Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-04-21
Progress of Christianity.

1
One of our intelligent and highly esteemed
citizens, now compelled to the seclusion OF
his home by the infirmties of age, spoke
to his pastor, day or two since, this word of
| good cheer: "The Gospel has the same pow
er now that it had two thousand years ago"
We may observe many evidences of this en-
couragng view of christian progress. A
summary of the report of revivals in our own
country, for the last four months, shows that
there have been reported upwards of one
hundred thousand converts. This is happily
significant Of the "leavening' power of spirit
ual faith and life, not only for our own
county, but also for the whole world. For it
is to be noticed in this connection that the en-
terpriscs of christian missions were never
more extensive and successful than now. We
take few facts from late English essay
upon ''Modern Missions and their Results. -
Great Britain, from twenty-one societies,
sends out 970 missionaries the continent of
Europe has 425, representing thirteen socie-
ties; and America, by eight societies, sup
port 542 missionaries. there are nearly
1000 laborers in foreign fields, fulfilling
the desire of our Saviour "who desires to
have all men saved and come to the know
ledge of the truth"
AT missionary conference, held at ALA.
habad, last December, 1877 missionaries of
various societies participated. On New
Years Day, paper on the Progress and
Prospects of Protestant Missions in India"
was read, giving many facts of interest de-
duced from careful census made in ls72.-
In ten years the native christians in India
have increased from 1888, 73l to o24, l61 that
is at the rate Of 81 per cent. When Burmah
and Cylon are included with India, the in
crease appears to be UPWARDS of 100 900,
more than 10000 a year. Some instances of
increase are remarkable. In Chota Nagpore
from 1881 to more than 20, 900. The Baptist
mission to the Telogoos has increased from
% church members to GALS, mostly within
five years, and is already establishing Theo-
logical Seminary, and College. For edu-
cation always follows closely upon successful
evangelization.
These results are specially encouraging, in
connection with fact, in itself to be depre-
Gated. The number Of foreign missionaries
in the field is actually less than ten year. ago.
This shows the paramount development of
the christian life and power of the native
churches and preachers, who are the great
hope for the christianization of the Eastern
nations.
Hence, the interest OF the following data re-
ported from Methodist mission, commenced
in China, seven years ago, in place where
there was not then single christian. There
are now 4lC members. and 274 practitioners
II native teachers 10 ordained, and so I'M
ordained preachers. At late meeting the
plan of self support was adopted. One Of
the missionaries said, call who cordially &C
cept this Plan, and are determined, in the fear
of God, to do all you can towards making it
successful, rise to your feet" Instantly the
whole audience arose, stood a few minutes
and then knelt in prayer, earnestly suppiicat-
ing God to enable them to fulfill this public
pledge faithfully.-Is not "Jesus Christ the
same, yesterday, to- day, and forever3"