The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-06-10
FOREIGN ITEMS.

Rev. Mr. Wells of the Free Church of Scot
land-This minister was one of the delegates
sent last year from the Free Church to the
Northern General Assemblies, and in company
with DIR. Fairbain visited Richmond for few
days. A correspondent of the ReSbyter, now
in Scotland, thus describes Mr.. Wells church:
MIR. Wells is now pastor of the Barony
Free Church, an offshot of the Wynd mission,
his former charge. The Wynd mission was
established about twelve years ago, and has, in
that short period, laid the foundation of seven
churches, now all in fourishing condition.
When first originated, the mission.was small
and weak, but it soon became selfsupporting,
and in few years erected a substantial house
of worship. This was speedily filled, and in
the course of time became too small. The
Bridgegate church, larger building, was put
up, and the congregation divided The Wynd
again became too FULL and another house being
built, another division took place, and so on
through seven chapters. The Barony church
is the youngest child But though not yet
two years old, is strong enough to walk, or
rather run, without its mothers aid. The
Wynd is again full, and subscriptions are be-
ing received for another house. This Is GER
tainly an extraordinary instance of what may
be done by cooperation of Christian zeal and
financial strength.
The English Presbyterian Synod in sunder-
land-A correspondent of the Presbyterian,
in an account of the meeting of this Synod,
says
A whole day was devoted to the question of
new theological professor in the London Col
lege, to succeed the Rev. DR. McCrie, now re
tired. Several names were brought forward,
but ultimately division was taken on the pro-
poSal of delay as to an appointment for
another year, or the immediate election and
appointment of DR.. William Chalmers of Lon
don. There was extraordinary ability In the
debate and what was exceedingly pleasing,
while the arguments were weighty or either
side, and predictions were urged with tervent
earnestnesS, not single sentence was spoken
inconsistent with the good feeling and good
temper Wit abounded, but innocuous were the
brotherly kindness. The result, which was
vehemently cheered, was the election of DIR.
Chalmers For his appointment there were
one hundred and eleven votes for delay,
sixty.six votes; majority, forty-seven. What
crowned the issue was the noble conduct of II.
NJ Matheson, the devoted and eminent Chris
tian merchant in London, who had led the
party who voted for delay" For, immedi-
atey after DIR. Chalmers had been called in,
and had expressed his acknowledgements, Mr..
MatheSon said: "As am loyal son of the
Church, |, and those who acted with me, ac-
cept the decision. | shall do all in my power
to further the interests of the college, and to
make this appointment as eficienta as possible"
This announcement was warmly applauded,
and drew from the Rev. Mr. Wright, of South
ampton, the remark at was only what
expected from such, well known friend of the
Church.
The Foreign Missions of the English Synod
have been remarkable for their enlarged sue
cess. Twenty one years ago the Rev. William
Burns was ordained, and sent forth as the
Synod's first missionary to China. He it was
whose open-air sermon, on sacrament Mon
day. preached near his fathers church, at Kill
sythe inaugurated the glorious revival of 1885,
and who, when McCheyne, of Dundee, was
absent in Palestine, occupied his place, and
$50 spake' that multitude believed and
turned to the Lord. His career in China has
been both a romance and a reality Years ago
he adopted the native Chinese dress and habits
caught up quickly many dialects, stood the
brunt of hardships and occasional prosecutions
and all the while cleaned sheaves for the eter-
nal garner.
The mission in China is strong in agency
The converts are singularly devoted, and Gin
an eminent degree are evangelists, y and have
been ever making way into new territory. The
holy lives of the baptized have produced a
powerful impression. They have ofttimes been
bitterly prosecuted in towns and villages
Their property was destroyed they suffered
imprisonment, and they had even to face the
loss of life but they held fast. Very remark
able also was their hallowed observance of the
Lords day, 1.-THE binding and perpetual obi.
CATION of which these missionaries faithfully
preached" Latercessory prayer has had much
to do in the work of China missions thus indi
Gated H. HI. Matheson, ESQ.,, who read the
report pointed out how Mr.. Burns had Sc
cured for the Church and the work large
amount of faithful and believing prayer iron,
those to ,ohona God had blessed has ministry IN
| Scotland, and IN other parts Of the aoorld