The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-10-04

y
of one person. it is hard to realize the situation
to-day. as we read of eighteen churches, with
a membership of nearly nine hundred of
collegiate theological institution with one hun
bred and twenty students of three boarding
schools for girls with one hundred and fifty
pupils, Of hospitals and dispensaries in
charge of mission physicians; of the unlimited
opportunities for woman's work in the homes
of the people; ola Young Mems Christian
Association, and Home Missionary Society
active in disseminating gospel truth; of a
Christian literature reckoned by millions of
pages, part of it issued by native publish
ing house; of crowds numbering from three
to five thousand listening hour after hour to
the discussion of Christian themes; and last
but not least, as expressive of the changed
thought and sentimental the people, of an ex-
penditure of not less than $l0,es0 by the peo-
pie themselves during single year for relg-
tous literature and the support of religious
and educational agencies,-and this is but the
record of the mission of the American Board,
to say nothing of what other societies have
accomplished. Hindrances there are, difficult
ties to be overcome, but after all, as we see the
change already affected must we not say,
''This is the Lords doing it is marvellous in
our eyes." The one great want is living, ear
sts
men of thoroughly disciplined character to
grapple with the errors, superstitions, and
false PHILOSOPHERS, native and imported from
Christian lands,-men able to hold up in SIM
.plicity and power the great truths of the ges-
pei. Some such men have already gone forth
from the Kioto Training School, and more are
to follow. 1t is the conviction of some of the
older members of the mission that its very
stringent policy few years ago in regard to
any pecuniary assistance even to truly deserv-
ing men, who could not otherwise prepare
themselves to become preachers, is in sone
measure responsible for the present want of
an adequate native agency, and has led other
societies to send in their representatives to
reap in the field which we had sown. There
is limit to the amount of aid that may be
wisely withheld, as well as to that which may
be wisely given. Of all countries Japan is to
be evangelical by its own sons. For little
time only, Japan needs the generous aid and
sympathy of more favored Christian lands,-
for a little time only, and then she will sare
for herself. The manner in which a new
church was recently organized in Osaka, a
house of worship erected and paid for, and a
pastor called whose support was assumed
from the start, is suggestive of the future of
Japan.
been favored during the year by visit from
the Rev. Joseph Cook, of Boston. His ad-
dresses were highly appreciated by all classes,
natives as well as missionaries.
MICRONESIA AND THE DAKOTA MISSION
In Micronesia the missionary work has
suffered much by the breaking down in
health of several of the missionaries, and by
the unfaithfulness of some of the native
preachers. But if there is something to
discourage, there is also much to cheer.
Singular success still attends efforts to make
the gospel known in islands to westward of
the Caroline group, especially among the
Mortlccks and at Ruk. The veteran Stur-
ges has returned to the scene of his former,
successes in locating teachers and preachers
in the confident expectation that ON his next
visit he will find scheolhouses and church
edifces erected by the people themselves,
and goodly numbers ready to make con-
fession of their faith in Christ. Mr.. and
Mrs, Logan are at home for a season of
needed rest. Mrs. Snow, on account of the
failure of her health, has also been obliged
to return to her native land, but not till she
had shown to her spiritual children at
Kusaie her love for them, and given to us
all touching example Of loyalty to the
Master.
In the Hawaiian Islands DIR. Hyde con-
tinues his valuable labors In his framing
school for native preachers, and in many
other ways, especially during the late great
revival, has found ample scope for his best
efforts. A very interesting work is also
in progress among the Chinese immigrants,
under the care of Mr.. F. W.. Damon.
Work has been carried on much as usual
among the Dakotas but further notice
here is unnecessary, as a special report on
Indian Missions will be presented at this
meeting by the Secretary in charge of that
field. M
PAPAL LANDS.
There is NO reason to distrust the ultimate
success of labors in Papal Lands, and, for the
time and money spent, the results are in adj
vance of those realized in entering upon pure
ly heather countries, with the exception of
Japan and other islands of the Pacific. 1t has
not been the purpose of the Board to send a
large body of Missionaries into Roman Cath
clio countries; it has been thought sufficient
to send small number to begin with, and
then to make use largely of native agents. A
people who already have some knowledge of
Christian institutions and of Christian doc
trine, although more or less perverted and
mingled with false notions. is in very differ
ent position from purely heather nation. 1t
is believed that an exhibition Of purer faith
and of the New Testament polity will be suf-
ticient in short time to waken attention, to
call forth interest, and lead to a reform CT a
reconstruction of religious institutions.
The necessity of such reform has emily
becsme the more apparent with the progress
of missionary labors. The moral degradation
of the lower classes, the skepticism and
| infdelity of the higher, and the opposition Of
| the local governments at the instances of the
Papal hierarchy have made the labors of the
missionary in SEINE respects even more try
ing than in purely Aeathen land. Years of
patient toll are required. But in Spain and
Austria there are abundant evidences Of the
power of the gospel. A spirit of inquiry has
been awakened. Men who have embraced the
truth are making it known to their neighbors
and friends. The churches are enlarged. The
| light shines, and no persecution avails to put
it cut. At time Of SO much encouragement,
it is so be regretted that the missionary force
is so much reduced, and that the work mus.
be so much restristed for want of men and
means to develop it.
The work in Western Mckee has been reor-
ganized, and new mission begun in North
ern Mexico, at Chihuahua, on the line of the
great railway, connecting st. Louis with the
city of Mexico. 1t is a time of change. The
people are awaking from the long night of SUI
perstition, and are ready, as never before, to