The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1883-03-14
MISSIONS.

secular paper writing IRON canton, China, gives
the following account of communion service
held in connection with the Presbyterian
churches of that city.
The venerable Rev. Dr. Andrew H. Happier
for nearly forty years missionary in Canton
under the auspices of, or in connection with the
American Presbyterian Churches conducted the
exercises of Communion Sunday In an exceed
lngly impressive manner. Every word that was
uttered by the pastor and people was in Chinese
but an accomplished son of the learned divine
graduate of Princeton College, n very
kindly found for me the hymns in the English
version of the Hymnal f'the American Presby-
terrain Church. Many hymns were sung, and
1t was evident that this portion of the exercises
served to bring the entire congregation into
devotional spirit. All engaged in singing The
music was little harsh; but it possessed the
quality of fervor or junction. The opening hymn
was No. 1873" Safely through another week"
That was followed by hymn No. 344-" My
soul. be on thy guard" The next hymn was
No. 407-" Just l an, without one plea"
After some Introductory remarks and PRAYER
the hymn No. 395-" Rock of Ages cleft for
me, was sung with much feeling The reading
of the Scriptures and sermon were followed
by hymn No. 742-" Twas the command OF the
Lord" Co. teach the nations and baptize."
All OF these exercises were preparatory to large
accessions to the Christian church and the
Comm union Service"
And here is the chief point to which you
have been brought, in a practical illustration of
my statement, that in China the youth do not
break the established lines but If any lead off
they are experienced adults. Then the family
go solid. Sixteen Chinese, seven men and nine
women, of ripe years, several Of them heads of
families in good positions socially for influence
united with the church on profession of faith
to which they assented with evident compre-
hension and will An esteemed missionary lady
cheerfully remarked to my wife recently, that
their conquests or accessions of heads of fami.
lies secured the children in the faith of the par
ents. Whatever may be alleged against
Cinnamon fckleness is not one of their faults
AS turfmen would say. They have staying
qualities"
GABooE AND coRIsco.
The Gaboon and Corisco Mission, at its an
nual meeting in January, received encourage
ing reports from all parts of its field A new
station was established by Rev R. H. Nassau
M. D., near the head of boat navigation on the
Ogowe river. In the Benga portion of the field
fifty members were added to the churches dur
ing the year, and one new church organization
asked for. The great need of the mission is
small steamer to avoid the necessity of travel
ling on the rivers and sea in open boats, which
In that malarious climate is destructive of life
and health.
DR.. Vernon recently writes concern
liS GhS 1eluOulSJ h1lSSlOn IN Florence: " 1t lS.
without doubt, the largest evangelical congre-
CATION and the most eminently successful work
In Italy" Since the dedication of the church
edlhce, IN June last, every thing about the work
has moved on with increased vigor. cheerful
and progressive spirit seems to animate the con-
gregatlon, which fills the house at every public
service. There have been conversions and ac-
cessions to the membership almost every week.
In the matter of self-support there is also adj
Vancement; the congregation now pays all its
current expenses, except the minister's salary
and 1T is expected will ere long do its part in
this also. The church building gives great
satisfaction, being found well adapted to its pur-
poses. 1t Is the best Protestant church edifce
In Florence. In Rome the Mission is holding1
on Its way with healthy development. The
opening of the new Hall in the Piazza Esquil-
mo, In the new part of the city, has proved
very successful movement. Six regular services
are held in the city during the week, and our
Missions MAINTAIN very harmonious relations
with all other workers. 1t is well represented
IN the monthly union prayer-meetings The
regular congregations, though not as large as
could be desired, are good and seems to be in
creasing in spiritual interest
Preaching IN CEYLoN.-The Rev.
W. R. Winston of the Wesleyan Mission in
Northern Ceylon, writes that lately he and his
companions have increased very n UGH their
preaching to the heather. He says One
tninB winch particularly encourages us is thai
the children learning In schools always
come IN large numbers to every meeting and
they answer questions so very sensby and in
telligently that you might take them for Chris
tan children. They are all heather as vet ex-
cept a mere handful, but it strikes us very
torclbly that such extensive knowledge of
divine truth will lead to- and indeed is leading
to, an important revolution in that next genera
ton. You are aware that about here we have
the education OF the young to very large ex-
tent under Mission management, and not fewer
than two thousand children are learning in the
schools belonging to this station in the sur
rounding villages"
The Presbyterian Church reports
continued succe in its Mexico Mission. The
additions to the churches in the Southern Mis-
sion during the year were $40. making total
of $40, which added to the 800 reported from
the Northern Mission makes the total member
ship in Mexico TO be Zoo. The contributions
by the natives In Southern Mexico amounted TO
81 ,589. There are 643 children in Sunday
Schools The past year has seen the opening
OF the Girls Boarding and Day School in the
city OF Mexico which now has 100 enrolled day
scholars and thirteen boarders There are i3
students in the Theological Seminary in the
city OF Mexico. The Rev. r. Ogden and wife
have returned to the United States on account
of the illnees Of Mrs. Ogden, but Mr.. Ogden
Will soon return to Mexico, leaving his family
here for the present.
Foreign missions are exciting great
interest in England at present An old mis-
slonary' thus writes regarding the Zenana Mis-
sion, which is a chief favorite in London: =" Our