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“...Obligation to
{Prize Essay). By Miss Gertrude Chapman 104
•
Forward. By Rev. R. M. Ormerod - - 72
General Outlook, The. By the Editor
6, 24, 40, 87, 118 ■
General Secretary’s Notes
22, 38, 53, 68, 85, 101, 132, 150, 165, 181
He Missed his Chance. By Rev. Wm. Yates 11
Home Missionary, A. By Rev. J. G. Kennedy 122
In Ningpo Hospital - - - - - 58
In the Commercial Room. By Rev. Wm.
Yates _ _ - . _ _ 59
Jamaica. By Rev. R. E. Abercrombie - - 81
Jottings from a Missionary’s Journal - 57, 78
Letters from China.
No. 1. By Rev. Richards Woolfenden - 8
No. 2. „ Mrs. Lucy Soothill - - 41
No. 3. „ Rev. W. E. Soothill - - 55
Life Worth Knowing About, A (W. F. Steven-
son). By Rev. John Taylor (a) - 89
Literary Notices - - - 42, 110, 170
PAGE
On the King’s Business. By Rev. John Cuttell.
Chapter 1. The Call - - - - 13
„ 2. Response - - - - 27
„ 3. Burning Ghauts - - 44
„ 4. Wholly Given to Idolatry - 61
„ 5. A Terrible Spell - - 73
„ 6. Perils in the Wilderness - 91
„ 7. A Dire Disaster - - - 105
„ 8. Better...”
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“...firm a grip to be entirely thrown off, and now
with the change of season it gained the mastery;
and, alas! very soon and too soon, deprived a
strong and a good man of his energy.
Mr. Fuller soon became too weak to walk, so he
had to be carried in a sedan chair when he left his
house to attend to his duties.
It may seem strange to many of my readers to
be carried on the shoulders of two Chinamen in a
chair. But this method of travelling seems more
strange to young Englishmen when they land in
China, and yet in many parts of the empire it is
the only means of travel. It took me a long time
to become reconciled to chair-riding, but when I
saw Chinese porters carrying large blocks of stone
and blocks of other heavy goods, when I was
tired and when the heat and distance were too
much for me, I thought these porters might as
well carry me ! But much had happened before I
reached this conclusion. For one thing the exces-
sive heat had exhausted me several times. I had
been attacked with sickness...”
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“...down and compose himself to
enjoy the luxury.
At this season malarial fever from the ricefields,
and diarrhoea because of the heat, and owing to
the chronic uncleanness of Chinese towns,
the scourge of cholera frequently troubles the new
missionary, who has not yet learnt how to adapt
himself to his new and strange environment.
Hence we hear reports of ill-health, and some-
times of shattered energies, break-downs, and
the like. But, thanks to Christian zeal and British
pluck, the majority in China are able to overcome
their difficulties and get to work.
I hope my readers will remember that my des-
cription of the hot season in Ningpo is equally true
of Wenchow, and that in Africa our devoted
workers have to contend against worse evils all
the year round.
REV. JAMES PROUDFOOT.
BY THE EDITOR.
HE new Superintendent of our West
African Mission is a Scotchman, having
been born at Kinross, the chief town of
the county of that name—which lies
between Perthshire and Fife. Though
his manhood has...”
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“...down and compose himself to
enjoy the luxury.
At this season malarial fever from the ricefields,
and diarrhoea because of the heat, and owing to
the chronic uncleanness of Chinese towns,
the scourge of cholera frequently troubles the new
missionary, who has not yet learnt how to adapt
himself to his new and strange environment.
Hence we hear reports of ill-health, and some-
times of shattered energies, break-downs, and
the like. But, thanks to Christian zeal and British
pluck, the majority in China are able to overcome
their difficulties and get to work.
I hope my readers will remember that my des-
cription of the hot season in Ningpo is equally true
of Wenchow, and that in Africa our devoted
workers have to contend against worse evils all
the year round.
REV. JAMES PROUDFOOT.
BY THE EDITOR.
HE new Superintendent of our West
African Mission is a Scotchman, having
been born at Kinross, the chief town of
the county of that name—which lies
between Perthshire and Fife. Though
his manhood has...”
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“...of the church there to righteous prin-
ciples in the face of abuse and of financial loss, we
are enabled to see how far they have advanced
under Gospel teaching, and feel honoured that God
has selected the Methodist Free Churches to mould
and develope the Christian character of the coloured
race in the Chiriqui Lagoon.” Though Mr. Proud-
foot is now leaving Central America he has an
able and zealous successor in Mr. Haiti well, whose
labours I trust will be abundantly blessed.
EDITORIAL NOTES.
CHINA.
EV. Dr. Swallow, in a letter to the Mis-
sionary Secretary, dated August 27,
1896, gives an account of a remarkable
surgical case, in which he was entirely
successful. The details cannot be
given, but it may be stated that the
patient was a child forty days old,
born with a malformation. After prayer, Dr.
Swallow determined on an operation. The father
and a Ningpo gentleman, on whose presence Dr.
Swallow insisted as a witness, remained in the
room. The father was overjoyed at the result.
He insisted...”
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“...8
LETTERS FROM CHINA
in the columns of that serial. The announcements
made may be thus summarized:—
“The Rev. J. D. Kilburn, who has for many
years devoted himself to Gospel work in St.
Petersburg, Hamburg, Finland, Italy, Austria, and
other places on the Continent, has prepared a new
memory system, especially for the benefit of those
contemplating foreign missionary service, and who,
therefore, have to cope with the acquisition of
languages. Mr. Kilburn’s lessons have been
attended with remarkable results, in the case of
both private individuals and classes of students.
This course of lessons on memory training will be
published in the columns of The Christian, the first
article appearing on the 7th January. It is
believed that many will thus be enabled to sur-
mount the tremendous difficulty of acquiring a
foreign language who would otherwise be debarred
from entering the foreign mission field; and that
other Christian workers will be afforded the oppor-
tunity of attaining a better memory...”
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“...representa-
tive named carried away with him eighteen parcels
of clothing and over ten shillings in cash, a very
tangible proof of the thoughtfulness and gratitude
of these young Christians.
* * *
Christian Endeavour is a plant that will grow
anywhere; that is because it is a Christian
endeavour. It has found a footing almost in every
land. In India, Africa, and Madagascar, there are
flourishing societies. Even China, which is always
suspicious of the foreigner and everything the
foreigner brings, has taken kindly to Endeavours,
for there are no less than 83 Christian Endeavour
Societies in China at the present time. Paris, the
gay city, has several societies ; and Turkey—dai k
and cruel Turkey—has allowed Christian
Endeavourers to live for Christ and the Church.
But, strangest of all, “ Christian Endeavour in a
Fever Hospital," that is what I read the other day.
Of all places—a fever hospital. It was in this
way. A member of the order was taken there,
and had to remain some weeks. He was an
earnest...”
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“...about
5 a.m., but on the way met another messenger
with the sad news of Mr. Carthew’s death. I had
not anticipated so sudden a conclusion to this
serious case, and can only attribute it to the really
broken-down state of Mr. Carthew’s constitution.
I did not discover that any particular organ was
much diseased, but the state of the system was
such that an illness or accident, which in general
would not be very serious might prove so—as it
did in Mr. Carthew’s case.”
DEPARTURE OF MISSIONARIES,
CHINA.
Bev. W. E. Stobie sailed on November 20th.
WiU our friends remember him in their prayers.
He has gone to Wenchow, and will, ere these lines
are read, have, we hope, arrived in safety.
EAST AFRICA.
Eev. C. Consterdine left London on December
8th, was due to arrive at Zanzibar on the 28th.
In reply to the news of the sudden death of Mr.
Carthew, he subscribed himself, “ Your’s sincerely,
for service or sacrifice.” That is the spirit of
which both heroes and martyrs are made. We
believe our friend...”
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“...square holes in the walls, which appeared io
be an afterthought, and had to do duty as windows ;
but the strong wooden shutters, dirty and un-
painted, were always closed.
Only a few people passed by day, and at night
the street was left for the sole use of devils or
ghosts, and the night watchman. The ghosts,
which the Chinese were afraid of, I never saw or
troubled about; but the poor watchman secured
my interest and attention, and gave me considerable
amusement. He was a poor specimen of a China-
man, more like a ghost than a man, but his
wretched appearance was the result of opium.
He carried a brass gong or bamboo drum, and
sometimes both, and as he walked his districts he
MARCH.
The wind blows wild and free.”
Longfellow....”
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“...36
OUR FOREIGN FIELD.
tween “ saving faith ” and assent to the truth of
our religion.
Besides, we had another difficulty to contend
with, which I think is only found in China.
Politeness in behaviour and refinement in speech,
occupy tire first place in the Chinese ideal of good-
ness, they take the same place that we give to right
actions and sincere words.
A Chinaman, therefore, would feel compelled to
say that he believed, even when he did not believe
a word we said. But although the Chinaman
replies with a verbal assent to our question, he no
more believes the missionary than does the un-
polished African who bluntly says to the mission-
ary, “ You are a great liar, sir ! ”
I was much encouraged by finding a few regular
attenders, and began to hope that we should soon
be rewarded for our efforts by some conversions.
EDITORIAL NOTES.
WEST AFRICA.
EV. G. II. GOODMAN has sent a diary
of his labours in connection with the
Tikonko Mission, from August 15th to
September 17th, 1896. From this...”
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“...to help Noah in building the Ark. They worked
for him and got out of him all the wages that they
could. But as soon as the work was finished and
the wages ceased they had no further interest in
the ark. They left Noah and his family to occupy
it. So with the Gallas of to-day. They were all
very ready to help the white man for wages, to
build his house and his church, but they do not
accept the salvation which he offers.’ Some of the
congregation, I think, would feel the force of the
parallel.
CHINA.
Letters from J. W. Heywood shew that he
proposed leaving Wenchow for Ningpo on Decem-
ber 10th. This was in accordance with the
appointment of last Annual Assembly. It has
been a great trial to leave Wenchow, but Mrs.
Heywood and he felt it was a call they could not
ignore, “In many respects,” he writes, “it will
be a new beginning for us. A new dialect will
have to be mastered. The respect, confidence,
and affection of the native workers will have to be
gained. Many prejudices may have to be...”
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“...have to be placed in the aisles
on Sunday evening ; enlargement is absolutely
necessary. The membership is increasing, both at
Bocas and Old Bank. Mr. Halliwell reports him-
self to be in “perfect health.”
CHINA.
We expect that before the March Echo is in the
hands of its readers, our honoured friend Rev. Dr.
Swallow, will have arrived in England on fur-
lough. I need not ask that a hearty welcome be
given to the doctor: that is certain to be accorded
him. He will have a glorious story to tell of the
success of our work in Ningpo. The seed sown
in the long past by Rev. F. Galpin and the doctor
himself, is now ripening into harvest. His
medical equipment is opening doors into the homes
of the upper and ruling classes, who have been, and
still are, the powerful enemies of mission work in
China. God’s providence is once more proving
itself to be more powerful than circumstances.
* * *
Rev. J. W. Heywood has removed from Wen-
chow to Ningpo, to be in charge during Dr.
Swallow’s absence in the home...”
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“...LETTERS FROM CHINA.
41
preachers. One of the latter declared that both he
and his wife were horribly tortured with the con-
sent of the village priest and the local authorities
to make them abjure Protestantism. Mis body
bore marks of numerous wounds, many of which
had been caused by burning irons. We may say
of religion what Madame Boland said of liberty,
11 What deeds are done in thy name ! ”
* * *
Rev. Dr. Pentecost has finally determined to
accept the invitation to New York. His decision
has caused deep regret in the Marylebone congre-
gation. He intimated that had he known the
esteem in which he was held he would not have
entertained the call, but his honour bound him
now not to withdraw from it. He may perhaps
leave London soon after this gets into the hands
of my readers.
# # #
TnE widow of Rev. Dr. James Morrison—
founder of the Evangelical Union has presented
the London Missionary Society with £500 in
memory of her husband. I much approve of this,
but I regret another step she...”
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“...it has done nothing
else, has largely contributed to Christian
Missions. Besides the thousands of pounds, it has
sent quite a little army of young men and women
to different Mission fields. In many cases the
Young Peoples’ Society of Christian Endeavour
sends them and supports them. Miss Bovey,
Secretary of Newton Abbot Christian Endeavour
Union, Board School-mistress, and an ardent
Endeavour worker, has just set out for China, there
to work for Christ and the Church. We have
many Missionaries in that great land, but there will
be room for Miss Bovey, seeing that China has 913
cities without one Christian Missionary.
Our Christian Endeavour Society at West Vale
has been celebrating its first anniversary.
Stimulating addresses were given by Revs. D. R.
Lewis, C. Hunt, and Mr. J. Fielden. Rev. J. F.
Hughes presided....”
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“...of people at Ribe whom he him-
self redeemed. He spent his strength and his
money upon his people.
♦ * *
Speaking of Ganjoni, his own station, Mr.
Griffiths says : “ The work here goes on apace.
There are splendid congregations, the school has
74 scholars, there is a teachers’ and a Bible class,
and five candidates waiting for baptism. Praise
God for his goodness to us.”
CHINA.
In a letter from Rev. W. E. Soothill to the
Missionary Secretary, dated November 28th, 1896,
he says: “ I am glad Mr. Stobie is coming soon.
My heart sickens at the prospect of the next two
years. What am I to do ? There is no such
work in China so undermanned, and unless Free
Methodists stir up and send me more men at once,
they are going to lose.the grandest opportunity of
their missionary existence. The fields opening
out are immense and white to harvest.”
* * *
In a letter to the General Missionary Secretary,
dated Ningpo, November 5th, Rev. Dr. Swallow
reports that he had reached home after six weeks’
sojourn...”
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“...business of the committee was grave;
East Africa and China were both considered at
great length, urgent appeals having come from
these stations for additional agents. The death of
our beloved and honoured friend, Rev. T. H.
Carthew increased the difficulties of the committee
in a great degree.
♦ * *
One member of the committee said, as the
session was closing : “ This has been an epoch-
making session.” A special sub-committee was
re-appointed to consider the whole question of our
foreign stations, and a finance sub-committee to go
specially into the subject of finances. Reforms
must be slow, but things are undoubtedly moving
in the right direction.
* ♦ *
This is a time when our churches should extend
to our missionary committee great confidence and
generosity, and pray for them daily. Their task is
ever heavy and grave; just now it is specially
critical and complicated. God is blessing our
work greatly on many of our stations.
CHINA.
Our honoured friend, Rev. Dr. Swallow,
appeared before...”
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“...can only be in one place at a time. Everything
that can be done to oblige will be done, but some
of our friends will have to exercise the grace of
cheerfulness where the] Missionary Secretary can-
not grant their request.
* *
Rev. Wm. R. Stobie has safely arrived in Wen-
chow. He reached Shanghai on New Year’s Day;
he was met by Rev. J.
W. Heywood and Rev.
R. Woolfenden. His
reception was very
nearty. Mr. Stobie has
gone to China full of
the spirit of Missionary
enthusiasm. He speaks
of being “ most happily
impressed ” by what he
saw at our stations on
arriving in China.
* * *
On 28th of February,
Rev. Dr. Swallow
preached at Bedminster
Bristol. On the 2nd of
March I received a short
note from some one
signing himself, “ Yours
truly,” inclosing a P.O.
for 10s., saying: “ After
hearing Dr. Swallow at
our Hebron Chapel on
Sunday and Monday,
speaking of the great
need of funds for furn-
ishing a medical hospital
at Ningpo, I feel that
I should l.ke to help,
if only in a small
degree.” We thank...”
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“...LETTERS EROM CHINA.
55
He has been ordered home by the doctor, and
arrived at Burton on the 3rd inst. We are glad
to say he is much better, but not fit at present for
deputation work. He is a man of a brave spirit;
may the good hand of God rest graciously on him
in his hour of need.
EXAMPLES TO BE FOLLOWED.
On March 2nd Rev. A. Crombie, London, wrote
to me, saying:—“ I have pleasure in enclosing the
cheque for £100 as the donation referred to in my
telegram. The donor is only to be known as
*D.E.’ ” The subscription is in lieu of a subscrip-
scription discontinued some years ago, with interest.
We are much obliged to the donor, and also to our
friend, Rev. A. Crombie. We much need the
money! A few £100 subscribers, or £50 sub-
scribers, would greatly help our missions! To
•obey Christ as instruments in saving the world,
is surely the noblest work in which any can
engage.
#
Oua friend, Mr. G. H. Andrews, Mansfield, sends
us a most interesting account of a Miss Muriel
Stephens, who has collected...”
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“...56
LETTERS FROM CHINA.
dence. At this moment it is no exaggeration to
say that we could reach the sympathies of a great
number of this class, and bring many intelligent
men into our midst if my hands were freer for
this purpose, and, if a man, a preacher moderately
versed in science were sent out to help me. The
Eulers of this wide district have recently been
putting out feelers with a view to obtaining our
help in starting a local School of Science, but un-
less they put full powers in our hands I cannot
and how their ignorance often brings them into
contempt. They need teaching, they must be
taught, but how is it to be done so short-handed as
I am ?
(b). Our regular native ministers, too, are
insufficient in number, and half of those we have
are, through lack of training, ill equipped for the
office they fill. I must make a selection of half a
dozen more, and to train them is a work of the first
necessity.
Chinese School, Wenchow.
encourage them. A system of teaching which
would shut...”
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“...JOTTINGS PROM A MISSIONARY’S JOURNAL.
57
marked red are our own. The black spots are
some of the larger villages into which the light of
the Gospel has not yet pierced. This map repre-
sents a population of two million souls. Please dili-
gently note that statement, at least two million
souls.
While rendering all honour to our good friends
of the China Inland Mission here, I venture to say
that Free Methodism has a claim to at least one
million of this population. I do not think you w:ll
blame me if I say that I considei” the greater part
of this field is pre-eminently ours. For I am con-
vinced that at this juncture we have—you have—
the future of this great district practically at our
disposal. How long this will remain so I cannot
foresee. The C. I. M. are about to increase their
staff, and rumours are abroad that another power-
ful society is casting longing eyes on this neigh-
bourhood. I can, however, foresee that if Free
Methodists will at this our opportunity send more
helpers,...”
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