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2 TUB SOURCES OF CHINESE OPPOSI TION TO CHRISTIANITY. Christianity meets with opposition every where but the sources of this dislike are not always the same. Wherever it has con quered it has had to win its way. “Going forth conquering and to conquer is the Scriptural description of its progress in the W to the natural opposition of the human heart which the religion of Jesus has to encounter everywhere, there are other hindrances to i - s progress in heathen lands, and some [>eculiar obstacles to be overcome before it will prevail in China Let us look at some of these. Any one will take but a partial view if he dwells exclusively on any of these as the source : 1. Foremost among these is the conserva tive character of the people. They revere the ancient order of thines, and yet there is a profound state of dissatisfaction with the present order among the masses of China The rapidity with which the Tai Peng re bellion spread throughout the principal provinces of China twenty years ago, shows that the conservation of the masses is not complete. The progress of Christian mis sions, too. shows that the Chinese are not all irremediably wedded to idolatry. A little water in the bottom of the kettle will soon boil, but it takes a long 'ime to boil a large chaldron full. So, apart from the character of the people, a small country like Japan, or the South Sea islands, is more easily affected than the 300,000 000 of China. Far more labor makes less show. 2. Another source of opposition, and one of the greatest we have to contend against is, that Christianity is a foreign religion. The Chinese, and especially the ruling classes, look on everything from a political point of view. They see how England has gradually absorbed nearly the whole of India, and how she has acquired possession of Hong Kong, and gained a foothold on the mainland. They regard missionaries as political agents sent out by their respective countries to gain over the hearts of the people, and so gradu ally prepare the way for European occupa tion. They look on our native converts as traitors to their country, who have identi fied themselves with foreigners, and will be ready, in case of war, to act as spies and scouts. The Chinese have been strengthened in these suspicions by the fact that the Romish missionaries have mingled in political in trigues both in China and Japan, that they now claim to rank with Chinese officials, and that some Protestant missionaries have entered government service as interpreters, consuls, etc. The Chinese, however, are beginning to understand us better, and some mandarins are even willing to encourage Protestant missions as an offset to French and Catholic influence, which they dread still more. Most of them prefer to have as few points of con tact as possible with foreigners. Much of the opposition to railroads being introduced into China, arises from this same source. The Chinese generally have but little oppo sition to our religion as such ; it is because it comes as a foreign system that they object to it. 3. Much opposition arises from the literati they have been looked up to by the masses as their guides and leaders, and they resent any one else, especially any foreigner, taking their places as the accepted guides of opin ion They are the Scribes and Pharisees of China, and Christianity meets from them precisely the same opposition that it did from the Pharisees and Sadduces in our Sa vior's time. Some of these, however, have become converted, and our Christian litera ture is being read by the literary classes more and more every .year. 4. The freedom of social intercourse be tween the sexes in Western lands is another stumbling block to the Chinese. Oriental ideas of restriction were shocked at Western freedom even in the apostles' days. Os •course abandoned women are found in China as everywhere, but, as a general thing, loose neas of morals does not appear on the surface in Chinese society. The women are gener ally chaste in dress and deportment. When the Chinese go to Europe and see the semi nude figures in the ballet, and the low necked dresses in state balls, they return with their minds fully determined that if this is civilization and Christianity, these shall never be introduced into China if they can help it. The loose lives of many Europeans who are living in the open parts of China, only confirms them in the belief that Christianity (for they judge of it by its results, as they sunpo'e'. seen in the representatives of so called Christian nations), tends to looseness of morals as far as intercourse between the sexes is concerned. 5. The facts that opinion has been forced upon them by a Christian nation, and that Christian na'ions have been engaged in kid napping and selling coolies, only convince them the more strongly that Christianity, as judged bv its fruits, is not a desirable thing, and especially that Western nations are only influenced by the greed of gain in all that thev do. .... , 6. Their intercourse with foreigners has not generally tended to increase their esti mate of their religion It must be remem bered that the Chinese expect influences to extend from above downwards, that they take court-life as being better than common life, that thev expect the government to be actuated by the spirit of the religion of the land. j I was interested in reading, the other day, some extracts from the diary of Tin Ta Jen, a Chinese embassador to England. He was taken to see the arsenals and navy yards, the men-of-war, and the parades, and his reflection is that Western civilization is all in the direction of brute force, —that it is destructive, and not constructive,—that it does not tend to justice and humanity as the teachings of the Sage (Confucius) do. So with regard to the freedom of intercouse be tween the sexes, —he does not see much to admire. As society is constituted in China, morali ty ia based upon seclusion, and it is not strange that all freedom appears, to an ori ental mind, as license. Chinese officials who visit Europe see little of the Christian homes of England, or of the home life of Germany. They are not able to judge of the influence of religion on the masses of the people. So with regard to the Chinese who come to California, they do not generally go home very much prepossesed in favor of Chris tianity. Still, they are learning to distin guisb between the Americansconnected with the Protestant churches and the base ele ment of American society that prosecutes them. These are some of the obstacles Christiani ty has to overcome in China. What are we to do? Make a pusillanimous retreat ? Stand aghast and let our arms fall helplessly at our sides ? No: let us go forward strong in the might of God's spirit 1 Much has been done. Surprising progress has been made. China is opened as it never has been before. Prejudices are melting away before the ear nest words and consecrated lives of the em bassadors of Christ. Souls are added to the number of believers in Jesus every year. We need the contributions and, above all, the prayers of God's people. By God’s help China’s millions shall yet be evangelized. B. H. Graves. THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN BAPTIST: THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1881. FRIENDSHIP SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSO CIATION. To Pastors, Superintendents and Teachers of Sunday Schools in the Friendship Asso ciation: Dear Brethren : By a resolution at the last Sunday-school Convention, it was made my duty, as President, to address you con cerning “the objects of the Convention, and such other information as may be useful in increasing the interest in the Sabbath school work." The objects of the Convention are “to or ganize, maintain and improve Sunday schools, and to advance the Redeemer's cause.” If I can add a word to increase your inter est in this cause, I shall have achieved a good work. I apprehend that, at no time, has there been a more urgent need for Sab bath-school work than now, that the young may be thoroughly armed with the truths of the Bible before the insidious iufidelity of the present age shall sap and mine their tender hearts. It I recollect correctly, it is claimed that largely more than half of the Sunday school scholars of the world are in the United States. And here it is, I think I can safely say, that evangelical religion has the great est impetus, unless it be in the small country of Wales. There, as was said in the Nation*, al Sunday-School Convention, two-thirds of all ages are in the Sabbath-schools. One of the circuit judges there, after ten years of service in three counties, said that during that period only six persons had been con victed before him. In 1864, in all Wales, there was only one person found guilty of murder; and it is claimed that this advance in morals is tracea ble, step by step, to the agency of the Sab* bath school. I do not believe we realize the rich harvest that is to be gathered from the Sabbath school cause ;—like the mustard seed in the Good Book, it will yet grow and expand into much larger proportions. “I think myself happy” in being permit ted to address pastors—the messengers of the Most High —on such an importaut sub ject. You we deem “expert in aM customs and questions," touching the interest of the Sibbath-school, and the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause; “wherefore I beseech you to hear me patiently.” The Convention is anxious that each church shall have a Sabbath-school. Will each pastor in the Friendship Association take the responsibility to see to it in person, that a school is established in each of his churches? The Convention, by resolution, requested that the pastors preach on the Sunday school work, and call special attention to the Con vention and its work. In pusuance of this resolution, we request the pastors to preach on this subject on the first Sabbath in June, and on the succeeding Sabbaths, where they have more than one church. Our next Convention will be held with Mt. Carmel church, Marion county, on the fifth Sabbath in July. We would be glad that the churches and schools send us a full delegation; they will be entertained by kind and hospitable brethren. Brother T. C. Boykin is our State Sunday- School Evangelist, and I think works with love and effective zeal for the Master, giving bis time and talent to this important cause ; "a workman worthy of his hire.” We ask that the churches and echools in sending their letters and messengers, send also suitable contributions for his support and for the advancement of the cause, such as brethren from willing hearts lay on the altar of the Lord. Affectionately, J. A. Ansley, President Friendship 8. 8. Convetion, Americus, Ga. JOTTIKGa BY TBB WAY. Editor Index :—My last letter left me near No. 15 C. R. R. Thence I went to Big Sandy church in Wilkinson county, one of the oldest and largest churches in that por - tion of the country. Rev. B. C. Green is the pastor, and has a fine congregation. Brother Green is a faithful and zealous min ister, preaching with great fervency, and the Lord has blessed his labors. I dined with brother R. R. Stanley, and spent a pleasant afternoon. Later in’the afternoon, another brother Stanley, whose initials have escaped me at this moment, came for and carried me to spend the night with our aged broth er, Rev. T. W. Dupree. This good brother resisted the conviction that it was bis duty to preach until a few years ago. I spent a truly pleasant season with him and his family Back to church on Sunday. Bro ther Green preached an earnest sermon to an attentive congregation. It was our priv ilege while here to receive a good list of sub scribers for The Index- Back to the Central R. R. and thence over the Macon & Brunswick to Dodge county, where I spent a day or two, but I regret to say not very successfully. Thence to Haw kinsville. Arrived just in time to attend the Sunday school pic-nic. The pic-nic was held in the grove where old Hartford once stood. The old village is all gone now, nothing remains to show that there ever was a village or town here. I could scarcely re alize that it was ever in contemplation to lo cate the capital of Georgia here, but such was the case. To-day all the Sunday-schools of Hawkinsville assembled here for their annual gala day. Col. Lamar, the honored Representative from this county in the Leg islature, delivered an address, the brass band rendered delightful music, while the Sun day schools sang as only they (Sunday schools) can sing. The people of Hawkins ville and vicinity were here en masse, and a happy re-union it was. A splendid dinner was served, after which all betook themselves to social enjoyments, as suited the varied tastes and eyes. It was my first visit to this part of the country, but brethren G. R. Me Call and J. S. Willis, and my long time friend, George P. Woods, of the Hawkins ville Dispatch, soon had me armed, and made me feel that I was truly among friends and brethren. Spent the night (Friday) at the pleasant home of Mr. Woods, and Saturday morning Master Julian Willis accompanied me to Harmony church, in Dooly county. This is an old church, having been constituted a great many years ago, and has a member ship numbering about two hundred. Brother Steely is the pastor, and has fine congrega tions. I formed many pleasant acquaiutan ces here, and have the promise of a large subscription list to The Index. This portion of the country has suffered severely from drought, having had a partial failure of crops for three years past. Plant ers who have always produced corn and ba con for home consumption, and, perhaps, to spare, are now, many of them, buying botb. The growing crops, however, are looking well and, with reasonable seasons, the corn cribs and smoke-houses will be filled again next fall. Spent Saturday afternoon and night most pleasantly with our good brother, Horn and family. On Sunday, not many miles distant from where I was, in this, (Dooly) county, a most shocking tragedy occurred, the par ticulars of which have been published in many of the papers of the State. A promis ing and highly esteemed young man was shot and instantly killed by his brother. Strong drink was the cause of it. Ido think that the time has come when every Christian should take a decided stand against the sale of intoxicating liquors I There should be no halt way ground in this matter! If every professing Christian in Georgia would do this, there would not be a liquor shop in the entire State twelve months from to-day But, I regret to say, there are Baptists, so called, whose names are on our church re cords, who frequent bar-rooms and embibe the poisonous stuff there sold. It is with a feeling of shame that I say this. God grant that the day may be at hand when it cannot be truthfully said. Permit me to say, how ever, before I leave this unpleasant subject, that I believe we are about as free, as a de nomination, from this curse as are any of the denominations of the laud, but I want Baptists to be a little better than others—to be truly “the light of the world." Back to Hawkinsville Sunday afternoon, and to the home of my good friend, Mr. Jas. D. Stetson, whom I have known from his early childhood, he having been reared in good eld Milledgeville. It was, indeed, pleasant to be with “Jimmie" again after our long years of separation, and to enjoy the society of his excellent family. Monday to work Brother McCall, who has so long been the beloved pastor of the Baptist church here, rendered me most effU cient service, and the result was a fine list of new subscribers, both for The Index and Biographical Compendium. I have never had a more pleasant time at any place in all my travels. Hawkinsville is truly a charm ing little city, and is certainly blessed with a large hearted people. I shall never forget the great kindness and unbounded hospitali ty extended to me during my stay in their midst I did my best to accept all the invi tations to dine, to take tea. or spend a night, but my time was too short. The Baptist church here is strong, not only in members, but in efficiency. The church is preparing to erect a new house of worship, a part of the lumber is now upon the ground. Just here I wish to say something that I know will be good news to friends of Mercer University everywhere, who do not know it already. I have been frequently asked if the Mercer stock in the Georgia railroad had been sold? I now answer no, it has not been sold. The Treasurer, Rev. G. R Mc- Call, was urged, by many brethren indiffer ent parts of the State, to sell out when the stock rose to 135, but he declined to do so— not believing it to be best to sell. How he could resist when so many of our wisest and best brethren urged a sale, I can understand only in one way: the good Lord is watch ing protecting and blessing the seed sown by Jesse Mercer. I have thought this before —I believe it now, and that the great work will go on and on to bless the land and ad vance the cause of Christ. But I hear the train approaching, and will have to close. J. M. G. Medlock. BRETHREN MORROW AND KENNEDY. Editors Index : The churches in this section do not manifest as much zeal for the Master as we would like to see; yet, out of their poverty, they are contributing some thing to His cause, and there is a growing disposition in them toeoforceorderand good discipline. You. brother editor, have had much to do in setting us right on this point. The Sharon church. Columbia county, has sustained quite a loss in the death of deacon P. G. Morrow, who died April 28th, in his eighty-second year. This church passed through a sad declension. Brother Morrow was the last of the good men who sustained the cause during those dark years. To day we have a new church, except a few sisters. Few men had more of the con fidence and love of his community and brethren than did Deacon Morrow. It may not be out of place to say a pleas ant word about elder James H. Kennedy, who died December 16th,1880. in his seventy fifth year. He joined the Shiloh church. Greene county. April, 1828. and was baptized by elder Jack Lumpkin. He was ordained to the ministry March. 1832, at Pine Grove, McDuffie county. He studied theology under elder B. M Sanders. He had a good and retentive mind, with a fair English edu cation. He was a good preacher, and a fine exhorter He served the following churches: Salem, Sharon. Bethlehem, Bethel, Pine Grove, in Georgia, and Redoak Grove, Plumb Branch and Buffalo, in South Carolina He was cut off from the pastoral work by the loss of his eyesight ; but, although blind, he traveled and preached a great deal for the last twenty or thirty years of his life. He was a useful man ; his labors were blessed; he baptized agreat manv, some of whom are to day in heaven with him. He left a wife, with many relatives and friends, to mourn his loss. It appears that many of our best men are dying. Perhaps Georgia has never, during one year, lost so many good, useful and prominent men as she’ has the last twelve months. It surely becomes us who remain to copy in our lives the virtues of these hoiy men,—to shun their faults, improyeon their lessons of experience, take courage and labor perseveringly for our Lord, knowing that we do not "labor in vain in the Lord.” Fraternally, J. H. Fortson. Danburg, Ga., May 3d, 1881. The Sunday-School. ZnfernaHonaZ Sunday-School Lesson*. Lesson A".— June 5, 1881. THE CRUCIFIXION. Luke XXIII. 33-46 —April, A.D. 30. Read Matt, xxvii. 33 50; Mark xv. 22 38 ; Join xix. 17-30. Leaving Jericho, the scene of our last les son, our Lord arrived at Bethany, about two miles from Jerusalem, on Friday evening, six days before the Passover. There he re-, mained over Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. On Sunday be made his triumphal entry into the Holy City, returning at night to Bethany. Ou Monday he went again into the city, and entering the temple drove thence the crowd of trdears that had gath ered there, returning, as the day before, to Bethany at night. Ou Tuesday he went again to Jerusalem, and on that day, among other instructions, spake the parables of the two sons, the wicked husbandmen and the wedding garment. Again returning to Bethany at night, he remained there during Wednesday, going to Jerusalem on Thurs day afternoon. Having eaten the Passover there with his disciples, he went to Gethse mane, where, at midnight, be was arrested, taken back to the city and, by morning, condemned to death, this brings us to our lesson, one of the most mysterious scenes ever witnessed on earth. OUTLINE. I. Crucified, v. 33, 34. 11. Derided, v. 35 39. 111. Saving, v 40 43. IV. Dying, v. 44 46. NOTES. I. Crucified. V. 33. “They.” They procession conduct ing Jesus and the malefactors to execution. “Calvary.” Literally, "the place, which is called a skull.” Matthew, Mark and John give the Hebrew name, Golgotha. Calvary is the English form of the Latin word calva ria, which means a skull. "Crucified him.” Stripping him of his clothing, they placed him on the cross as it lay upon the ground, and stretching his arms along the cross beam, drove huge iron nails through the open palms of his hand into the wood. Then through each foot, or through both, placed one over the other, they drove other nails. “The malefactors.” The Savior was placed between these as a mark of contempt. V. 34. “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them,” etc. This prayer was uttered proba bly as the soldiers were nailing him to the cross. It was sprayer for all who participa ted in the crucifixion. It was a fulfilment of the prophecy of Is. 53:12, and an exem plification of our Lord's instruction to his followers, “fray for them which despite fully use you. “Parted his raiment, and cast lots," These were the perquisites of the soldiers who nailed him to the cross. In this act a party of heathen soldiers, without the interference of either friend or enemy of Jesus, fulfilled to the letter the piediction of Ps. 22.18, which gave one garment by lot to one person, and divided the remainder among them all. 11. Derided. V. 35. ‘ The people stood beholding.” Awe-struck, they remained quietly looking on for a while. "The rulers also.” This implies that the people who at first were si lently beholding, were afterwards derided. “Dended.” Scoffed at. "He saved others.” Their reference is to his works of healing and raising from the dead. Thus they involun tarily acknowledge his power really to save others. Deeply outraging him, they yet attest, unconsciously, his greatness. "Let him save himself.” Words full of bitter hatred. V. 36. "The soldiers also.” Heathensand Jews alike scoff at the innocent sufferer. “Vinegar.” The sour wine, which was the usual drink of the soldiers, they mockingly offer him. V. 37 The rulers deride him for calling himself the Christ, but these soldiers to whom that term meant nothing make sport of him as a pretended king V. 38. “A superscription was also written." This had been probably placed over the Sa vior’s head before the cross was lifted from the ground. All who saw it could read in at least one of the languages, who he was. Thus was proclaimed, in the three great languages of the world, the truth which drew the Magi to the manger, and which will yet be owned by all the race of Adam. V 39. “One of the malefactors railed on him.” Joined in the general scoffing by crying out against him. Perhaps both reviled at first. See Mark 15:32. It is not absolutely necessary, however, to admit the scoffing of both. It may be thus explained. Not only did the people who stood by. the rulers and the soldiers, scoff, but even his fellow suffer eta, the thieves. Compare Matt. 2:20, where “they” is used and Herod meant. 111. * Saving.” V. 40. “Rebuked” sharply and with deep feeling. “Thou” Emphatic. "Fear God. Are you not afraid to meet God as your judge, before whom you are about to appear. •In the same condemnation." These men and Jesus had been condemned to death on the same charge, viz: Sedition against the Romish government. See 23:2. V. 41. "We indeed justly.” A full con fession. "Hath done nothing amiss.” Lit erally. out of place. In claiming to be king, he did nothing amiss. The words of the malefactor meant much more than he thought. V. 42. Observe closely the prayer. “Lord.” He uses the language of profound reverence. “Remember me.” He does not ask libera tion from the cross. He expects soon to die. He only asks to be remembered. “Into thy kingdom.” Rather, in thy kingdom. He believes the declaration of the superscription that Jesus is the king. A bold and surpris ing prayer, when we remember that even the apostles' faith in the Messiah was wonder fully shaken. V. 43. “And Jesus said unto him." To every taunt of ruler, people, soldier and malefactor the Savior had observed steadfast silence, but to the petition of this believing penitent he gives an immediateanswer. “In paradise.” The Savior promises more than he asked. Paradise here is that part of Hades referred to in Lesson VII as “Abraham’s bosom.” “In the assurance of a being with the Lord in this Paradise, there is, at the same time, included for the Penitent Thief the promise of the resurrection of the just, and of further participation in the blessings wAtbe Messianic kingdom.” ”lV Dying. ' 'V. 44. "Sixth hour.” Noon. “Darkness.” Supernatural. "All the earth,” land of Pal estine “Ninth hour.” Taree o’clock p. m. V. 45. “The veil of the temple was rent in the midst.” The thick veil between the holy and the holy of holies. Two things are to be noticed here. The veil was torn from top to bottom, and the temple itself remain ed uninjured. It was not, then, the result of an earthquake. V. 46. “with a loud voice.” He does not die, then, from weakness. “Commend.” Commit. “Gave up the ghost.” Expired. HINT FOR TEACHING. Gather from the four gospels as complete a picture as you can of the whole scene of the crucifixion. Present, in your own language, the actual nailing to the cro»s, the jeers of the four classes, —people, rulers, soldiers and malefactors. Show the awful wickedness of such treatment ot one against whom no crime had been proved, but one, on the con trary, who ever went about doing good. Make as clear as possible the Penitent Thief s plea, and the merciful answer of the Savior Show how Jesus died for our sins. Then re turn to the very language of the Scripture account and let your class read together the lesson as a close of your teaching. THE WHISKEY TRAFFIC. The abolition of the whisky traffic would certainly be a great achievement; and while Baptists do not believe that they, as a de nomination, should be politically blended with the State, yet I maintain that it is their duty and privilege as citizens to do all that they can to effect such an important end. We should not be content to sit still and say, "do as you please,” but by all means we, as good citizens, should cooperate with the advocates of so praiseworthy an enterprise Let it be known and felt all over this State, as far as The Index goes, and as far as. Ba ptist influence extends, that we are an anti whisky people. Fraternally, H. T. Smith. Swainsboro, Ga., May Bth, 1881. The English, after all, risetoa higher level than any other nation. There is a sturdy love of the right at the basis of the English character—and no foolishness of any sort. Their conduct in the matter of the Transvaal is worthy of all praise. Smarting under a defeat at the hands of the Boers, Gladstone comes forward and asks, What is our duty? There was, of course, the usual talk on the part of many about what honor required them to do in order to wipe out the disgrace of defeat, but the government remained firm in its determination to ascertain what was just. This is one of the greatest victories of modern times—the dawn, wehope, of anew era in the policy which will control other nations, as well as Great Britain, in the future. We say it was a great victory; Eng land will never regret it if she is the first to demonstrate that fairness and justice at the hands of a nation are as imperatively de manded as on the part of an individual.— Southern Presbyterian. In its contest with the Boers —a con temptible little power in South Africa —England was worsted. But it has risen grandly from defeat by achieving one of the sublimest victories known in history. It has conquered its own pride. England has conquered Eng land, and that is what no other power on earth can do. The Christian world cannot use terms too strong in express ing its appreciation of the noble course of Mr. Gladstone. Judge Crockett, of the Supreme Court, California, was baptized on Lord’s day even ing, April 24th, and finited with the First Baptist church in Oakland. He iz in his seventy-third year, and has been eleven years on the Supreme Bench of the State. Missionary Department. REV. J. H DkVOTIE, D.D., I REV. C. M. IRWIN, f Editors, Mission Board of the Georgia Baptist Conven tion—Officers: Rev. R. B. Head den, President; Rev. J. H. DeVotle, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer; Rev. V. C. Norcroa, Recording Secretary. Members—Revs. D. W. Gwin, A. T. Spalding, H. C. Hornady, F. M. Daniel, V. C. Norcross, Dr. Jas. 8. Lawton. Atlanta; G. A. Nun nally, Rome; D. E. Butler,Madison; J. G. Ryals and R. B. Headden, Cartersville; J. H. DeVote. Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.—Rev. H. A. Tupper, D. D., Corres ponding Secretary, Richmond, Va. Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention—Rev. Wm. A. Mclntosh, D.D., Cor responding Secretary, Marlon, Alabama. FOREIGN MISSION BOARD. EXTRACTS FROM THE TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT MADE TO THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVEN TION A T COLUMBUS, MISS., MA Y FIFTH, 1881. DEATH OF A VICE-PRESIDENT. On the 7th of February, 1881, Rev. T. B Espy, D. D., vice President of this Board for the State of Arkansas, after a fortnight's in tense suffering, entered the rest that “re maineth to the people of God.” One who krew him well says of him : “As to the life of Dr. Espy, it was without spot or blemish. A purer man never lived in Arkansas. He gave his heart and life, without division, to Christ How we shall miss him in the church I How we shall miss him as Presi dent of our Mission Board ! How we shall miss him in the whole State! We are all crushed with agreat sorrow ” But the work at home and abroad is the work of the Mas ter, who has called to his reward the faithful servant. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shell see God.” RETURN AND DEPARTURE OF MISSIONA RIES. In June last, Rev. and Mrs. R. H. Graves, of Canton, China, after eight years of severe labor, returned to this country, with the consent of the Board, in part to recruit their strength. Since their arrival they have done much to quicken interest in the work lying ntarest to their heart. They expect to go back to China in the fall of this year. Mrs. M. T. Yates with her daughter, Mrs. Seaman, embarked for Shanghai last Sep tember. Dr. Yates writes: "During the entire voyage—from September 11th to No vember 14th—they did not encounter a sin gle storm. Such a thing is unprecedented. Truly God has been good to me and mine Blessed be his name forever.” Rev. J. H. Eager, of Mississippi, accepted by the Board on August 4th, 1880, sailed from New York with his wife, formerly Miss Olive M Board, of Bedford county, Va., on the 18:h of October, and arrived in Rome— his field of labor—on the 12th of Novem ber. Rev. and Mrs. W. B. Bagby, of Texas, sailed from Baltimore, in the bark Yamoy den, January 13th, and arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazri, as announced by telegraph, on the 2d of March. They started soon after for their station, at Santa Barbara, in the province of San Paulo. woman’s work. The Board cannot commend too highly the efforts of our Christian women. Yearly their interest increases. In the early future, it is hoped that the Societies connected with our Board, will be more perfectly organized under the State Central Committees, when the difficulty of obtaining full statistics will be diminished. The number of societies is some five hundred. The contributions of three hundred and fifty of them amount to $6 244 30 These figures represent, very in adequately, the work of our women for For eign Missions. JOINT COMMITTEE ON CONTRIBUTIONS. Following the instruction of the Conven tion that the Board should “appoint a joint Committee of three, whose duty it shall be to prepare a paper setting forth, if possible, some plan by which this Convention may better succeed.in reaching for contributions the masses of our Southern churches,” the Boards agreed on the mover of this action, Rev. F. H. Kerfoot, D. D , of Maryland, as Chairman of the Committee. The Home Board appointed Rev. W. C. Cleveland, D. D., of Alabama, and our Board appointed H. K. Ellysun, Esq , of Virginia, as the other two members of the Committee. This Board understands that its duty was limited to the appointment, jointly with the Home Board, of this Committee; and that no responsibili ty attaches to the Board with regard to the report which the Committee may present to the Convention. It is hoped that these brethren, eminently fitted for the work, may devise some plan which, cither harmonizing several theories held in the Convention, or superseding them by something better, shall secure the hearty approval of the churches, and accomplish, by the blessing of God, the end contemplated by the Convention. treasurer’s report and building FUNDS. Receipts and Disbursements. The Treasurer's receipts have been $46,- 820.48. His disbursements, $46,179.43 ; leav ing on hand $64105. The liabilities, $6,389. 72, reported last year, have been discharged The Torre Pellice chapel fund was $3 000. Dr. Taylor drew for SI,OOO of it. The re mainder is temporarily invested in $1,600 City of Richmond 8 per cent, bonds, costing $2056, which are safe and available. A small additional sum has been received for t is chapel. The Treasurer holds, also, the $5 000 Isaac Davis fund. This beautiful state of our finances demands gratitude to God. Moon Building Fund. In our last report, the reasons were given for the investment of this fund, ($1,951 57), in United States securities. On application of Miss Moon, who does not need the money for a house, the donors allowed its appro priation to a debt of many years standing, (1,70195 Taels), on the chapel at Tung Chow, and $2,091 38 was sent to Dr. T. P Crawford, who held the obligation of the Board. Second Canton Residence. This house Rev. E. Z. Simmons expects to complete this spring. The fund collected for it ($4 591 87), is in the treasury of the Canton Mission. The lot purchased is near the present mission house. An intervening lot will probably be secured by private sub scription, which would render the mission premises very compact, and ample, and valuable. Chapels at Rome and Torre Pellice. The cost of the Rome chapel has been $30,5,9.73 Since our last report SSO has been received for the chapel. This amount, with a balance of $189.76 held in reserve for contingent expenses, making $239.76. will be applied, if so much is needed, to drainage and other similar work on the premises, which the Board has authorized Dr. Taylor to do. The mission at Rome agree that an other story should be put on the mission house. The Board, because of pressing needs in other fields, has not, as yet, authorized this improvement. For the Torre Pellice chapel $149.10 has been received this year, making the whole amount received $3,149 10. A lot has been bought for L 3.220, equal to about S7OO. Dr. Taylor asks for $2,000 more than the remainder of the fund, as necessary to erect the chapel. Shall not the friends of Italian Missions speedily raise the amount, lest mockers say, “This man began to build, and was not able to finish !” APPLICATION FOR CUBA. At the last meeting of the Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, the following resolution was adopted: “Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to look after the establishmen of a Christian mission in the island of Cuba, and report at the next meeting of this Con vention.” The Chairman of the appointed commit tee, Rev. J. B. Hamberlain, wrote to the Board: “The three Baptist sisters I wrote you of a year or two ago, are still in Cuba, and longing for a pastor or missionary, and are able to help support one. • • • The names, etc., of these ladies should be kept private as a protection to them. They be lieve they would be severely persecuted if known to the Catholics. Your Board should send the missionary or missionaries. We believe that, if sought for, one or more could be found, and would be sustained. We sug gest that you make, to the Secretary of State at Washington, inquiries as to the toleration or protection of Baptist missionaries in Cuba.” Having recently started missions in Mexico and Brazil, ar d our missions in China being greatly in need of men and means, the Board, while sympathizing with the desire to give the Pure Word to Cuba, did not feel at lib erty to do more than to make the inquiries of the Secretary of State, requested by the committee of the Mississippi Convention. The reply of Mr. Blaine Is as follows: Department of State, 1 Washington, March 18, 1881. J H. A. Tupper, Esq., Corresponding Secreta ry of the Southern Baptist Convention, Richmond, Va.: Sir : I have received your letter of the Bth instant, wherein, representing the Southern Baptist Convention, you inquire, "Whether the Spanish or Cuban Government would protect or tolerate Baptist missionaries in Cuba; and, if not, whether our Government would do anything, by treaty or otherwise, to secure protection for any of our citizens, whom the above named Convention might appoint as missionaries to that island ?” In reply, I have to observe that, while the existing treaty relations between the United States and Spain protect the rights of citi zens, as such, i o assurance can be given in advance as to the action of foreign authori ties toward the missionaries themselves or in respect to their work. This government, however, is always ready to give all due pro tection to Americans, if their rights as citi zens are infringed. I may add that it is not thought likely that your agents in Cuba will meet other greater obstacles than in the countries named by you, where the Conven tion already has missions. I am, sir, your obedient servant, Jambs G. Blaine. The following excerpts are from recent communications of Rev. Edward Kenney, D. D., missionary to Havana, Cuba, of the Pro testant Episcopal Church, to the Cuba Church Missionary Guild of this country: "Recently I have dared to have notices prin ted and posted in the hotels and at promi nent places throughout the city. In a few instances they have been torn down, but with these exceptions there has been no dif ficulty occasioned either by the district mag istrates or the police force of Havana. • • Several attempts have been made, with per sons of influence here, to secure permission to build, but it has seemed unwise to push the matter to a decision until the Island of Cuba shall be fairly represented in the Spanish Cortes, and the promi ed reforms distinctly promulgate! as the law of the land. * * Nine years ago it was a pun ishable offence for a clergyman not of the R. C. Communion to hold a church service here, and we were compelled to meet for prayer and praise, and for the ministration of the sacrament, in the harbor of Havana. * • Eight years ago ,we held our service with closed doors, having succeeded so far as to establish ourselves on shore. • » In Jan uary, 1879, we held our first service in our present hall in the Hotel Passage, re ted for $27 (gold) per month. » • What opposi tion was met with at the outset from Jesuits and clerics, was checked by the frowning presence of theguns of our ships of war, and by the liberal folds of the Stars and Stripes, until a footing, prudent and proper, is made for the planting of the Cross. MEXICAN MISSION. Agreeably to the action of the Convention at its last meeting, Rev. John O. Westrup, who had been supported in Mexico by breth ren in Texas, was formally adopted as our missionary, and stationed at Musquiz.in the State of Coahuila. On the 18th of December, while on his way from Monetery to Musquiz, he was barbarously murdered and mutilated by a band of Indians and Mexicans. A brother writes: “Brother Westrup’s sudden death deprives us of much information re garding his work. He was visiting the five or six little scattered churches and endeav oring to ra'ly them. He was not idle, and others are not idle in trying to take advan tage of his death, to push the claims of their church to nis work.” To his widow, who is residing with her sister, Mrs Newton, at Cudereita, near Monelova, Mexico, the Board has remitted SIOO, which was sent to her husband last October, but was never received by him. Rev. T. M Westrup says of his murdered brother: “ Sometimes I think Catholic fa* naticism or national prejudice had more to do with the case than appears so far.” Brother William M. Flournoy, writing from Laneda, Texas, March 23d, says: "Some are of the opinion that Mexicans, disguised as Indians, had known brother John in Santa Rosa de Musquiz as a Protestant preacher, and butchered his body so through hatred to Protestants.” MEXICO AS A MISSIONARY FIELD. The population of Mexico is nine millions. Three-fourths are Indians or of Indian de scent. They are superior to the Indians of our country, and more given to agriculture. They seem to desire to learn. Three centu ries of papal domination has done nothing for the people. They are only nominally Catholics. Railroads are traversing the country, and commerce is greatly stimula ted. Providence invites the fuller inroad of the gospel of Christ. As a neighboring Re public, and a part of our own cmi nen‘, Mexico calls upon her more favored Chris tian sister to come over and help her. In 1872. the Presbyterians entered the field, and the next year the Methodists. The Episco pal church is also working there. Great success has crowned their labors. There are 10,000 Protestants in Mexico, and a school for every 1,100 of its people. The land is fertile, the mineral resources are boundless, the spirit of improvement is abroad in the country, and the spirit of Christ bids us to go up and possess the land. While others are active, shall we be idle ? Shall not the blood of our martyred brother be the seed of Bap ■ tist churches ? The following has been received from Texas: “At a meeting of the Board of our State Convention, held on the 6’h, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: "That we recommend to the Foreign Mis sion Board the appointment of Rev. T. M. Westrup as the successor of Rev J. O. West rup as missionary to Mexico; and that we pledge our Convention to support him at the same salary we gave his brother, viz : S4OO per annum. That Rev. O C. Pope be ap pointed a committee to inform the Board" at Richmond of our action, and to arrange for the appointment of the missionary.” Brother Westrup has been invited to meet at this Convention a committee of our Board. Brother Pope writes: “Our people have responded to the Mexican mission with a unanimity before unknown, and with the close relations soen to exist between the two countries, I regard Mexico as a most prom ising field for work.”