The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-12-17
reconcied to the fashion in which the men

reconciled to the fashion in which the men
dress their hair
1t looks so strange to see the front and
sides of the head shaved bare, whilst from
the top and back part depends long queue,
the longer the handsomer. noticed waiter
yesterday who had great bunch of black
thread tied to his to make it more effective.
When at work, have seen them wind these
queues round and round the tops of their
heads, and fasten them as ladies do their
braids. You would laugh at the comical
figures they cut in this style.
On the morning we left San Francisco,
Just as the gun was fred that announced the
departure of our vessel, there came flying
through the air shower of strips of brown
paper, some borne off to the ocean, others fall
ing on the deck at our feet. Of these last l
secured two pieces. In the centre of each
was pasted square of something very much
like tin-foil-silver-leaf, heard it called.
These strips were the offerings of the Chi
nese to their Water God, that they might
propitiate him, and so he would "let US alone"
during the voyage.
DEATH AMONG CHINESE PASSENGERS.
When we had been one day at sea China
man died of consumption. You have heard
how anxious they are to be buried in their
native land, for they think that unless their
dust is laid with that of their ancestors, they
"will wander starving, homeless ghosts for
ever.
So this mans body was embalmed, and is
laid now in one of the life boats at the side Of
the ship, to be carried to its last rest in 1.-THE
Flowery Land" How sad the belief of the
poor heather seems, and how one longs for
the dawn of that day when the Christian
faith shall take its place; the faith that
teaches us that those who Sleep in Jesus, u
whether son midas plains, or Lapland's
SHOWS" or in the depths of ocean, find the
same repose.
must not forget to tell you that there is
a morning prayer meeting held every day, al
half-past nine clock, in the ladies saloon,
some one of the ministers conducting it, and
this is one of our pleasantest hours, since ii
brings US near to our best Friend in heaven,
and through him to our loved ones on earth,
for those We have left in our far away
homes are not forgotten by US in our sup.
plications.
CHINESE CONVERTED.
There is a converted Chinaman, Charlie
they call him, who comes in sometimes to
these meetings. He says that "He loves
God and Jesus, and "prays to Jesus every
day." The one who first taught him about
God is missionary lady in Japan. "Char
lie l." intends to stop and see her on his way
home to China, for he wants to hear her tell
him again about these wondrous things
If, indeed, God has made her the means Of
leading this soul to him, do you think she
will ever be sorry that she left her home and
friends to tell the simple story of the cross
l sometimes wonder if, from all those girls
who are growing up in our churches, some
may not be found who will give themselves
to missionary work when they are little
older. There is plenty to do, and even
though one must leave home, the sacrifice
seems small when we remember that Christ
left heavenly home for US.
SABBATH SERVICES.
On Sabbath there are regular services in
Social Hall, at the hour that they are held
in the churches at home, and we all dress in
our A." Sunday clothes, and at the sound Of
the gong, (instead of the clear going church
bell, } take our seats, and join in the various
exercises, perhaps all the more devoutly that
we are " afar of upon the sea-.
| | have not written this as a missionary
letter, but to let our friends know that our
little band are thus far well and safe, hav-
ing had a remarkably pleasant voyage, and
so much to be thankful for, that they are
sure those they have left behind will be hap
Ply in their happiness.
And We want our young friends, especial
". TO know that we think of them.