justly entitled to more: and when they hear

ST AT I ON. % PRESENT AND PROSrECTIVE

67

of the hundreds of thousands which the churches at home
contribute for the support of the ( iosjiel and which are
supposed to be at the disposal of the missionary, they will
not and do not generally take kindly to the refusal to pay
at a high figure. In this way sad alienations often occur
between the foi 'ign missionary and his native helpers. In
some parts of Northern India, in jjarticular, this uniia])i)y
state of things is (juite well known and formed the subject
of earnest discussion at the Lahore and Allahabad con-
ferences.*

" It appears to the writer that the root of all this trouble
lies in the direction indicated. Have we not been trying
to establish a form of Church government and organiza-
tion, which, however well adapted to us, and however
Scriptural in |)rinciple, is in advance of the jjosition of the
majority of our foreign mission churches? And is not this
the real significance of these trying experiences in the mat-
ter of the native pastorate? On the ai)ostolic plan of
Church organization there would evidently be no room for
trouble of this sort. Here and there, indeed, upon our mis-
sion fields, there may be a native church which, in wealth,
intelligence and members is ready for the one-man pas-
torate; but we believe that, for the great majoritv of
churches, which are weak and poor, the original Presbv-
terian system of rulership and instruction liy a plural elder-
ship is the one form which is adapted to tlieir need. The
other will no doubt come in due time, but we act most un-
wisely in attempting to force it prematurely."

It may be urged as a further objection against the early
appointment of native pastors over each church, that the
assumption of such a burden by a weak station while ill
able to bear it renders it impossible for it to do what it
ought, and otherwise could and would do, for others, and
induces in its members a fixed habit of planning and labor-
ing only for themselves. The sin of selfishness belongs to
churches as well as individuals, and it always bears bitter
fruit. We should guard against it from the first, teaching
young converts that " there is that scattereth and yet in-
creaseth;" that "it is more blessed to give than to re-

* The Presbyterian Board has met with precisely the same difficulty in
Persia.

68

PLANTING or MISSIONARY CI/UKCIIES

ceive," and " that those who water others shall be watered
themselves." The first contributions of the early Chris-
tians which wc read of in the New Testament were for
others and not for themselves.

Experience Proves the Wisdom of Scripture Teachings.

Theories are very apt to mislead us; our safest guide is
practical experience. Though our work in Shan-tung is
still in its infancy, it will throw light on some questions of
great importance.

1. It has been proved that the extension of country
work anil the establishment of new stations are practicable
without paid [ireachcrs. The more tlian sixty stations un-
der my care have been connnenced within eight years
almost exclusively through the voluntary efforts of inijiaid
church members. My helpers, who have never been at
any one time more than four, have only followed up, fos-
tered and directed the work begun by unpaid Christians.

2. These stations do not now need pecuniary aid from
foreigners, and such aid would in my opinion do more
harm than good. The leaders in charge, under the super-
intendence of the helper, arc, I think, caring for the stations
as well as they could be cared for under the circumstances.
If the plan should be adopted of providing paid preachers
for eacli station, they would of necessity have to be chosen
from the leaders, as there is not a sufficient supply of sucii
men elsewhere. Paying them for their work would not
increase their influence, but rather diminish it and would,
no doubt, excite envy and dissatisfaction among the un-
employed. Besides, the characters of these leaders are not
sufficiently tested to warrant their being used in that way.
The natives would, I think, be unwilling to make such a
selection. If it should be attempted, they would probably
divide into parties influenced by personal motives, and the
result would be great harm to the leaders and to the
Church. Any cliange at present would in my opinion be
preinature and injurious, and we can only wait for future
developtnents and Divine guidance.

3. These stations are not only able to provide for their
own wants, with the superintendence which is given them,

STATIONS PRESENT AND PROSTECTIl E

69

but could and (in,i;ht to (In iiuK li fnr the propagation of the
Cospel in the regions beyond. They might easily con-
tribute five hundred dollars a year. These Christians for-
merly contributed for idnlatrous i)urp<ises prnliablv double
that amount; and if each church member sliould give one-
tenth of his or her income, the yearly contribution for be-
nevolent objects would not be less than two thousand dol-
lars a year. As it is. they do not contribute one hundred
and fifty dollars for benevolent purposes, aside froin the
necessary expenses of keejiing up their own chapels. These
facts show a manifest failure in duty on the part both of
the foreign missionary and the converts.

The causes of this failure are various. First and fore-
most, no doubt, is the want of a cultivated habit of system-
atic giving. Another reason is the failure to set before the
native Christians suitable objects to which they should
contribute. Here perhaps the principal fault of the mis-
sionary lies. Having no pressing need for money m the
conduct of these stations, and there being great danger to
the natives in boarding and manipulating money kept for
future use, it was feared that an objectless contribution of
money might only be a means of temptation and do harm.
Last autumn the Christians in one of the hsicn occupied by
my stations, subscribed about sixty dollars for employing
a helper to devote his whole time specially to that hsicn
and would, I think, have paid it cheerfully, if the right man
could have been found; but neither they nor I could ob-
tain a man whose gifts and qualifications, as compared to
those already in charge, were such as to make hini desir-
able. .

During the last few vears I have urged the stations to
contribute to the support of the helpers, as the most natural
and available object which could be presented to them
They have done so to some extent, but the plan has not
worked well. Thev have very naturally regarded the help-
ers as my men and not theirs, since they are chosen and
directed by me in the carrving out of my plans. Not only
have they shown a disinclination to contribute to their sup-
port but the helpers also are averse to receiving aid from
then'i I have been disposed to press the point against
them but during the past year have come to the conclu-

mm

70

PLANTING or nr/SSrONAKV IIII'RCUF.S

sion that the instincts of the natives aie ])t'riia])s riglit, and
that my plan has been unnatural and impracticable. Here
again we are led back by experience to the teachings of
Scripture; as the Apostle Paul ])rovided not only for his
own wants, but also for those who were witli hiiu, and ap-
pealed to the churches to acknowledge the fact that none
whom he iiad sent to them had received jiav from thetu.

Rev. J. H. Laughlin is now assisting nie in my country
work and will, I trust, soon take entire charge of it. We
are this autunui (1885) endeavoring to inaugurate the fol-
lowing plan from which we hope for good results: The
Christians comprised within the bounds of each district or
portion of each district, are to choose for themselves two
men to go out as their representatives and, supported by
them, to work for the evangelization of new districts. No
change is to be made for the jiresent in the relations and
ordinary occupations of the men so used. They are to be
away from their homes two months in the autumn and two
in the spring, the times when both they and the people
generally are at leisure and the weather is most favoralile
for travelling, and when absent are not to receive a salary,
but only a sum to cover travelling expenses. We hope
that in this way aggressive zeal and a habit of giving will be
developed; that much may be accomplished in the way of
evangelistic work; that tlie reflex influence on the stations
may be helpful; and that from the persons selected year by
year, men may be found who, after the necessary testing
and sifting, may be advanced to more important and re-
sponsible positions in the future.

BEGINNING WORK

What has been written thus far presupposes a state of
thuigs m which there are native Christians to be organized
ml(j stations. We will next consider <iuestions relating to
work in new fields where there are neither stations nor in-
(piirers.

To missionaries beginning such a work, without native
converts or inquirers and without a knowledge of the lan-
guage, many questions arise of the hrst importance. As
the beginnings contain the seeds of future growth and de-
velopment both for good and for evil, every step should be
taken with deliberation and praver. In' addressing my
younger brethren, I take it for granted that they will not
be unwilling that I should use a considerable degree of
freedom in detailing my own observations and experiences.

The Study of the Language.

I. It may well be a matter of congratulation that the
newly arrived missionary is exempt for the first year or
two from the pressure and responsibility of dcciduig the
many questions of mission policy upon which he nmst
form an opinion at a later period. Whatever department
of work he may devote himself to in the future, there is no
room for doubt that his first duty is to give his time and
energies to the thorough acquisition of the language as a
necessary prerequisite to uschilness in work of any kind.
For this it is of the greatest advantage to be free, as far as
possible, from cares and intcrrujitions of every description.

2. It is very desirable to obtain the occasional assistance
of some foreigner well versed in the language in guarding
against mistakes which are almost sure to be made in pro-
nunciation, aspirates and idioms. None of these should
be neglected. It is well to know from the first that the ear

"I

72

PLANTING OF MISSIONARY CHURCHES

m

has to be trained, as well as the vocal organs, and that in
discriminating and determining the sounds of the Chinese
language one's own senses are not to be depended u])on.
It often ha|)i)ens, as two or three persons listen to the same
vocal utterance, that each hears it difTercntly, according to
his iiidi\i(lual habit or preconception. Of course all can-
not be right. Where acknowledged authorities agree, if
the learner follows his own ear in opposition to them, he
will probably go astray in ninety-nine cases out of a hun-
dred. Where authorities differ, it will generally be on
comparatively unimportant points and it will be a matter
of little consec|uence whether you follow one or the other.

3. Even the sounds of an intelligent native accurately
heard and reproduced are not as sure a guide as a thor-
oughly elaborated and consistent classification of sounds
like that found in Williams' Dictionary or Wade's Syl-
labary, or the dictionaries and phrase books representing
the southern dialects of China. Variations of individual
teachers from the standard pronunciation will probably be
fotmd to be localisms or personal peculiarities. The sys-
tems of pronunciation referred to are the result of the con-
sensus of opinion of many foreigners, who may be regarded
as experts, and of numerous trained natives, during a suc-
cession of many years or generations. A person may
choose between Wade's system and Williams' in accord-
ance with his purpose to speak the ])ure Peking Mandarin
or a more general Mandarin. Either system is excellent
and the differences between them are practically of little
importance. They are much less than exist between the
languages of many Chinese officials who can converse with
one another without difficulty.

4. While it is no doubt desirable sooner or later to be-
come acquainted with localisms, it is perhaps better at first
to master the standard form of the dialect spoken, whether
the Mandarin or any of the southern dialects. Localisms
will be easily and almost unconsciously accjuired after-
wards as they are needed. Taking this course will secure
a man's being generally intelligible; while those with
whom he is constantly associated in his home, where his
dialect may not be spoken in its purest form, will prefer
to hear hiiu speak without localisms. rather than with them

BEGINNING WORK-

n

and will imderstand him almost if not (juite as well. By
adopting this course, church members would gradually
become acquainted with and he able to use the standard
form of their dialect, and thus indirectly the diffusion of
Christianity would i)roinote uniformity in the language of
the people and as a necessary consequence facilitate gen-
eral intercourse.

5. A young missionary in acquiring the language should
eagerly avail himself of all the " helps "' at his command.
Phrase books, granmiars, dictionaries, a careful and well-
trained native teacher, and the assistance and criticism of
some foreigner are all important.

6. The native teacher should be made to understand
that giving satisfaction to his employer and retaining his
place depend on his laying aside Chinese ideas of defer-
ence and politeness, so far as they would prevent his cor-
recting the same mistake of his foreign employer fifty
times, if necessary, as it probably will be. It is a fact as
common as it is unfortunate, that a teacher .sometimes
learns foreignized or individualized Chinese of the for-
eigner, who is led to sui)pose from the ease with which he
is able to conmumicate with his teacher, that he is making
rapid progress in the acquisition of the language, while he
has unconsciously been playing a game with the Chinese
teacher of " give and take." The result of this process is a
kind of compromise between the English and the Chinese
languages, made up of Chinese words with an admixture
to a greater or less degree of foreign idioms, proiumcia-
tions, inflections, emphasis and aspirates, or want of as-
pirates. The extreme result of a similar process is found
in the " Pidgin English."

7. Frequent changes in methods of study are sometimes
desirable in order to break up monotony and avoid weari-
ness. Each individual will learn by experience the par-
ticular way of prosecuting his studies which suits him best.
Most persons find that from one to three hours a day with
a Chinese teacher in getting correct sounds from his lips,
are as much as can be spent profitably at first. The great
work, that of memorizing words and sentences, can be
done better quietly by one's self. When a good beginning
has been made in pronunciation, tones and aspirates, only

74

PLANTING OF MISSIONARY CHURCHES

the occasional help of a foreigner is required. In the
course of frfini six months to a year, most ])ersons will find
it very helpful to spend a good deal of time mainly or ex-
clusively with natives, so as to force themselves to speak
Chinese. At this period, a tour into the country or living
for a time in the country without a foreigner, making a
companion of one's personal teacher or a native preacher,
is very useful.

In the course of a year or more, when one is able to con-
verse with sonic freedom, it is generally desirable to change
the teacher, as facility of communication with him will be
partly the result, and that imavoidably, of a mutual adapta-
tion to each other. A change of teachers, or talking a good
deal with natives generally, will enlarge the learner's vo-
cabulary and show him how far he has got on in acquiring
the language as spoken by the people. With all the helps
which can be obtained a man must depend mainly on
regular, persistent, hard study. If he has a natural gift
for languages it will of course be invaluable, but even this
must not be trusted to as the chief dependence.

8. In the course of two or three years or more, the mis-
sionary may form a permanent or general plan of study
for his lifetime. Some think it best to confine their atten-
tion to the Chinese spoken language and regard an attempt
to learn the written language or ~arn-li — with probably a
very imperfect and unsatisfactory result — a useless waste of
time, which might better be spent in mastering the ver-
nacular and fitting themselves for effective preaching.
One might indeed in this way save much time and also
find a sphere of great usefulness, as a large proportion of
the population of China is only acquainted with the spoken
language. To reach all classes, however, and especially the
influential classes, the knowledge of the zirn-Ii is of im-
mense advantage. It may be acquired in connection with
a great deal of other work, if the study of it is prosecuted
methodically and persistently and the missionary avoids
burdening Iiimself with so much and so many kinds of
work as to make it impossible. I should strongly recom-
mend from the first a regular exercise in writing charac-
ters and in memorizing select passages of the Classics.

BEGINNING WORK-

75

Beginning Direct Missionary Work.

I. Here, if 1 mistake not, we are apt to be too hasty.
After years of preparation at Ikjuic we are anxious to
begin our life work at once. We hardly realize that aside
from the study of the language other special preparation
for tiie work in-fore us is still necessarv. If a man has
come from home designated to a particular department of
woik, or the exigencies of his field on his arrival consti-
tute a call to some special work, the case is quite dilTcrent.
If there is no such call, I should, as a rule, advise him to
keep clear from the responsibilities and distractions of an
iiuieiiendent personal work, for three, four or more years.
One ought not to alUnv himself to be troubled with the
thought that he is iiolding back and not taking !iis full
share of labor, or with the fear that he may lay iiimself
open to such imputations from others. I rec'onmicnd this
plan as the best course for securing the greatest useful-
ness. In the meantime, while the young missionary mav
not be able to point to any tangible results of work'of his
own, he may have the satisfaction of doing good from the
first and that in many ways. He may bring a cheering
gleam of sunshine from the home-land to those who are
worn and weary and pcriiaps disheartened i)y the pressure
of accumulated and exhausting toil. In leisure hours he
can relieve other missionaries of some kinds of secular
uork which he can probably do as well as they, leaving
them free to devote more time to work for which' a knowl-
edge of the language is a necessity. In a godly, imstlfish,
Christ-like walk, he may produce deep and lasting impres-
sions for good, both on natives and foreigners, infore he
can begin to speak in the native language. As he advances
in his knowledge of Chinese he can help his brethren in
many ways, such as chapel preaching, teaching a class in a
school, or accompanying and assisting older missionaries
on itinerating tours. These kinds of work and all kinds
lot work, while they will be a help to others and the common
cause, will be a still greater help to himself — just the prep-
[aration and training which he needs.

2. I should advise a young missionary when lie has ac-
quired the language or while he is still acquiring it, to

76

n.ANTIh'C, Of' !\IISSIONARY CHURCH US

REGINhrjivc WORK

visit (iiffcrciit stations connected with his own mission and
stations of other missions to acquaint himself by jiersonal
observation, as well as by a special course of reading, with
the divers methods employed, and not to be hasty in form-
ing opinions and acting upon them until he has gathered
sufficient materials upon which to found tiicse o[)ini()ns.

3. The oi)posite comse is liable to many objections.
Confining one's self to the place where he is located, subject
to one set of personal and local influences, forming opin-
ions and acting on them at an early period, is apt to make
a man narrow in the beginning and then confirm him in
his narrowness. In taking up an individual work at an
early period, he meets with dilTicuIties and resixMisibilitics
which he had not anticipated ; a great deal of time is wasted
in the laborious and imperfect performance of work which
a few years later might be attended to with care and suc-
cess. Plans for continued study, for which it was supposed
plenty of leisure would be afforded, have to be given up in
consequence of pressure of engagements, pre-occupation
of mind, or exhaustion of body. By undertaking work
which one is incompetent to do and the difliculties of which
one cannot anticiiiate.inqjortant interests are imperilled, in-
jurious impressions jiroduced which it is difificult to efface,
and health and even life may be sacrificed. It has been to
me a matter of constant regret that a portion of time was
not strictly reserved, especially during my first five or ten
years in China, for laying a broader and deeper foundation
for future usefulness by a more extensive and methodical
reading and memorizing of Mandarin and Classic litera-
ture. Suitable and adcfpiate |)lans were made for such
study, but other occnjiations in the form of direct mission-
ary work, promising immediate results, were allowed to
interfere with and set aside those plans. In this way, as in
many others, we are too easily induced to sacrifice a greater
future good to a less present one.

Independent Individual Work.

I. Though the time of preparation for individual work
may have been somewhat protracted, the luissionary will
feel at its close that he is all too imperfectly fitted for the

n

task before him. He must now, however, without un-

shd,t>. I. fore lh,s i)omt ,s reached, providential circum-
stances and personal tastes and proclivities will probably
avc mdicated clearly his .lepartment of labor. Tins while
It should not be .lesultory. should not be too nmch spec-
lal.zed. A variety of work promotes phvsical and intel-
lec ual heahh. l-.n,ployn,ents n,av be so arranged and
affihated, that mstea.l of interfering with each other, they
may be mutually helpful. This is spcciallv true of study
leachmg, prcachmg, itinerating and book-making. Each'
nt hese, m the above order, is a preparation for that which
lows; and the succeeding ones, by their reficx innuence
stnnuate and a.ssist those that precede. Missionary life
must begm with study, but it should not end there All
study or no study— too nmch study or too linjo— are ex-
tremes equally to be avoided. Tlie results of study can
only be assnmlatcd and utilized by constant, familiar and
sympathetic intercourse with the people, and people of all

2 If I were asked what in my opinion is the most im-
portant of all departments of mission work in China I
siiould not be able to answer categorically All are im-
portant The most im[)ortant work for each man is un-
doulnedly that for which he is best filled and to which he is
specmlly called. Book-making is the ripest and richest
Imit of a I. Its influence extends over nations and conti-
nents and goes down to successive generations. To con-
sider the difTerent departments of missionary work in detail
would far transcend the limits assigned to these pages
Unc branch, however. Itinerating, claims our spcciaf at-
tention, as particularly connected with the subject of the
previous chapters.

Itinerating.

I. In engaging in this department of work we may cer-
tainly have the satisfaction of feeling that we are in'com-
plete accord with the great commission, " Go ye into all
the world and preach the Gospel to every creature," and
3 so with the example of the great Apostle to the Gentiles.
W hile the active labors of this Apostle were largely made

K^^^i?fvCJ^?i;^

78

ri. A NT INC, or MISSIONARY CHURCHES

ii]i of tcaeliing, prc;uliiiif; and writiiiL;, iliiRTating may
perhaps l)c regarded as tlieir distinguisliins; feature and that
to wliith he was specially set apart by the Holy Ghost.

2. The great centres where he spent most of his time
were apparently not selected by him in accordance wi(li
a predetermined plan, but were proviilcntially indicated to
him in the ordinary course of his y\])ostolic tours. Hiil
most missionaries, however nuich they may itinerate, will
rccpiire a fixed place of residence, that is a home, in select-
ing which the chief considerations should be health, facil-
ities for ac(|uiring the language, and a place which is an
inllnential centre in itself and affords easy access to the un-
e\angelized regions about it. Such a home the Apostle
Paul had at yXntioch, where he spent the intervals between
I'.is itinerating tours.

3. \\'hen the time conies for practically answering tiie
question, " How shall I make a beginning? " I should say.
Do as the Apostle did. Go everywhere preaching the
Gospel. You can not know where there may be some one
waiting for you and some one to whom you have been
sent. Ask for direction. Christ's sheep will hear His voice.
How shall we find them? Go everywhere, and wherever
" Christ's sheep " are, there they will respond to His call.
Then vou will have a beginning from which to work and
one of God's own choosing.

Assistants or Helpers.

I. Our Saviour sent out his disciples on evangelistic
tours two by two. There are many special advantages to
be gained in a foreigner being accompanied by a well-
trained native helper, if such a one is to be had, the for- ^
eigner attracting an audience, while the Chinaman may
possibly do most of the talking. Constant intercourse with ■
a native is not only, as has been remarked before, the best
way to accjuire a familiar and practical knowledge of the \
language and native character, customs and modes of]
thought, but it is also the best way for the foreigner to!
communicate to his assistant practical instruction to de-
velop his Christian character and influence him for good.]
It is not easy, however, to find just such men as one would]

BEGINNING WORK

79

like, even in the older stations, and the young missionary
may feel himself specially fortunate if he is able to obtain
one.

.Still, the work may be begun and pro.secuted success-
tully without such a lieli)er, and far better without one than
with a person who is not a sincere and earnest Christian.
Hefore the missionary is ready for itinerating he will prob-
ably have had in his employ for many months a personal
servant, who, though he may not be a convert, may be
if he IS m .sympathy with his employer, very serviceable on
an Itinerating tour. 1 le will everywhere be the person ap-
plied to by the curious villagers to obtain all sorts of infor-
mation about the character, mode of life and aims and pur-
poses of the foreign visitor. Indeetl, the fact that your
attendant is not a professed Christian makes his country-
men all the more free in communicating with him and
gives additional weight to his testimon)-.

2. If your servant has been brought to Christ while in
your employ, the fulness and warmth of his testimony will
more than compensate for the want of credence consequent
on being a co-religionist and as such pledged to speak
for you. In an early period of mv work in Ning-po, I had
a Christian servant wIkj was to me invaluable. He was a
tailor by trade, and learned to be a good washerman and
cook. After becoming a Christian he accompanied me on
my tours, attending to my washing, mending and cooking
making himself generally useful, and at the same time was
earnest and judicious in bearing witness to Christianity
when opportunity offered. Most of those whom he met
with were more easily reached bv him than tliev could have
been by a scholar, as they were nearer to him on the social
scale and more in sympathy with him. I then felt, with the
other members of the Ning-po mission, that he' was too
valuable a man to be employed as a servant, and he was
induced to change his position in life and was employed
successively as chapel-keeper, assistant, etc. I now think
we made a mistake in not leaving him in the position of
servant, and fear that he has never been as happy or use-
ful since as he was in his original sphere of life.

3. Boatmen, cartmen, muleteers and wheel-barrow men
in our employ, and inn-keepers with whom we stop,

8o

PLANTING OF MISSIONARY CHURCHES

tliough not Christians, may be of great service to us, if
tlicir relations and dispositions towards lis are such as to
incline them to throw their influence in our favor. On the
other hand, if they are prejudiced against Christianity, or
cherish a feeling of resentment on account of real or
fancied injuries, they may do us much harm. In fact, by
their fault-finding, exaggerating real wrongs and repeating
idle rumors, they may neutralize all our preaching. I once
employed a muleteer who was an ill-tempered man and
strongly prejudiced against Christianity. He, as I after-
wards learned, reported wherever I went that the Chinese
helper accompanying me was a cheat and a deceiver; and
that moreover most of those who entered our religion soon
became insane! That this trip was not a very satisfactory
one in its results need not be a matter of surprise. I am
glad to be able to say that my experiences have not always
been of this kind.

About six years ago, I was detained in a small country
inn by a severe case of persecution which was exciting a
great deal of interest in the neighborhood. At the close
of a busy day one of my wheel-barrow men came to me
and said : " There is a man here who lives near my home
about twenty miles away whom it would be well for you to
have a talk with. He stopped here for lunch at noon, be-
came interested in what is going on, and has questioned
me the whole afternoon about you and what you are doing.
He has remained so long that he cannot reach home to-
day and will stay in the inn over night." In less than two
vears from that time this new acquaintance made a public
profession of his faith in Christ. All the members of his
faniilv, which is a large one, are now Christians; his home
has become an important Christian centre, and eight or ten
stations have sprung up near his native town, mainly
through his influence. These two wheel-barrow men are
persons constantly in my employ, whether at home or on
country tours. They are not as yet baptized and at that
time were not specially inclined to become Christians. I
often obtain from them important information respecting
the villages through which I travel, and also hear from
them faults and irregularities in my stations, some of which
even the native helper has failed to discover.-

BEGINNING WORK

8i

How shall We Reach the Peonle ?

1. When places in the interior are visited for the first
time, there are opportunities to preach to crowds such
as will |)robably never occur again. The whole popula-
tion, moved by curiosity, comes out to see the f(jreigncr,
eagerly intent to hear what he has to say. In i)rcacliing
imdcr these circumstances, even when well ac(|uainted with
the language, we must not expect the i)eople to understand
more than a moiety of what we say. There is too much
curiosity, excitement and noise to admit of connected dis-
course or continued attention. Besides, the people are so
unaccustomed to religious subjects that language fails to
conununicate the idea intended. This kind of jjreaching,
though for the reasons above stated very ineffectual as re-
gards its main object, is still by no means imimportant.
We may at least leave the impression behind us that we
have kindly intentions, that we are not barbarians, and
may also give some general idea of our character and work
as religious teachers, thus preparing the way for a more
lengthened visit and more detailed teaching in the future.
We may also hope and pray that in the crowd which
gathers around us as we pass from village to village, there
may be some person prepared to receive our message, or
that the good seed may find a permanent lodgment in some
heart and bring forth fruit hereafter. A few tracts are very
useful at such a time to convey to the people, as they are
read afterwards, better ideas of our object than we have
been able under the circumstances to give orally.

2. There are many advantages in visiting the regular
fairs, which are so striking a feature of countrv life in
most parts of China. Here crowds of country people are
gathered and an excellent opportunity is afforded for ad-
dressing a constantly changing audience, representing
many surrounding villages and distant cities. If there are
those listening who wish fuller instruction or wdiose curios-
ity is not satisfied, they will probably seek out the mission-
ary at his inn.

3. In the imi there is an opportunity for more or less
lengthened conversation, adapting instruction and infor-
mation to individuals and forming acquaintances which

82

PLANTING OF AflSSrONARV CHURCHES

may he followed up in the future. Books can also he dis-
posed of wilii a f^reater dej^tec of care aud discrimination.
Ill parts of tlie country where tliere are canals the travelling
boat larpely lakes the place of the inn.

4. Visits to native schools are sometimes very interest-
ing and encouraging. Here we may expect widely differ-
ing receptions and experiences according to the character
of the teacher in charge.

5. Some missionaries adopt indirect and unobtrusive
methods, avoiding crow ds and making comparatively little
use of public preaching, planning to have the people seek
them, rather than going after the people. The Romanists,
so far as my observation goes, generally adopt this method.
Their long experience and success render their example
worthy of serious consideration.

6. Others, wherever they go, make inquiries after relig-
iously disposed persons or seekers after the truth, a class
which is found in greater or less numbers almost every-
where in China, and endeavor to influence them and
through them the circle of friends or adherents always
found connected with them. This plan is oliviously rea-
sonable and practical and has the special sanction of our
Saviour's teachings, Matthew X. II. It has been largely
adopted by the English Baptists in Shan-tung and with
encouraging results.

7. While most missionaries give their chief attention to
the middle or more illiterate class, a few feel a special call
to attempt to influence the literati and officials, not only
because they exercise a dominating influence on the
masses, but also because they have been in general too
much neglected. It is obvious that this kind of work is
attended with peculiar difficulty and requires special prep-
aration, particularly in acquainting one's self with Chinese
etiquette. Indeed, a theoretical and practical knowdedge of
Chinese rules of politeness is very important for every mis-
sioiiarv in intercourse with all classes.

BEGINNING WORK

83

How Best Expend One's Time?

In what way should we spend our time and talents so as
to accomplish most for the advancement of Clirist's cause?

1. The dominant idea of a missionary should be duty,
and not immediate individual success as judged by human
standards. If the desire for tangible results should take
the form of a wish to gather into the Church as soon as
possible the greatest number of pr(jfessed converts it may
become a dangerous temptation and snare.

2. It will be early fifty years hence to determine with
positive certainty what any individual life has or has not
accomplished. Only in eternity will every man's work
be fully made manifest of what sort it is. Results of ap-
parently great importance may attract attention and secure
general commendation, and yet prove only temporary and
illusory. On the other hand, a good book or a word
spoken in season, may ])ro(luce important results, though
the world may never be able to trace them to their true
source.

3. Probably no two men ever have or ever will work in
the same groove. Each will do his own work best in his
own way. If God has called us as individuals to serve Him
in China, He has a special work for each of us to do, and
if we earnestly seek His guidance He will direct us to it.
It is apt to be a very different one from that which we have
been disposed to plan for ourselves.

4. It is sometimes asked, what practical answ-er does the
experience of missionaries in China for the past forty years
give to the question, " Which methods of work have really
brought the greatest number of converts into the
Church?" This question is a legitimate and important
one, but can only be answered approximately. The con-
ventional modes of work which sum up the labors of mis-
sionaries as reported every year to the home societies are
Bible distribution, tract distribution, chapel i)reaching,
translating and book-making, schools, and itinerations.

The number of copies of the Bible and parts of the Bible
distributed in the different parts of China during the past
forty years can only be estimated by millions; the same is
true of Christian tracts.

vmm

84

rLANTING or MISSIONAKV CHURCHES

Many missionaries liave given tlicir time largely to
cliapcl preaching and have thns spent from one to three
hours dailv. A great deal of tliis work has also been done
ijy natives. The number of chajjel discourses during the
jiast fortv years can also only be estimated by millions.

The result of literary work in the study cannot be tab-
ulated. It passes into and is utilized in every other de-
partment of lal)or.

The aggregate number of years spent in teaching in
the dilTerent kinds of .schools during the last forty years,
can only be numbered by thousands.

As to itinerations, it is a very conuuon thing for a mis-
sionary to preach in from five to ten villages in a day and
from two hundred to five Inmdretl times on a tour. The
number of these itinerating addresses during these forty
years can only be numbered by hundreds of thousands,
and, including those of natives, probably by millions.

The question is, To which of these different modes of
work is the conversion of the about 30,000* Protestant
Christians of China to be mainly traced? I am disposed
to think that the number of conversions due to each would
be found to increase about in the order in which they are
mentioned above: that the number traceable to them all
together would be but a small fraction of the whole; and
that by far the greater proportion is to be referred to pri-
vate social intercourse. " The Kingdom of God cometh
not with observation."

Missionaries but Instruments in Spiritual Work.

In the spiritual work of the conversion of souls and
building up Christ's Kingdom on earth, we of ourselves
can do nothing except as instruments.

I. This is a fact so familiarly known and universally ac-
knowledged that it may well be regarded as a simple tru-
ism. Theoretically, we learned this lesson almost in in-
fancy: practically, it is difficult for some of us fully to learn
it in a lifetime. It is so natural for us to feel that with a
good knowledge of the language, sincere earnestness and
sympathy with the people, together with prudence, com-

* The present numlier of I'mteslaiit communicants is 80,682.

BECINNlh'G nORK

85

men sense, zeal, hard work and |Krsevcrance, soor.cr or
later great spiritual results nnist certainly be accomplished.
This is by no means the case. Our labors may combine all
the above conditions and yet be fruitless in the conversion
of souls. If we depend upon our gifts or acquisitions, our
zeal in the use even of Cod's appointed means, with an
underlying and insidious desire for a result which may be
regarded as something which we ourselves have accom-
|)lished, we shall probably be disa|)pointed. If we are cher-
ishing a feeling of self-dependence in any form, God will
probably humble us before lie will use us. We must feel
tiiat if anything is acconi])lislu'd it will be by the presence
and power of God's Holy Spirit, and be ready to ascribe
all the glory to Him. Otherwise He will ])robably leave
us to ourselves to learn the lesson of our own weakness.
The natural tendency to depend on self, or on anything else
rather than God, has been a prominent sin of (jod's people
from the earliest times. I am disposed to think that this
tendency now (irevails to a great extent among Christians
at home and that luissionaries conmience work in foreign
lands too much imder the influence of it.

2. In this commercial age a commercial spirit has crept
into the Church. As in business matters generally, so in
religious enterprises, it is supposed that a certain amount
of capital, judiciously cx[)ended, will naturally work out a
certain residt. The success of a mission societ)' is gauged
by the amoimt of money in its treasury. In order to secure
more liberal contributions, only the more favorable and
encouraging facts are welcomed and laid before the
churches, so tiiat they may feel that they are contributing
not to a failing but to a prospering cause. Let me not be
understood as im|)lying that money is not important and
that the duty of giving to missions should not be ])ressed
home upon the hearts and consciences of all, whetlier na-
tive converts or home Christians. The danger I would
guard against is of giving such disprojiortionate ])roni-
inence to money as to divert the mind from what is of much
greater importance. In a word, it is making money or
wiiat money can command, rather than the Holy .S|)irit,
our main dependence. I am quite aware that all Christians
would earnestly disavow any such intention. It is not an

86

PLANTIKC OF MISSIOKARV CIIUKCIIES

iiiicoinnion tiling, however, to find ourselves doing indi-
rectly, or tmconsciously, what wc could never be induced
to do fleliheratfly and knowingly. The work we arc prose-
cuting is distinctly and emphatically a work of Ciod"s Spirit.
If we fail to recognize and act upon this fact, the mission
work will decline even with a full treasury; while with the
Spirit's presence it will prosper even with a depleted one.

Pergonal Experience in Beginning Work in Shan-tung.

1. I commenced itinerating work in Centra! Shan-tung
about fifteen years ago, my previous tours having been in
the eastern part of the province. I knew the language and
had the advantage of seventeen years of experience else-
where, but was without a native assistant. I prosecuted
the work laboriously, making long tours over the same
ground every spring and autunm, but for five years had not
a single convert. The work at that time was quite difTerent
from what it is at present. Then my labors were entirely
with the ])reviously unreached masses, and consisted in
preaching at fairs, in imis and on the street, in book dis-
tribution and efforts to form acquaintances with well dis-
posed persons wherever I could find them.

2. At present nearly all my time and strength, when in
the country, are ex])cnded on the native Christians on the
plan detailed in previous chapters. As a rule, I now reach
the masses indirectly through the Christians; they doing
the aggressive work, and I following it uf), directing and
organizing it. Had I again to begin work in a new field,
I do not know where I should change the methods hereto-
fore adopted, except in the one particular of not encourag-
ing in any way hopes of pecuniary help.

3. Why these methods proved fruitless for so long a
time it is iinpossible to say. In looking back over my ex-
periences during the first five years of work in this field, it
appears made up chiefly of failures and disappointments.
Men for whom 1 had watched and labored for years, who
seemed almost persuaded to be Christians, went back and
were lost sight of. Associations of co-religionists were at
different times on the point of entering the Church in a
body with their leaders. From them all I have realized lit-

ni'.GIKNINC WORK

87

tie else tlian wasted time and labor, with no doubt the ac-
cjuisilion of some valuable exjiericnce. 1 have in mind
several places within my circuit where there seemed to be
an unusual religious interest springing \.\\i, places which I
hoped would soon be centres of Christian influence with
chajjels and native leaders; but these expectations have
hardly been realized in a single instance. In some cases
I have endeavored to encourage and stinuilate [x-rsons who
have been doing something in the way of active Christian
work by giving them a little pecuniary assistance, hfjping
that they might be of help to me in the future. This class
has not furnished, so far as I can recall, a single individual
who has not disapiiointeil me. Help in the way of pay for
Christian work which ought to be done without pay has
always done harm. The amount of pecuniary hel]) which I
have considered reasonable and ample in these cases has
been regarded by beneficiaries as insufficient, and has often
produced dissatisfaction, comi)laint and resentment.

4. When converts have appeared, they have come from
unexpected c|uarters and in unexpected ways; stations
have been established without my planning and in places
previously entirely unknown to me. As a rule the now
existing stations are not found in the sections of country
where the itinerating work began, nor are the results
realized directly tracealde to previous work of seed-sowing.
If asked the cause of the difference in the outcome of labors
of the preceding and succeeding years, the (piestion is not
easy to answer. The influence of the work of famine-relief
and a supposed special susce])tibility to religitnis impres-
sions in the regions where these stations are found will ac-
count but in part for the difference. We can only say that
God in His inscrutable providence has so ordered it. For
myself, I have learned that God's ways are very different
and infinitely wiser than mine; that it is better to follow
than to take the lead; and that there is need to pray, not
only that we may be used as instruments in God's work,
but that we may be kej)! from marring or obstructing it.

5. I might add here that I have known of many instances
in which individuals and groups of individuals have been
brought into the Church with very imperfect and errone-
ous views of Christianity, and moreover influenced largely

\P/.ANT!Na OF Af/SSIOA'AKV CIIUKCIIF.S

,y mercenary motives, wlui have afterwards f;iven evi-
dence of liavin}; become intellit^ent and sincere Christians.
6. Some ha\'e sn|)[)osed tltat we are warranted in tiie first
presentation of (_'hrislianity in witiiholding those doctrines
which antagonize Cliinese systems and are calculated to
excite prejudice and opposition, jiresenting only those feat-
ures which are conciliatory and attractive, thus drawing
the peoi)le to us and gaining an inlluence over them and
afterwards giving them instruction in the complete system
of Christian truth as they are able to i)ear it. I doubt very
nnich whether such a course is justified by the teaching and
example of our Saviour and the Apostles, (lod may and
does in His mercy and grace make use of our incomplete
presentation of His truth and an imjierfcct apprehension of
it to the conversion and salvation of men; but have we not
still greater reason for expecting His blessing in connec-
tion with His truth when given in its completeness? I be-
lieve there is no doctrine of Christianity the full presenta-
tion of which we need fear. With all our care to " declare
the whole counsel of C^od " there will still be a great amount
of misconception in the minds of those who hear us, and we
may well be thankful tiiat God will use and bless inadequate
conceptions of His truth. It is for us, however, to make
our teaching as fidl and clear as possible.

How may We Best Get Out of " Old Ruts " ?

I. To those who still prefer the Old System this question
has of course no relevancy, but it is presumed that there
arc others who will regard it as a practical and important
one. In some respects it is much simpler and easier to
connnence work from the beginning. On the other hand,
there are many ailvantages in having an old foundation
to build on and much good material to use. Many of our
native employes sustain characters beyond reproach or
suspicion. Some are efficient workers; others are simply
out of their place, having been brought into a position
for which they are unsuited and by long continuance in
which they have become unfitted for their original modes
of life. If there are any persons who are to be blamed for

DF.G INNING WORK

89

this result they are mainly the missionartes of twenty,
thirty, or forty years ago, who inaugurated the present
stale of things, or the .societies which sent them out with
mstructions to do so. Probably blame should be attributed
to no one, as both foreigners and natives concerned have
done what they regarded as their duty and what they sup-
posed was for the best interests of the mission cause.
Under these circumstances long established relations
should not be rudely severed, and the natives, who are
more to be jjitied than blanird, should be treated with
sympathy and justice.

2. In the case (A competent and efficient ])astors whose
people are able and desirous to sujjport them, no change
is required. Other pastors, able and willing to " endure
hardness," might take the charge of several weak churches
which combined would be able to give them a com|)etent
support. Pastors left without charge by this union of
churches might be emi)loyed, if they have the requisite
gifts, as evangelists, either in opening new fields not yet
reached, or in superintending weak and scattered com-
)anies of Christians who are under the inmiediate instruc-
tion of leaders or elders. Such evangelists, if thoroughly
proved and tried, might be .supported wholly by the mission
or wholly by the native churches or by the two conjointly.
Others specially suited for the purpose might supply the
helpers and attendants required by the new plan as well
ns the old. These would be connected with and under the
direction of the missionary, giving him needed assistance
in receiving, entertaining and instructing guests and in-
luirers, in itinerating tours, and in the care and oversight
if inquirers and new stations. Others unfitted by age or
incapacity for active .service might be retired on a pension
and left to do what they can by voluntary labor as private
Christians. Assistance might be given to others for two
or three years in acquiring some trade or profession. One
of the older missionaries in China, nmch interested in this
question, has suggested the plan of furnishing to suitable
men three years of theoretical and practical in.structiou in
the science of medicine, thus putting within their reach a
useful and honorable means of livelihood and then leaving
ihem to themselves. By some such means as this men of

90

VLAKTIXG OF MISSIONARY CHURCHES

tlie right stamp niiglit have tlieir influence for good greatly
enhanced.

3. Probably sonic readers of the foregoing pages may
derive the inijircssion that the writer is desponding and
pessimistic in his views of mission work. On the contrary,
if I may be allowed an opinion on such a ciuestion, I think
1 have always been rather sanguine, if not enthusiastic. I
believe that nuich has been accomplished in every deiiart-
nient of missionary work in China. The literary outcome
of the past forty years is alone and by itself a rich legacy to
the missionaries and native Christians of the present, and
gives them a vantage ground in undertaking future labor
which it is difficult to overestimate. The ratio of increase
in the number of converts, and the evidence of growth and
development in native clnirclies, are also full of encourage-
ment. While we must record many cases of coldness and
defection, we remember that such cases have characterized
the history and progress of the Church to a greater or less
extent in every age. On the other hand, we rejoice in
being able to point to many who give undoubted evidence
of being God's chosen ones, while there are others whose
names are already enrolled among the noble army of
martyrs. It has been my privilege to know many Christian
men and Christian women in China whose godly lives and
peaceful deaths have been an inspiration to me and made
me, I trust, a better man and a more earnest worker. I
count among my nearest and most honored friends not a
few native Christians who are now bearing faithful testi-
mony to the truth in the midst of opposition and manifold
trials such as Christians in Western lands can only imper-
fectly appreciate. It has been the object of these chapters,
not to extol the virtues of Chinese Christians, concerning
which volumes miglit be written, but ratlier to point out
certain evils in what I regard a mistaken policy of mis-
sionary work. If the reader has not met with many reas-
suring facts and cheering prospects, it is only because this
is not the place to look for them.

4. Tliankfully acknowledging what has already been
done, I believe we have not accomplished what we niiglit if
we had followed more closely the teachings and examples

BEGINNING WORK

9»

given us for our guidance in the Scriptures. I believe that
the injudicious use of money and agencies depending on
money have retarded and crippled our work and luoduced
a ess self-reliant and stalwart tvpc of Christians tiian we
otherwise shniild have had.

5. I should exceedingly regret if the statement just made
or any other slatenicnt in these letters should be under-
stood or construed as intimating that the use of money
in carrying on missionary work is not legitimate. In the
nature of things pecuniary aid is an absolute necessitv
not only for sending out and supporting well (iiialilied and'
accredited missionaries, but also for hospital and dis-
pensary work, for the preparation and dissemination of a
Christian literature, for establishing higher institutions of
learning and for furnishing, as needed, grants-in-aid for
primary or preparatory Christian schools. In supplying
the funds thus required all Christians have the opportu'nitv
of sharing in the privileges and self-denials of the work of
preaching the Gospel to every creature. Far more nionev
IS needed for the actual demands of the work than has
hitherto been given. Some parts of the heathen world now
fully open to missionary effort have scarcely been touched.
In other places, like China, where the work has begun, the
supply of laborers is utterly inadequate. If we refrain, as
I have strenuously urged, 'from spending monev in wavs
not sanctioned by the Scriptures and experience, we shall
have the more to use in legitimate methods. Moreover,
the Church, when fully satisfied that its contributions arc
wisely disbursed, will naturally be more spontaneous and
generous in its liberalitv.

6. There are abundant evidences of God's willingness to
bless our labors, and evidences also that the Gospel of
Christ is as well adapted to the Chinese as to any other
race. Let us, then, with unwavering faith in God's re-
vealed Word and an implicit trust in the efficacy of the
Divine Spirit, address ourselves to our labors with renewed
zeal and earnestness; praying the Lord of the harvest to
send forth laborers into His harvest and for the abundant
outpouring of the Spirit upon us and those to whom we
are sent; hoping and believing that in these most remote

J

92 PLANT/A^G OF MISSIONARY CHURCHES

regions of Eastern Asia, so long [ireservcd by God's provi-
dence, so thickly i)coi)led with His erring children, and so
lately reached by the message of salvation, the Church
may yet record such signal tritmiphs of grace and power
as have not been witnessed in any previous period of her
history.

i

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