صور الصفحة
PDF
النشر الإلكتروني

uation in China," new books upon the market finding ready sale when the printer's ink is scarcely dry upon their pages, to say nothing of the voluminous contributions to the religious weeklies and the daily reports and editorials of the secular papers. All this following closely in the wake of the wonderful missionary propaganda instituted by the press of this country during the recent Ecumenical Conference in New York, furnishes a situation of no small significance in its bearing upon the church in relation to her Foreign Missionary work. The lack of missionary intelligence throughout the church has long been the burden of our song. A change has set in. We are getting more intelligent. How can it be otherwise? The light is coming our way very fast in these latter days. It is coming by way of the cross, as it so often does, but it is coming! The logic of events is inexorable! The facts of Christian missions are pressing home upon the consciousness of the church in a most remarkable way..

In

This creates for us an opportunity. The church is reading and thinking. She is partially aroused. She cannot fail to be impressed with the record of her devoted missionaries, and with the power of the gospel in the life and death of native Christians. There is some criticism of missions to be sure, but even that is better for the cause than indifference. the main the heart of the church is tender and loyal towards her foreign missionary enterprise in this, the hour of its temporary adversity. Let us hold the standard up and keep the great commission in view. Let us press on bravely and quietly with our work, and we shall find the bow of promise in this cloud. The church has entered upon an era of missionary intelligence unprecedented. Now if knowledge is power, and it is in the divine order that it should be, if education and agitation are the two wheels which under God carry forward great moral and religious movements, then progress is the word for the

hour. With the blessing of God upon it and a more intelligent constituency behind it, the Gospel message will set out upon its way with accelerated speed in the opening years of the new century.

The heart of the church must be enlisted as well as the head. More than light she needs love. More than facts she lacks fire; the fire of an earnest purpose, a lofty enthusiasm for the highest ideals of the Christian faith, the flame of a pure devotion for her risen Lord burning on. the altars of human hearts. The grand old truths of the Gospel have not lost their power. The reality of sin, the love of God, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the enlightening and transforming power of service and the blessedness of sacrifice, the unity of the Church, the universality of the Gospel message, the power of an endless life and the ultimate. triumph of the King immortal in whose presence we are soon to stand, these are the truths that the church should live with in these crucial days.

This is not mysticism nor sentimentalism; it is practical common sense as applied to Christian service. Just in proportion as these vital truths possess the church and become embodied in the lives of her members will she be a power for righteousness in the redemption of the world.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE WOMAN'S BOARD OF MISSIONS OF THE INTERIOR.

HE Thirty-second Annual meeting of the Woman's Board of Missions of the Interior, held at the Kenwood Evangelical Church, Chicago, October 23 25, furnished another mountaintop survey of this grand and glorious work. Far on the dim horizon of the past could be seen the sparkle of a slender streamlet, the first forthspringing of woman's inexhaustible ardor and devotion for universal Christian womanhood. Onward down the years it came, over

leaping rocky barriers, deepening, broadening,

receiving one branch after another, gathering weight and impetus until now a mighty river rolls past lapping the feet of the watchers with its swell, pushing its way with irresistible force

right into the heart of the slowly unfolding future.

A special sense of the importance of the hour pervaded the meeting from its opening session. That the 20th Century is to see wonders undreamed and feats not yet conceived in missionary enterprise is the conviction of all close observers of the signs of the times. That Christian missions stand on trial, that the world waits, turning its eyes to see how we will lead the way, was the profound conviction of all who felt the influence of this glorious conference. From beginning to close, prayer of unusual fervency and power was offered for wisdom, for strength, for courage and perseverance, for Christ love and Christ likeness, for that devotion which shall give efficiency in service. Prayer, the one ab solutely indispensable factor of success was strongly emphasized. It is the outside wrapping which should enfold every effort as we send it forth to preserve its efficiency.

Another and most impressive feature of the meeting was the concurrence of testimony from all fields of the hope and encouragement to the work when beset by trouble from without. War, famine, persecution, massacre, each and all, have, above all, the result of opening the hearts of thousands otherwise inaccessible to the gospel. In proof of this stand the orphanages and overcrowded schools of Turkey, the famine-stricken multitudes of India, turning for help to the missionaries and latest and most emphatic of all, the revulsion of horror of the native Chinese at the outrages of a few of their maddened countrymen and their sincere sympathy and loyalty to the foreigners who will give them rich recompense in the gospel of Christ.

As the mother's anxious thought follows the weak or sickly child of the flock so our thoughts were seldom absent long from China the scene of our latest affliction. The experiences of that dreadful fifty-five days of siege in Peking tightened their reality round our hearts as Mrs. Goodrich of Tung cho spoke of the almost hourly peril of torture and death for herself and her three little children, and it gave a marvellous thrill of exultation such as our peaceful prosaic lives seldom afford to hear her say that after a day or two God took away all fear and gave in its place a peace and sustaining power to go quietly on with the duty of the hour.

Not less inspiring were Miss Newton's description of the gathering of the storm in Foochow, and her grand declaration of loyalty echoed by every missionary either on or off the field, and most emphatically indorsed by their home constituents, that no backward step shall be taken, that effort in China, shall rather be redoubled until it stands an emancipated Christian nation.

A part of one session was very fittingly devoted to memorials for our two martyred missionaries, Miss Susan Rowena Bird and Miss Mary Louise Partridge, and also Mr. Horace Tracy Pitkin, whose wife is a missionary of our Board. To have such representatives in heaven must make this work seem dearer even to the Lord Jesus Christ.

A most touching tribute was given by Mrs. G. B. Willcox, and resolutions of sorrow and sympathy with the surviving relatives were presented by Mrs. Blatchford, while Rev. Moses Smith with a rare and wonderful adaptation of scripture, to be found entire on another page of this paper, led our souls above the petty boundaries of earthly vision until we seemed to grasp the Eternal and enter into the patience of His hope.

Many missionaries from many lands gave distinction to the meeting, it being a most interesting and impressive moment when twenty missionaries and seven missionary mothers assembled on the platform and were in turn presented to the audience. It was significant and interesting to hear representative teachers from Adana and Hadjin in Turkey, from Odooville in Ceylon, from Kobe in Japan, and from Madrid in Spain, tell in different guise and with charming variety of setting and incident the same unvarying story of the wonderful transformation wrought in the lives and characters of girls through Christian education.

Corroborating, and epitomizing these, "The Home School" that most potent factor in fitting woman for her rightful position and through her of redeeming the race, was presented in a most appreciative and discriminating paper by Miss Pollock, whose years of intimate association with the work both at home and abroad, give her the clear vision and unerring instinct for proportion.

Turning from past accomplishment and present opportunity to our own responsibility and privilege, we were led again and again in the devotional season or by earnest appeal or individual word to a solemn realization of what lies before us as Christian women, a responsibility which cannot be accepted or rejected at will, a duty whose demands can be quieted only by brave, prompt, willing-hearted service.

[blocks in formation]

"I have chosen and ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit."

"What doth the Lord require of us?" From scripture Miss May Blodgett gave us the unmistakable answer.

"Justice, mercy, humility, faithfulness, promptness, and unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."

"Be not disobedient to the heavenly vision," said Miss Frances Blatchford, "but listen for the voice which shall direct you. Pray, for your spiritual life depends on it, for the open eye and ear through which God will manifest to you his plan and your work." Such were the uplifts and inspirations which thrilled every listener with a renewed sense of the sacredness of personal responsibility.

From these heights it seemed a natural and suitable step to consider the practical details of the carrying on of work in our constituency, the Congregational Churches of the Interior, every woman of which is subject to these claims.

The reports of Treasurer and Home Secretary and the discussion of conditions which they re veal form one of the not least important and profitable parts of this annual meeting. A treasury barely saved from debt by the exercise of a rigid and often losing economy, whose total receipts $77,631 88 fall about $2,770 short of last year and are still below the $80,000 aim, causes a most earnest desire that next year may see a general advance along the line which this year has wavered and in only two Branches equaled last year. More systematic apportionment of work by officers and more systematic individual giving were urged. A steady increase from the children and a depreciation in Young People's work were noted and many earnest words to mothers brought home that phase of responsibility. If there are to be future workers they must get their interest and training now. "System, promptness, courage, prayer" the suggested watchword of the new year, practically applied not only by "the Board" but by individuals, may easily bring a glorious harvest and make the attainment of the $80,000 still aimed for assured.

To the thoughtful, well directed and graceful hospitality of the ladies of the Kenwood church was due in no small degree the success of this most valuable conference whose key note struck by Dr. John Henry Barrows, President of Oberlin College, in his opening address, sounded clear and vibrant again in the closing words of the president, Mrs. Moses Smith, whence it will echo and re-echo, in every Christian heart attuned to understand the symphony of the unfolding Century. We stand on the threshold of larger opportunity, more urgent demand, more glorious possibilities than ever before in our history. The world waits, God himself points the way.

Let new ardor nerve us to more strenuous endeavor for

Our God is Marching On!

NOTE -All the reports of the secretaries, both home and foreign, will be found printed entire in the Annual Report, and many interesting facts not touched upon in the above for lack of space can be obtained in full from the rooms.

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

MRS. C. E. HAMMOND writes:-The Sabbath School of the Congregational Church of Clinton, Mich., has prepared and sent a Christmas box for the Hadjin Home, as I wrote you they were planning to do. We acted on the suggestions in Miss Bates' letter, which were very helpful, and nearly everything she mentioned was sent. The gifts were not expensive or elaborate, but were given willingly, and the scholars and teachers took much interest in sending. At a low estimate the box was worth ten dollars, and there were gifts for more than fifty children. We have prepaid the freight charges to Turkey, and have heard from Mr. Swett that the box was sent in the July shipment. One of our teachers will write to Mrs. Coffing in regard to it.

GOD has given us a week full of happy days, each twenty four hours long. How many that read this gave Him an hour, or part of an hour, for a service or kindly deed in His Name? Is this hymn true in your life, "All for Self, None for Thee?"

[blocks in formation]

TOPICS FOR STUDIES FOR 1901.

It is proposed to direct the Studies of the year 1901 to the subject of foreign cities. With each city may be given a brief historical sketch, bits of picturesque description, something of the inhabitants, their life and characteristics, also its missions and its influence as a mission center. January: Missionary Outlook, or What do we see at the opening of the Twentieth Century? February: Peking.

March: Foochow and Shao-wu.
April: Adana.

May: Constantinople.

June: Erzroom.

July: Bombay.

August: Kobe and Niigata.

September: Thank offering.

October: Guadalajara and Hermosillo.
November:

December: Review of the year.

PROGRAM FOR DECEMBER, RETROSPECT OR REVIEW OF 1900. This meeting may be of unusual interest, not only because of the stirring and stormy events that have affected our missions at many points, but because it is the last meeting of the Nineteenth Century. It is hoped that the Annual Report will reach the Secretary of every auxiliary, before the meeting, and will furnish an overflowing amount of material. (Extra copies may be had for 15 cents).

Let hymns be chosen expressive of thanksgiving for all the onward way God has led His church during this Century of missions. Let the prayers be for the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit, that new consecration and new courage may be in the hearts of His people.

From the Home side of the Annual Review we suggest the following:

Financial Results of the Year, including whole amount raised; Is the Board in Debt? and why not? What your own state raised, noting whether it met its apportionment; How the receipts from

[blocks in formation]

Africa. Note the expected results of the war in South Africa, and the call of "Forward" from the Zulu Mission.

China. Great loss of life; great destruction of property; work in Peking going on. India.-Famine work and its results.

These three lands have been the scene of greatest conflict and suffering, but in the others have been beautiful growth and success in which we may well rejoice.

Micronesia.-Note work in Ponape restored; the new house built on Kusaie. Japan.-Peaceful residence under the new treaties; twenty-fifth anniversary of Kobe College. The growth of Glory Kindergarten.

[blocks in formation]

RECENT NEWS.

The W. B. M. of Boston has sent several new missionaries to the foreign field in recent months. Miss Mariane V. Platt has gone to Harpoot, Miss Grisel McLaren to Van, Miss M. S. Calder to Marash, Miss Mary I. Ward to Marsovan and Miss Trowbridge to another point in Turkey; Dr. Louise H. Grieve has already taken up medical work in Ahmednagar, India, and Miss Florence E. Hartt is appointed to the same mission. Miss Channell goes to Micronesia, and Dr. Minnie C. Stryker is under appointment for Foochow, China, awaiting the settlement of affairs.

Our own missionaries still wait the dawn of peace: Dr. Virginia C. Murdock, who was driven from Kalgan; Miss C. E. Chittenden, who longs to return to Foochow; and Miss Josephine Walker and Dr. Emily Dillman Smith under appoint

ment.

AFRICA. Rev. F. R. Bunker, of the Zulu Mission, Natal, has recently arrived. in this country. He is sent by his mission to set before Christian people of the United States the opening opportunities which follow the war for reaching the native tribes. He is instructed by his mission to plead that they may "go forward."

Miss Hattie Clark has finished a hard year of school work. Mr. and Mrs. Rees, of another denomination, who had been driven from Johannesburg by the war, are helping in the Amanzimtote Seminary until the war is over, thus ightening Miss Clark's burdens.

CHINA. Miss Bessie McCoy and Miss Grace Newton, both of the Presbyterian Board, who have been so intimately associated with our own missionaries during the siege of Peking, are on their way home.

The last letters from Peking state that Miss Grace Wyckoff and Miss Elizabeth Sheffield are to have charge of the Bridgman School. Thirty of the sixty pupils

remain, and of these thirty, twenty have been orphaned by the massacre.

Miss Gertrude Wyckoff had come down to Tientsin to assist Miss Porter in the care of the Chinese Christians gathered at that point.

Some anxiety was expressed about the food supply for the winter in Peking for missionaries and Chinese Christians. Mr. Tewksbury has been putting forth great exertions to get in supplies.

MARRIED.-At Chefoc, North China, Sept. 20, Miss Ada Haven, for twenty-one years a missionary of our Woman's Board of the Interior, was married to the Rev. C. W. Mateer, D. D., American Presbyterian missionary at Teng-chow. It is an un

stinted service that Miss Haven has given to the girls of the Bridgman School in Peking, and to the women of China. Her days have been filled with patient sacrifice, and to the end she stayed with the pupils, who could not be sent to their hornes, enduring with them the long ten weeks of anxious siege. While we relinquish her with regret, we rejoice that she is to remain in China, and, we hope she may continue the work of creating a Christian literature for the women, for which her knowledge of Chinese so well fits her.

MICRONESIA. Miss Channell, of the W. B. M., left Boston for San Francisco on October 8th, expecting to go to Guam with Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Price. Their

plan was to sail on the government transport Solace early in November.

TURKEY. Miss Eula G. Bates, who was present at the annual meeting in Chieago, left Thursday evening, October 25th, for the East. on her way to Hadjin. She was to sail from New York November 3d.

Miss Laura G. Ellsworth, who was transferred from Harpoot to Sivas to have charge of the boarding school for girls, resigns her connection with the Board on account of her recent engagement to Mr. Anderson, the English consul at Sivas.

« السابقةمتابعة »