FOREIGN MISSIONS. double mission dwelling house, and a medical and two school buildings. The value of the property is $8,000 or $9,000. Evangelistic work consists principally of preaching in Shanghai and inland towns and villages, religious conversation, and the distribution of Christian literature. Last year there were two day-schools for boys with an attendance of from fifty to eighty; and a girls' boardingschool with nine scholars. Besides Biblical instruction, which is made prominent, the scholars, who are young, are taught the elements of reading, writing, arithmetic, and geography. The medical department, in which there is much religious conversation, reported for the year 6,966 paying patients, 1,156 not paying, ten surgical cases, and 138 visits. Our Holland Mission originated by means of tracts sent out through the mails, in 1877, into Europe, Asia, Australia, and Canada, by Rev. N. Wardner, then in Scotland, under the auspices of the American Sabbath Tract Society. Missionary appropriations began in 1881; and for the year ending June 30, 1886, there were reported two missionaries, G. Velthuysen, Haarlem, and F. Bakker, Frieschlo, two churches, and some forty members and twenty-five other adherents. In 1854 the families of Wm. M. Jones and Charles Saunders sailed for the Holy Land for the purpose of establishing an evangelistic and industrial mission; but personal misunderstandings and other grave difficulties arose; and, after several years, the missionaries were recalled. Our denominational fathers were men of large ideas respecting the privileges and obligations of our people to labor for the salvation of all men. The increase of laborers in China, the re-establishment of the Palestine Mission, and the establishment of missions in Abyssinia, Hayti, Japan. Europe, and elsewhere, were questions that received earnest and prayerful consideration. Their hearts were large enough, and their conceptions of the divine purposes respecting the redemption of men broad enough, for all these things; but then, as now, there was lack of adequate means. The following statements will give some idea of the growth and present condition of our work: The average yearly expenditures of our Society, which is both a home and foreign mission society, for all purposes, during its first decade (1844-'53), were $1,841.09; the second decade, $2,943.96; the third, $2,296.69; the fourth, $3.907.95; while for the past three years they have been $9,451.58. From Sept. 13, 1885, to Sept. 9, 1886, the Permanent Fund increased from $4,706.41 to $6,999.41. The receipts of the treasurer, during the same period, for the General Fund, were $9,879.20. Receipts by Mr. Davis and Dr. Swinney, at Shanghai, $1,400. Total income, $11,279.20; total receipts, $13,572.20. Increase of income over last year, $3,814.33; increase of receipts, $3.685.33. 85 additional expenditures reported from China, $1,160.80; total expenditures for the year, $10,477.09,—an increase over last year of $912.71. These expenditures were distributed as follows: Home Missions, $4,803.43; China Mission, $3,541.81,-$1,160.80 of this being received in the field; Holland, $520; and for administration expenses, $1,581.55. In home work, the year was one of our most prosperous; from China more workers and work were reported than ever before; and in Holland the gain was very encouraging. Millions of our fellowmen are perishing for lack of the redemption and comforts of the Gospel. According to the word of the Lord, "he that watereth others, shall be watered also himself." We must "get by giving." What we do for the salvation of those for whom Christ died, and to whom he sends us, even to the uttermost parts of the earth, will be repaid with abundant increase. The subject of missions to the regions beyond, is a most vital one; vital in its relation to every other line of Christian work; intensely vital, for if we refuse to send the Gos pel, the sentence of death is passed upon us. Our Lord cannot then be with us to the end of the world; and without him we must die. The Foreign Christian Missionary Society. BY REV. A. M'LEAN, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY. The Foreign Christian Missionary Society was organized in the city of Louisville, Kentucky, in the year 1875. A few earnest Christians met in the basement of the First Church, and, after devout prayer to God for his guidance and blessing, formed themselves into an organization whose object was declared to be "to make disciples of all nations, and to teach them to observe all things whatsoever Christ commanded." It was their loyalty to Christ, who had purchased them with his own blood, that led them to take this step. The great commission was to them what the pillar of cloud and fire was to the Israelites in their pilgrimage through the desert. When the last Annual Report was published thirty missionaries had been sent out from this country; while sixteen had been employed on the ground. At that time the Society had twenty stations, thirty missionaries, and 1,606 converts under its care. These were distributed as follows: England had seven stations, seven missionaries, and 1,174 converts; Turkey had eight stations, nine missionaries, and 219 converts; Denmark had one station, two missionaries, and 104 converts; India had three stations, nine missionaries, and three converts; Japan had one station, five missionaries, and seventeen converts. The whole number of converts during the first ten years of the society's existence was 2,389. The whole amount of money raised was $154,086.19. Since that report was published ten new names have been added to the pay-roll. Two of these were sent to India, four to Japan, two to China, and two were emExpenditures directly out of the treasury, $9,280.29; ployed in Turkey. The receipts for the current year will exceed $60,000. The marked increase of income this year is owing in part to the fact that a large bequest was received some months ago. It will be seen from the foregoing statement that we have a considerable number of our workers in England. When the Society was organized the intention was to labor chiefly, if not altogether, in Pagan and Papal lands. That so much has been done in England is owing partly to the fact that a rich and liberal brother in England was anxious to have some men sent to labor among his countrymen, and partly to the fact that a number of men were eager to labor in that field. The aim of the founders of the Society was to work among those who were most in need of the Gospel. This is still their aim. The work in England has been eminently successful, and is worth many times as much as it has cost. Still there is a growing feeling that the bulk of our income and energy ought to be spent in lands where Christ has not been named. There are those among us who feel that the work that is being done in Christian England is not missionary work at all in any true sense of the word. But as the rich brother alluded to has given us nearly as much as this work has cost, no one has any right to complain. In conducting our work we have tried to follow the leadings of Providence. The work in Denmark was begun by a Dane who came to us. He was eager to go to his native land to tell his kindred and countrymen what great things the Lord had done for him, and how he had mercy on him. The work in France was begun by a Frenchman who had been educated for the priesthood. When his own eyes were opened he begged that he might be sent to Paris to open the eyes of the people there, to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. The work began in Turkey in the same way. A young Armenian found his way to Dallas, Texas. While there he gave himself in love and trust to the Lord Jesus Christ. Then an unquenchable desire sprang up in his heart to return to Turkey that he might preach the unsearchable riches of Christ among those who are perishing in ignorance and wickedness. After graduating from the College of the Bible, he was sent to Turkey by the Society. As The work in India was begun by a man who had spent some years there before he was identified with us. We have been led on step by step by the hand of God. suitable missionaries were moved by the Spirit to volunteer their services, the way was opened, and the money necessary for their support was forthcoming. Some years ago it was thought advisable to ask the children in the Sunday-schools for one collection in the year for heathen missions. The first Lord's day in May is "Children's Day." There has been a steady gain year by year in the amount received. Thus in 1881 the amount received was $754; in 1882 it was $2,175; in 1883 it was $3,205; in 1884 it was $4,125; in 1885 it was $5,126, and in 1886 it was $6,020. There has been a gain of about $1,000 each year over the year previous. There can be no doubt that the missionary spirit is extending itself in ever-widening and in ever-deepening circles. There is considerable opposition to co-operative effort. There is a great deal of stolid indifference. Very many give themselves not the slightest concern about the thousand million pagans for whom Christ died. The commands and promises of the Gospel have no power to move them to rescue those who are going down to the grave without hope. Because there are so many heathen at home they can do nothing for the heathen in foreign lands. The Judgment day will show that they care as little for the salvation of the heathen at home as they do for the heathen in Africa, or China, or India. But a better day is surely coming. Churches and individuals that once stood aloof are enlisting. They declare that they are ready for any movement, provided it be a forward movement. They are enlisting for the war. Not until every knee bows in the name of Jesus, and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, will they cease from their efforts. It should be remembered that the Society is still in its infancy. We cannot boast over what we have accom plished. This is still the day of small things. But there has been a steady growth from the first. Each year sees the forces in the field as well as the receipts larger than they were the year before. The outlook was never as bright and as full of promise as it is now. If all the signs of the times are not deceptive, we are destined to become a great missionary people in the near future. May God hasten it in His time. NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF MISSIONARIES. H. S. Earl, Cedar Lodge, London Road, Cheltenham, England. W. T. Moore, Kensington Chambers, Ludgate Hill, London, England. J. M. Van Horn, Chester, England. A. Martin, 13 Granby street, Liverpool, England. W. Durban, 6 Hartham Road, Holloway, London, England. George Brooks, Beuha Lodge, Park Road, West Dulwich, London, England. A. J. L. Gliddon, Denzil Ave., Southampton, England. Jules De Launay and wife, 3 Rue Thibonmery, Vaugirard, Paris, France. A. Holck, Sophievej, No. 5, Copenhagen, Denmark. O. C. Mikkelsen, Sophievej, Copenhagen, Denmark. G. N. Shishmanian, care of German Imperial Postoffice, Constantinople, Turkey. Garaber Kevorkian, Marsoran, Turkey, Asia Minor. John Karagiozian, Tarsus, Cilicia, Asia Minor. G. L. Wharton and wife, Hurda, Central Provinces, India. Miss Levermore, Hurda, Central Provinces, India. BRITISH MISSIONARY PERIODICALS. M. D. Adams and wife, Belaspur, Central Provinces, India. G. W. Jackson, Belaspur, Central Provinces, India. C. E. Garst and wife, Akita, Akita Ken., Japan. E. P. Herndon, Nanking, China. Besides these there are eight native missionaries in Turkey, five in India, and one in Japan. Messenger for the Children. One halfpenny a month. London. Our Sisters in Other Lands. Quarterly. Issued by the Women's Association. One penny a number. London. Gospel in China. One halfpenny a month. London. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF IRELAND. Missionary Herald. One penny a month. Belfast, Ireland. FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND (PRESBYTERIAN). Free Church of Scotland Monthly. One penny a month. Edinburgh. Children's Record. One halfpenny a month. Edinburgh. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND (PRESBYTERIAN). Church of Scotland Mission Record. One penny a month. Edinburgh. 87 Q. Why was this plan adopted? A. Because the northern islands of Melanesia are so near the equator that Europeans can live there only about three months in the year. Q. Who accepted this dangerous work of visiting savages in their own homes? A. Mr. Patteson accepted it cheerfully, although he always suffered from dizziness and headache on shipboard. Q. Of what formation were these islands? ing death from lock-jaw, but in Christian hope and trust. Q How many pupils were there at Auckland in 1865? A. Seventy. Q. In 1866 where were the missionary headquarters removed? A. To Norfolk Island, and in 1869 the school numbered 160, of whom a large number were true Christians, while former pupils were successfully preaching the love of Christ in their own island A. Of coral formation and very beau- homes. tiful. Q. How did Mr. Patteson win the confidence of the natives? A. The ship would anchor off an island, and he would row in in a boat, then | fearlessly swim or wade ashore. Q. Did Bishop Patteson think it prob able that a violent death awaited him in his missionary journeys? A. He did, and would risk no life but his own. When there was danger he always landed alone, meeting the savages Q. What would he then offer the with a smile of confidence and love. people? fruit and yams, and the most promising A. Small presents in exchange for boys would be invited to sail away with the ship to be taught. Q. What did Mr. Patteson teach these boys at Auckland through the summer (our winter) months? A. He clothed them-taught them by The Missionary Hero, John Coleridge example to sweep and clean their rooms Patteson. (A Question and Answer Missionary Exercise arranged by Helen E. Burnett from material found in the Missionary Herald.) Q. Who was John Coleridge Patteson? A. The son of an honored English family. Q. What is said of him when a child? A. He was an eager, affectionate boy and always meant to be a clergyman. Q. How was he distinguished at Eton? A. He was an expert swimmer and tennis player and captain of the School Eleven. Q. What peculiar gift did he develop? A. A gift of acquiring languages. Q. When did he commence his life as a clergyman? A. In 1853 near Fenilton Court, Devonshire. Q. Why did he not remain in the loving circle of relatives and friends in England? A. In 1955 a call came for missionaries for New Zealand and with great cheerfulness he bade home and kindred farewell to begin work in Melanesia. Q. What made work in Melanesia very difficult? A. Each island has its own language or dialect. for there were no servants among themhe taught them also in school to read and write. Q How were the evenings spent? A. In Bible reading, catechizing and prayer Q. The winter of New Zealand being too severe for those children of the sun what did this refined and high minded A. Wicked men in labor ships decoyed away many natives to work in other Q. What plan was adopted to best islands under a form of slavery, even reach the natives? using the name of the Bishop to entice them. A. A missionary ship, the Southern Cross, was to visit these islands yearly, win the confidence of the people and take their children to Auckland, there to train them as teachers for their own islands. Q. What happened to two young native assistants of the Bishop in his missionary voyages? A. They were shot with poisoned arrows at Santa Cruz, and died a distress Q. What did he request of friends? never be revenged. A. That his own probable murder might Q. When advised to return to England after an attack of illness and a residence of 15 years in Melanesia did he go? A. He refused; not being willing to children) in trouble; he being the only leave his poor people (whom he loved as person in the world who could speak 20 or more of their dialects to tell them of Christ and His salvation. Q. In 1871 how many converts were baptized? A. Forty-one men and women, 17 lads and 231 children. Q. What did the people say of the change in themselves? A. "The old life is hateful, the new life is full of joy.” Q. What happened at the islet of Nukapu in 1871? A. His boat could not get over the reef at low tide and he accepted an invitation to be taken in a canoe which was dragged over. Q. When he had landed alone what happened? A. All the crew were wounded by arrows. Q. Returning to the ship what did they do? A. They sent a strong, well-armed party to seek the Bishop. Q Was he found? 64 A. A canoe, apparently empty, appeared floating in the lagoon. A bundle was heaped up in the bottom. The boat came alongside, and two words were spoken, The body." A peaceful smile was on the face, a palm leaf was fastened over the breast and there were five wounds. Each was no doubt in atonement for a native death, for the leaflets of the palm were tied in five knots to indicate this. Thus passed a hero to his triumph, by the same way the Master trod. ETHEL.-It seems so cruel to treat the poor little babies in that way; it is a wonder they don't die TEACHER-I suppose nature fits them to bear it, for they live and thrive like babies who are better treated. ETHEL.-Do the Syrian children have many playthings? TEACHER -They have more than the little Turks, such as donkeys with pack saddles, dolls with arms and legs moved by a string, toy carts, and comical figThen they have many games such as our children play, like leap-frog, baseball, blind-man's-buff, button, and puss in the corner ures. ETHEL.-Do they go to school? CHILDREN OF SYRIA. loud as they can, while they sway their bodies back and forth. ETHEL.-What a funny school! Does the teacher like them to make so much noise? TEACHER. -Oh, yes: he thinks it is a sign that they are studying very hard, and when they grow more quiet he stirs them up with a long stick. When a boy is bad he is thrown upon the floor, his ankles tied together, and he is beaten on the soles of his feet. ETHEL.--What do the Syrian boys wear? TEACHER.-If his father is a rich man the son will dress like him, in trousers and jacket of gay rich stuff, white turban, and many ornaments. He also wears red or yellow shoes with pointed toes, and when the streets are muddy or wet he mounts upon little stilts to protect his gay shoes. Poor boys wear coarse blue trousers, loose jacket, red cap, and very often no shoes. ETHEL.-How are the girls dressed? TEACHER.—The daughters of rich parents dress like the mother, in embroidered clothes and a veil. They wear their hair down their backs in a great many braids with gold coins fastened to the ends. The poor girls wear a coarse blue cotton dress and a veil of white muslin. ETHEL.-Are the Syrian girls married as early as the Turkish girls? TEACHER.-Yes; many of them before TEACHER -The boys do, but not the they are ten years old, and they take girls. their dolls along and play with them in their husband's home. But they have a hard time after they are married. A handkerchief is tied over the bride's mouth, and she cannot take it off until her mother-in-law says she may. She ETHEL.-Not go to school! Why, how do they learn anything? TEACHER.—It is not thought necessary for them to learn anything beyond how to work. The girls and cruelly treated and condemned to a life has to live with her husband's mother, of drudgery. and must work for and obey her. She women are ETHEL -How dreadful! I should not carries water, grinds corn, sometimes is want to be a Syrian girl. TEACHER. You may well be thankful that you are not. There are no smiles and happy hearts to welcome the girl baby. The mother weeps and her friends are sorry. When the baby is a boy, it is very different. Every one is happy, presents are sent in, friends gather around to congratulate the parents, and there is quite a festive time. ETHEL.-What do the boys learn at school? TEACHER —They learn to read, write, and recite prayers. Each boy carries an inkcase in his belt, and holds his paper in his hand when he wants to write. ETHEL -Have they no desks to write upon? TEACHER-Neither desks to write upon nor chairs to sit on. When the boys come to school they all leave their shoes outside the door, but keep their caps on, and sit down on the floor with their books before them and study as yoked to the plow with cattle, and is abused and insulted in many ways. ETHEL.-What kind of houses do they live in? TEACHER.-The rich people have low, broad houses, with a beautiful court inside, and a flat roof with a railing around it where they sit when the weather is warm. The poor people build theirs of loose stones piled up with logs laid across the top for a roof. Inside, one part of the floor is raised a little; here the people live; on the lower part the animals stay -all under the same roof. ETHEL-What dreadful ways those people have. TEACHER. Let us remember that they were not born in a Christian country such as ours, and while we are thankful for our more fortunate condition and greater blessings, we should try to do what we can to send some of the light and blessing to them, that their lives may be better and happier. O Church of God, awake, awake! Good Tidings. 89 A RECITATION by seven boys, each one bearing a letter forming the word TIDINGS. IN CONCERT. Behold, we bring you good tidings. FIRST BOY. "As cold water to a thirsty sou', so is good news from a far country. SECOND BOY. We have come, dear Christian people, From the ranks so far away, THIRD BOY. Far away in hilly Woodstock, As the fruits of earnest prayer. Trust our Captain's power to save. Hark! a voice from old Korea Open wide each door and portal, In a temple old and quaint. In the place of shrine and saint? If you listen. listen softly, You may almost hear the song, Almost hear the glad "hosannas As the armies march along. SIXTH BOY. In a distant city meeting. Kings and princes laid their plan, Till the name of "Congo Free State" Echoes now in every land. As they enter to possess it, Let us, too, march heart to heart; In this glorious work of princes Our dear King must have a part. SEVENTH BOY. Surely you will not be idle While you hear the trumpets blow, -Children's Work for Children. |