The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-04-19
FOB TIE GENERAL PRESBYTERIAN.
HANGCHow, CHINA, Feb. 7th, rs.


Dear DR.. Brown,-We had present not
long since, of some very nice pomeloeS; and
as am under the impression that this fruit
is not grown in the United States, it occurred
to me to send some of the seed to you for
your orange orchard in Florida. They
grow at Foo-chow where the climate must be
very much the same as Florida. The fruit
is species of orange but about double the
size of the common orange. The skin is
very thick and bitter. In shape it is some
what fattened on the bottom and tapering
towards the top. Many persons prefer them
to the best oranges we can get here, though
these are not quite as good as louisiana
oranges. do not know how they will grow
from the seed, but it may be worth the effort
to try it in your orchard. l hope it may be
a valuable addition to the fruits of the United
States.
I wish that could write you an encour-
aging letter about our work here, but alas,
it cannot be written now. We see very lit
tie to encourage our own hearts, and less to
write to our friends about. But when we
look at our commission there is no command
in it to make many converts-only to
preach. This we try to do. Every day our
street-cbapel is open from 8 to 5 P. M, and
from 20 to so people generally hear the plan
of salvation explained and an acceptance of
the gospel urged upon them. We have the
satisfaction of knowing that multitudes have
heard from US the way of everlasting life and
know enough to save their souls if they would
only believe what they have heard. We also
have the satisfaction of knowing that the
Master will take care of His Word, that cit
will not be in vain in the Lord" But it
would be very gratifying to have many come
to us asking what they must do to be saved.
A very gratifying fact was made known
at our last general meeting of all the con-
verts in this city, that 80 additions had been
made to the various churches in this city
during the last year. This is a number
equal to the additions made during the twC
previous years, showing very encouraging
increase. We have no right at all to feel
discouraged, and 1 believe that every mis-
sionary in this city laborS in the hope of see-
ing the gospel come with great power among
this people. The knowledge of the truth il
spreading; the people are becoming &C
quainted with the leading principles of oul
doctrine; and when our faith, and the faith
of our Church, becomes strong enough tt
lay hold on the promises, then | believe tha
God will grant the desires of our hearts an(
save much people. Mrs. Randolph sent yo'
paper called A Voice From China, ISSUED
by our Northern Presbyterian brethren. |
will give you some idea of the work they ar
doing. In May, 1877, we expect to hold
general missionary convention of China, 81
am, Burmah and Japan in Shanghai. Sub
iects of practical interest have been assigne
to a number of persons who are to prepar
essays to read before the convention. MI
Helm has Itineration" as his subject. W
expect to derive much benefit in hearing tn
experience of various persons in diferen
places, and in different departments of tn
work, and in the comparison of views an
methods of work. If our coming togethe
should prove to be a spiritual blessing
/ our souls, we might carry its effect back
| our different fields of labor, and in this wa
D reap a benefit worth all the trouble, tim
and expense of attending such a convention
1 wish that some of the ministers of OF
o Church in the United States could come ou
: and see for themselves and for the Churcl
t what is doing in China. Cant you come
0 We would be very glad to see you. All th
e members of our mission are well. My healt