The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-01-12
I" [ could not sleep unless thy hand
Were underneath my head,
That | might kiss it if | lay
Wskeful upon my bed.
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.

ReU DR.. Broom,
Dear Sir,-A few months ago, under circumstan-
oes rather peculiar and interesting, correspon-
dence was commenced by the writer with Miss
Kirkland, now at Hangchow, China, who left this
country in the autumn of 1874, devoting both her
means and her life to the noble work Of teaching
the benighted Chinese the story of the Cross. At
the request of friend, | send you some extracts
from these letters, earnestly desiring they may be
the means of stirring US ali up to more lively 10.
tereat in this glorious work of spreading the gos
pei. The FIRST Sabbath of this month it was nv
privilege to listen to stirring and practical ad-
dress to the children and congregation of Oiivet
church, from Judge |. H. Christian, on the sub
ject of Foreign Missions, in which be proved con-.
clusivey, by striking facts and Illustrations that
the elections often urge against the cause were
false. There had been a society formed in the
Spring, OF few very young children who have been
at work during the Summer and Fall This society
we have now united with the children of the
church, ard We propose the first Sabbath Of every
month, to have a missionary meeting. Re the
church were awake ON this suit as in days gone
by, we might have seasons of refreshing aud see
her prospecting temporarily as we'll as sDiritually.-
After reading these stirring appeals OF this devoted
woman, how can we look on with Indifference, how
withhold our mite to bel on this grand and slori-
GUS work.
The first letter dated May 5lh, as follows:
Dear Mrs. c., Your kind letter has lust
arrived. | thank you for it with all my heare and
my soul rises in gratitude to Him who prompted
you to write it. believe it is distinct answer to
my prayers. | am very anxious to establish seve.
raj schools. | will have native Christian teachers
and oversee them all myself have been praying
for the means to conduct theoe schools. and here
comes your kind offer, which | only too gladly &C.
cept. May our Father in heaven richly bless your
little O., for thinking of me- Give her my love-
There is a little boy called Hyi ywen, pronounced
He.ywen) who has fourd his way to my room, aud
comes to see me every day, [ am deeply interested
in this child and very anxious that God would
make me the means in his hands of saving his
soul. | told him of the only living aud true God,
and that our God SO loved the world that he gave
his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in
Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"
Little Hyi.ywen seemed glad to hear this "old,
old story which always is so new | gave him
little prayer to learn promising him pretty pic.
ture if he would soy 1t correctly He soon knew it
and repeated it to me, in Chinese fashion, turning
his bach to me and swinging from side to side on
his feet, and saying it as fast as he could Though
it is not very impressive way of saying prayer,
[ still hope to make an impression on him through
it, and | trust he will be some day devoted CAgs-
tian aud the bearer of the glad news of the gospel
of peace to his benighted, periShing cOuntrymea.
Ny work now Is ut course, to learn the language
which is very difficult But study very hard.
However, seize every opportunity OF saying \
word for my Saviour.
Ia speaking of her teacher she says II tell him
daily about Jesus in my lessons. But the veil
hangs over his mind, all is dark 70 him. feel |
peculiar responsibility regarding him. II he does |
not believe, | am the means of bringing him into |
greater condemnation. Oh that | could show
bin Christ bleeding for him. Let me entreat you,
your own children aud also those of your school, |
to pray earnestly, fervently, constantly for Lob,
her teacher Hyi-ywen, and myself"
Next Sunday is communion in our little church. |
We have services the day before, and have agreed |
to set apart that day for prayer and fasting that
our souls may be revived, aud also that we may
haze special outpouring OF the Spirit on our
Church. Two girls, not in our school, applied for
admission into the church One was received /
thirteen was advised to wait. Three or four 9th.
ors will join.
Under date of August, she writes, Z" Let me say
,ne word to you, in my far off home, where the
name of Jesus is not known, where the Sun of
Righteousness has not risen, to you who are bask-
ng in the bright sunshine of gospel truth. Is
here one among you to whom this light is not a
amp unto your feet? whose heart is not warmed
" this glorious truth, who is cold lifeless, indif-
erent, it were better for him that he had been
'Orn in this benighted land, and never heard the
ZANE of Jesus. To you, who know the truth to
he salvation of your souls, show your faith by
our works. Watch and pray, work for Christ,
ONE here yourselves or send others. With love
0 all your little band aud requesting your earnest
rayers Yours affeClionstely,
HELEN KIRKLAND"