The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18

Brazil-Ths First Missionary Fisld.-lt Is deeply
interesting fsct that the very first effort OF the
| Christian Church after the Reformation to engage
In Foreign Missions was that of the church az ue-
neys to send the gospel to the inhabitants OF bra-
zil Coligny, the greatFrench Huguenot, anq otner
friends of the truth, conceived the ldes OF esaoSh
! ING a Protestant colony 10 South America as a
place of refuge for their prosecuted brethren, who
! were the victims of pspal fury in Europe 10 1920
an expedition, consisting of three small vessels
under the command OF one VillegagnoD, distln'
guished French naval officer, sailed from HsVre de
Grace TO what is now the harbor OF klo de Janeir0
where they established themselves on an ls!sno
called to this day Villegsgnon, IN honor OF the
leader and, as he sfterward proved to be, tresoh-
erous destroyer of this expedition. Their joyous
reception by the natives, who were at war With the
Portuguese, and other circumstances, seemed 70
warrant high hopes OF success.
A singular revival has lately been in progress
among the deaf and dumb in Brussels. An Fog
fish lady some time ago presented copy OF the BIZ
bic TO Q deaf and dumb artist. The recipient, a
staunoh Papist, examined it carefully, comparing
It's teachings with the doctrines OF the ChuTcn OF
Rome, and the result was his conversion. tie I'M
mediately began to preach the Gospel to his att1c-
ed brehreu aud in spite of strenuous opposition at
first, won numbers Of them to the truth. In Hol
land, also, there is deaf and dumb evangelist,
powerful preacher, who proeaims Christ IN France,
Belgium, Holland, Prussia, etc, By sign language.
The local committee of the Presbyterian Alliance
which is to assemble in Edinburgh on July 3D.
1877, have mstured their plans, at least in part
and express the view that the most suitable topics
for consideration are those which illustrate the
essential principles of Presbyterianism IN special
relation to present.dsy wants, and IN their bearing
on practical and spiritual objects. Ii Is considered
desirable that questions on which there Is likely to
be serious difference of opinion should rot be dis
cussed at the first meeting, but referred to com
mittees to be investigated and matnred 10 the IN
tervas between the triennial meetings of the Coun
oil. The programme has not been drawn up, but
the committee suggest a number of topics tor pa
pers, which papers will be required to be written
In English and forwarded 70 the Edinburgh Com
mittee not later than May l, 1871 Among other
suggestions bearing upon the above principles 1t Is
recommended that papers be written ON The
Adaptation of Presbyteranisn to Present day
Wants, Harmony of the Reformed Comics
sions." and Lessons to be Learned from other
Systems" Preaching, training OF preachers, evan
gelization at home and abroad, instruction OF the
young, aud prevailing unbeiief, are subjects which
will come before the Council-N Y Evangelist
Rev. Professor Blaikie, one Of the secretaries of
the Pan. Presbyterian Alliance, accompanied by the
Rev. Robert Taylor of Norwood, has been travel
ing through the Continent OF Europe on visit to
the professors and leading ministers of the differ
ent Churches which adhere to the Presbyterian
polity, to urge upon them the importance OF being
represented ct the first meeting of the Alliance to
be held in Edinburgh next July. The States Wis
tied were Holland, Belgium, Germany, Hungary,
Italy, Switzerland aud France. The deputstIon
was everywhere most warmly received, and it is
believed that there will be good representation
of the Continental Churches next year. Professor
Blake and Mr.. Taylor were also present at the
General Assembly of the WaldeuSisn Church re-
Gently in session at La Tour-N Y Observer.