The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-16
Secretary Of A. B. c. F. M.
Speaks at Union Church.

An interesting address on missionary
work in China was given in Union
Church yesterday morning by Rev. Jud-
son Smith, D. D., senior secretary of
the American board of foreign mis-
sions. DR.. Smith has been identified
with missionary work for so many
years that no man is better qualified
to talk upon it than he, and the church
was well filled yesterday morning with
large and appreciative audience.
The speaker told of the wonderful re-
suits of missionary work in the Celes-
tiai empire, speaking in part as fol-
.ows
-Four score and eight years ago our
Congregational fathers organized
society founded on the proposition that
the gospel Is meant for all men, and
that they who have received it should
give 1t to those who are beyond its
reach. Today we and. all sister
churches are engaged in a great and
continuous campaign TO make effective
what they began and carry it on to
final victory. And | am here at the
time of your annual consideration of
this work to rehearse anew it's sue
cess and it's vast opportunities.
Some general considerations claim a
moments attention. What was begun
as an exceptional thing by the churches
of our communion has drawn into its
support one by one all the principal
divisions of Protestant Christendom
the world over and exercises in all these
churches a constantly increasing infiu-
ence. L have just returned from a
three days conference in New York,
to which all the Protestant foreign
missionary boards of the United States
and Canada were invited, the eighth in
successive years. More than eighty del
egates from over thirty different So
cieties, these sects together consulting
over the common interests and COM
mon features of this vast enterprise.
One of the things of chief interest
and moment in this gathering was the
preparation for still larger gathering
next year. On the 21st day of April,
1900, there will convene in New York
an ecumenical conference on foreign
missions, to which all the Protestant
foreign missionary societies in the
world have been invited and to which
at least two Thousand delegates villa
come. For eleven days together this
BODY VIII be in session and will survey
the present state of this great enter
prise. To such degree as this implies
has Protestant Christendom committed
Itself to this work. These facts while
they do not affect our duty, cannot but
add materially to our sense Of prfyi-
lege and power in the deliberations Of
today. They are in line with the best
line and efforts of the times, and when
we support foreign missions we move
in harmony with the churches of all
names throughout the world
But | desire especially to dwell on the
success of the work of the board and
the vast opportunities that await it
as have seen these on the foreign field
and especially in the great empire of
China, | had the privilege of spending
six months last year in visit to the
four missions of the board in China,
travelling sixteen hundred miles from
Canton and Hong Kong in the south to
Tien Tsin and Picking in the north. 1t
was the most fascinating journey I ever
made, and | can only bring you a few
salient points out of my observations
and experiences.
We have commanding position in
China, giving access to thirty-five
millions in great cities and strategic
centres. The missionaries are wise.
capable, patient and effective; they
give their hearts to the work. and
make great pecuniary contributions to
its support; and their work is crowned
with success. The native preachers
and teachers are we'll chosen, carefully
trained and capable men.
The churches are growing rapid
ly in members, in self-support
and in aggressive power. In some
fields the increase Is thirty-three per
cent yearly; and inquirers are counted
by the thousands. The hearts Of the
people are drawn to the message, all
doors are open, the nation seems to be
awakening to new life.
1t is an unparalleled privilege to have
a share in a work which is thus mold
ing anew the life and thoughts Of a
great people, and planting the Chris
tian church among fourth Of the hui
man race.
While in this city DR.. Smith was en-
tertained at the home of Mrs. Edwin
P. Smith. whose husband, the late Prof.
Smith of the Polytechnic institute, was
brother of DIR. Smith.