The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-09-15
From The Missionary.
Extracts from Letter of Rev. B. Helm.
HANCHoU, June II, 1869

HANCHoU, June IL, 1869.
l wish by this mail to send you merely what the
Chinese style letter of peace to let the friends
of the mission know that, by the blessing of God,
we are still enjoying peace. This is to us quite
cause of thankfulness, although we have no i'm
mediate reason for experimenting trouble here
But no post away from the treaty ports, and espe-
cially since the late treaty with the Western pow
ers, can feel perfectly secure from trouble. But
recently, at an out-station of the Northern Pres
byterian Mission, the assistant received note
from 'the Pusa" Of the place, notifying him that
the foreigner and his minions must leave. ("The
Pusa" answers to Judge Lynch" in America J
At an inland station of the Baptist Mission, the
iterati gained possession OF the title deed of some
property after the missionaries had rented, and to
prevent it being occupied by the foreigner, carried
the house off. These are the particulars as Iheard
them. But think the treaty with England espe.
cially, and the action of leading politicians there
regarding the Eastern question" is developing
quite healthy spirit among the Missionaries
They now talk more, at least, of the duty and
safety of making God our only trust in carrying
on the work here, and Of looking less to consular
protection. And we may certainly expect the
English consuls to be little reluctant in interfer-
lord in the British Parliament either fanatics or
knaves," and when decided action in behalf of
both merchants and missionaries cost one consul
his position. But this Chinese embassy, which
has so completely disappointed the expectation of
the foreign residents of China may be the means
employed by God to advance the interests Of his
kingdom. There was, as some missionaries thought,
rather too great disposition to call on a consul to
settle every little trouble. But should the Church
lean entirely upon her great Head we may expect
to see him repay their increased trust by richer
harvest of souls and perhaps of suffering 1t also
makes call upon the home Church to be instant
in prayer" for the mission.
As regards the mission suffering persecution for
Christs sake, | do not feel there is much danger
at present 1t may suffer because the missionaries
are foreigners. But while the gospel makes so lit
tie progress as not to awaken the fears of the
priests there can be but little Of suffering for the
gospels sake. | think missionary might stand
in front of temple door here in Hanchou and
preach for an hour and if with proper discretion,
not be molested. This, you readily see is not the
most desirable state Of affairs although it speaks
of outward peacA.
In the state Of our own immediate mission,
there is but little change since our last letters.-
The schools, for want of suitable premises, have
to be kept down to their present number of schol-
ars, though both teachers and cooks are capable,
in their respective departments. of administering
to the wants of as many more heather children.
The general health of the children is not quite
such as could be desired although there have been
but one or two cases of severe sickness. There
are two or three bright boys in Che school of which
Mr. Houston has charge think it would be i'm
possible for any Christian to be with these chill
dren for any length of time and not become at
tached to them. | trust from their number will
come forth some who shall be faithful native pas
tors But until these children become converted
and grow up, are we to be without native assist
ants? Assuredly God does not intend to withhold
this means of usefulness till then But he will be
Inquired of by the house Of Israel to do it for
them" In Shantung province, in the northeast
OF China, the Presbyterian Mission was led to
pray for native assistants of more influence than
any they had. Their prayers were answered, and
the most encouraging work of grace that | have
heard of in China has for some time been in pro-
gress there They have man or men Of decided
influence among their countrymen now preaching,
and the heather in one place offer to support one
of these men if he will only preach to them But
forbear to give the particulars so interesting and
encouraging to me, thinking you will probably see
them in the Northern Presbyterian missionary jour.
hal from the missionaries themselves