The Washington times., 1894-08-20
IN THE LAND OF THE LAOS.
Necessity for Increased Missionary
Services in Eastern Lands.

The Rev. John H. Freeman. OF Rockford
ILL.,, delivered an entertaining and instructive
address last night at the Church of the Gov
enant on Connecticut avenue. Just about
the hour for the assembling of the congrega-
ton, severe storm was gathering. which
fact deferred a great many from being pres
ent. The Christian Endeavor Society was
numerously present and these with Others
heard "a very instructive discourse. The sub
ject of the address was ''lilssion work in
Laos"
The devotional exercises included the sing
ing OF a very appropriate hymn; The Morn
ing Light is Brt aking" its sentiment being
in keeping with the universal desire TO spread
the Gospel light in the dark places OF the
world The general topic of the need OF
more missionaries in the Land OF Laos was
introduced by a short sermon on the miracle
of the loayes and fishes, with esprcial refer
ence to the Saviour's words. Give ye them
to eat"
The preacher pictured the situation Just be-
fore the performance OF the miracle and the
fear of the disciples that the great multitude
would not be fed their idea being that if their
wants were to lie ministcred to at all it must
be from the surrounding country. They did
not believe that it was in the power of any
one man to furnish with food such host of
hungry people. And so even at this day men
are tempted to-day. There is not even enough
for US. That may be true. but the bread of
life when carried to those who need it. Will
always be enough. and more than enough, in
the Christian churches. so there is the great
responsibility resting upon the Church that il
we refuse to tender the bread Of life it will
not be enough in our own land.
1t was held that not only the Church in the
aggregate but each individual had his share
in the responsibility 10 answer for in bearing
the light of the Gospel TO other beings and
other lands.
With this happy Introduction the speaker
described the Laos.,a people inhabiting a
region bounded by British Burmah. Northern
siam. and China. He treated Interestingly
of the manners and customs of these people.
who were hardly known until twenty-five
years ago. and he paid high tribute TO DR..
McGillioroy and the pioneer missionaries in
that land. He spoke of their religion. which
although remarkably Buddhism, is rather a
kind of spirit worship, lear OF evil spirits.
The people are in the bondage of sin and
superstition.
notwithstanding the great obstacles in
the path of missionaries there is a membership
OF 200 and 800 children at the principal mis-
sion station. and at other places an aggregate
of 900 members and 600 children, making
total of about 3 900 christianized Laos.
The speaker then referred to the practical
assistance in the work of the mission schools
which took both Christian civilization and
religion into many homes in the country.
He showed that the credit for the spread of
the Gospel in this land should be given to the
Presbyterian Church. He also showed the
great need of more missionaries. stating that
even now eighteen or twenty were necessary
to meet urgent appeals for such work. He
said that the responsibility rests with the
Presbyterian Church in America. and to
great extent with the Christian Endeavor
societies.
In conclusion he urged the value of prayer
for those engaged in this noble work and for
the means of further carrying out the iniunc-
ton of the Master that the Gospel should be
preached in all lands.