The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1884-02-06
MISSIONS.

"A letter from the wife of mission
airy in Madagascar has been published in Lon
don. 1t was written on Sept. oath She SAYS I:
The mourning for the late Queen is ended 1t
only lasted about two months, and was not of
the severe kind of olden times This time the
people were only forbidden to plat their hair,
wear hats, carry an umbrella, build much and
to weave clothes, while in former times the
mourning lasted at least EAR, and everybody
hair was shaven close to the head, women's and
all. They not allowed to wear clothes at
adjust mats round their waist The new
Queen promises to be worthy successor of her
good mother. Her name is Rayafndrahely, but
she comes to the throne under the title of Rama
valona III. The Malagasy now publish a
newspaper, the Gdzety they call it, once fort
night: 1t Is the first specimen of Malagasy at
tempt at printing and composing. 1t is after
the style of our own newspapers, and gives the
news of everything that happens in every part
of the island, and especially of every move
ment of the Queen and Prime Minister
Horace Waller calls the attent on of
the London Times to the fact that the French
Government intends to give an important place
to Catholic missions in colonial extension on the
ground that the missionaries may render valu-
able service Mr.. Waller fears that this will not
tend to the suppression of the slave trade in
Africa. Referring to the practice of Catholic
from Zanzibar. who buy all the boys they can
pay for Mr. Waller says: These purchases are
forthwith baptized and in common with others
l am much mistaken if we shall not some day
hear more of the n, when little French flags
are as common IN East Africa they appear to
be by your showing to-day on the west side of
the continent But the missionaries complain
that their exertlons crippled, and their
bargains after all of retail nature They ap-
peal earnestly to their countrymen for more
funds they are fishing with the rod and line
only; provide them with nets, and they will
sweep in converts by shoals The Ldependent
IN quoting from this communication recalls the
fact that the Roman Catholic missionaries in
China used to buy up Chinese babies with post
age stamps. baptize Them and set them a-groM
ing In the Catholic orphanages
On the 9th of November last the
pioneer missionary of the Waldense, sailed for
the Cape Of Good Hope to enter upon a mission
airy field In South Africa. The Church of the
Valleys shows its vitality, not only by it's en-
larglng of Its work at home, but also by the
awakened interest manifested in the establish
ment of the kingdom of Christ abroad Its gift
of one OF its consecrated sons to Africa will
doubtless be returned to Its own bosom in mani
fold blessings.
The Rev. George Muller, of Bristol
Orphan House fame, IS in India He goes to
and fro in his usual way, speaking of the things
OF Chrlsts Kingdom. In Bangalore he was
giving an account of his gigantic work in Bris-
toll and how the Lord had graciouslv supplied
all the means necessary, when one young native
gentleman rose and said Reverend sir. NAV
l ask a question p Mr.. Muller told him it was
not time for discussion but being assured
that he did not want to argue las is their GUS
tom) he was allowed to put the question. "SIr, -
he said, l want to know how the money
| aRr lna, fN1rl
heaven 1t has bean equally puzzle to many
IN Christian lands where that money comes from
The orphan Houses are the visible tangible
evidences that it has come and we believe Mr..
Muller's explanation is the only satisfactory
one-FTeSbyterian
The work among the Moslems OF
Egypt has become very encouraging Dr. Wat
son, OF the United Presbyterian Mission, writes
that convert after convert has been announced.
He mentions five, all Of whom had to pass
through stripes and Imprisonment before re-
ceiving their religious freedom" All of the
missionaries have become objects of hatred To
the Mohammedans because of their recent sue
cesses, and some have been threatened DR..
Watson says he never saw such hopeful signs
In Egypt as he sees now. The school in Cairo
has l22 day scholars, among whom are a num-
Der OF new ones, chiefly Mohammedans.
The critics say that no man in India
OF high caste, OF of advantageous position, ever
embraces Christianity. But the Rev. J. G. Ew-
ing, IN the New York Observer, refers to four
young men who some time since were examined
for admission as lay preachers All had been
converted within the last four years. One gave
up Hourishing business another was a Brah-
min, who professed his faith afler a struggle of
eight years; the third is in the Government
service, drawing a large salary, but wishes to
preach the Gospel gratuitOusly, while the fourth
left a lucrative position in the Government
School. There are others in the native minis
try OF the Presbyterian Board in India who are
now receiving but small part Of what had
been paid them for various secular services, and
a number are from the high caste Bearing on
the same subject the Missionary Herald for Oc
tober contains an obituary notice Of the late
Vishnupunt, high caste Brahmin, who was
baptized in 1858, and licensed 10 preach in 1857,
and who, through career Of twenty-six years,
has commended himself to all men as a faithful
preacher Of the Word. Having been attacked
with leprosy, he gradually failed in strength
till death closed his labors. When finally the