Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1900-10-12
BRATTIEBoRo FRIDAY, OCTOBER

world was then measured by the length of
the child's arm and finger, which eventual
ly gave the idea of length and breadth, but
not OF thickness, or depth. For this d.
mension he made a special plea. The
length and breadth we're necessary, but
there must also be depth.
DIR. Wood referred especially to his ex-
ceptional experience as pastor for many
years, by saying that he had received into
the churches where he had served, more
young men than young women. This was
very surprising statement to everyone
present, but doubtless those who saw and
heard DR.. Wood, would be able to account
for his success In this direction. man
OF very impressive personality, manly in
speech and manner, he can but be attrac-
tive to all with whom he comes in contact
lie claimed that young men were easier to
reach, easier to get at, than any other
class; but he says 1t cannot be done by any
cant phrases, sanctimonious speeches, or
ANYTHING OF that kind; nothing, in fact, ex-
cept true, manly presentation of the COS
| pei OF Christ. Having once reached these
young men, effort should be especially d.
rected toward the development Of their
| Christian lives, and he urged very strongly
the making of the most Of themselves in
every direction, the improvement of their
talents, instead of devoting their spare
hours simply TO amusement and recreation.
de urged the young people TO make the
most OF themselves In every way, In order
that they might the better influence others
and lead them to the higher, better life
He claimed that those who spent their
time seeking amusements, or were engag-
ed only in the amusements of the world,
could not in any degree help others to the
higher and better life, as one cannot in
fluence others beyond his own acquire
ments.
1t was his earnest desire that they should
have the broadest, noblest conception of
manhood and womanhood that they
should seek this power to work with young
men and young women, that they should
ask themselves this question: "Do first
of all say that with Gods help, / will
make OF myself the most splendid man OF
woman, possible, and all for Jesus's sake"
DO not have cheap notions of what it is to
be Christian. Make the most always Of
the gifts which God has given you and out
from you will go this coveted power.
Following DR.. Woods address was a
wonderfully inspiring and instructive ad-
dress by DR.. Ashmore, the veteran mis-
sionary from China. There was in the
minds Of many some disappointment that
he did not make mere extended reference
TO his work in that interesting country
which is now at the front in the worlds
attention. To a considerable extent he
addressed himself TO the criticisms made
on Christian missions. That the question
was often raised, especially of late, as TO
why II would not be better to leave the
Chinese alone to have and enjoy their own
religion, and not disturb them, and that
other question, centuries old, ITO what
purpose is this waste?' He demonstrated
very clearly from his own experience of
fifty years that missions cannot be propagat-
ed rapidly; they are not in the least OF
mushroom growth, neither are they like
the scrub oak which may reach maturity
in about 10 years, but they are like the
California pine which lives on for centu-
ries, the admiration OF all. Missions are
very slow of growth. First comes the
planting Of the station, then the learning
of the language (often a very difficult
| thing), and the translation Of the Scrip
lures, and the publication of the Bible or
parts thereof. Then there is the uprooting
| OF the ong-established beliefs of the peo-
pie, the pulling down, and the destroying,
and then the building up Of Kingdoms,
| thrones and principalities." This cannot
be done in "a hours or in a score of years,
especially as every avenue open to the mis-
sionary seems to be guarded by Satanic
provision. 1t is impossible for the mission
airy to begin his work until his tools are
ready.
1t is impossible in this report of DIR.
Ashmore's address to give any conception
of the impressiveness of the man. He is
optimistic in regard to the future of mis-
sions in China, as we'll as the future of
China, and believes that Gods hand is in
all these present occurrences, and that
while the Kaizer, the Gar, the Mikado,
and various presidents and other dignita-
ries appear TO be moving the men on the
chess board, yet there is really another
hand guiding, and the results will eventu-
ally rebound TO Gods glory.