The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-04-13
FOREIGN CHURCH NEWS.

The Scottish Reformation Society
keeps its eye on the Roman Catholic Church
Its last annual report says no change in the
character of the Romansh Antichrist' has
occurred in the past thirty years, except a more
open and daring manifestation of its peculiar
spirit. while in many parts of the world
-Popery has been greatly SHAKEN it is finding a
resting place in this land. Here it is building
its house, and year by year it is strengthening
its position. In different forms it is plying its
powers not only to Protestant Churches, but
even to break up the nation itself" Reference
Is also made to the political condition of Ireland,
tor which the Government is responsible, it
has long encouraged and pampered Popery."
AT the last accounts Mr.. Sturgeon
was again laid aside. This forms the fifth
separate occasion in which he has been attacked
by his old malady and incapactated for duty
since the winter set in.
AT recent convention of native
Japanese Christians in Toxic one of the speakers
said that the conflict of Christianity in Japan
was not to be with Shintooism or Buddhism,
but with European inidelity and athestic
evolutionism. He was of the opinion that
preachers of the gospel should have a good
scientific training to meet the requirements of
the hour.
The manager of a large pottery
establishment in Okayama, Japan recently
asked the missionaries to hold service for his
employees every Sabbath. In the afternoon
books and papers read to them. AT the side
OF the large gate Of the factory is this sign
This is a rest day at this establishment" 1t is
hoped that this is but the beginning of Sabbath
observance among the manufacturers.
"A missionary of the Society for the
Propagation of the Gospel writes from Basuto-
land that the Basuto war has entirely broken
up the missionary work at Thlotse Heights and
scattered both European and native congrega-
tons to the winds.
M. Loyson in one of his late sermons
in France says that the reorganization of France
Is only possible with the aid of the republic,
and the republic only possible by the aid of a
church at once tolerant and French. This is
the church" he continued, which desire to
establish, and you must help me for l am not
rich"
The Rev. Newman Hall, in speaking
of the need of "revivals" in London, saws that
taking a rough estimate it is considered in
round numbers that London has four millions
OF people, of when one-half might at one time
be at church but for these two millions there is
only church accommodation for one half, and
OF these one million of seats only half a million
are at any one time occupied
In addition to the outbreak of a
fanatical mob in Marsala Italy, noticed in these
columns last week, comes news of similar
occurrence in Mexico A Mexican journal of
the 9th of March says that ga few days ago two
furious fanatics, with daggers in their hands
rushed into a Protestant church. The police
hastened to give their assistance and secured one
OF the offenders however, the Protestants resd-
ing in the capital are daily the victims of gross
insults and stoning by the fanatics.
"A telegraphic despatch from Madrid
10 the London Daily NetOs under of March 13
says; The Council of Ministers resolved to-day
tn give free pardon and liberty to a native
Protestant pastor, condemned to several months
imprisonment under the Canovas Cabinet.
because he held prayer meetings in Catalonia,
and the village authorities prosecuted him
under the law of public meetings The judicial
proceedings against several Protestants will also
be abandoned IN the provinces by order of the
Cabinet"
"A correspondence of considerable
length has passed between the Bishop of Lich-
field in England and the Bishop of Tamworth,
who proposed to give oratorios in his parish
church. attendance upon which was to have
cost half guinea or less but the bishop has
announced that he looks with extreme disfavor
upon the project which makes the house of God
a house of merchandise" There is, however.
no statute against holding this form of service,
and 1t remains to be seen whether the bishops
injunctions will be obeyed
The Administrative Committee of
the Evangelical Society of Belgium makes a
very earnest and touching appeal for funds to
help them in sustaining their preachers Pastor
Leonard Anet is well known in this country.
and he is the Secretary of the Society at Br,s
sets, to whom remittances may be sent. 1t is a
good work and deserves the aid of Protestant
Christians.