spirit-worship is practically the religion which interweaves itself with all their daily life. A few children learn to read Laos books in the monasteries, but the majority of the men are thoroughly illiterate. There is something in

teresting, but sad, in coming across the remnants of a people once the possessors of broad domains, crowded away into a barren mountainous region, and yet retaining its race distinctness, and cherishing its ancient traditions.

BURMA.

Mission to the Burmans.

Rev. E. A. Stevens, D.D.

RANGOON, Oct. 10, 1884.

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Semi-Annual Report. I am happy to say have been blessed with health, so that I have done nearly the usual amount of preaching at the Burmese chapel, alternating with the pastor, and also preaching statedly at the girls' school, Kemendine, until the arrival of Mr. Rose in November. Besides these preaching-services, the conduct of the Sunday school as superintendent has devolved on me, and one or more week-day evening services. I have had the usual amount of proof-reading of Burmese scriptures and tracts, and "The Messenger," which is under my editorial management.

The Main Work of the rains has been the instruction of the theological class, which has numbered eleven for the whole day, besides five Karens who staid behind after the theological seminary was dismissed. Of the whole number, four only were with me four and a half months. The rest remained between two and three months, with the exception of one, who on trial seemed to come to the conclusion that his coming was a mistake. Besides the above who remained all day, five residents of Rangoon -all but one preachers, -attended generally but one recitation. These included the pastor Ko Thah-Dway, and Moung Htoke, the assistant teacher, who being appointed to labor at Syriam, but having his house in Rangoon, was supported in part only on the charge of the class, half of his salary being paid by the Burmese church. Of the pupils, five are from Tenasserim, three from Maulmain, and two from Thatone; one was a Kyen from Henthada; and the restnot the Karens-belonged to the Rangoon provinces.

The Studies pursued were Matthew's Gospel, with the notes, taught by Moung Htoke; also the catechism of scripture history to the time of Christ, taught by the same. Those under my immediate instruction were taken through the Epistle to the

and also Barth's Church History to the time of Mohammed. Theses also were given to be written on every Monday. My aim had been not only to give them a correct interpretation of every portion gone over, but to train them to a thoughtful consideration of every passage read: so often it happens that they seem satisfied if they are able to read over fluently the part falling to them in the class recitation. I trust the time of study will prove profitable to them all.

Diverse Interpretations. - The interpretation of the Book of Revelation stirred up quite a disturbance in the church, because of the counterinterpretation of the Second Adventists, who do not seem to know, at least have not the courtesy to admit, that some other interpretation than their own may be worthy of the serious consideration of biblical scholars. Their conduct has caused me much anxiety, and I still fear a division, notwithstanding my earnest endeavors to convince them that a division ought not to be made on the ground of a difference of opinion on matters of prophecy; especially, as in this case, where those matters refer to the character of the blessings which God has in store for his people, — as, e.g., in the millennium, -to enjoy here upon the earth. Sad spectacle for the Saviour to look down upon his Church wrangling about her future blessings!

Rev. E. O. Stevens.

TAVOY, Oct. 13, 1884.

Nine Burmans were baptized in the Prome mission in the quarter just closed. Of the three who joined the Enma church, two are men in the prime of life, who belong to the village of Kohdin-gyay. The temporary building put up there to serve the purpose both of chapel and schoolhouse was forthwith destroyed by an incendiary fire; but the villagers, heathen as well as Christian, immediately took hold and erected a new one in its place, which is already too small for the school which occupies it. They contribute one-half of the Christian teacher's pay. Six were admitted to

two, one boy and one girl, learned the plan of salvation in our mission-schools. Four adults I baptized on Sunday morning, Aug. 31. One is the beloved sister of pastor Yan-gen, who has long been waiting for the ordinance. One is a man of twenty-six, who came originally from Amarapoora, but who, until lately, has been engaged in trading in the Bassein district.

Tract Work. Moung Tha-gyaw was brought to Christ by the reading of three tracts, one of which he paid for. He obtained them from the hand of Ko Kyah-ngyo, the deacon of the Prome church, who, though not in the employ of the mission at the time, volunteered to act as tract distributor among the crowds who attended the great Tansoungmong festival in November, 1882. The other two were husband and wife, Moung Tha-zan and Ma Shway-meh, in whose case we felt a special interest, because their conversion seemed to be in answer to the fervent prayers of her mother, Ma Shway-meh, who died in February, 1881. A few words spoken by myself one morning a short time ago induced him to make the final decision to serve Christ; and his wife, after a little hesitation, followed his example. As soon as he had indulged a hope in Christ the Saviour, he accepted my invitation to attend the recitations in church history of a class of preachers and Bible-women. He has come with me down to Tavoy without receiving any salary (I simply pay his fare by rail and by steamer); and, if he should prove himself worthy of being counted among the regular preachers, we shall all greatly rejoice.

To Tavoy. From Rangoon on the 30th ult., I was accompanied by Moung Yawba (Job), who is one of the assistants under my father's care and instruction. He is one of the grandsons of Oo Myat-lay, who, after having been ordained pastor of the Tavoy Burman church, died about twenty years ago at the advanced age of eighty-seven. Yesterday morning I had the privilege of baptizing one of the great-grandsons of Oo Myat-lay, and another Burman lad of about sixteen, whose mother is a Christian. I am here in response to the kind invitation of brother Morrow, enjoying a most generous hospitality. With the help of the Lord, we intend to remain till the first of next month, seeking to do what we can on behalf of the Burmans of Tavoy.

Mission to the Karens.
Rev. C. A. Nichols.

BASSEIN, Sept. 26, 1884. More Mission-Work. - It will now be but a little more than a week before our annual home and foreign mission meetings. They bid fair to be more than usually interesting this year, in view

under consideration. Among these will be the question of taking under our patronage and support all of the Karen preachers now working among the Ka-chins, thus including those who have heretofore received support from America through Mr. Roberts. He acquiesces, and I hope our people may feel able to take upon themselves this new responsibility and additional expense. The further prosecution of the work among the Karens of Siam, who have not yet been reached by the gospel, will also be discussed. After the home and foreign mission meetings,—

The Pastors' Conference will be held. At this meeting, among other questions, there will be read a paper, followed by general discussion, upon these two questions: Ist, "What especial measures seem at present necessary to protect our churches, and especially the young, from the vice of intemperance, which is now, under government patronage, spreading to such an alarming extent in British Burma?" 2d, "According to Scripture authority and teaching, to what extent are associated churches inter-dependent upon one other?" There seems to me to be, at present, special enlightenment and effort needed in the line of both these topics; and I hope for clearer views and increased exertions as the result of these discussions.

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Our Town School and Church are moving on with our usual attendance, and baptisms at nearly every communion-service. The pastor has kept up his inquiry-meetings ever since he entered upon his work, nearly a year and a half since; and I think always has some one come to him on these occasions, to talk with him about the matters of personal religion.

Last week news reached us, from the jungle, of the death of one of our most devoted and promising younger pastors. We all had had large hopes of his future usefulness, but it was ordered otherwise than in accordance with our expectations.

Mission to the Shans.

Rev. J. N. Cushing.

RANGOON, Oct. 16, 1884.

LAST Sunday was a very pleasant day to me, for I had the pleasure of baptizing three Shans and two Burmans. The Shans live about twenty-five miles away, in a village called Toungbyat. They first heard the gospel at Pegu, from the Burman preacher stationed there. This was ten or twelve years ago. Removing from Pegu, they settled in their present home, where they have been visited by Christians occasionally. A couple of months ago they came to the city, and made known their wish to be baptized. After a second visit from

Sunday. After a ride of seventeen miles by train, and a tedious journey of ten miles by cart, on Saturday I reached their village at dark, to receive a welcome. The house was full of visitors the whole evening, and we had a fine opportunity for preaching. The next day we had a preachingservice beneath the shade of some trees, for the house was too small. Besides the large number of the villagers, Oo Hmaing, the Burman pastor of the Mingalah Dong church, and a company of Burman disciples from neighboring villages, were present. After both the Burman pastor and myself had preached, we examined the candidates, and, on their acceptance, repaired to a shady glen at the foot of the hill, where a small clear stream of water had been dammed up for the baptism. A large number of heathen accompanied us, who maintained a respectful silence, as one after another the new believers were buried with Christ in baptism. An elderly lady was also a candidate, and seemed a proper person to receive the rite; but she was desired to wait a little longer, until her case is better known. One of the Shans is head man of the village, and, with his wife, seems very

earnest.

INDIA.

Mission to the Telugus.

Rev. F. E. Morgan.

KURNOOL, Oct. 7, 1884. Systematic Giving. - Soon after I wrote you in July, I visited the church at Atmakoor, and spent a few days with them, as always, pleasantly. The pastor has a list of his members, and an account showing how much each one gives weekly; and on another page there is a record of the amount given by each family month by month. Probably it is a good thing to encourage the church-members to attend to such matters of business. If the work of the Atmakoor pastor be taken for a sample, they can do such things better than I can.

Helping Themselves. - Five or six of the Christians came to me with a request: Couldn't I see that one or two of the roof-timbers had been eaten away by white ants, and that with the first gale the whole of the bamboo and thatch roof was ikely to go away? They reckoned that to remove the roof, replace the broken pieces by good ones, etc., would require a good sum; altogether more than they were able to raise. Furthermore, they were trying to contribute a substantial part of their pastor's salary, and how could they stand this additional expense? I looked the matter over, and suggested that they need not take the whole roof off, but could repair it so it would do for a year or so, and by that time some of the well-to-do merchants might be converted, and there would be no

ought not to expect mission money for such purposes, that I hadn't thought of giving at that time, or at any future time, a single pie of mission money for any such repairs; but, hoping to induce them to try their strength for giving, I told them I had a little money of my own. I could do what I wished with that; I was willing to take a hand with them in repairing the roof. Whereupon, I went to my box, counted out a score or so of coppers, and a half-dozen more for my bandyman, who, I was sure, would give that much were he present. I turned them over to the Christian who sat nearest me, and told him, when he got a double handful of coppers, to begin the work by buying one or two of the needed timbers. I had just been reading Mr. Carpenter's book, and had in mind his hints about enlisting our Christians in schemes for self-help. A week or two after I returned home, I got a letter from the pastor saying the repairs were completed.

Tract Distribution. — I have just returned from a short tour to the west of Kurnool. I was gratified to find quite a demand for tracts. We were at an important village on a market-day, and sold about seventy-five tracts and a few Scripture portions. We found, among those who purchased, persons who spoke of tracts they had bought on previous occasions. Of course we urge upon all persons whose attention we can gain, the duty of repenting, accepting Christ as the Saviour, and acknowledging him as such without fear. Perhaps the Lord will be pleased to deliver large numbers of the people from bondage soon.

A Bad Custom. I hear that some of the church-members work in the fields on the Sabbaths, and plead, in extenuation, that they have bound themselves to their masters to serve them day and night, in order to pay off debts. Parents, and church-members (I grieve to say it), bind out their children in that way, and say they can't live unless they do so. It is easy to reprove such persons; it would take but little effort to cut them off from the church but to show them a better way, and to inspire them to walk in it in the fear of God, requires wisdom, and that love which believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

CHINA.

Rev. J. R. Goddard.

NINGPO, Oct. 13, 1884.

Our Mission Work in Ningpo and the surrounding regions has been greatly disturbed during August and September by the war between France and China. Our chapels have all been kept open, and preaching in them has been kept up as usual; the audiences, too, have been large whenever I have been present: but the minds of the people are

that they give little heed to the gospel. No violence has been offered, though threats are not infrequently made of burning the chapels, and killing both the foreigners and the native Christians. We received word last week, that, on the 4th inst., a mob burned all the foreign houses at Wenchow, the next open port south of Ningpo, and about two hundred miles distant. The occupants fortunately escaped with their lives, but lost every thing. Whether the presence of a gunboat here will prevent a similar experience, remains to be seen. There is every prospect that the war may last some time. While it lasts, business is almost ruined; and the masses of the poor, who depend upon daily employment for their living, are reduced to the greatest extremities. It is inevitable that riots will take place under the pressure of famine; and the violence of the mobs will naturally be directed against the foreigners, partly because the foreigners are regarded as the source of their troubles, and partly because their houses are supposed to afford a better field for plunder. Whatever comes, however, we shall try to stand by our posts, and do our duty, assured that we are safe in the keeping of the Almighty. I hope the native Christians will be saved from persecution. They deserve our warmest sympathies.

Miss S. A. Norwood.

SWATOW, Oct. 11, 1884. THE Catholic priests (French) have all been driven out of the country, or are leaving as fast as One reached here yesterday on his possible. way to Hong Kong. He was the guest of the British consul, to whom he gave it as his opinion, that, should the war continue four months longer, not a native Catholic convert would be left alive, unless he recanted. We hope the danger to the poor Catholics is not quite so bad as that, though we do not doubt they will be very cruelly treated. In such a case, our poor Protestants cannot wholly

escape, for the Chinese heathen will not discriminate. They have already suffered greatly; and many families of our Christians have lost every thing, and are reduced to the very verge of starvation, being wholly dependent upon charity. Yet we hope, owing to the decided steps of the consuls, that the worst is over.

Of course, as things now are, my going into the country is quite out of the question; and last week, upon consultation with the native preachers, it was decided to be useless to send out the Bible-women to their work until quieter times come. Hence I have arranged to keep them all here for three months of special study. I shall take up with them the Gospel of Mark and Old-Testament history; and Dr. Ashmore has kindly consented to

doctrinal subjects. So I trust this time of enforced absence from their work will not prove wholly without profit.

AFRICA.

The Congo Mission.

Rev. Henry Craven.

KABINDA, Sept. 12, 1884.

During the Past Year we have experienced not a few trials and difficulties, but in all our troubles we have had sustaining grace. Moreover, the blessings and mercies of our God have been most abundant. We now number five sisters and seventeen brethren, -twenty-two. This is the largest number in the field since the mission was founded. Two of our dear sisters and one brother have gone to be with Jesus; and one brother has been obliged to return home. Our health, on the whole, has been very good; and, although no new stations have been planted during the year, much has been done to make those founded comfortable. Stanley Pool and Lukungu stations have been completed, with the exception of a store at the latter place. Palaballa house has been restored and enlarged, being now both comfortable and substantial.

As to the Work of the stations in my district, the schools at Palaballa and Banza Mantika have been carried on without interruption. Mr. White, at Mukimvika, has had his school-children taken away on account of a palaver with his princes respecting the customs. The affair is now settled, and he expects shortly to get the children back again. We have had at Palaballa twenty-two boarders for the greater part of the year. Four of our elder scholars have gone to help at other stations; viz., Robert and Francis at the Pool, Vemba at Lukungu, and Nkoiyo at Mukimbungu.

An Impending Crisis. Although we cannot report any conversions, yet both Mr. Harvey and myself are of the opinion that at three of our stations-viz., Mukimbungu, Banza Mantika, and Palaballa -a crisis is at hand, when some will come out boldly for Christ. Things cannot continue much longer as they are. There will be a division among the people: some will decide for Christ, and others will persecute and slander. I feel sure our converts will, if true, have to suffer much for Christ. May the Lord give them much grace, and fill their hearts with his Spirit!

scenery was grand indeed, although it is now our winter, and the hills are either brown or black,the latter where the grass is burnt; but the trees in the valleys are evergreen, and look all the lovelier for the brown and black contrast. Some of the hills are beautified with palm and other trees. Generally the stately palms are found in the valleys; and, when they are accompanied by plantain trees, you may be sure you are on the borders of a native town. I am pleased to find, that, as I get farther up country, the towns are larger, and there are more signs of industry, than nearer the coast.

Travelling in Africa is vastly different from journeying at home. You cannot stop anywhere just when you feel ready for a meal, but go on until you reach a stream of water, which is a very valuable thing here. And how pretty some of them are, bordered on either side with bright green foliage, and the rippling water rushing and falling amidst the many rocks and stones! One stream we passed had a plentiful supply of leeches, and another was covered with water-lilies. But the rivers! they are grand; clear, sparkling water, rushing on over huge stones and rocks; trees on either bank of every description and evergreen you could possibly imagine. Some of the trees are giants in height: I never saw any thing like them at home. In two places, as we came up, we found bridges across the streams. Man has had nothing to do with the erection of them, but the wonderful works of God were displayed in them; for the trees had grown from one bank to another, and thus formed a bridge, and on the bridge were trees growing, which were a support to the passer over. One of the streams, I suppose, would be about eight yards in width. Some of the rivers and streams are so deep, I almost expected my hammock to dip in; but all passed off well until we came within a mile or two of Mukimbungu, when we came in contact with several herds of elephants. I was in the hammock; and suddenly the natives raised a shout, Nzou, nzou, nzou! and at once the hammock-carriers started off with me on a gallop. The next moment I had sprung to the ground; and there, a very little distance Mr. from us, was a large herd of elephants. Ingham's cook, who was with us on the road, but had left us a little before, shot at them, and of course excited them. I suppose we saw, in several herds, not less than forty. I was very glad when our path was cleared of them somewhat, so that we were able to proceed. I had climbed a hill in order to get out of their way; Mr. Picton kept at the side of it, as they appeared to be making for the very hill on which we were, and, shooting at them, drove them from us. About an hour afterwards we arrived at Mukimbungu, and found the brethren well there.

shot an elephant, which made so much beef for our men, we could not get them to start on with us he next day as we had intended, for they were so busy, - first fetching the meat, then cooking, eating, and smoking that which was over for the journey: so we were obliged to wait another night; and, starting early in the morning, we arrived here a little after midday the following day. I like the appearance of the station much; and I am very much pleased with the bright, intelligent faces of many of the boys here. I was surprised to see such a good number, and I am hoping now to get some of the language; now I am settled, I hope to go more thoroughly into it.

A Present. Mrs. Ingham seems quite able to make herself understood, both to the children and to adults. How I long to be able to do so! On Saturday night we encamped in a town, and about one hundred of the women came to see me. How grieved I was I could not speak to them, for what a glorious opportunity it would have been of making known a Saviour's love! And on the following morning, one of them brought me a dash (a present), which consisted of one fowl, a quagr, and a piece of tobacco. Although my knowledge of the language was small, I made both women and men understand I did not smoke; and I suppose they read my disgust of that practice in my face, for all laughed most heartily. I disliked smoking at home, but I abhor it here, for you seldom meet a woman without a pipe in her mouth. The People. I have had another fever, which lasted about a week. The Lord in his great mercy raised me up again. Oh, may it be that I may serve him more faithfully! I felt discouraged at the low state af the people at my first arrival, and thought it almost impossible to love them. But I praise the Lord he has removed that temptation from me, for it is my great desire to live for this dark-skinned race. I love them, and already feel quite at home amongst them, and I praise the Lord for calling me to such a glorious work.

Rev. John McKittrick.

BANZA MANTIKA, Sept. 1, 1884. Journeyings. After our arrival at Banana, we crossed to Mukimvika at the earliest possible opportunity; but, owing to the difficulties connected with crossing and re-crossing the river, we missed the up-river steamer, and so had to make ourselves as comfortable as we could under the circumstances. The floor is a hard bed, I can assure you; and, should this statement need confirmation, I think Glenesk's testimony would be sufficient. However, time brought us another steamer, and so we said good-bye to dear White and his station, steaming up the river at a pretty good rate; and, before sun