MINU'l'ES OF THE FOURTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NORTH CHINA MISSION OF THE MET._HO_D_IST_~PISCOPAL C~ SHANGHAI.

Transcription

1 MINU'l'ES OF THE FOURTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE I. NORTH CHINA MISSION OF THE MET._HO_D_IST_~PISCOPAL C~ HELD AT TIENTSIN, SEPTEl\IBER 10-15, SHANGHAI. - AMERICAN PRESE YTERIAN 11IS SION PRE S s

2 OF THE FOURTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NORTH OHINA MISSION OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.. ' HELD AT TIENTSIN, SEPTEMBER 10-15, SHANGHAI: AMERICAN 'PRESBYTERIAN MISSION PRESS

3 NORTH CHINA MISSION 0:1 THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. HIRAM H. LOWRY-S1tperintendent. MISSIONARIES. Hiram H. Lowry, Wilbur F. Walker. George R. Davis, William T. Hobart. Leander W. Pilcher, (in U.S.) Marcus L. Taft. James H. Pyke. ASSISTANT MISSIONARIES. lirs. Parthie E. Lowry, Mrs. Flora M. Walker. Mrs. Maria B. Davis, Mrs. Emily M. Hobart. Mrs. Mary H. Pilcher, (in U.S.) Mrs. Lonise R. Taft. Mrs. Belle G. Pyke. MISSIONARIES OF THE W.F.M.S. Clara M. Cushman, (U.S.) L. Estelle Akers, M.D. Annie B. Sears, Mrs. Charlotte M. Jewell. Elizabeth U. Yates. Ch~en Ta-yung, Wang Ch'eng Pei, Wang Ch'ing Ylin, Shang Ching Y lin, NATIVE PREACHEBS. Ordai'fted. Unordained. Local Deacon. Wang Chiin Ttang. Tte Jui. Li Shao Wen. Yang Ohiin Ho. Wang Cheing Yli.

4 4. lfinutes OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. Chou Yen Fang, Sung I, Wang Chih Ho, Li Lieu Hsiao, Hiram H. J..Jowry, Marcus L. Taft, Te J ni, Local Preachers. Sun Chiu Kao. Ma Chen Ttang. Liu T& Hsin. Wang' Pao TCang. Exlwrters. Hsiang Ming. OFFICERS OF THill AN NUAJ, MEETING. President. English Secretary. Chinese Secretary. OFFICERS OF THE MISSION FOR Hiram H. Lowry, W- T. Hobart, W- T. Hobart, Leander W Pilcher, President. Recording Secretary. Librarian. Historian. H. H. Lowry, G. R. Davis & W T. Hobart ;-Committee on Building. M. L. Taft and T~ Jui-Delegates to Annual Meeting of the American Board. W. F. Walker and Te Jui,'to preach the annual sermons in Chinese, G. R. Davis, to preach the annual sermon in English, 1886, JBtme~ R. Pyke, l W~lliam T.. Ho hart,... Leander W. Pilcher 'fe Jui, Ch~en 'fa Yung,. BOARD OF EDUCATION. term expires

5 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL lreeting. 5 DAILY TRANSACTIONS. FIRST DAY. THURSDAY, September 10th, The Fourteenth Annual Meeting of the North China. Mission of the Methodist Episcopal Church, began its first session in Wesley chapel, Tientsin, China, at 9 A.M. the above date. H. H. Lowry, Superintendent, occupied the chair and conducted the devotional exerciss, lasting half an hour. The selection of Scripture, which he read, was the IV chapter of II Corinthians. M. L. 'l'aft and Te J ui were elected Secretaries to record the proceedings of the ]\{eetings in English and Chinese respectively. The following Committees were then elected, viz :- On, Tempe1'ance and Opium.-G. R. Davis, Chten Ta Yung and Yung Oh~un Ho. On Statistics.-J. H. Pyke and Wang Oh~ing Yiin. On Bible Society Work.-H. H. Lowry, Shang Chting Yun and Li Shao Wen. On Sabbath Observance.-W F. Walker, Wang Ch'eng P'ei, and Chou Yen Fang. On Sunday Schools.-J. H. Pyke, Wang Ohiin Trang, and Sung I. On Education.-J. H. Pyke, Shang Ch"ing Yiin and WangChih Ho. On Self-Support.-H. H. Lowry, Wang Ch\eng prei, and Yang Olliin Ho. On Order of Public W01 ship.-g. R. Davis, M. L. Taft, and Li Shao Wen.

6 .6 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL lleeting. It was moved and carried, that the first five seats on the east side of the chapel and the center row be reserved for members of the Meeting. At the rool-call, the following members responded to their names ;-H. H. Lowry, G. R. Davis, J. H. Pyke, W F. Walker, M. L. Taft, Cht~m Ta. Yung, Te Jui, Wang Ch~eng ptei, Shang Chting Yun, Wang Chlin T'ang, Wang Ch~ing Yli~, Yang Chtun Ho, Li Shao Wen, Chou Yen Fang, Wang Ohih Ho, Sllng I:, Li Lien Hsiao, Hsiang Ming, and Sun Chiu Kao. Also present, Miss L. E. Akers, M.D., and Miss E. U. Yates of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society. Absent ;-L. W. Pileher, W. T. Hobart, and Wang Ch~ing yu. Also, Mrs. C. M. Jewell and Miss A. B. Sears in Peking, and Miss C. M. Cushman in the United States. H. H. Lowry explained that the absence of Mr. Hobart was dne to sickness in his family, and Mr. Pilcher, who was in the U. S., was probably now starting for China. Y-ang Dulin Ho stated that the absenee of Wang Ch~ing Yli was probably occasioned by illness in his family. The examination of eharacters took place, and H. H. Lowry's was passed. J. H. Pyke's ch~racter was passed, and his reports in English and Chinese were read. (See Report A.) Ch'en Tao Yung's character was passed, and his report read. W. T. Hobart's character was passed, and his reports in English and Chinese were read in rus absence, by the r.espective Secretaries. (See Report B.) Wang Ch'ing Yun's character was passed, and his report was read. At this point J. H. Pyke made a few rema.rks upon the progress of W T. Hobart's work, as an incentive to increase..our zeal

7 MINUTES OJ! THE TWELFTH ANNUAL DETING., G. R. Davis' character was passed, and his English report read, which he afterwards verbally translated into Chinese. (See Report C.) W. F. Walker's character was passed, and he gave a. verbal report concerning religious affairs in America, where he had been the past two years. M. L. Taft's character was passed, a.nd his reports in English and Ohinese were read. (See Report D.) Li Shao Wen's character wa.s passed, and a verbal report given. Shang Ch'ing, Yun's character was passed, and a verbal report given. At this juncture, Mr. T. H. King of the China Inland Mission was introduced to the meeting. Yang Ch~ing Ho"s character was passed, and a. verbal report was given. Wang Ohih HoTs character was passed" and a verbal report was given. Hours at which the different committees should meet were then arranged. As W F. Walker was unadvised of his appointment to a Oommittee to examine candidates fol" the second year, Cheen. 'fa Yung was elected in his place. Atfer singing the Doxology, the meeting ajourned with the benediction by J. H. Pyke. SECOND DAY. FRIDAY, September 11th, The Annual Meeting re-assembled at 9 A.H., H. H. Lowry occupying the chair. Yang Ch tun flo conducted the devotioil8i1 exercises, after which the roll was called. The Minutes of the preceding :Meeting in Englieh a.nd Chinese were read and approved~

8 B MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. G. R. Davis read.the report of the Committee on the Order of Public W otship, which was adopted. Miss A. B. Sears' report on "School for Girls' and W o man's Work of Peking" was read by the Secretary. (See Report E.) The reports of Miss L. E. Akers, 1\LD., on medical work and of Miss E. U. Yates on woman's work were read in both Chinese and.english by the respective Secretaries. (See Reports F. & G.) H. H. Lowry read his report on the Tsunhua District in Chinese and English. (See Report H.) Te Jui's character was passed and his report read, Walilg Chiln Trang's character was passed and his report was read. Chou Yen Fan g' s character was passed. The Committee on Examination reported that his avera.ge in examination was about 8 or 9. Chou S.S. then read his report. Wang Oli eng ptei's character was passed and his report read.. Sung 1'8 character was passed and report on his yearly work read. Chten Ta Y ung on Committee of Examination reported his examination to be satisfactory, averaging the same as that of Chou Yen 'Fang. Wang Chih Ho's character was passed. In general studies, the Committee on Examination' report an average of 9 and 9lo- on his sermon. Li Lien Hsiao, Hsiang Ming, Wang Pao T'ang, and Sun Chui Kao, were reported by Li Shao Wen and Te J ui, Committee of Examination, as having an average of 8 in their studies. M. L. Taft gave a verbal statement concerning the work and character of Li Shao Wen. G. R. Davis stated that Wang Pao Ttang was' recomm~nded for Local Preacher's license by. Tsang Chow Quarterly Conference. On motion, said license was granted.

9 :MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 9 Sun Chui Kao was recommended for Local Preac11er's license by the An Chi a Quarterly C(}nference. The Committee on Examination reported that he arvera,ged 9 in examination. He was elected. Hsiang Ming, Li Lieu Hsiao, Wang Pao T'ang, and Sun' Chiu Kao gave reports of their work. Wang Ch'ing Yiin spoke of Hiang Ming's efficient work in Bible disliribution and recommena:ed his election to Local Preacher's orders. BFo. Pyke moved that his Exhorter's license he renewed. Carried. Wang Chlin Tfang stated that Chao Oheng Yang's de- portment was spoken of as very good and by request, Te J ui read a petition from the IDem bel's at Liang. Chih Ho, requesting a renewal of his license. Aft.er remarks by Bros. Walker, Pyke, Sung I, Wang Oh~ing Yiin, Te Jui, Davis al!l:t! Lowry; said license was granted. On motion of Te J ui, seconded by Sung I, Ma Ohen T'ang and Liu Te Hsiu" book-sellevs, weve l'eeommended toreceive Local preacher's licenses. It was voted to grant them said licenses. G. R. Davis advised that Chtang-Ktuei Lin study another year before receiviilg an Exhorter's license. The same course was adopted concerning Lii Wen 0hiian.- Notices were given, and the Meeting adjourned at 12 M.,. with the singing of the doxology,. and the bendietion by Te J ui. THIRD DAY. SATURDAY, September 12th, The Annual Meeting re-assembled at the' usual time and : place, H. H. Lowry occupying the chair. The religious exercises were led by W F. Walker; the roll was called, and; the minutes in English and Chinese' of the previous meeting.. were read and ~pproved.

10 10 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. J. H. Pyke read his report on "Boys' Boarding and Training School" in Peking., (See Report 1.) At this point Rev. F. Brown of the British and Foreign Bible Society of Chefoo, was introduced to the Meeting. The question of recommending Wang Chreng Pei, Wang Ch'ing Yiin and Shang Ch'ing Yiin to Deacon's Orders in ail Annual Conference was then discussed by Bros. Lowry, Walker and Pyke. The first two, Wang Ch'eng Pei and Wang Ching Yiin were recommended by J. H. Pyke to Deacon's Orders in the Ohio and Detroit Conferences respectively. On motion of J. H. Pyke, Shang Ch'ing Yiin was continued on trial, since his habits were extravagant and he was not very successful in making converts. Rev. C. A. Stanley of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions was introduced, and spoke of his acquaintance with the first mis8ionaries of our Society in North China, and gave, by request, the statistics of the work of his Society. Li Shao Wen was continued on trial in W yorning Conference. Yang Cheiin Ho was continued on ti!ial in New Jersey Conference. Wang Ching Yii was continued on trial in North New York Conference. Wang Chiin Ttang was recommended by W. F. Walker to the St. Louis Conference. M. L. 1'aft stated that his conduct in Central China was satisfactory. G. R. Davis thought 'that his deiay in c0d?-ing north was unnecessarily long, as by steamer he might return in about five days, whereas he was several months an the way. M. L. Taft said that he probably. did not ven,ture to return by sea on account of war rumors. W. F. Walker stated that similar rumors of war had detained him and his family longer in the United States, than they had intended. Wang Ch teng Pei stated that Waug Ohiin

11 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 11 T'ang was very popular in Ta.i An, and the members there wished him to be sent as their pastor. J. H. Pyke referred to his visiting acquaintances at a distance on Sunday, and neglecting to preach, and of a disturbance at Tsun-hua, while he he was visiting a theatrical show. On request of W F. Walker Te J ui gave an account of disturbance at Tsun-hua, in which Wang was beaten. f It was decided that he remain in his present status as Local Deacon. At the request of J. H. Pyke the Superintendent publicly reprimanded Wang Ch un T' ang for not properly observing the Sabbath, and for attending theatricals. Chao Ching Yung's election for Local Preacher's license wa!> reconsidered by Wang Chun T' ang, seconded by Wang Chting Yiin, since they had voted for the renewal of his license out of pity. On motion, the action of the previous session was reversed. J. H. Py ke read the statistics of the Mission so as to obtain any eorrections, if necessasy. (See Report J.) After notices were given, the dox01ogy was sung and the benediction pronounced, the meeting adjourned at twelve o'clock, noon. FOURTH DAY. MONDAY, September 14th, The Annual Meeting convened at the usual time and place, the Superint,endent in the chair. Devotional exercises were conducted by M. L. Taft. The roll was called. 'rhe minutes of the pfevious meeting in Chinese and English were read and approved.

12 12 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. The following persons were recommended for admission to Wiley Institute, viz ;-Yang Hsing, Chang Yun Ko, Chiang Pui, Lin Wen Chruan, Lui Wen Ho, VV 11 Uhin Leu, Chang Yang K'uei, Wang Yung, Wei Kao Shun, Wei Wen Kuei, Yen Te Shun, Ch'ai, Hau, Chang Pei Siu, Chang K uei Ting, Shang Li:ao Sau, Chang Shih Yang- and Chang Chiao Chun. The Report of the Committee on Bible Society was read in Chinese by Shang Ching yun. The report was received. JA H. Pyke made some f'emarks urging t-he preachers to take greater interest in book-distribution. The report was adopted. The Reports of the Committee on Sabbath Observance were read in Chinese and English, by Yen Fang and by W. F. Walker. The reports were received and adopted. (See Report K.) 'rhe Reports of the Committee on Sunday Schools were read in Chinese and English, by Wang Ch lin '1 ~ang, and by J. H. Pyke. The reports were received and adopted. (Soe Report L.) The Reports of the Committee on Education were read in Chinese and English, by Wang Chih Ho, and by J. H. Pyke. The reports were received. After remarks, made by J. H. Pyke, Li Shao Wen, Ohren 1'a Yung, Hsiang Ming, Sung I, Wang Chiin T~:wg aud Wang Chtrmg ptei t.he reports were adopted. (See Report M~) The Report of the Committeo on Self-support was read in Chinese by Wang Ch'eng P~ei. On motion of G. R. Davis, seconded by J. H. Pyke, L. W- Pilcher, Te Jui and Ch'en 'l'a Yung were added to the Com mittee on Education. The Report of the Committ,ee on Self-su_pport was read in English by H. H. Lowry. The report was received.

13 MINUTES OJ!' THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 13 Speeches wet'e made by Wang Chtong ptei, W F. \ivalker, Te Jui, Yang Chting Ho, H. H. Lowry, Shang Ching Yun, G. R. Davis and J. H. Pyke. (See Report N.) \Valter R. Lambuth M. D. of the :Methodist Episcopal Churcb, Sou!:h was introduced. After the doxology was sung and the benediclion pronuunced by Dr. Lambutb, the meeting adjourned at twelve o'clock, noon. FIFTH DAY. TUESDAY, September 15th, The Meeting assembled at the usual time and place. The religious exercises were conducted by Wang Ch t eng ptei. The roll was called. The Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. W F. Walker moved, as an amendment to the Report of Committee on Self-support, tbat the recommendation to buy land be stricken out and the disciplinary plan be substituted. The amendment was carried, and the report was adopted. 'rhe Committee on Temperance and Opium reported, the Chinese report being read by Oh'en Ta Yung and the English by G. R. Davis. The reports were received and adopted. (See Report 0.) At this stage of proceeding, Rev. C. A. Stanley as repre sentative of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions of Nl>rth China was introduced. He stated that he had been requested by Dr. Blodgett, the appointed delegate to take his place, and he brought to the Methodist Episcopal Mission of North China, words of congratulation and cheer, to w hlch H. H. Lowry briefly and appropriately replied. Wang Chting Yun replied in Chinese, giving an account of his visit to the Annual Meeting of the.american Board at Tungchow last spring.

14 14 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL }[!ETING. M. L. Taft and Te J ui were elected fraternal delegates to the American Board at the next Annual Meeting. The following Committees on Examination were then appointed viz,'- Exhorters' License-L. W Pilcher and Te J ui. Local Preacher's,,-G. R. Davis and Shang Ch'ing Yiin. First Year-Me L. Taft and Li Shao Wen. Second Year-W T. Hobart and Ch'en Ta Yung. Third Year-W F. Walker and Wang Ch'eng peel Fourth Year-J. H. Pyke and Wang Ching Yiin. It was voted that the place for holding the next Annual Meeting should be Peking. On motion of J. H. Pyke, a vote of thanks was tendered to the Tientsin friends for their hospitality. On motion, the two Secretaries were elected a Committee to have the Minutes printed in Chinese and English. It was moved and carried, that 100 copies of the Minutes in English, and the same number in Chinese be printed. Bro. Pyke presented the following resolution which was carried. "Resolved, that in no case shall the native preacher or church members take any church matters before the Chinese courts, without having first reported the affair to the foreign pastor and obtained his consent." No further business appearing, the journal of the morning session was read and.approved. After a brief intermission, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered, the ap~ pointments for the ensuing year were read and the Fourteenth A.nnual Meeting of the North China Mission or the Methodi:,;t Episcopal Church adjourned Sine die. MARCUS L. TA1!T. Secretary. (Signed) H. H. LOWRY. Superintendetu.

15 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 15 APPOINTMENTS FOR H. H. LowRy-Superintendent. PEKINg DISTRICT,-J. H. Pyke,-Presiding Elder. Asbury Ohapel,-M. L. Tart. Teng Ohen Tang.-Chen Ta Ynng. Southern Oity OircuitJ-W~ T. Hobart and Wang Ching Yiin. Ohang Ping Ohou Oircuit,-To be supplied. Haw Tsun Oircuit,-Wang Chlin rr<ang. }Viley Institute,-J. H. Pyke,-Principal. Theological Depart'l1tent,-L.W. Pilcher and W. T. Hobart. Ohinese Olassics and History,-To be supplied. Nat-ural Science and Mathernatics,-P'an Hsin Sheng. English Language,-1L L. Taft. Prepa'l'atory Department,-To be supplied. Girls' Boarding Se-hool and Woman's Work. Miss A. B. Sears and Mrs. C. M. Jewell. TIENTSIN DISTRICT,-G. R. Davis,-Presiding Elder. Tientsin Wesley Ohapel, W. F. Walker. Ea.st Gate, Shang Ch'ing Yiin. Tsung-Ohou Oircuit, Li Shao Wen. Nankung Oity Oircuit, Yang Chiin Ho. Ohing Ho Oircuit, to be supplied. Medical TVork, Miss L. Estella Akers M.D. Training School lvork for Bible Women. 11:is8 E. U. Yates. An Ohia Oircnit, Wang Chih Ho. Tai An Oircuit, To be supplied. TSUN-HUA DISTRICT,-H. H. Lowry,-Presid'ing Elder. Tsun-hua Oircuit Te J ui. Liang-tzu-ho Oircuit, Wang Ching Yii. Yii-tien Oircuit, Chou Yen-fang. Feng-jun Oirc1.tit, To be supplied. Lau-chou Oircuit, Wang Cheng P' ei, Suug I, and SUD Chui Kao. F-uning Oircuit, L. W Pilcher. Medical Work, To be supplied.

16 16 MINUTES OF1'HE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. A. Report of the Peking District. This District comprises the followiug Appointments: -viz.-:-asbury Ohapel. Southern City Circuit. Feng Chell T"ang Chang P'ing Chou circuit and the Boys' Boarding School and frraining School. There are however but two quarterly conferences, and quarterly meetings were held in but two charges:-asbury Chapel and Southern city Oircuit. On the charge, the quarterly meetings were held alternately in the Southern city Ohapel and at Yang Chia Ying. The Southern city Oircuit and the Schools will be reported separately, so this report will speak more particularly of the other charges. ASBURY CHAPEL Was supplied during the first quarter by myself,dul"ing the second and third quarters by Bro. Lowry and during the fourth by Bro. Walker. Pastor Chen, of Feng Chen Tta,ng also rendered valuable service. During the winter, special services were held in both Asbury Chapel and Feng Chen Ttang for several weeks. Quite a number were awakened and converted, the members were revived and a good deal of interest was manifested by those attending at the street Chapel. A good work was done among the pupils in the schools and Training School. Wir,hin the year ten were baptized and twenty-three were taken on probation. The church has contributed for incidental expenses and the support of the Assistant Pastor, $50.95 (Mexicans) and for Missions, $ While the Sabbath School gave for Missions $32.92 (Mexicans). The total amount contributed during the year was $ In the Sabbath School while there has been no increar:::e in numbers, thorough work has been done. The teachers have been faithful and the scholars studious. The average attend-

17 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 17 ance for the year was 96. sabbath was 131. The largest attendance anyone FENG CHEN T< ANG In ~harge of Pastor Oh (en was opened for street preaching five days each week, except for a short time during the extreme heat of summer. Owing to the demands made upon my time by school work and other duties I was not able to do as much. street chapel preaching as I should have liked. Preacher Chten has labored faithfully and with some success. He is a true man and a growing Christian. CH'ANG P'ING CHOU CIRCUIT Is a nen work. It was not possible to supply it, but two of our colporteurs have visited it several times, and sold books and talked in a number of cities and villages. Bro. Walker a'lld I made a short visit to a few towns and villages during the. summer. As yet we have no members or probationers within the bounds of the circuit. It is with pleasure and gratitude that I refer in conclusion to the work done, and the results seen in the Southern city Chapel. This point has cost the ~iission many years of labor, much anxiety, and not a little money. Heretofore the results have been meagre and unsatisfactory. This year there has been a considerable i~gathering. Many have given evidence of an intelligent faith, and earnest inquirers are increasing. Brothers Hobart and Wang have been faithful in prayer and labor, and are rewarded by seeing a good work. We have had more of the spirit of revival this year, especially the latter part, throughout our work than ever before. We close the year with thanksgiving for the blessings received and hope for the.future. Respectfully Submitted, J. H. PYKE.

18 18 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. E'. Report of the Southern Oity Oircuit for the year ending September 9, The Southern City Circuit consists of one class in the Southern City, and three classes in the country forty miles south of Peking. The latter I have visited six times during the year. We have had no helper at this point this year, but the Southern City. helper and a colporteur have visited them several times. The work, however has been nearly at a stand still during the year. In N ovem ber last I made a trip to the East. Though it was a time of rumors of war, I was not molested and made large sales of books in several market towns. From early in December until the last of February I had charge of a class of nine who came from various parts of our work. They came to be taught the Scriptures with a view to return home and become cla::is leaders or exhorters there. Tlfey made good progress. 1'Iost of them finished a book on the Gospels and Acts j I think it would be profitable to have such a class next year. Except during one month when the helper was sick, the street chapel in the Southern city has been open five days In the week. 'rhe audiences are usually good and our principal progress has been by its means. I have preached usually twice a week there, and have led the Sunday School and preached on Sunday, when in town. Our book store in the Southern City not being profitable, the whole stock was sold out last fall. Having secured a Christian teacher for the boys' day school, it has been much more useful than before. Several of the boys are quile inclined to become Ohristians, and two are now probatigllers. It is vain to look for spiritual results from a school without a Christian teacher.

19 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 19 We ha,ve now on the circuit 58 baptized members and 37 probationers. I have baptized five children and ten adults, and received nineteen on probation during this year. Onr missionary collection from the circuit is $25.14 gold, up, I think, to the $ line. For Circuit expenses the total collected during the year is $25.79 gold. Spiritually there has been some progress, especially at. the southern city, during the year. In May we had a daily prayer meeting for a week or more, by which the helper and attending members were much quickened. A.ltogether we have cause to bless God, that in a year of war we have received so little harm and have made some progress. We thank God and take courage. VVe look for a larger measure of His grace and assistance for the year to come, and resol ve to be more diligent in our efforts to spread the Gospel among these darkened millions. (Signed) W T. Robart Preache1',in charge. c. Report of Tientsin District. 'rhis district was so arranged at our last Annual Meeting as to include Wesley and East Gate chapels of Tientsin, the Tsang-chow, Nan-kung, Ching~ho and Tai-an circuits. This is a district of magnificent distances and few church members. Since December last, 'Vesley Chapel has been under the care of Bro. Taft, East Gate, Li Hsiou Wen, Tc;ang-chow supplied by an exhorter Waug Pao Tn,ng, Nan-kung circuit, Yang Chlin Ho, Chin~;-'l0 circuit, Wang Ching Yli, and Tai-an circuili, Wong Chih Ho and Sun Chih Kao. It was late in the

20 20. MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. season before I could get away from Tientsin in order to visit the work, so I have not been able to visit them as often as I desired, nor remain as long at each appointment as would have been profitable. The Tsang-chow circuit, distant 110 miles has been visited four times. The membership has not changed much either in number or spirit. Only two adults have been :baptized and received into the church. Four children have been baptized. One member has died. Several children in the families of church members were carried off by epidemic. The exhorter, who acted as supply, has been actively engaged in preaching in all the surrounding regions. While the people listened quietly, few seemed, interested, few cared for Ohri~: tian books. N at only here but on all the circuits, the people have been disquieted by absurd war rumors. 1tIanyenquirers have been frightened away, and others durst not show interest in such things. I.am glad to report that in no case did an old member leave through fear. :M:any of the members on the Tsang-chow circuit display a spirit that greatly encourages, showing that" while the church is not growing in numbers many church members are developing in moral character and the knowledge of divine things. Of at hers the reverse, I fear, is true. Of such we will soon be rid. The Nan-kung and Ching-Fa circuits join each other and are distant 200 miles itom. Tientsin and 120 miles S.W., of the Tsang-chow circuit. These circuits have been visited twice. We have no.t yet succeeded in renting a chapel either in Nan-kung city or in the large.market town of Tuan Liu Tau as we had planned last year. The place arranged for.in Nan-kung city last year was in direct connection with one of -the vilest opium dens of the city, a place utterly unsuitable for our work. Just now a very good place is -offered, but higher rent is desired than we wish tp give.

21 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 21 A chapel in Tuan Liu Tau would enable us to make that the central place of meeting for the majority of church members on both the Nan-kung and Ching-ho circuits. One native pastor could look after all those now in the Eastern part of Nan-kung circuit and those of the Ching-ho circuit. Among a people so slow to change time honored habits, it is a great mistake to make small villages, church centres. Other villages are not in the habit of going to such yillages, and it has always been difficult to get them to do so even after they are church members. Such is not the case with common market towns of the neighborhood. "Ve have been hindered in our work on the rrsang-chow, Nan-kung and Ching-ho circuits by establishing ourselves in small villages rather than market towns. We, hope that we shall secure cha pels in N an-knng city and Tuan Liu Tou before the year closes. The helpers on these two circuits have been faithful in their preaching thronghout the country and have disposed of a number of Christian books. Only two adults were baptized during the year on the Nan-kung circuit. One probationer is reported. Several persons, who were former members, have done us much injury on this circuit. There have been no baptisms on the Ching-ho circuit. The probation of a number has expired and they await our first visit to be baptized and received into the church. ~ The Tai-an or An-chiacircuit distant from Tientsin 300 miles and from Nan-kung S.E. 140 miles was visited but once during the year. That was the first visit by any member of our mission for nearly two years. Yet I found the church prosperous. rrhe spirit of the members was such that it was a pleasure to be in their midst. The place for the Sabbath services had become too small and had to be enlarged. The helper and assistant were working in a most systematic manner. They not only preached in the chapel on market days and

22 22 MINUTES 'OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. Sabbaths, but regularly in all the villages around. Most of the enquirers reported last yearr had been frightened by war rumors and drawn bade. Yet on every hand the helpers were kindly received and respectfully heard, a marked difficence in the attitude of neighbors toward the little band of Christians. We were led to believe that the church was about to enter upon a new and more vigorous career. Only one person was baptized and received into the church. Some fifteen remain on probation and a large class of enquirers. Of the work of the W.F.M.S., in connection with this District, I am glad to report most favorably. The 'l'raining School for women in charge of Miss Yates has been a decided advantage to the work in Tientsin, and confirms us in our view that Tientsin is not only the most central point of our entire work but the most desirable place for such a work. Dr. Akers in charge of the I3abella Fisher Hospital has had a most successful year's work, but with altogether too much on her hands for her own physical good. We regret much that we shah probably lose both of these ladies from our work during the coming year. The mission collection for the entire district is $61.89 as follows :- Tientsin Nat.ive collection $ :$6.69 otherwise $41.04 Tsang-chou " " 1.20 S.S. 0.22,,, 2.85 Nan-kung $9.78 $0.98 Chillg-ho U.S "rai-an $1.80 S.S $4.00 Respectfully suhmit:ed, (signed) G. R. DAVIS P.E.

23 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 23 D. Annual Rep01 t of the Tient8in Station. Owing to the sudden return of Bro. Willits and family to America, and to only one misionm'y of our Board being here for a short time last conference year, the state of the missionary work was in a somewhat demoralized condition. Since last Annual Meeting, however, two missionary families have been stationed at Tientsin. Bro. Davis has been away on several trips supervising the southern work, but while here he has attended to the interests requiring his oversight. Arriving from Ohinkiang late in the fall, my time was for a while occupied, not only in studying changes ill dialect, but in investigating the methods of work in this longer established mission neld. Street-chapel preaching was regularly carried on by our efficient native preacher, Li Shao Wen. Whenever I was present, the attendance was good, for notwithstanding foreigners have lived in Tientsin nearly a quarter of a century, the curiosity to see and heal" them has not yet died out. Regular Sunday preaching service was held each Sabbath with a gradually increasing audience. In the afternoon, we had a Sunday School where the boys of the day school furnished a nucleus for work. In the male department, the native preacher, Li,. and the chapel keeper taught the men, while the boys were instructed by other native Christians. Mr. Davis, while in town, favorell us with his presence. In the Woman's department, Mrs. Davis a.nd Miss Yates taught classes uf women, while Miss Dr Akers assisted by Mrs. Taft had charge of the restless little girls, who came in, attracted by the reward of a picture card, on which is written a tex~ which they were to commit to memory.

24 24 MINUTES 'OF 'l'hetwelfth ANNUAL MEETING. In the prayer-meeting, during the summer months, the attendance has been lamentably small. This is owing in part to the absence of the Training Sc-hool women during vacation at their homes, for while here, they have been quite regular in attendance at all the public meetings, and have been of great help in many ways. There is a difficulty about securing the presence of the members at prayer-meeting which, at present, I do not know how best to overcome. Through the kindness of Miss Yates in presiding at the organ, thetboy-scholars and others were drilled once a week in singing, so that the vocal exercises amounted to something more than merely making "a joyful noise unto the Lord." Such is the reputation of the" Isapella Fisher Hospital" that, the,responsibility and labor of attending te the constantly increasing number of patients are too engrossing and overtaxing for one lady physician,-no matter how energetic she may.,be. Two or three lady doctors should, at least, work together, exohanging the outdoor with the dispensary and hospital practice, thus mutually re1ieving and assisting each other in this most exhausting,branch of mission work. Dr. Akers has faithfully and successfully worked early and late both in heat and cold. Estimates have been,forwarded for estab1ishing a second boys' 'day school in the city, and it is hoped that Sunday services may 'next year be held there, as well as in Wesley Chapel on th.e,mission: compound; ~, September 10th, MARCUS L. TAFT.

25 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. E. Beport of Girls' Boarding School. Day School. Wark for Women, Peking. Boarding School opened September 4th, 1884, and closed June 27th, 1885, with a recess of two weeks in February, at Chinese New Year. Examinations were held at close of the term pre~eding' the recess and again at close of year, which seemed: to- ns to' manifest a satifactory progress in the studies pufs1ied., Read.. ing, writing, arithmetic, geography, sacred andpro ane :history,. composition, drawing, music, Chinese classics, memorizing of scriptures, sewing and spinning have been tanght during the year. Three of the older girls have assisted regularly in instructing classes, and have proved able and willing helpers. In the absence of any regularly appointed examining committee, Mr. and Mrs. Walker and Pastor OHen assisted, largely in our final examinations. Our satisfaction in our school this year has been true and i deep. There 'have been many evidences of the teaching and leading of the Spirit in the hearts of the girls. During the meetings succeeding the week of prayer, seventeen of the younger girls were awakened and realized the forgiveness of their sins, and expressed their purpose to lead Christian lives. Of course there are many slips and frequent failures, but the true desire is still moving, we believe,. in most of their hearts. The weekly prayer meetings of the girls have been led most frequently by the older girls in turn. One. of our member, Chin Chfang Ling, aged fourteen" has died at her own home, and we trust has found the mansion prepared for her above.

26 26 liinutes OF 'l'he TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. The Sabbath class for women has varied from ten to forty; a large part of whom have been in frequent attendance at church and Sabbath School for a long time and have come to know much of 'Gospel truth. Four women hav~ come regularly for instruction in reading Christian books. Since the arrival of Mr. Walker and family. in May, a weekly prayer meeting for women has been conducted by Mrs. Walker, and well attended. The day school in Tartar City conducted by Mrs. Jewell has averaged ten pupils. They have been bright and quick to learn, and many of them have acquired ability to read fluently and recite from memory several Christian books, and sing many Christian hymns. Four or five of the girls have given evidence of a desire to lead Christian live? Owing to press of school and other ",ork, lack of workers and other causes, no work could be undertaken in the Chinese City this year. Respectfully Submitted, ANNIE B. SEARS. F. Report of Medical Work of W.F.M.S., Tientsin, On my return from Annual Meeting of 1884, October 8th, there were two patients in the wards of the hospital. During the year, 41 have been admitted and 37 discharged,. leaving () inmates September 1st, Of the 43 patients treated, 13 were medical, 21 surgical, and 9 eye cases. During the year there have been no deaths in the hospital, but one patient dying from erysipelas was removed by her friends and expired before they reached home.

27 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 27 For many of the medical cases little could be done because nearly all were hopeless before brought to us-but some were improved by treatment and went away expressing their gratitude. Among the 21 surgical cases 12 underwent operations of greater or less severity-and all have been benefited. Two little girls have had their personal appearance improved, and prospects of obtaining good mothers-in-law increased by operations for cure of harelip. One of these was rendered more difficult by the scars left in the edges of the cleft from two previous sewings-done by the child's mother or grandmother. The most of the operations have been done during the past summer, and the success is due almost entirely to Dr. Peck who operated for me, and whose counsel in the aftertreatment has been most valuable. The dispensary has been opened daily except Sundays. I do not know the number of individuals treated during the first three months, but from January 1st, to September 1st, 1427 women and children received treatment in this department. Number of prescriptions Again, I cannot tell, through fault in my record-keeping, the number of different out patients (many of them entering into the record of two or more months.) The number of visits made is 498. These have been made in rrze-ehu-lin, Tientsin, north and east of the river, and even outside the bamix in a few cases. This outside work has been very interesting. I have been called to treat patients of all social grades, and in many cases have been called several times. In one or two Mohammedan families, my position is like that of a family physician at home. Whoever is sick either sends for me, or comes to me at once. But more often the foreigner is called in as a last resort,-after the Chinese physician has failed, and often in consequence of the delay the foreigner fails also. A large pro-

28 28 'MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. portion of out patients during the winter were children, as scarlet fever raged and was very virulent. As the Chinese are not at all careful to isolate cases with any contagious disease, one case in a.court usually means that every other child in the.court will be attacked, unless protected by a previous attack. The greater number of patients in all departments have not only received the benefit of Western medecine, but have also been instructed in Western religion. All in the hospital receive instruction according to their capacity, and the most of them attend the services of the church. The women of the training.. school find excellent opportunity for applying their knowledge gained in the class room, in explaining the doctrine to the in.patients and those who come to the dispensary. During the school year a woman was appointed every day to teach in the waiting room, and during the summer vacation Yang Nai Nai performed this service daily. I feel that the training 'school and hospital can do much for each other; certainly the patients cannot fail to be greatly benefited by the instruction they receive, and the women of the school must gain a strength and directness in expression, as they try, day by day, to make clear to these dark minds the truths of the gospel. The spiritual work for the out patients has been Miss Yates' care. She has accompanied me to the most of the homes to which I have been called, and very seldom has failed to find an opportunity of speaking of our Saviour and theirs. Not only have the patients themselves listened, but the families and neighbors have been most attentive. In a few cases we know of real interest being awakened-and have a belief that the seed sown so unsparingly will yet spring up to yield according to the ground in which it is sown. Respectfully Submitted, (Signed) L. E. AKERS, M.D.

29 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 29 G. Report of Woman's Training School. General Evangelistic Work. Tientsin, The training school for Bible women was opened in Tientsin immediately after the close of Annual Meeting. At the commencement there were nine scholars. Three of these had been members of the school previously, and were well instructed in Christian truth. The others could read but little, and had only vague comprehension of the plan of salvation. During the year there were twelve in attendance; two of whom were in-patients of the hospital, who were able to study while under treatment. The advancement throughout the year, both in mental comprehension and spiritual discernment has be(jn very gratifying. The beginners were first instructed in the catechism. This was followed by simple works on the New Testament. The more advanced scholars made a thorough study of the harmony of the gospels and the life and labors of St. Paul. There was a marked improvement in their comprehension of the events in the life of Christ, as they were made familiar with the geography of the Holy Land; and were able to discern the location of the scenes portrayed. Their interest and understanding of Paul's travels and labors was also greatly increased by patient and careful study of the routes over which he passed. 'rhe study of the various epistles to the churches he established, was initiated, but for lack of time was not thoroughly prosecuted.

30 30 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. This line' of study will be continued in the future. The most encouraging feature of the year's work is not the knowledge actually acquired, but their enlarged comprehension of how to study the Bible. That argues much for the pleasure and profit they will find in the Word in the time to come. With joy may they draw water from this well of salvation, to slake their thirsty souls, and bless the arid wastes by which they are surrounded! Each Sabbath at noon a class meeting was held with much profit to all. There was often occasion for grateful thanksgiving ;1t the testimonies of advancement in a knowledge ~ of "the truth as it is in Christ Jesus." This was manifested not only by those who were groping tuwards the dawning light of hope and joy through a Saviour from sin; but also in the more advanced Christians who were learning more fully of union and communion with Christ. The Sabbath instruction of the school was rendered more varied, and increased in profit by the faithful and efficient services of Mrs. Davis, who had charge of this class in the Sunday School The school closed June 6th. The women returned to their. homes with two exceptions. One of these was retained as a Bible woman in Tientsin; the other as assistant matron in the hospital. The instruct,ing o the day school work in the homes, and among the hospital and dispensary patients has been carried on, wit4 supervision by the most advanced scholars. Thus they were learning the very important lesson of how to teach others, while under instruction themselves. The Sabbath attendance of women and girls at the chapel has increased du~ing the year. One Sabbath they numbered sixty-four. An encouraging and important feature of the evangelistic work has peen the increased opportunities afforded through the medical work to visit homes in the native city. Very

31 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 31 friendly intercourse has been opened with many wealthy and influential families, and" the poor have the gospel preached unto them" by means of this agency. There has been an earnest spirit of enquiry evinced in several instances. And the testimony of a Saviour from sin, and eternal life through Him has been given to many. We prayerfully trust that by these efforts we have, not only enlightened the ignorance, but brightened the immortality of the sinful suffering hearts who have listened. Respectfully Submitted, (Signed) ELIZABETH U. YATES. H. Tsun-hua District. The Tsun hua District is composed of five circuits and embraces all the ea,stern portion of the province, Rev. Te Jui has had charge of both Tsun-hua and Liang-tzu-ho circuits during the year, with some assistance from one of the student helpers and two colporteurs. But the field is too large for one preacher to adequately superintend. The Tsun-hua circuit contains three regular appointments with a good chapel at each, two of which belong to the mission and one to the native church. A parsonage for one missionary family has been completed during the year. It is situated in the compound just outside the city wall and within about 100 rods of the chapel, thus giving us ready access to our work and at the same time offering all the advant~ges of a beautiful and healthful location. Several other members of mission have visited the work during the year and rendered valuable service.

32 32 MINUTES OF THE 'J'WELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. The present membership is 70 in full connection, nine probationers and eleven children. Eight have been received during the year. Soon after t.he close of the last Annual Meeting a man came from beyond the Great Wall about one hundred miles to Tsun-hua to find the "true doctrine." He was about sixty years '0 age, but still hearty and robust. He was intelligent, a fair scholar and evidently a man of influence in his mountain village. He had tried all the chief religions of China, Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, but found that none of them satisfied either his reason or conscience. He was directed to the chapel and there introduced to the helper. He immediately announced the.object of his visit, and the entire day was spent in conversation on the way of salvation according to the system of Ohristianity. During the two following days the helper was confined to to his bea, but the inquirer sought out the Christians who were at work in another part of the city and learned all he could from them. He spent an entire month in the city at his own charges, reading and studying under the instruction of the helper, and announced his determination to be a Christian and to use his influence in recommending the Gospel to his own people. He was visited once during the summer by,one of the colporteurs, who found that he had lost none of his :zeal or interest in the truth. Our prayer is that he may be the means of opening a door into "the regions beyond." At Wang Shih Chuang tzu good service has been rendered by Lin ~en ho,l who, in the absence of the helper, has conducted' the regular 'Sabbath servioes besides preaching occasionally in the Villages. He has shawn more real' interest in the 'w~rk;thah any other of our l0.0al preachers. He desires to spend anot-her year in the tj.'aining school J and I Plrink it will be well to grant his request..

33 MINUTES OF THE TWELFl' NNl..A, MEETING. A.t Rsin tien tzu sen ices were ll,lj: very Sa.bbath, though the helper could only be present once in three weeks. While there has been no increase, the membership seem to have been faithful, and their strict observance of the Sabbath is good evidence of their sincerity. A night school has been conducted part of the year by one of the members, who has had several years training ill our Peking School. The students were five youths of the village, and one of them promises to become a Ohristian. The only books used were the Bible and Catechism. Liang-tzu-ho circuit has been nominally under the charge of Te J ui, I say nominally, for, with the great amount of work he has had to do at other places, it was only possible for him to fill his regular appointmeut once in three w~eks, and the work in the villages had to be almost entirely neglected. rrhis arrangement was made at the last Annual Meeting partly from necessity and partly as an experiment. We hoped to develope the native talent in the Church by making them responsible for the services during the intervals of the helper's visits and also to advance the cause of self-support. Our hopes have not been realized, the main objects of the experiment have failed. Until the church is strollger in both influence and numbers, the efforts at self-support had better be directed along lines less likely to be disastrous to the church in case of failure. But notwithstanding the unfavorable circumstances, some progress has been made and the membership has increased. The church now numbers among its members some of the most influential families of the neighborhood, and the preponderance of sentiment is becoming marked in favor of Christianity. ~rhe day school has been kept up during the year, with an attendance of eight or ten boys. For.some months the school has been taught by Chao, who has also had charge of the Sabbath school.

34 34 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. Wang Chiin Tfang, who returned from Central China, was detained several months in Shantung, but since May has been laboring at Liang tzu: hoe Near the Eastern Tombs some interest has been manifested, and good results might have been secured, if we had a helper to follow up the advantage offered. Yii-tien circuit has been in charge of Chow Yen Fang who has resided at Chia chuang. There are three regular appointments but a variety of causes have operated against the success of the work. In one village a lawsuit, in which one of the members was involved, so impoverished the family that their house had to be given up as a preaching place. At Chia chuang the litterati organized a determined opposition to drive the church entirely out. As they were thwarted in these violent measures and commanded by the magistrate to keep the peace, they adopted a quieter but even more effectual plan, by preventing persons attending the services or visiting at the helpers,.by threats of severe vengeance. None of the members were driven away from the church by the persecution, but the inquirers were intimidated and no progress has been made. Feng-jin is another circuit which we were compelled to leave without a helper during the year. It has had several visits from helpers from other circuits, and for two months two of the students from the school have labored there. A few members have remained faithful, but most of the inquirers reported last year have been scattered. With the encouragement and oversight of an earnest helper, we believe the lost ground could soon be regained. rrwo probationers have been received in a new village, where the services of a helper are greatly needed. The most influential member on the circuit is a native physician with an ex.tensive practice, which fact, while it hinders, his regular attendance at the services, gives

35 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 85 him opportnnity to extend the knowledge of the Gospel, as he is no where ashamed of his Christian profession. Lau-chon circuit em braces the most eastern limits of our work, the gulf forming its eastern boundary. The city of Lauchou is situated nearly one hundred miles south-east of Tsunhua on a large river of the same name. It is well located as a center of missionary operations, there being one prefectual and four district cities within forty miles, while one of the main roads from Peking to Shan-hai-kuan passes through the city. The people have been very friendly and the work has opened well. Two helpers have lived in the city during the' year. They succeeded in renting a house for residence in a desirable locality, and afterwards another building in the same compound, but ffl,cing the principal street was secured and fitted up for a chapel. The attendance has been good and on fair days the chapel is packed to its utmost limits. 'ren have been received on probation. We have every reason to be thankful for the encouragement we have :received during this our first year's regular work. The missionary collection for the District is as fohows:- Lau-chou, $0.67 Tsun-hua Liang-tzu-ho 2.90 Yii-tien 0.40 Total, $16.50 As we look over this district, we can but ~xpress our gratitude for what has been done, but we are more deeply in pressed. by the great amount to be done. The influence of the Gospel has been felt in a few places, a few hearts have been touched with the love of Christ, preachers have done the work of evangelists, but many great cities and a multitude of villages with millions of souls have not been reached. Were the number of helpers increased a hundred fold, years must elapse'

36 36 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. before they could "preach the Gospel to every creature" III this great district. How earnestly -should we plead with the Lord of the harvest to send forth more labarers into the harvest! How much more earnestly should we plead for the enduement of power for each laborer now on the field, that he may turn many unto righteousness. Thirteen years ago two (IE our number rode through the entire length of this District marking out the land. A few years later, a missionary riding across the populous plain from the mountains 011 the south to the city of rrsunhua, was pressed down with an intense longing, that all these villages might soon respond to the invitations of the Gospel. Still later two missionaries kneeled by the side of the Great Wall, and cried unto God that these People might soon be members of the kingdom of the Lord tt esus Christ. These prayers shall yet be answered. To-day our fa,ith is not weakened by the seeming delay, but our cry is "Oh! Lord, how long I" The refrain is not of sadness but of faith and hope. The work is begun. The handful of corn has been upon the mountains anj the glorious harvest will yet wave back thanksgiving to heaven. The name of Jesu:3 has been spoken,. and as He comes, the idols must lee away, while rejoiqing multitudes will take up the everlasting song to Him who has redeemed them and washed them from their sins in. his own blood. Respectfully submitted, (signed) H. H.,LOWRY.

37 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 37 I. Report of Boys' Boarding School and Training School for the yea?', The number enrolled in the Boarding School was 35, in the Training School 1. The deportment of the pupils was exceptionally good. There were no violations or order or morals requiring sel'ious, discipline. With but two or thl'ee exceptions all were industrious and made fair progress in their studies. No change was made in the government of the school or the course or stndy. Five of the Boys and the Training School student took two studies in the Training School course of study, viz., Sheffield's Theology and Universal History. The class completed the Theology and were examined on the History as far as Vol. II. Chap. 8. In Arithmetic there were four classes. Class No. 1. Completed Vol. IL, Class No.2., reached decimal fractions, while classes 3 and 4 are still engaged on Vol. I., taking mental Arithmetic on alternate days. In English there were two classes. 1\iatthew's Gospel and Wilson's Second Reader were the text books used. Special attention was given to drill in elementary sounds, phonetic spelling and oral and written Composit.ion. In addition to the above there were classes in Geography, the Gospels catechism, Trimetrical Classic, and the Chinese Classics. The Literary Society organized last year was carried on this year, and besides, a weekly debating club was organized by the larger boys and the students in Bro. Hobart's station class. At the end of November, a small foreign department was organized with the hope that it might eventually b'ecome a

38 38 MINUTES Ol!'THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. permanent feature of the school. The whole number enrolled was eleven. This department was discontinued in April, two of the teachers being called away from the city by other duties. There is a pressing want for such a school in North China; where the children of Missionaries and other American and Engllsh residents may have at a moderate cost the advantages of a good preparatory or academio training. Steps have recently been taken by the three American Missions in Peking, toward devising a plan for a school of this kind. We are in a favorable situation for Qrganizing such a school as a department of our Boarding school. The other missions interested have expressed a willingness to unite with us in case we make the effort. To insure success, a thoroughly qualified teacher from the United States must be secured. TEACHERS. During the greater part of the year I have devoted 3t to 4 hours a day to teaching; hearing classes in arithmetic, history, theology and English. Mrs Hobart very kindly gave an hour and a quarter daily to hearing recitations in mental arithmetic, geography and the Gospels. Excellent work was done in all these branche~, that in geography was especially fine. Teacher Shang, who was appointed at last annual meeting to school work, was a month late in reaching his appointment and was called home in March to attend his mother's funeral. While in the school he did faithful work and was quite a help in managing the boys. We have been fortunate in securing a, graduate of Dr. Mateer's school as a teacher. He came to us in March. He is well qualified to teach mathematics and the Natural sciences. Judging by what he has done we have much to hope from him.

39 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING.,-39 During the last three months of the year the eldest boy in the school was employed as a tutor. He did wi:'ll. For several "months Mr. Jewell gave an hour each evening to conversations with the boys studying English. Very perceptible progress was made in ability to understand and speak the language. Mr. Lowry took charge of the school in the afternoons for two hours, and heard recitations of the foreign children. Mrs. Lowry and Mrs Pyke each gave an hour in the forenoons to the foreign department. With regard to self-support, no progress has been made. The parents continue to furnish clothing and bedding, and with few exceptions this is all they are able to do. The family of one boy only is wealthy, a few more have a bare living, the majority are very poor, while a few of the boys are dependent on charity. Self-support in such cases is impossible. Books, paper, penf, ink, food, fual and light were furnished by the school. 'rhe average cost per month for food and warming bedrooms was about $ J.50 for each pupil. An excellent religious influence pervaded the school, especially during the latter" half of the year. The revival services held in the church adjoining, during the winter made a deep impression upon the entire school. Thoso who had been converted were revived. The remainder with scarcely an exception wei e awakened, and a number professed to find peace in believing on Christ. During the last two months of the school year, a still more marked 1 evival spread through the school chiefly through the efforts of the older "boys, who showed themselves earnest and successful evangelists. The school is decidedly christian, and it is scarcely possible for a boy to remain long within its walls without becoming convinced of the truth of Christianity, and deeply impressed with its spirit.

40 40 MINUTES OF 'l're TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. THE NEEDS OF THE SCHOOL Are larger grounds, as many more buildings for dormitories as we now have, more apparatus for the Natural Science Department, a good library of Chinese and English books, a carefully prepared course of study, a better grading of the school, a competent teacher of the Ohinese classics and literature, and a thorough educator and Ohinese scholar at the head. All these we are planning for and hope to have in due time, when we shall be able to give a thorough course in Chinese, English, Natural Science, 1fathematics and Theology. A wing, just completed, has been ac1ded to the main building that gives us two more large rooms. We now have study and recitation rooms to accommodate 100 pupils. By crowding we have sleeping room for 35 boys. Some chemical apparatus was secured this year and some sets of Chinese histories, Classics and a dictionary. The question of grading and a course of study for the various deparments, has been referred to a committee. A preparatory department will be organized as soon as a suitable teacher can be found. frhe need of broad, liberal christian education here is very great. frhe field is vast, our mission has made a good substantial beginning, and if we and the church at home are faithful to the -demands made upon us, we may expect rapid growth and rich results. Respectfully Submitted, J. H. PYKE. P rincipal.

41 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 41 K. Reports of Oommittees. SABBATH OBSERVANCE. God has laid in the Sabbath a solid foundation for man's religious life. When He had 'created all things within the compass of six days, He rested on the seventh and hallowed it. This was His example to the race of men. From Sinai He commanded and taught both the manner and necessity of its observance. Afterward He rebuked the Israelites for its neglect and punished them for its violation. J esns said, "I came not to destroy,but to fulfill the Law." History -shows that those nations, who ha.ve forgotten their Sabbaths have also forgotten God, relapsed into sin and oftentimes into heathenism. The Sabbath seems in the economy -of our physical man an essen~, and absolutely necessary to spiritual life and growth.. In this,gteat Empire, where the true God is a stranger,. Sabbaths are unknown. We recognise, there ore,7 the danger Qftha Christian church in the,midst.of such influences., and also appreciate :the difficulty. of the individual christian in kee.pingholy this one dlty in seven,to the Lord his Go~. But we,believing the command as vital. and binding today as ever, would:urgethat" as,ministers of.the Go~pel, we should use :our best endeavors to ~n o:r:ce its obser~ance by a blameless example in this particular ourselves, and by the circulation of such books and tracts, as help an appreciation of the duty a.nd privil~ge of its observance, as well as the danger attendant on its violation. Assembling the People for worship,

42 42 MINUTES OF l're TWELFTR ANNUAL MEETING. let us preach to them on the subject, rebuke the careless, instruct the ignorant, help the weak, and pray that God may make of us a people who delight "to run in the way of His commandments", l W. F. WALKER. WANG CmNG PEl. CROU YEN FANG. Oom. L. SUNDAY SCHOOLS. We have now within the bounds of our mission.j.ve Sunday Schools well organized and in successful operation. We ought to have one in each of our societies. We report on the subject once a year, but very little is done. The recommendations are impractical or neglected or both. This will most likely meet a similar fate. Nevertheless,.the committee venture to suggest that each preacher organize at least one Sabbath School within the bounds of his charge, take up a collection to purchase Sunday school lessons, and take pains to deliver the books to subscribers regularly. Let all the church members be organized into classes according to age and understanding, and the most intelligent and earnest among the members appointed as teach. ers. We know no better way to acquaint both children and adults with the scriptures. I J. H. PYKE. WANG OHUN TANG. Oom. SUNG I.

43 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 43 Report of the Oommittee on Education. The importance of good schools has always been recognized by our mission. And though the difficulties ha.ve,been great, considerable progress has already been made. We now have a Boarding School or High School with 35 pupils in attendance. School buildings worth $6,000, and the beginning of a library and apparatus for illustrating the sciences. A Theological school with a three years: course of study, and three day schools with Christian teachers. The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society have an excellent Girls' Boarding School with 42 pupils in attendance, a Training School for Bible Women and two day schools. While we are thankful for what has been accomplished we are well aware, that we are still laying foundations, a great field and a great work are before us. The Committee would respectfully make the following recommendations. 1. rrhat ill each circuit and station where there are a sufficient member of children of christian parents, and a christian teacher can be secured, a school be opened. This will afford the opportunity of educating their children, to all our people, and the best boys can be selected from these schools for the High School. 2. That it be our aim and purpose to make the Boarding School at Peking, an institution where a complete course of instruction on the Chinese Classics and History, the English Language, Mathematics, Natural Science, 'rheology and l\1:edicine can be given. To make it in short a university as soon as possible.

44 44 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 8. That a Boarding School for the children of missionaries and other foreigners residing in North China, be annexed as arrangements can be made and teachers secured. 4. That this school or institution of learning be called Wiley Institute, in memory of our beloved bishop L. W- Wiley' 5. That this annual J~1>eLillg approve the Committee previously appointed to consider course of Study and organization, and that L. W Pilc1t>1', Te J ai, and even Ta Yung be added to that Committee, and that the question of course of study, organization, employment of instructors, and anything else necessary to the accomplishment of the plan be committed to them. Respectfully Submitted, J. H. PYKE, WANG CRIK Ro, SHANG CHING YUN. N Self-support. We regard this subject one of the most important that can come before us, and one of the most difficult in its practical accomplishment. We believe in the principle of native support for all expenses of the native church as soon as possible, using foreign funds only for salaries of foreign missionaries, the support of schools and building of chapels. The difficulties are so well known, and have been so often stated that they need not be repeated. Our present task is to do what we can by concerted plans and action, to overcome these difficulties. We are not able to recommend a more practicable plan than that suggested at the last Annual MeetIng, that is, to purchase with the contributions of the entire connection from fifty to sixty" 11:u" of land, (about eight acres) the rent of which will be sufficient to support one preacher and his fa~i1y. The land

45 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 45 should be the property of the church and controlled by tha trustees. The surplus above the pastor's support can be used to defray local expenses, or be applied to the salary of the pastor of some other circuit. The details of the working of the plan we leave to the direction of the Annual Meeting, and to such modifications as experience shall dictate. H. H. LOWRY, } WANG CH(ENG PEl, Oom. YANG OH'UN Ro. The report was amended so as to recommend the disciplinary plan. o. Temperance and Opium. Milton describes the first meeting between Satan and that execrable shape Death within the thrice three-fold gates of Hell; ".As when two black clouds with heaven's artillery fraught, come rattling on over the Caspian." Two threatening clouds black with death, and satanic influence are fitting emblems of the twin evils of Intemperance and Opium. A cloud from the western ocean, a cloud from the eastern one, approach each other apparently autagonistic, yet, like Satan and Death uniting their malign influence for the destruction of our race. Pestilence and War are mild destroyers compared with Liquor and Opium. Those have slain their thousands; these have slain their tens -of thousands. In the West we see the great nations expending countless millions to organize vast armies for defense against their fellow men, yet expending nothing in defense against an internal enemy, more cruel than Attila, more insatiable than Napoleon. In other words, millions ror defense, nothing for safety. I am glad to say that in England and the United States at least, the friends of Temper-

46 46 MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. ance are becoming alive to the.threatened danger. This is becoming the burning question of the hour. Already have the friends of Temperance, the parent of order, honesty and justice, drawn a sword against the liquor traffic, the fruitful parent of disorder, crime and misery. It is to be an irrepressible conflict. No sheathing the sword until the right has gained complete conquest. Again within the last year China has expended millions in raising armies to defend herself from a foreign foe. Yet how little is she honestly doing to control and destroy an insidious internal enemy, more to be dreaded than all foreign nations combined. Drink and the Opium pipe have combined to destroy this nation. The year brings to our ears the old cry that the consumption of opium is fearfuily on the increase. In some provinces the opium pipe is becoming as common as the tobacco pipe. The old and the young, parents and children, selling themselves into slavery. While the sale of foreign opium is rather on the decrease, the use of opium is greatly on the increase. The growing demand is met by a growing supply of the native article. Everywhere opium with its misshapen front confronts the cause of Christ. What hope is there for this People? Most of all, they see in its use only an injury to the body and to the Purse, cannot be made to realize that their sin is against God and their own souls, so cannot be made to ask help of the only Power whereby they may be healed of their hurt.. May the Lord help His children in this land to cry aloud against the evil. May He help us to pray aright for those who know not how to call upon Him. Wauld that God might bare His Arm in the deliverance of humanity from tbepower of these two scourges. G. R. DAVIS. Gom.

47 STATISTICS OF THE NORTH-CHINA METHODIST EPISCOPAL MISSION FOR i885. NAME OF CIRCUIT OR STATION. Ts'ang Ohou Oircuit... ~... ott, T 6 l'tj 2T2TJarJ Nan Kung Oirouit.....t. '" I ll-jlu8 u 'l~rlu Ch'ing Ho Oirouit , I t t An Ohis, Oirouit.... tl' T'ai An Oirouit... 1 t Tsm Hna. Oirouit......, Liang Tzu Ho Cirouit......,. I lllcr '/uolj J 8 o 2l' Yii T'ien Oirouit F~ng Jan Oircuit "...,"... 1 _ t t I ḷi u 8 u 'UlJ Lan Ohou Oirouit , I tilj J I--I " Total : : : : :>. 894.rVlJ-I02lolio---- Last Year... ' tjlj RBJlARKs.-It is very desirable that the Statistics of the llielsions be uniform, and hence this Blank is sent out; and it should be carefnlly filled out, ana, with Beport of the Mission should be in the hands of Corresponding Secretaries by January 1 of each year, or it will cause great inconvenience in preparing the Annual Report of the Society. NOTE.-By Assistant Missionaries is meant the wives of Foreign llissionaries; the wives of Native Preachers are not here reported. In Schools, Pnpils, all Properties and the Value thereof, and Collections are included those also of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society. "Other Helpers" embraces Bible Readers. Colporteurs, Chapel Keepers. and wives of natives speci1lcally employed. By Adherents is meant the Christian com munity belo~g to us, in addltion to the llemberl! and Probationers. 40 'IOU

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