The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-11-22
MISSIONS.

MISSIONS.
-Lowfoo, the heroic Chinese eyange-
list, who sold himself into slavery some years
ago in order that he might go to Demarara and
preach the gospel there, has been so blessed that
he has now a church of two hundred persons,
which sustains native missionaries who preach
in out-stations
DR.. Gulick reports that the study of
English by the Chinese has received a great i'm
pulse within year. The several missionary
schools for teaching English in almost all the
open ports, and particularly DR.. Aliens edu-
cational movements in Shanghai, are significant
indications of new departure in this old land
Mr.. F. Conner, of the Mission to the
Bedaween, Damascus is doing a good work in
connection with his colporteur in scattering the
word in and about Damascus. He says: OF
the hundred and thirty-nine villages which
environ Damascus only three contain Chris
tians The Moslems will not buy the Bible,
but will read it. The gospels have been Civ en-
to the children, and they are gathered from day
to day in the black tents of Kedar, reading the
Word"
An interesting Christian experience
is related by Dr. Gordon of the Congregational
Mission to Japan man seventy-three wears
old, living some fifteen miles from Koto, who
had been for years studying the Bible alone,
and had apparently entered the kingdom in
consequence of this private study of the word
came to Kioto to see a native pastor one Sa-
turday. Hearing that there were to be bap-
tisms on the following day he earnestly besought
baptism for himself A committee was ar
pointed to examine HIM, when it learned that
he had written three small volumes of Chinese
poetry on Christianity, a result of his study and
meditation, some of which are said to show a
very deep spiritual insight, and that he had
made himself known a believer in his VII
lage, and had instituted prayer and Scripture
reading in his family.
An American missionary afoShang-
hal, Rev. Y. J. Allen, has established college
for the purpose of giving Chinese youths a
thorough literary and scientific training. The
number of applicants for admission already ex-
ceeds the number that can be accommodated The
scheme has received the powerful support of
Ling Hang Chang, the Chinese reforming
viceroy, and it is hoped that the new college
Will gradually bring about a change in the
Chinese educational system, despite the OF
position of the Chinese reactonary party. This
party, composed of the literati and the large ma
jority Of the off ials are doing their best to close
the college, and to bring about the expulsion OF
American missionaries from China. decree
to this effect would certainly be obtained from
the empress regent who entertains a violent
hatred of Europeans and Americans, if Ii Hang
Chang were compelled to resign office
The Tindivanam station of the Arcot
! QndIa) Mission of the Reformed Church in
America has had very prosperous year, the
most prosperous in its history. 1t reports eight
organized churches, thirty-fve Christian con-
| gregations, $50 communicates. The number OF
communicates and adiferents is ], 683 The in
crease of communicates was 10 and of baptized
non-communicants 244. Not only was there
this large growth in numbers, but the congre-
cations gained in intelligence and pety. This
Improvement is evident from the reports of the
catechists. Thus the catechist at Sattambadl
writes:
The church-members are gradually advanc-
ing, both socially and spiritually. Those who
were before rude and uncivilized are now be-
coming refined and intelligent This is evident
from their more respectful treatment of their
superiors. their more Clearly habits, their reg
ular attendance at church services, their desire
to have their children educated and obtain re-
spectacle employments, and their wish to be-
come independent of others support"
Another catechist lat VarikkaD likewise re.
ports
That the people Of this village are growing
in intelligence is seen from the interest mani
tested by the young men in learning to read
After working hard in the field all dav thew
come together at night to study; and many
have thus learned to read and write The dark.
ness Of ignorance, which has covered these poor
people so long is thus being gradually die
PEELED and the light Of education, with its nun
erous blessings, is beginning to shine. The
churchmembers are also advancing in pietv.
They care less and less for heather or Romish
ceremonies and more and more relish the pur,
and simple worship Of Christianity They al.
ways begin their sowing and reaping, as well
as other important duties, with prayers. and by
their faithful attendance upon the Sabbath ser.
vices and weekday prayer meeting show thai
they are making progress in the divine life"
This mission has been pressing the question Of
self-support on its congregations and an advance
IN liberality is reported. About 800 was raised
for pastors support and $l65 for all purposes
The money came from very poor people, who
gave 1t at personal sacrifice. The evangelist,
and educational anorfs wera nniIn snccessfnl