The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-07-27
MISSIONS.

The Union Church in Japan is grad
ually developing the presbyterial system. AT
its last meeting the Chiu Kuwdi provided for the
formation of three Chius Ruwai, or presbyteries
and the formation of Dai Kutcai, or Synod
The Native Church, which represents the mis-
slons of the American Presbyterian and Scottish
United Presbyterian and Reformed Dutch
Churches, now has 1,299 communicates, II
church buildings, As preaching places, and |
native pastors. The contributions for six months
amounted to 81 ,165. The meeting of the Presby-
terry was very important one. Among other
questions discussed was that of doctrinal stand
ards, which has been settled several times, to
become again unsettled The Symbols of West
minister and bort in English had been adopted
twice in full against the wishes, as it appears,
OF the native Christians. who thought new and
shorter creeds, more adapted to the condition
and surroundings of the Native Church, should
be adopted. The question now came up on the
adoption of TRANSACTIONS of the Standards. Says
MIR. Ballagh, writing of the discussion
The speakers appeal Ito their own knowledge
the difficulties that had been experienced in
consentlng to the adoption of the English Stand
ards, In the first instance, and admitted that
now, having consented. they could not bear to
appear as truce breakers. This was exactly the
state with the members of our own mission Re
formed We had no desire for the Standards in
the first instance; but. having adopted them we
could not do otherwise than stand by them
and this was all the more important as they
were found inconvenient tor some brethren
unsettled In doctrine and morals"
On motion of anative elder, the transations
were adopted by single vote, whereupon sew
eral foreign brethren recalled their votes and
the motion was lost, and the matter was referred
to committee, to report all points inapplicable
to the Japanese Church and to propose amend
ments. The result is said to have given gener
oil t.efa lzc- Il I
the Rucdi, Mr.. Ballagh, who was Gicho, or
moderator. again referred to the translations
stated his objections to appointing committee
and appealed to the brethren to adopt the
creeds. which they agreed to do, to his great
Joy. After all, therefore, these symbols lOere
forced on the Japanese. The examination of
candidates for licensure was very interesting
occasion. Says Mr.. Ballagh:
The native ministers are very strict with
candidates, and carry on the examinations with
raaPidlty, point. and particularly. Of seven or
eight candidates for licensure only three passed.
and none of the three for ordination, though it is
true one of them was not examined, owing to
some intormality in his call A great deal of
instruction is obtained by the elders and church.
members at these examinations. Note books
and pencils are freely in use and the examiners
also keep list of failures; for guide to their
decision"
One of the most beautiful works of
Christian charity of our day is the visit of mis-
sionary women to the Zenanas or the apartments
of the native women of India Entirely seclud
ed from all men but their husbands or near
relations, and with no female doctors, their suffer
lngs when sick are indescrlbable, and thousands
are left to die without needed aid And Indian
princess recently said to Zenana visitor, Tell
the Queen, whose slave | am, the Princess of
Wales, and all the men and women of England
of our misery when we are Ill -Lndepe1dent