NORTH CHINA CONFERENCE. 'GJx M4S-n. MINUT. i I. -} ~ til (FIRST SESSION) TIENTSIN. ,.L2~ JI. \ HELD IN PEKING, SEPTEMBER a8th-october nul, 189]'

Transcription

1 MINUT OF THE /1 -} ~ til, t ~I i -j i! i I I I 'GJx M4S-n.,.L2~ JI. \ (TWENTY-SECOND ~ SESSION) OF THE NORTH CHINA CONFERENCE (FIRST SESSION) OF THE HELD IN PEKING, SEPTEMBER a8th-october nul, 189]' '.' - - p TIENTSIN. THE TIENTSIN PRESS. -+-

2 MINUTES OF THE (TWENTY-SECOND ~ ' /' SESSION) OF THE NORTH CHINA CONFERENCE (FIRST SESSION) OF THE HELD IN PEKING, SEPTEj}[BER 28th-OCTOBER 2nd, r89j. TIENTSIK. -.~

3 NORTH OHINA UOSFEREXOE OF THE ffi (;fiodis(; PISGOPRh GfitIRGfi. ORGANIZED, AS A MISSION, IN ORGANIZED, AS A CONFERENCE, IN I-Officers of Conference. President. Bishop Randolph S. Foster, D.D., LL. D., of Boston, Mass., U.S.A. Secretaries. Marcus L. Taft, Peking. T6 Jui, Shan-hai-kuan. Statistical Secretaries. George R. Davis, Tientsin. Wang Ch'ing-yi.in, Yii-t'ien (near Tsun-hua). Presiding Elders. Hiram H. Lowry, Peking District. Post Office Address:- Peking, China. Marcus L. Taft, South Peking ~ct. Post Office Address:- Pe~na.

4 4 NORTH CHINA MISSION. George R. Davis, Tientsin District. Post Office Address:- Tientsin, China. William T. Hobart, Tsun-hua District. Post Office Address:- Tientsin, China. James H. Pykc, Lan-chou District. Post Office Address:- Tientsin, China. TREASURER.-(Appointed by Board in New York, U.S.A.), Hiram H. Lowry. of Managers TREASURER OF l\1jssro~ary COLLECTION.- (Appointed by Conference), Isaac T. Headland. ltfissions... Church Extells/on... Bible Cause Sabbath Observance Sunday Schools Educatz"on Self-support Temperance and Anti-opium... Tract Cause II. -Standing Committees. H. H. Lowry, Ku Ch'i. G. R. Davis, Sun Chiu-kao. J. H. Pyke, Chang Paj-ling. f \V T. Hobart,... l Chou HsUeh-sheng. G. \Y Verity, Liu :Ma-ke. 1. T. Headland, Sung 1. :\1. L. Taft, Ch'en Heng-te.... } F D. Gamewell, plan Cheng. L. Barrow, Liu Chi-Iun. III.-Special Committees. Nominations and } \" T LI C t' T' J. A. \' r:. ur ISS e Ul. nnzversary Programme ' To Print tlze Minutes... The Secretaries. 01lEstimates }orj.\""c.'t"t Year The Presiding Elders. L. \V Pilcher, O 11 C J. H. Pyke, Ollrse of Study for T' J. Ch" T )\T t' p 7 e til, en a-yung, } \V. T. Hobart. J.va Ive 7eaC'i 1!S..

5 ANNUAL MEETING, IV.-Educational Appointments. Visitors to Educational Institutions. Peking [rlliversity H. H. Lowry, Ch'en Ta-yung. Tientsin I1ltermediate t G R D " SI IT Ch" r" School j.. a\'ls, 1anb mg-) un. TSll1l-lzua Intermediate l \V. T. Hobart, School J \\Tang Chling-yun. Lan-chou IJlt~r11lediate } ] H P -1- T' J. School ) "e, e Ul. Tai-an Intermediate School Ku Ch'i, Wang Ch'ing-yu. Admissio1l Oll Trial Continuance on Trial Deacon's Orders Committee Oll Examina!ion. F D. Gamewell, Sung 1. J. H. Pyke, Li Shao-wen.... { \\1 T. Hobart, Shang Ch'ing-rUn Committee on Ex:t:ninations of Missionaries in Chinese. First Year Second Year... Third Year a.m., Sermon 7.30 p.m., " Frank D. Gamewell, Annie B. Sears. George R. Davis, Marcus L. Taft. \Villian T. Hobart, N. S. Hopkins. Anniversary Programme, Sunday preceding Annual Meeting. 5 Yang Ch'un-ho. \Yang Ch'eng-p'ei a.m., 430 p.m., " " FIRST DAY. Communion Praise Meeting... English Prayer Meeting... Chinese Prayer Meeting... H. H. Lowry Sung I. G. R. Davis. Wang Ch'ing-yun.

6 6 NORTH CHINA MISSION. SECOND DAY p.m., Temperance Anniversary... Ku Ch'i. (Read Reports on Temperance and Anti-opium) p.m., Self-support Anniversary... \V T. Hobart. (Read Report on Self-support). THIRD DAY p.m., Missionary Anniversary... Ch'en Ta.:.yung. (Read Reports on Missionary and Church Extension) p.m., Sunday School Anniversary. F. D. Gamewell. (Read Reports onsunday Schools and Sabbath Observance).. FOURTH DAY. 4-30p.m., Anti-Foot-binding Anniversary. ShangCh'ing-yiin " Social Reunion. - SUNDAY a.m., Love Feast " Annual Sermon (Chinese)... Te J ui. J. H. Pyke p.m, Annual Sermon (English)... Presiding Bishop. " " Annual Sermon (English) alternate... L. Barrow. " " Annual Sermon (Chinese)... Li Shao-wen. ---~--

7 ANNUAL l\ieeting, FIRsr DAY. PEKING, CHIXA. Thursday, September 28th, The Korth China?llission of the Methodist Episcopal 'Church convened for its twenty-second Annual Meeting in Asbury Chapel, Peking, China, at 9 a.m., of above date. The Communion Sen'ice was conducted by G. R. Davis; Bishop R. S. Foster, and Rev. A. B. Leonard, D.D., assisting. The regular Session began at 10 a.m., Bishop R. S. Foster in the Chair. The Chinese Secretary of the last Meeting, Li Shao -wen, called the Roll. The following answered to their names :- Foreign Missio1laries:-H. H. Lowry, G. R. Davis, M. L. Taft, F. D. Gamewell, W H. Curtiss, I. T. Headland, J. F. Scott, and La Clede Barrow. Women's Foreign LlIissionary Society. -Misses A. B.,Sears, H. E. Davis, L. G. Hale, F. O. Wilson, E. G. Terry. A. E. Steere, R. R. Benn, C. M. Frey, E. G. Young, 1. C. Crosthwaite, and E. E. Glover. Native Preachers :-Cheen Ta-yung, Te Jui, \Vang Ch'eng-p'ei, Wang Ch'ing-yun, Shang Cheing-yun, Li Shaowen, Yang Cheun-ho, Sun Chiu-kao, Ku Chei, Sung I, and Liu Chi-Iun.

8 8 NORTH CHINA MISSION. Marcus L. Taft and plan Cheng were elected English and Chinese Secretaries, respectively. The following Standing Committees were approved:- Missions... J. F Scott, Shang Ch'ing-yun. f I. T. Headland, Church EJ. tensio71 "'1. Wang Ch'ing-yun.. Bible Cause Sabbath Observance Sunday Schools Education Self-support Temperance Tract Cause G. R. Davis, Sung I. M. L. Taft, Te Jui. L. Barrow, Li Shao-wen. E D. Gamewell, Ku Ch'i. 1. T. Headland, ChIen Ta-yung. W. H. Curtiss, Sun Chiu-kao.. H. H. Lowry,... { Wang Ch'eng-p'ei.. The following Special Committees were elected :- Statistical Secretaries G. R. Davis, WangCh'ing-yun. Nominations and } W H C t' TeA J. A P -. ur ISS, lll. 1l1llVersary rogra1l11jle To rece.ive Missionary} LT. Headland, ChIen Ta-yung. Collectzolls.., To Print the Minutes The Secretaries. Estimates for Next Year The Presiding Elders. o C n}\t ~urspe 0./ It ry or Te Jui, ChIen Ta-yung,.LVatLVe reachers... an d W.. T H b t 0 ar.,/, St d fi {L. W. Pilcher, J. H. Pyke,. On Motion, the regular Sessions are to begin at 8.30 o'clock, the first half-hour being devoted to devotional exercises, and to close at 12 noon. The presiding Bishop, R. S. Foster, then delivered an address, describing -the circumstances of his journey, hisgreat gratification at being able to be present at this Session, and his earnest desire for great spiritual blessings. upon all the workers here, H. H. Lowry acting as interpreter..

9 ANNUAL :MEETING, At the close of the Bishnp's discourse, A. B. Leonard~ D.D., Corresponding Secretary of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, addressed the Annual Meeting, expressing his great pleasure in being present on the mission-field,,,-here he could far better understand mission affairs, for "seeing is believing." He heartily joined in Bishop Foster's desire, that deep spiritual blessings might rest upon all the Christians, foreign and native At the request of Bishop Foster, the Meeting had the privilege of listening to an inspiring address by Mrs. S. L. Keen, of Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.A., who was one of the founders of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society. The Thirteenth Question of the Discipline,-"Was the character of each Preacher examined? " -was taken up. The names of the following Preachers were called, and their characters were passed, each reporting his work :- H. H. Lowry, Superintendent and Presiding Elder of Lan-chou District. (See Reports). F D. Gamewell, Presiding Elder of Peking District. (See Reports). On Motion, the time of the Temperance Anniversary, and that of the Self-support Anniversary, were exchanged, so that the Temperance Anniversary will take place on Friday evening at 7.30 o'clock, and the Sabbath School Anniversary, on account of the illness of L. W. Pilcher, was omitted from the Programme. Notices were given, the Doxology was sung, Dr. A. B. Leonard pronounced the Benediction, and the Meeting adjourned.

10 10 NORTH CHINA MISSION. SECOND DAY. Friday, September 29th, The devotional exercises were led by Wang Ch'engp'ei, business Session beginning at 9 o'clock, Bishop Foster in the Chair. The Minutes were read and approved. Bishop Foster explained the manner of changing an Annual Meeting into an Annual Conference, an Enabling Act having been granted by the General Conference of First, several matters, perta.ining to a District Conference, must be attended to; after which, the subject of becoming an Annual Conference will be taken up. The following Licences, as Exhorters, were renewed:-- Hou Tien, Li Lien-hsiao, Chang Yii-ch'eng, Li Chung-yuan, ChangCh'ao-ch'ien, Wen YUn, Wei Kuo-shun, K'un Ying, Yang Fu-ch'ien, Yang P'ei-hau, \Vei Cheng-chih, Yang Kuei-sheng, Liu Shao-t'ang, Chang Tzu-sheng, Li Hsuch-shu, ChangYiin-hsiang, Chi Lien-chung, Chu Fu-hsing. --:0:-- The following were granted Licences as Exhorters, for the first time :- Sung Shih-min, Liu Chen-tung, --:0:-- Wu Ch'i, Kuo Ying. The following were recommended, and granted Local Preacher's licence :- \Vang Pab-t'ang, Chien Yu-shen, Wang yueh. Sheng Pai-ling, Chao T zu-ming,

11 ANNUAL MEETING, II The following Local Preacher's licences were renewed:- Liu Ma-ke, Chin Ch'eng, Hou Wei-klang, ChIen Heng-te, Chang Hsi-t'ung, Ke eh'ing-yun, plan Cheng, Ts'ui'Van-fu, Kung Te-lin, Ch'in Lung-chang, Chang Pai-ling, Yii Tso-chou, Hou \Van-i, Chou Hsiieh-sheng, Liu Te-hsin. --:0:-- The question of becoming an Annual Conference was, at this time, considered. The following Resolution was passed, 14 votes for, I vote against, and one Mem ber not voting. Resolved :-That the North China Mission be, and hereby is, constituted The }'lorth China Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, under, and by authorization of, an Act of the General Conference of the same Church, held at Omaha,!\ ebraska, U.S.A., during the month of May, 1892,-enabling the Mission so to act. at any of its Annual Sessions, between the months of May, 1892, and the same month, 1896; it having the requisite number of Members of Annual Conferences, among its Members, namely 20,-an exces.. of one of said number being now enrolled. In explanation, Bishop Foster presented the following Questions and Answers;- (I).-Who have a right to vote? Answer.-Members of Conference only. (2).-Who will constitute the Conference, when formed? Answer.-Members of the Conference and Probationers, the latter being required to attend but having no voice.

12 12 NORTH CHINA MISSION. (3).-How do Members become Members of the Conference? Answer.-By transfer from the Conferences~ of which they are now Members, to the North China Annual Conference. (4).-vVill the Conference, after being formed, have the powers of a District Conference? Answer.-No. The following are the Founders of the North China Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church:- ELDERS. Frederick Brown Ohio Conference. George R. Davis Detroit " Frank D. Gamewell... Newark " " Issac T. Headland Pittsburg " " William T. Hobart... Minnesota " " Hiram H. Lowry Ohio " Leander \V. Pilcher... Detroit " " James H. Pyke... South-East Indiana" " Marcus L. Taft... New York East Wilbur F Walker North Indiana " " La C1ede Barrow Holston " " J. F Hayner New York " " G. W Verity Wisconsin " " Ch'en Ta-yung... North Indiana,. " Te Jui,. " " " " " Wang Ch'eng-p'ei Ohio " " \Vang Ch'ing-yiin Detroit " " Li Shao-wen Foochow " " Shang eh'ing-yun Ohio " "

13 Yang Ch'un-ho.. Wang Ch'ing-yii Sun Chiu-kao... Liu Chi-Iun Sung I Ku Ch'i... ANNUAL MEETING, " DEACONS. Ne,v Jersey Conference. North ::\ ew York " " PROBATIONERS. Foochow Conference. " " " " " " " " " Up to this time, the Chinese Secretary was a member of a District Conference, and now having become an Annual Conference, a Chinese Secretary, who is a member of the North China Conference, was elected, namely Te J ui. On Motion, the bar of the Conference was fixed at the fifth seat from the altar. The name of G. R. Davis, Presiding Elder of the Tientsin District, was called. and his character passed; after which, he read the Report of his District, and also that of the Shantung District. (See Reports). The name of Te Jui, Presiding Elder of the Tsun-hua District, was called, and his character passed. He then read the Report of his District. L. W. Pilcher's name was called, and character passed. M. L. Taft's name was called, and character passed. He read the Report of the Southern City Chapel, including Mrs. Gamewell's Chinese Report. (See Reports). H. H. Lowry read his Report of the Lan-chou District. (See Reports). ChIen Ta-yung's name was called, and character passed. He read his Report of the Shan-hai-kuan Circuit. I. T_ Headland's name was called, and character passed He read his Report of the Yang-ko-chuang Circuit. (See Reports).

14 NORTH CHINA MISSION. The names of F Brown, W. F. Walker, and J. H. Pyke, were called, and characters passed. At this point, Rev. J. R. Hykes and Rev. Leslie Stevens, of the Central China Mission, were introduced. Bishop Foster, at this juncture, retired, leaving H. H. Lowry in the Chair, when Rev. J. R. Hykes, on invitation, addressed the Conference. The Doxology was sung, and the body adjourned after the Benediction by Rev. Leslie Stevens. *====='. THIRD DAY. Saturday, September 30th, The devotional exercises were conducted by Rev. Sun Chiu-kao. The business Session began at 9 o'clock, Bishop Foster in the Chair. Minutes in English and Chinese were read and approved. The following names were called, and their characters passed, each in turn making his Report:- Shang Ch'ing-yun, reporting on the Nan-kung Circuit. Li Shao-wen, " Ning-yang., " " " " \Vang Ch'ing-yiin, " "Il" Yii-t'ien "" The Fourth Disciplinary Question was taken up, "Who have been recei ved on trial?" (a).-in Studies of First Year. Liu Ma-ke, Ts'ui Wan-fu, Chou Hsiieh-sheng, Chien Heng-te, (b ).-In Studies of Third Year. None. Ch'in Lung-chang, plan Cheng, Kung Te-ling, Chang Pai-ling.

15 ANNUAL MEETING, The Fifth Question,-" Who have been continued on trial? "-was taken up. (a).-in Studies of First Year. \Vang Ch'ing-yii. (b).-in Studies of Second Year. Sung I, Yang Ch'un-ho. The Seventh Question was taken up,-" Who have been admitted into Full Membership?" Sun Chiu-kao, Liu Chi-Iun, Ku Ch'i. These were asked the Disciplinary Questions prior to admission into full connection, and were recommended for ordination as Deacons. The Sixth, Second, and Third Disciplinary Questions were answered in the negative. The Eighth Disciplinary Question was taken up, 'What Members are in Studies of Third Year? I, (a).-admitted into Full Membership this year. Sun Chiu-kao, Liu Chi-l un, Ku Ch'i. The Ninth to the Twelfth inclusive, the Fourteenth to the Twenty-fourth inclusive, and also the Twenty-seventh and Twenty-eighth Questions, were all answered in the negative. The Thirteenth Disciplinary Question was taken up,.( Was the character of each Preacher examined?" This was strictly done, as the name of each Preacher was called in Annual Conference. The Reports of the various Standing Committees were ordered to be handed to the Secretaries without being read in Conference.

16 .16 NORTH CHINA MISSION. Rev. F. D. Gamewell presented the two following Resolutions, both of which were adopted by a rising vote :- Whereas :-L. W- Pilcher is prevented by illness from being present at this Session of the North China Conference; therefore,- Resolved :-That, as a Conference, we express our regret at his absence and our sympathy with him in his sickness, and the hope that he may speedily be restored to health, and we pray that the God of all comfort may abundantly comfort him during these days of sickness. Wlzereas:-By the formation of the North China lvlission into the North China Conference, the Office of the Superintendency terminates; and- Wlzereas:-H. H. Lowry has filled the office of Superintendent of the North China Mission for twenty years; therefore,- Resolved ;-That we wish to express our appreciation of his fidelity and devotion, and of his peculiar qualifications for the difficult demands of the position which he has filled with marked ability and great acceptance during this long term of years; and \ye hope that we may still have the benefit of his constant counsel in all the interests of our work. Further, we would recommend that Dr. Lowry be made the Official Correspondent with the Board at home. By request, H. H. Lowry was asked to respond, and made an appropriate speech in reply. The Doxology,\'as sung, and the body adjourned with the Benediction by Rev. Leslie Stevens.

17 ANNUAL MEETING, FOURTH DAY. Monday, October 2nd, The devotional exercises were conducted by Rev. Ch'en Ta-yung. The business Session began at 9 a.m., Bishop R. S. Foster in the Chair. The Minutes in English.and Chinese were read and approved. W. H. Curtiss, M.D., read his Report on the Medical Work of the Peking District. (See Reports). J. F Scott, M.D., read a Report of the Medical \Vork of the Tsun-hua District, including the Report of N. S. Hopkins, M.D., up to June, (See Reports). G. R. Davis read the Statistical Report in English. On Motion of M. L. Taft, the following Resolution was adopted by a rising vote:- Resolved :-That we have greatly enjoyed the privilege of welcoming in our midst, Rev. A. B. Leonard, D.D., the first Corresponding Secretary of the Missionary Society of the l\1ethodist Episcopal Church, who has visited our Mission work in North China, and that we highly appreciate his hearty interest not only in the general condition, but also in the intricate details, of our \\'ork; and we trust that his counsel may prove of great value for the future advancement of God's Kingdom in these ends of the earth. Furthermore, we implore our Heavenly Father to protect him, with his traveling companions, in their further visitation of the other China Missions, and grant them, indue time, a safe return to their homes across the sea, assuring the Church in America that God is fully able to have his servants go up and take possession of these heathen lands in the name of his only begotten Son. Dr. Leonard.then addressed the Conference in an interesting speech, explaining certain phases of the opera-

18 18 NORTH CHINA MISSION. tions of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, whose Headquarters are in New York, and emphasizing the necessity of Self Support. Wang Ch'ing-yiin read the Statistical Report in Chinese. The Statistical Reports were then adopted. (See Reports). Rev. Chauncey Goodrich, D.D., of the American Board Mission at T'ung-chou, was, at this juncture, introduced, and addressed the Conference. 1. T. Headland presented the following Resolution, which was adoped by a rising yote :- Whereas :-Rev. Leslie Stevens, Superintendent of the Central China Mission of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Rev. John R. Hykes, of the same Mission, have favored us with their presence during this Session; therefore,- Resolved:-That we desire to express to them our appreciation of their kindly interest in the different phases of our common work for the Lord in this vast Empire of China, where the fields are white unto harvest, and the laborers so few. May mutual, counsels benefit them and us! Dr. Curtiss read in English the Report of the Committee on Nominations and Anniversary Programme. Te Jui read the same in Chinese. Adopted. H. H. Lowry moved that the Presiding Elders form the Committee on Estimates for next year. Carried. On Motion of H. H. Lowry, the Committee for Course of Study for Native Preachers was composed of L W. Pilcher, J. H. Pyke, Te Jui, ChIen Ta-yung, and W. T. Hobart.

19 ANNUAL MEETING Bishop Foster appointed the following Examiners for next year:- Admission on Trial... F- D. Gamewell, Sung I. Continuance on Trial... ]. H. Pyke, Li Shao-wen. Deacon's Orders... {\\T. T. Hobart,.. Shang Chling-yun. La Clede Barrow's name was called, and his character passed. Bishop Foster here stated that this is the only Society in the world, in which the character of each Preacher is. every year asked, except eighteen (the Bishops), who have to pass their examination each four years at the General Conference. The following Resolution was offered by Marcus L. Taft, and adopted by a rising vote:- Wlze1eas-\Ve have been most highly favored with the presence of Mrs. S. L. Keen, one of the founders of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society, and Corresponding Secretary of the Philadelphia Branch, and her daughter, with us, at our Annual Session; Therefore,- Resolved :-( I ).-That we hereby desire to record our sincere appreciation of their earnest, intei1igent interest in our Mission affairs and deep sympathy for the workers in this far-away vineyard of our Lord; and,- (2).-That we earnestly supplicate the Father of all mercies to watch kindly over them, preserving them from all dangers, incident to travel, and, when they return to their homes, grant that they may be enabled to impart such information as will greatly deepen the interest of the hor:.e Church in Mission work in "the land of Sinim." H. H. Lowry presented the following Resolution in honor of our presiding Bishop. Adopted by rising vote.

20 '20 NORTH CHINA MISSION. Resolved :-That we cannot close this Session without expressing our great gratification that Bishop Foster, who has so often desired to visit this field, has now been permitted to be with us. We shall hold before the members of the North China Annual Conference, as our ideal chief pastor, preacher, thinker, author, and exemplary Christian, the Bishop, who has organized and presided over this our first Session. His counsels have seemed to us so wise, his spirit so Christ-like, and his sympathies so quick and sincere, that, although his health has prevented his preaching and performing other public services, which we had hoped for, his presence has been a true benediction, and his visit and ministrations will be a lasting blessing. We shall pray for divine guidance for him during the remainder of his journey, and that he may be returned to his home,,-ith rene,, ed strength for yet many year~' labor in the Church, and that hereafter an abundant entrance may be given him into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The Thirtieth Question was taken up :-" Where shall the next Conference be held?" Asbury Chapel, Peking, China. The l\1inutes in English and Chinese were read and approved. On Motion of G. R. Davis, it was carried that, after the announcement of appointments, this First North China Conference adjourn sine die. Bishop Foster addressed the Conference, expressing touching words of deep sympathy for all the workers, both native and foreign, male and female, upon this field of North China, after which he read the Appointments -of the North China Conference for (See Appointments ).

21 ANNUAL :MEETING, At the request of Bishop Foster, Dr. C. Goodrich acted.as interpreter, while the Bishop spoke words of commendation concerning H. H. Lowry, our former Superintendent. Bishop Foster read the \Vomen's Foreign Missionary.society's Appointments, after which the Doxology was sung, the Benediction pronounced by Dr. C. Goodrich, and the,first annual North China Conference adjourned si1le die. MARCUS L. TAFT, Secretary. R. S. FOSTER, Presiding Bishop. ----;;:=:: ---

22 NORTH CHINA MISSION. APPOINTMENTS. -:=: ==~*==~:- --:0:-- PEKING DISTRICT ~-H. H. Lowry, Presiding Elder.. Peking-Ashu,ry... H. H. Lowry. -Fblg-chbl... I. T. Headland, Liu Ma-k'e. Ch'ang-p'ingCholt Circuit.. To be su?plied. Ku-pei-k'ou """""" (Wei Cheng-chih).. 'Yang-ko-chuang" """"" (\Vei Kuo-shun).. Yen-ch'ing Choll" "" " ",,(Hou Tien). T. E. Hayner, Student of language. Peking Methodist Hospital, W. H. Curtiss, M.D. Assistant Physician, Ts'ao Yung-kuei, M.D. Peking University :-L. W Pilcher, President and' Dean of College of Liberal Arts. H. H. Lowry, Dean of \Viley College of Theology. F. D. Gamewell, Dean of the College of Science, and Professor of Chemistry and Physics. M. L. Taft, Professor of Exegesis and Historical Theology. I. T. Headland, Professor of Mental and Moral Science. W. H. Curliss, Professor of Theory and Practice of Surgery. Hattie E. Davis, Instructor in English Language and Literature, and Principal of Peking Intermediate: School. Ch'in Lung-chang, Instructor.

23 ANNUAL MEETING, J 893. SOUTH PEKING DISTRICT:-M.L. Taft,Presidillg Elder. Peking-Southern City... Ch'en Heng-te. ",,-Huarh Shih... To be supplied. Han-ts'un Circuit... Ch'en Ta-yung.. Huang-ts'un " "... To be supplied. Tung-an ""... " " (Chang yu-ch'eng). YU71g-ch'illg" "... ",,(Li Chung-yuan). TIENTSIN DISTRICT :-G. R. Davis, Presiding Elder. 'Tientsin-Wesley... G.,\Al. Verity. " " -Fellg-cllbz... Sun Chiu-kao.,t " - West City } Sh Chi'.. CirClL! t... ang mg-yun. Nan-kung Circuit... Supplied (Chang Hsi-t'ung). Tai-ch'eng" "... Yang Ch'un-ho. (Wang Pao-t'ang). (Hou Wan-yu). Ts'ang-chou Circuit... Supplied (Liu Te-hsin). A n-chia... Wang Ch'ing-yu.. Chi-ning Chou... Ku CheL Kuan-chuang... To be supplied. Ning-yang... Li Shao-wen. Tai-an Fu... Liu Chi-Iun, Chang Paj-ling. W. F. Walker... Absent in United States. F. Brown Absent in England. "'fsun-huadistrict:-w. T. Hobart,Presiding Elder. :TsJJ,tl-hua City... Chou Hsueh-sheng. " Circuit... La Clede Barrow. " Ping-an-ch'blg... } T '. \XT fi L t v h s Ul'v. lang- an- u. -Zu TT. D h {Wang eheing-yun,..l ii-ben,.i.'eng-c en... (Ch'en Yu-shan). TSUN-HUA METHODIST HOSPITAL:- T. F. Scott, M.D., Physician in Charge. N. S. Hopkins, M. D., Absent in United States.

24 24 NORTH CHINA MISSION. LAN-CHOU DISTRICT:-J. H. Pyke, Presiding Elder. Lan-chou City... Wang Ch'eng-p'ei. " " Circuit... To be supplied. An-ko-chuang...",,(Liu Chen-tung). Ch'ang-li Hsien... " " (Huang Wei-k'ang). Ch'ie1l-an J-J5iell... Kung Te-lin. Ch'ien-wei.~... To be supplied (Chin Cheng). FU-fling... " " " " I-an and Pez-c1zia-tien... ",,(Li Hsueh-hsiu). " ",Chen-tz tl-clzbz,,(\vu Ch'i). " " ",,(Chao Tzu-ming). Lao-t'ing..." " " Shan-hai-huan... T e J ui. Pen-ch'blg... Sung-I. Lan-chou Intermediate Schoo I plan -cheng. --:0:-- Appointments of the Woman's Conference of North China for PEIilNG. Day and Country Schools {MiSS Annie B. Sears, and' and Industrial Classes.. Mrs. H.. H. Lowry. P1:h~o~I.~!... ~1:~~~:.~l~~~} Mrs. Charlotte M. Jewell. Teacher in Girls' High} Miss Cecelia 1\1:. Frey. Sclzool.... PrincipalofGirls'Ptimary } Miss Anna E. Steere. Sclzool.... Teacher in Girls' Primary} M' Effi G Y School ISS e. oung.. Training School and} M M P t G '1'1 Woman's Work rsp ary or er amewe., Medical Work... Dr. Anna D. Gloss.

25 ANNUAL MEETING, TIENTSIN. Training, School and {MiSS Franc~s O.. Wilson, and TVoman s Work... Mrs. G. \\. Venty. D6~~:~~0.~~1~~~:1.~~~~:~~~~} Miss Isabella C. Crosthwaite. M d' I TiV A {Dr. Rachel R. Benn, and e lca or~ Dr. M. Ida Stevenson. TSUN-I-IUA. Training School and J l\1iss Lilian G. Hale, and Woman's lvork... t Mrs. Emily Hatfield Hobart. City Day-ScllOol... Miss Ella E, Glover. Principal oj Girls'} M' L'I' G H I ~d B. S 1 I ISS 1 Ian. a e. Oal l1lg- CllOO.. Teacher in. Girls'} M' Ell E Gl B oar d zng- 'S 1 1 lss a. over. CllOOf.. Medical Work... Dr. Edna G. Teny. Country Day-Schools... Dr. Edna G. Teny.

26 NORTH CHINA MISSION. REPORTS. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORTS. --:0:-- It is difficult in this Report, which is simply an introduction to the reports of the work which are to follow, to avoid anticipating statements that will be properly made in them. While the results of the year's labor are such as to call forth our devout thanksgiving, we are made more than ever to realize that we are only in the skirmish line of God's host, advancing upon the kingdom of darkness. Our divine Leader, who has commissioned us, has said "I have overcome the world,"-and our faith in him and his word enables us to reply,-"only Thou our Leader be, and we still will follow thee, "-with full assurance that these beginnings, which we are now called upon to chronicle, are an earnest of the ultimate and full triumph of the Gospel throughout this vast plain, and into the utmost bounds of this great Empire. If St. Paul, with his wonderful mental and spiritual endowments, and under conditions of society ~nd difficulties of travel not greatly dissimilar to what are met with here, in 30 years labor, succeeded only in planting the Gospel in a few of the great cities of Asia Minor, Greece,

27 ANNUAL MEETING, and Rome, we should be encouraged as we see churches being established in a greater number of centers, and in a much wider and more populous territory than that in which he labored. Hence we hope this brief summary of the work, and a glance at,, hat is before us, may increase our faith and drive us closer to the source of our strength. North China contains over 150,000,000 people, and includes th3.t portion of the Empire north of the Provinces bordering on the Yang-tse river. The actual work of this Mission touches only a portion of this great field. We are located in some of the largest and most important cities of the Province of Chihli, which has been called the "Empire Province of China," with an estimated population of 25,000,000 or 30,000,000. We have a promising work in the finest part of the Province of Shantung, containing over 28,000,000 people; and our lines are extending beyond the Great Wall into the borders of Manchuria. With the present methods of travel, it requires more time, and much greater fatigue and hardship, to make the round trip from one extreme of our stations to the other, than to go from New York to J)eking. I n connection with sister churches, we have assumed a share of the responsibility for the evangelization of this vast territory. We are made aware of the magnitude of the task before us when we mention the vastness of the country, the immense population, the condition of society, the characteristics of thepeoplc, theirseemingimperviousness to spiritual ideas, their absorption in all the temporal and grosser concerns of this life, their almost total absence of the religious sense, their poverty, their conceit, their prejudice against every thing foreign, and the strength of the opposition of the official and literary classes to every thing not in harmony with the ancient institutions of the

28 28 NORTH CHINA MISSION. country. Great as these difficulties are in- themselves, it is. well known that they are often intensely increased by thelives and conduct of representatives of Christian nations. But unfortunately some of the worst suspicions of the people have, during the past year, been confirmed by the unjust legislation of our own Government. We have held up the Christian civilization of the West as an illustration of what the Gospel ",ill do for any nation that accepts it, and, in opposition to the great sin of this people, have taught that truthfulness both in public and in private affairs is of priceless value. But the fact that the United States could d~liberately break its solemu Treaty obligations for its o\\'n profit will only confirm the Chinese in their belief and practice that truth is to be regarded only when it is to one's own advantage. And though the Chinese Government may not resort to acti\"e or open retaliation, this official disregard of solemn promise will operate as an object lesson more powerful than preaching, increasing the distrust with which all foreigners are regarded, and hence diminishing confidence in our assurances of the benefits and certain fulfillment of the promises of the Gospel. But, notwithstanding these seemingly O\"erwhelming difficulties, both from within and from without, the work before us is to change the whole current of thought and feeling of these millions, transforming natures, essentially animal and steeped in most degradij1g actions, into spiritual beings, with their faces turned towards truth, righteousness, and heaven. We are to enter this conflict, not with the blind impulse of fanaticism, but with an intelligent understanding of the conditions of successful work, knowing that "the weapons of our warfare are' not carnal, but spiritual, mighty to the pulling down the strongholds of Satan." Preaching the Gospel is the work to which

29 ANNUAL MEETING, we are commissioned. But this, in its widest sensc, means, more than an occasional formal discoursc., It includes all forms of evangelistic, educational, and philanthropic \\'ork. Giving a cup of cold water to some thirsty one may speak louder than a sermon; implanting the seeds of truth in some young mind may send a Paul throughout the land ;, or, bearing testimony to Christ by the way-side may plant a hundred churches. Our work has followed these various lines, but our' equipment can scarcely be said to have reached farther than the initial stages of preparation. Not until every present available agency is increased a hundred-fold can \ve be in a position to do more than lay the foundations for the future structure. We may be reminded that it is "not by might nor by power, but by the Spirit of God" that the Lord's temple is to be built; but, until the Church is ready to put into operation all the abundant resources God has provided, we can hardly expect Him to miraculously perform the work for which he has made' us responsible. --:0:-- The Evangelistic Work Is carried on from three centers (Peking, Tientsin, and Tsun-hua), where we have well-appointed compounds, containing parsonages and other necessary buildings, valued. at about $ The field is divided into five Presiding, Elder's Districts, each the size of an ordinary Annual Conference in the home land. Our force consists of 16., foreign missionaiies, with 14 ladies of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, 6 ordained Elders, 4 Deacons,

30 ,30 NORTH CHINA MISSION. 17 local Preachers, and 24 Exhorters. But, sma:11 as our foreign force is, the full number js never on the field at one time. Considerations of health, edu~ation of children, the necessity of the years given to the study of the language, and other causes, make this unavoidable. But this necessitated diminution of our small working force should be borne in mind when estimating the work to be done or the results to be accomplished. During the year, Mr. Davis, Mrs. Curtiss, and Mrs. Lowry, have returned to the field, and we have been re-inforced by the coming of Mr. and Mrs. Kepler, Mr. and Mrs. Barrow, and Dr. Scott. Dr. Hopkins and family, after a period of successful labor, have returned to the States for temporary rest and change. None who have witnessed his work can but regret even this temporary absence of Dr. Hopkins from the field, and pr~y for his speedy return. Under the circumstances, most of the time and,energy of the foreign workers have necessarily been given to the work of administration and general supervision of the churches, while bringing the Gospel to bear directly 'upon heathen audiences has devolved mainly upon the native brethren. Preaching in all the chapels has been Tegularly kept up, while new centers have been opened in several important Districts. Nor have evangelistic efforts been confined to our chapels; but, by preachers, colporteurs, and school-teachers, many hundreds have heard the Gospel in many towns and villages, and especially at the frequent fairs held in market-towns, which form so prominent a feature of North China. Special revival services have heen held, and many members of the churfh lla ve been quickened in their religious life, and many others have rejoiced in the conscious awaking of spiritual life.

31 ANNUAL MEETING, Educational Work Bears a most important relation to the great objects. we have before us, and it is gratifying that it is being organized and developed in bamlony with these great objects. The Peking University is the head and center of this department of work. \~Vhile organized upon an undenominational and independent foundation, it is essentially and practically, and we hope ever will be, an invaluable aid to our mission work. An endowment and the erection of other needed buildings will be a direct contribution to the work of evangelization. Here our preachers, teachers, doctors, and intelligent men of. business, are to be fitled for influential places in the' regenerated society that must replace the institutions of the past. Hundreds of our youth, who will never pass entirely through the courses of study, will receive an impetus and inspiration that will fit them for useful lives. Around the University as a center and an inspiration, our schools are being better organized, and are producing more satisfactory results. Intermediate schools are established at Peking, Tientsin, Tsun-hua, Tai-an, and Lan-chou, while the Day-schools are receiving more attenlion than ever before. One encouraging feature of these country and inland city-schools is that the nativechurches are manifesting increased interest by contributing for their support. Most of our Day-schools are now entirely self-supporting, 'with the exception of the teachers' salary, while very encouraging amounts in money and grain have been given for the boarding-schools at Tai-an and Lan-chou. In many instances, also, the schools form the nucleus of the church, furnishing a place of meeting in a community where there is no regular preaching, as

32 NORTH CHINA MISSION. well as the means through which Christian truth reaches the families of the pupils. Better nath'e teachers, with more foreign supervision, is a desideratum for all these :schools. --:0:-- The Medical Work Is mainly confined to the central Btations where -missionaries reside, though many patients are seen and much good is done in country dispensaries and ill occasional visits into the interior. The illfluence of this wolk is wide-reaching, and deserves more liberal support than it has hitherto received. The equipment at Tientsin and Tsun-hua is sufficient for the accommodation of the work; but in Peking there are neither Hospital nor Dispensary builuings worthy the name. The immediate and urgent demand is a Dispensary in connection with a new Chapel on the Great Street, and another in an accessible part of the Southern City.; and, finally, a good Hospital building where patients can be received and cared for under the best sanitary c0uditions. In this connection we are pleased to welcome Dr. Ts'ao, who, after an absence of over three years pursuing special studies in the United States, has returned to resume his labors in this Mission. -,-:0:-- Results. The results of the year's work will be presented~ in Statistical Report, so far as figures can represent them; but the Statistics should be regarded as an index, rather than a record, of-accomplished results.

33 ANNUAL MEETING, Our Membership he,s increased. Its numbers might have been largely increased had we received all applicants, but we are still coil\'inced that it is wise in -China to insist on a long trial, not only as condition for Membership, but before entering names as probationers..serious persecutions ha\'e prenliled ill some Districts, not only testing the faithfulness of Ollr members, but.diminishing the numbers of inquirers. l\10re new Chapels have been opened during the past year than in any previous year of Ollr history, thus increasing our efficiency for future tlggressive 'work. But no system of figures -can represent the physical discomfurts endured, the.sacrifices made, the journeys performed) the care of the Churches, the mental distress suffered in administration of discipline, in consultation and au\'ice upon the varied ;and often tri\'ial affairs of the Members, as well as the patient in \'estigation of seriolls difficulties incident to the establishment of the Church in China. --:0:-- Needs. Some of the pressing and immediate needs of the Mission, to prepare us for the great work before us, have already been mentioned. The doubling of OUf foreign force is a necessity. The training of Church Members, the instruction of the natiye Preachers, the supervision of the Schools, and tbe constant attention to the affairs of the Mission, require much more time alld labor than can possibly be given by our present force. A wide extension of our v{ork into new and promising fields, and a vigorous evangelistic movement upon the heathen masses, cannot be undertaken without a large reinforcement. Our native

34 34 NORTH CHINA MISSION. Preachers may be faithful in their work; but, unless led by the foreign Missionary in all forms of aggressive work, we cannot expect from them the best results. We desire to see all native forces greatly augmented, but this in turn depends, in a large degree, upon the strength and efficiency of our foreign force. In one respect, however, our increased effectiveness is within our own power. A renewal of our consecration to the great objects of our calling will bring to us that baptism from above which will fit us for largest success. The difficulties wilh some of the Helpers during the year seems to indicate a lack of spirituality and devotion, which only sllch a baptism can ('orrect. Hence the greatest present need for the Mission, foreigll and native Preachers; and Church Membership is a pentecostal out-pouring of the Spirit of God. For this let us pray. --:0:-- The Outlook. Notwithstanding this outline of the difficullies of the problems before tis, we must not conclude we are engaged in any uncertain conflict. The great battle has scarcely begun, but victory is assured in advance. Reverses and disappointments may be experienced through our ignorance and mistakes; but there has been, and always will be, but one result from the faithful and persistent preaching of the Gospel by consecrated men, the regeneration of Society, the reformation of vicious lives, and the sanctification of humanity,-and we are encoutclged by the fact thai, as surely as God reigns, the work in which we are engaged will result in the redeu"ujtion of China, and 300,000,000 people will yet bow to Him whose right it is to reign. H. H. LOWRY.

35 . ANNUAL MEETING, PEKING DISTRICT. This District is embraced within a radius of 60 or 70 miles of Peking; but, extending as it does, X orth-east, North-west, South-east, and South-west, the circuit of all the stations is between 350 and 400 miles. In Peking, Asbury Chapel and the Southern City Chapel will be reported by those in charge; and Brother Headland will report Yang-ko-chuang, which has been under his supervision. Chiang-piing Chou:-Wc have recently purchased property at this point. For years we have suffered from bad location and inadequate accommodations. The new place is well located on a prominent street, and, having been put in repair, will give good accommodations for our Church. Medical visits have been made to this place at regular intervals during the past year, and the people are getting better acquainted with us and our work. During a recent visit, in walking through the streets, we heard much less of the abuse ordinarily heaped upon foreigners, and noticed a friendlier spirit. Yen-ch'ing Chou :-This place is situated just beyond the inner Great V\T all. From our first entrance, two or three years ago, we have met with opposition from the Officials, making it impossible to rent suitable quarters. During the past year we have purchased property, welladapted to our present needs. We had difficulty in getting possession, but repeated visits to the Official finally accomplished the desired result, and we have been in peaceful possession for some months. The Official now seems friendly, or at least not disposed to disturb us. We regard this as a hopeful field, and trust that the Medical work may be extended to this point during the coming 3S

36 NORTH CHINA MISSION. year. We have been much encouraged by the reception into the Church of an entire family at this point, whose members formerly' bitterly opposed the two of their number who had connected themselves with us. Huang-ts'un :-Although an appropriation was granted by the Missionary Society for the purchase of property at Huang-ts'un, nothing eligible within the means at our disposal has been offered, and we are still occupying rented quarters. This church has suffered from repeated changes of preachers, made necessary by the exigencies of the work elsewhere. With the Imperial Hunting Park occupying much land to the east, and the Hun-ho, with its annual floods, deluging the country to the west, Huang-tseun is situated in the midst of a very poor district, and this fact adds to the difficulty of our work. The day-school al this point, which had been placed in the hands of the helper, has been largely broken up by the extreme poverty of the pupils, who were compelled to gather grass, and do the little they could in helping toward their support. Yung-ch'ing Nan-kuan :-This work was in a promising condition for some months after our last Annual Meeting. In January, in re-adjusting some of the preachers, owing to difficulties that had developed elsewhere, it was found necessary to remove the preacher to Han-ts'un. Shortly after his removal, rumors were circulated against him by a disaffected church-member, and for a time the Church suffered in consequence. A careful investigation proved these rumors, s~ far as we could ascertain, false; the offending member's name was dropped from our rolls, and peace is restored. At my last visit, a few weeks ago, I received four on probation, and

37 ANNUAL MEETING, took seven into full membership. N ear this point, and under its pastoral supervision, at Hu-chia-chuang, we Jlave a little band of Christians who have suffered persecution during the year. I called on the Official at Yung-ch'ing Hsien, laid the case before him, and he issued a proclamation for their protection. Han-ts'u1l and Pei-yiJl :-The Emperor Ch'ien Lung called the Yellow River "China's Sorrow." The Hun-ho, or Muddy RiYer, is certainly the Sorrow of the region in which Han-ts'un and Pei-yin are situated. For.successive years it has broken through its banks, and flooded the surrounding country. The suffering throughout this region last winter was extreme. The people subsisted in part on the "shui-pai-tzu," or darnel, grass seed, and the bark of trees. An appeal was made through {)ur Church papers by Brothers Hobart and Pyke, who were in the United States, and Five Hundred Dollars, gold, were received through Dr. Baldwin. Over Three Hundred Taels were collected here, and considerable,clothing. Seven distributions were made at intervals of about one-month. In most instances, the distribution was -made by personal visitation from house to house, so that there could be due in vestigation of each case. Our Chapels at Han-ls'un and Pei-yin have been crowded on the Sabbath, and large numbers have been brought regularly under the influence of the Gospel message. During the -winter and spring, we received none on probation, as experience has shown that great care is necessary at such times, lest large numbers of unconverted persons become connected with the Church. The fidelity of some of our members in attending Church is encouraging. I have been particularly impressed by the attendance of the women, who go long distances on their lame feet. An old lady, 67

38 NORTH CHINA MISSION~ years of age, has attended service regularly at Han-ts'un,. walking to church and return, a distance of twelve miles, every Sabbath. Places Newly Occupied.:-During the year, work has been begun in Mi-yull Hsien and T'iao-ho-t'ou.. Mi-YUll Hsien is a large city, fifty miles north-east from Peking; and, as we pass through it, in reaching remoter work, its occupation seemed especially desirable. We rented a place there in the spring, and our Helper reports about ten inquirers, and five who wish to unite with us on probation. T( iao-lzo-t 'ou;-this place is a market-town south of Han-ts'un, situated in a region eleyaten.. ~bove the. floods of the Hun-ho. Fifteen probationers form the nucleus of what we trust will be a growing and useful Church. Schools :-There are seven Day-schools in the District, outside of Peking. Some of them have been affected by the extreme poverty of the people; but from them a number of pupils, having finished the prescribed course, entered our Peking school this Fall. In addition to the usual difficulties and perplexities of the work, we have had to meet the added difficulty of not only poverty, but of utter destitution in some places. Trouble al~o developed with two of our preachers, making it necessary to deprive them of their licenses. _Dr. Leonard, in writing -ih-l-~l~ ~e\\' York Advocate of their recent voyage accross the Pacific, states that the first night out from San Francisco was the worst ever experienced by Bishop Foster, who had been one hundredand-fifty llights at sea. In a day or two they had reached quiet waters, and the voyage is probably remembered, not.

39 ANNUAL MEET.lNG, li>y that night, but by the after-days, as a comparatively pleasant one. So, in looking back over the year, we would not remember the difficulties which at times threatened to overwhelm us, but we would remember the manifold mercies of God which haye followed us through all its days. Respeclfully submitted. F- D. GAMEWELL, Presiding Elder. --:G>:-- ASBURY CHAPEL, PEKING. Asbury Chapel, Peking :-Brother Pilcher has been in charge of this work, assisted by native preacher Liu Ma-k'e. Thirty-eight have been received on probation,.and fourteen have been baptized during the year. The Sabbath Schools have been in a flourishing condition. At 9 a.m., there has been an average attendance of 260 in what has been known as our Christian Sabbath School, composed of the students in our schools and of our Church members. This school has been under the superintendance of Dr. Curtiss. At 3 p.m~, we have had our heathen Sabbath School,.as we designate it, composd of children gathered from 'heathen homes surrounding us. The attendance at times has been over 500, and the children, in addition to learning many Christian hymns, have completed the shorter catechism. The influence of this school for good cannot be estimated. It has produced a marked difference in the.attitude of the people in our neighborhood toward us, and the children, in meeting us in the streets, instead of reviling us as formerly, ask "When is Sunday?" Dr. Pilcher has bad charge of this School Regular preaching has been.carried,on at the Feng-c.hen-t~ng street chapel. F. D. GAMEWELL.

40 NORTH CHIXA MISSION. TIENTSIN DISTRtCT. \Vesley Chapel was supplied by Rev. F. Brown until the 1St of March, when he went home to England; since then, by the native helper from our former East Gate appointment, Sun Chiu-kao, and myself. Until the summer rains came 011, our Sunday audiences were large, and all other services well attended. During the term time of the three schools,-the Boy's boarding, the Girl's day,. and the women's training, schools,-we found th~ Chapel toosmall. Especially was this true of an our Sabbath School services, which have been attended by large numbers of children from the immediate vicinity. This serious fault we hope to remedy during the coming year. The Membership remains much the same. A few added. A few have been dropped. In connection with this Chapel, we have carried on an intermediate school for boys, with IS boarders, mainly from our country circuits, and with 25, day-scholars from vicinity. Our school quarters are entirely too small for our purpose, and it is to be hoped that, at no distant day, we will be able to build suitable quarters for fifty boys, on the large vacant lot owned by the Society in Tientsin. We could fill such a school with choice boys from our day-schools on the country circuits~ Missionary Collection, Taels :0:-- THE EAST GATE CHAPEL. Sun Chiu-kao was in charge until the close of last year. When the Officials became extremely anxious to have us vacate the place, instead of waiting until ] une of

41 ANNUAL MEETING, this year, it was' thought advisable to comply with their wishes. Practically we have been without a street chapel thus far this year. Work on the new chapel was begun early in the Spring, the contractor promising to have it ready for our use by the close of June. But promptness is not a characteristic of native contractors about Tientsin. The Chapel is now about complete, and we hope, after the close of this Meeting, to dedicate it as soon as possible. V\T e think we now have a very acceptable chapel, the most substantial structure in the Mission, so arranged as to give a commodious street-chapel, and, on occasions, the largest audience-room III Tientsin for union services. We have tried as far as possible to avoid offending the prejudices of the natives in its construction, without sacrificing any principle. It is pleasant to think that at last we have secured a permanent preaching-place, which, for work among women, and building up a church, in every way surpasses the former chapel. It remains to be seen whether this new chapel is as well situated for gathering large audiences at the daily preaching as the one just left. --:0;-- TIENTSIN WEST CITY Has been, as heretofore, supplied by the native Helper and foreigners as they had opportunity. There has been no advancement in the work, congregations on Sabbath being about the same. Our present place (rented) is badly situated on a retired small street, in the very center of the Mahommedan neighborhood. The ladies have still

42 NORTH CHINA MISSION. a large number of patients at their Dispensary. The boys' school has been very well attended, but not a boy from the immediate neighborhood. During the year, we have tried to find a better place,-one suitable for street chapel work, as well as school and dispensary and women's work. We have been negotiating for a place just within the West Gate, very well adapted for every phase of the work we wish to carryon. As yet we have not been able to come to terms. We ought to have just such a work going on in that otherwise unoccupied part, of Tientsin. The native Helper there resident could also look after the work opening at the not distant town of Yang-liu-ch'ing. Missionary Collection, Taels :0:-- YANG-LIU-CH'ING ( Tientsin Circuit) So named in last year's Report, is still a very indefinite part of our work. At Yang-liu-ch'ing, we have several members, a few inquirers, and a boys' school. Qur colporteurs have been busy working in the large towns along the Canal. We have a few inquirers at several places, and a very good prospect of gaining a foot-bold in such towns as T'ailg-kuan-t'un and Ch'ing Hsien.

43 ANNUAL MEETING, THE TS'ANG-CHOU CIRCUIT. Liu Te-hsin has been in charge. \Ve failed to gain entrance into the city of Ts'ang Chou, the Officials deciding against our right to hold the property we had purchased. This adverse decision has, I fear, prevented our renting places in the market-towns in that Chou district. The Helper has been as active as his uncertain health would permit. The services have been well attended at the one chapel we have in this circuit. Six only have been baptized and received into full membership. A boys' dayschool has been carried on successfully during the year. We have now a church of forty-one members, and sixteen probationers. Something has been done in the way of self support. Missionary Collection, Taels ;0;-- NAN-KUNG CIRCUIT. Shang Ch'ing-yun, a native elder, in charge. There are two centers of work on this circuit, nearly 25 miles apart,-tuan-iu-t'ou and Sung-an-ts'un. The former, where the Helper has resided, remains much the same as in other years. Our chapel is so situated that it can only be entered from the main street at the front, which prevents the neighboring women from running the gauntlet of ugly remarks from the men on the busy street; and also prevents women (already Church Members) attending the regular Sabbath serivces. Plans for remodelling the chapel-front, made last year, have not been carried out from lack of funds. The church building

44 44 NORTH CHINA MISSION. at Sung-an-ts'un, begun also last year, remair.s unfinished for same rea80n. The church at this latter place has been somewhat disturbed by persecution during the year, so there has been no decided advancement. The Helper in charge has been kept at home very much by his wife's illness, and seems not well adapted to country work. This large circuit requires more foreign supervision than we have been able to give during the past year, and a native helper of more energy and zeal than the present one. Members, 52; Probationers, 16; Baptisms, 2. Missionary Collection, Taels :0:-- THE TAI-CH'ENG CIRCUIT. Yang Chlin-ho, a native deacon, has been in charge, and has rendered most efficient service. He has bad two assistant preachers, a colporteur, and a very faithful Bible woman, to assist him on this new and very large Circuit. There are three preaching centers, where we either own or rent chapels. That at the extreme south, in the vicinity of the large market-town of Li-t'an, does not show an increase in the membership. While, in several of the villages, the work has flourished, and members have been added, in others, because of persecution and lack of tact on the part of the native assistant, a number of members have left the church, and others on prodation have gone back t~ heathenism. The place for Sabbath worship bas not been a good one. We IlOpe, during the comillg year, to secure a better place in Li-t'an. Tai-ch'eng

45 ANNUAL MEETING, City is the true center of the works. There we have succeeded in purchasing a very suitable premises for our work. We have altered several of the buildings, so that now we have a good street chapel, a comfortable room for Sabbath services, and for quarterly meetings, besides school room and parsonage. In the city and immediate vicinity, we have I I members and 3 I probationers, and a fine boy's school. To the north of the city, along the river, in a number of villages, the work has been most encouraging, and a number of new names have been added on probation. 'one have every prospect of being able to secure a suitable place for our work in the largest town on the river, \Yang-chia-k/ou, which is 20 miles nearer Tientsin than Tai-ch/eng. The work is very encouraging. We have 89 members, 147 probationers, and two day-schools. Much of the country to the south and east of Tai-ch/img is again under water, the people have lost their crops, their homes have been injured, and they are sorely needing help. Commendable efforts, however, have been made in self-support. Their collection for missions was Taels Since Brother Brown left for home, my time has been too much broken up to give proper attention to the work of the district. What wi th being Presiding Elder of the two districts of Tientsin and Shantung, in charge of the work in Tientsin, hearing classes daily in the boys' school, looking after a number of building operations, and attending to other duties falling to our living in a port, I fear much has been attempted and little accomplished. G. R. DAVIS. Presiding Elder.

46 NORTH CHINA MISSION. SHANTUNG DISTRICT. Since Rev. F. Brown returned to England last March, this district has been in my charge. It is so far distant from Tientsin that it has been possible to visit it but,once during the year. During mid-winter, I had the pleasure of the company -of Mr. and Mrs. Gamewell and Dr. Benn, not only visiting this, but also parts of the Tientsin District during the same tour. We found the work in a flourishing -condition, especially on the older circuits. --:0:-- AN-CHIA-CHUANG CIRCUIT. Wang Ch'ing-yii in charge. The large village, from which this circuit takes its name, and where our work first -began in this region, is distant about 330 miles from Tientsin. The work has been growing rapidly during several years, and this past one has been no exception. The preacher, stirred up to unusual activity by good -old Sister Wang, has been faithful and very diligent in the Lord's business. He has been greatly aided by his most -excellent wife. She has rendered most accepta.ble service in the clmrge of a small boarding-school for girls. This :school has been almost entirely sustained by the contributions of the Native Christians. Much work has been done in the surrounding villages, near and far, in many of which classes of Christians have been formed. Because of the lack of worke~s, the Kuan-chpang circuit has been,supplied by helper Wang and his colporteur. While there -Dr. Benn carried on dispensary work, and was busy from morning till night treating women and children, which gave to Mrs. ~mewell and the two Mrs. Wangs a most

47 ANNUAL MEETING, favorable opportunity to talk to those who had never before heard of Jesus and his wonderful love. On this circuit we now have 157 members and 224 on probation. More than Taels were contributed towards self-support, and Taels 6. I 5 for missionary collection. --:0:-- CHI-NING CHOU. Ku Ch'i in c-harge. This city is about 50 miles south of An-chia. Here, after much opposition, we have been able to purchase good premises on a busy street, where the helper has faithfully preached as he had opportunity. The enmity to the Christian religion is still bitter. Nevertheless, the helper is able to report a class of 12 on probation, as the result of his year's labor. Also brings up a missionary collection of Taels :0:-- NING-YANG CIRCUIT. Li Hsiao-wen, a native elder, in charge. In this large Hsien city, we have just succeeded in renting a place suitable for street-chapel preaching. Here also there has been much opposition. The helper is an able preacher and bas considerable tact in managing such audiences; yet at times there bas been considerable rudeness during the preaching services.,\\~hile many have made light of the (to them) strange doctrines preached, others have been touched by the truth, and a few have come out on the Lord's side. Two members have been received, while six. remain on probation. Tae]s is reported as missionary collection. This city is 17 miles south-east of An-chia.

48 NORTH CHINA MISSION. T'AI-AN CIRCUIT. Liu Chi-Iun has been in charge, with Tsui Wan-fu as assistant. Here also we have large premises, and have large congregations. A few years ago, the few members were in the habit of meeting their elder in a small room in an inn. ~ ow we have a good-sized domestic chapel well filled every Sabbath. The signs of prosperity are seen on every hand. The work, both in the city.and surrounding villages, is encouraging. During part of the year, large audiences are gathered in the street-chapel. An intermediate school for boys has been carried on here for several years with growing success. The school quarters are, 11Owever, poor ~nd ill adapted to the purpose. On this circuit, we have now 50 members, 53 on probation, besides some inquirers. During the year, Taels llaye been raised in self-support, besides Taels 4-58 missionary collection. It is now just 20 years since we received our first convert from that region, and 19 years since the first foreign visitation. Though distant from our head-quarters, and always lacking foreign supervision, yet a great and good work has been steadily carried on, until now we have over 200 members, and nearly 300 on probation; and, from the bounds of this -district, have come some of our most efficient helper's men and women. V.,r e have long looked forward to the time when a little colony of foreigners could be settled in that region. The way has not yet been opened, nor is the immediate prospect good. We have great reason for praising God for past successes, and are fil}ed with courage and hope for the future. G. R. DAVIS.

49 ANNUAL MEETING, LAN-CHOU DISTRICT. The Lan-chou District includes all the extreme eastern portion of this Province. The railways, now nearly completed, pass through its chief cities, and within about one day's journey of all the principal stations ill the District. Lan-chou city, situated upon a fiver of the same name, is the head-quarters of the District. Here we have a large compound with a good Chapel, looms for dispensary, native parsonage, school buildings, and quarters for the Missionary. V\rang Ch'eng-p'ei has been in charge during the year, but bas not confined his labors to the city. He has given valuable assistance to the workers on the neighboring Circuits. The Fairs, held for two weeks twice each year, afford a splendid opportunity for evangelistic work. On these occasions, preaching is continued all day in the Chapel, with special services in the evening, often last ing until ten o'clock. Assistance has been freely rendered by the Preachers from the other Circuits; and, at the meeting last autumn, Dr. Hopkins sa \V over one thousand patients in the dispensary. At the meeting in the summer, valuable assistance was rendered by several of the older students from the Peking University; and, at the close of the Fair, they spent several weeks among the other Churches of the District. The Boys' boarding-school, whicb was opened little more than a year ago, has been in sllccessful operation. We were fortunate in securing the services of teacher pian, who was so long connected with our Schools in Peking. There have been boarders, besides day-scholars. All the expenses of the School ha \'e been borne by the native Church, except the salary of the teacher, and Taels per quarter which,vas furnished by the Mission.

50 so NORTH CHINA MISSION. The I-an Circuit has been in charge of Li Hstieh-hsiu~ and has three regular appointments, namely, I-an,. Pei-chia-tien, and Lin-pai-hu. At I-an, the work is in a prosperous condition. The members have manifested considerable interest in securing a new Church-building. Two brothers have given a suitable lot, and others have contributed money, and some have furnished labor in erecting the building. One man subscribed 1,000 bricks, and another the s~one. It is hoped our local Church Extension Society will second these efiorts, and aid in completing the building. We feared for a time that the work at Pei-chia-tien was in a dying condition; but, within the past few months~ there has been a revival, and several additions have been made to the Church. At Lin-pai-hu, the members, wishing to provide a place of worship, first proposed to rent a small building,. but afterwards a good opportunity was offered to purchase a house. The native Church contributed one-third, and the Mission gave the remainder of the amount. In this, as well as in many of the otherjchurches in the District, the labors of Miss Ketring were greatly appreciated and blessed. Premises have been rented, and a most promising work opened, at the large Market-town of Chen-tzti-chen, during the year. A Day-school has been started, and a Church organized. An-ko-chuang has taken a new start during the year, and is in a more promising condition than ever before. Lin Chen-lung, an exhorter, has proved himself a very useful worker. Twenty-three miles south of Lan-chou is the important district city of Lao-t'ing. Here, for the first time, we have.succeeded in opening a Chapel. The first place we rented

51 ANNUAL MEETING, aroused the opposition of the Literati, and was closed by order of the Magistrate. The case was referred to Tientsin, and, in obediellce to the command of the Viceroy, his proclamation, including the Imperial Edict of 1891, was posted in the four Gates of the city, instructing the people on the rights and objects of Missionaries. After that, many places were offered, and we had no difficulty in renting. As soon as the chapel was opened, the crowds were so great that it was found one preacher could not do the work alone. In the absence of any appropriation for another man, and in view of the impossibility of taking any preacher from the other stations, olle of the members at Lan-chou volunteered his services for four months without pay. He has now entered upon a second term 011 the same conditions. This same brother, during the revival services at Lan-chou, became deeply convicted of his sins, and made a public confession with self penitence. This act moved a Confucian teacher tn declare that the religion of Jesus must be true when it can produce sllch results, for he knew of no other religion which could lead men thus to public confession and repen tance. Pen-ch'eng is a large Market-town, twenty miles southwest of Lan-chou, which is also visited twice a year by a large Fair. \Ve have re~el1tly rented a chapel in this town and placed a man in charge, but I have not been able to visit it mysel( Twenty-three miles north of Lan-chou is the district city of Ch'ien-an. Kung Te-lin has been in charge of the work, and his faithful labors have been crowned with success. He is not an educated man, but an excellent pastor, failhfully attending to the interests of the church. He reports 105 members and 23 probalioners,-an increase. The total collection for all purposes is Taels

52 NORTH CHINA MISSION. Ch'ang-li is a Hsien city, situated on the railway, twenty-five miles east of Lan-chou. Huang Wei-k'ang has been in charge. The work has been opened little more than a year. We have just rented a place, about the size of our property at Lan-chou, for Taels a year. The work is developing in the surrounding villages. Shan-hai-kuan is in the extreme north-eastern part of the district. It is the present terminus of the railway, and is politically considered one of the most important cities of the Empire. We have here a good chapel, native parsonage, and several other buildings. Elder Chien has been in charge during the year. He has had serious difficulties to contend with, and the work has not made much ad,'ance. Ch'ien-wei, the most distant charge on the circuit, is a large town, twenty-five miles beyond the Great 'Vall. The membership remains about the same as last year. The day-school has been continued, the teacher conducting the Sabbath services in the absence of the preacher. Miss Ketring also opened a school for girls here. The largest membership on the circuit is connected with Huang-tu-ying, which has been supplied by Chang Tzu-sheng. Persecutions and the extortions of the local tax-collectors have greatly hindered the work, and caused much suffering to the members. An a ppeal was made to the official, who promised careful inquiry and future protection from illegal demands. The work at Tai-ying has had no one to look after it, and consequently has made no progress. We have continued our efforts to get inlo the city ~of Fu-ning, but without success. We can secure no place there until we have an appropriation to purchase. The people will not rent to the Church.

53 ANNUAL MEETING, S3 When we get a chapel in Fu-ning city, we will be established in each of the six Hsien cities, and many of the large towns of this district. There has been encouraging advance in nearly all the charges, and we close the year with gratitude for what has been done, and with hope for the future. Respectfully submitted. H. H. LOWRY, Presiding Elder. --:0:-- SOUTHERN CITY CHAPEL. Under the ministration of Chien Heng-te, a young native preacher, a graduate of Peking University, who was appointed last year to the Southern City Chapel, the work has been regularly carried on, as in former years. Steady work has been the feature of the.year. Assisted by several wide-awake Christians, preacher Chien has conducted street-chapel services every afternoon of the week, excepting Saturdays and Sundays, so that numbers of heathen, as well as inquirers, have been instructed in the narrow way leading to eternal life. Through the faithful labors of Mrs. Gamewell, the woman's work has been successfully prosecuted. Especially encouraging to the preacher was the large number of women and girls present at the Sabbath services and weekly prayer-meeting. The attendance at the Sabbath services, during the summer, has been unusually good, notwithstanding the wretched streets and lanes, rendered at times almost impassable by the exceedingly severe rainy season. It was gratifying, after the public morning services on the

54 54 NORTH CHINA MISSION. Sabbath, to notice the Church-members with their friends remain and unite in a c1ass-meeting, under the leadership of venerable Chu Fu-hsing. One especially encouraging feature of this work, during the year, has been the inauguration of a native Self Support Association (m 11 fr), started at the suggestion of the enterprising native preacher, ChIen, who also pursued his post-graduate studies in the Wiley School of Theology of Peking University. This Self Support Association has thus far raised over $ U.S. Gold. The Missionary Collection is... $20.40 Local Church Extension" " " Respectfull y subm i t ted. Peking, China. September 28th, MARCuS L. TAFT, Missionary in charge. --:0:-- YANG-IrE-CHUANG. At Yang-ke-chuang there has been no very marked progress. We have been let alone. Wei Kuo-shun llas done faithful and efficient service. Dr. plang has visited the church several times, when he administered medicine to the sick, and preached the gospel to all. Three were baptized, and four admitted on probation, one of whom was recommended to, and received as, a teacher in the Girls' School here. There has been progress, slow it is true, but in the right direction. ISAAC T. HEADLAND, Missionary in charge

55 ANNUAL MEETING, EDUCATIONAL WORK PEKING UNIVERSITY. L. \\T PILCHER, PRESIDENT. When the last ~eport was made, Durbin Han was in process of erection. The building,,,as completed in season for the opening of the Fall Semester, and has supplied dormitory accommodations for the Students of the Collegiate Department. Rooms for the President's Office, for Recitations of the College Classes, and the weekly meetings of the Literary Society, for the Recitations of the Theological Department, and space for the Library and Museum, have been set apart in the building until -such time as permanent accommodations shall be provided in a building especially erected for the purpose. The building has ca11ed forth the commendation of all who have seen it. Bishop Mal1alieu pronounced it ""the best built and most satisfactory edifice in all.educationa1 work in China." And after the experience of a year, we are unable to suggest any material improvement in the plan. In the early Spring, the grounds were graded, removing many unsightly heaps of refuse, and greatly improving the appearance of the Campus. At the same time, thr{mgh the liberality of friends, both foreign and native~ we were enabled to set out over.a hundred-and-fifty trees and shrubs, representing all the

56 NORTH CHINA MISSION. most common species found in the vicinity of Peking. It is our intention to add to the variety from year to year, with a view to establishing an Arboretum containing every kind of tree and.shrub that can be made to grow in the open in this climate. With funds donated for the put pose, the grounds have been enlarged by the purchase of a ruined Temple immediately adjoining the Campus, and, by direction of the Finance Committee, a portion of the endowment funds now in hand have been invested in other property near by, the temporary rental of which, to native tenants,. will produce a revenue not only in excess of ordinary investments, but which enables the Institution to get possession of lands necessary for enlargement at a time when the purchase can be made to the greatest advantage. A movement has been set on foot by Professor I. T. Headland for the securing of $60,000 as a permanent Fund for the endowment of two Professorships. Toward this sum, $2,250 (gold) have already been contribute~ by Missionaries on the field, and there is reason to believe that the entire amount asked for will be realized. It is a matter of considerable interest that, for the first time, the University has been made the recipient of a Legacy. This was left by the Will of Mr. John R. Sims,. of San Francisco. l\luch interest in the work of the Institution is felt in different parts of the United States, as well as in England and the East, so that we may reasonably expect to be similarly remembered in the posthumous gifts of many friends of Christian education as the years go by. The number of Perpetual Scholarships ($600. each) is increasing, and the accruing interest has been used fat' the education of worthy pupils.

57 ANNUAL "MEETING, A liberal response has been given to our appeal for Annual Scholarships ($30.00 a year). As a result, many residing in distant lands have contracted a personal regard for indi vidual students, and are watching their careers with great interest. These contributiollshave been generously supplemented by grants toward the current expenses from the Missionary Society of the l\iethodist Episcopal Church. Schools of Intermediate grade have been in active operation at Tientsin, TSUIl-huCl, and T'ai-an, during the entire year; and, a fev~' months ago, still another was established at Lan-chou. A considerable portion of the funds for the support of this new school consists of the voluntary contributions of the natives in the vicinily, and the balance has been supplied by private benefactions. An increased number of Primary Schools has been organized throughout the country, in regions where we are able to control them in connection with other Mission work. We attach great importance to these Schools, where the foundations of Christian education are to be laid, and much attention has been given toward increasing their efficiency. During the year, a number of valuable additions have been made to the Library. These have been partly by purchase, but chiefly by gifts from friends of the Institution. First among the latter is a complete set of the publications of the Imperial Maritime Customs, received through the kindness of Sir Robert Hart, Bart. The series, besides useful statistics, contains many valuable papers on the climate and prouuctions of China, which would render it an invaluable acquisition by any Library.

58 58 NORTH CHINA MISSION. Mr. E. B. Drew, on leaving for his post as Commissioner of Customs at Canton, kindly deposited in the Library a number of volumes and a series of large photographic views. Over forty volumes in current literature have been added through the Circulating Library. The set of Legge's translations of the Chinese Classics has been completed, and a fun set of the valuable Papers contained in the transactions of the North-China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society has been secured. Among other additions may be mentioned a set of von Richtofen's China, including the Atlas; an elegant set of Lord Macartney's Embassy to China, including Charts and Engravings in Atlas form; also an ancient work on China, printed in Dutch, and profusely illustrated. The name of the Library has been placed on the List of those to whom are sent, at regular intervals, the Publications of the Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs, and of the several Governmental Departments and Societies in the United States of America. This latter was secured through the kind intervention of Professor Mark Harrington, Chief of the United States Signal Service, and of the Honorable Edwin Willits, late Assistant Secretary of Agriculture at Washington. When the Library was removed to its new quarters in Durbin Hal1, the shelf accommodations were considerably increased. Now, howeyer, they are too contracted, and it will S0011 be necessary to consider plans for enlargemen t. The room in the Preparatory Building, formerly devoted to the use of the Library and Museum, is now to be used for the display of the Apparatus belonging to the Physical Laboratory. For lack of accommodations, the

59 ANNUAL MEETING, 1893: 59 instruments, up to the present time, have been crowded into inconveniently narrow quarters, greatly hindering their successful manipulation. By the present plan, not only will this defect be remedied, but the whole will be spread out to the view of pupils and visitors. Several hnndred dollars worth of new appliances in this department have been ordered from England and America, and,,-ill be here in the Autumn. We are indebted to Mr. E. Chavannes, an Attache of the French Legation, now just starting for his post as successor to the renowned Sinologue, Stanislas Julien, Profes,sor of Chinese in the College de France, for the gift of a large case of shelves. Nor must we neglect to acknowledge the gift, by one of our own number, of a small Aluminium-mounted Telescope, of sufficient power for a practical study of the heavens. This gift has met a long-felt need, in giving instruction in Descriptive Astronomy. Eight years ago, a c1<1ss in the Preparatory Department was, for the first time, inducted into the mysteries of Written Arithmetic by the use of a text book prepared in Chinese. At the time, we congratulated ourselves that a long stride in advance had been taken along educational lines. Since then, steady progress has been made, and not only are advanced Mathematics taught to classes of intelligent pupils, but they are taught through the medium of the English language. This is also true of the studies in other departments of Western Science. The examinations in Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Navigation and Surveying, Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy, as well as Mental and Moral Philosophy, have been well attended by foreign friends of the University, and the testimony is that the students

60 60 NORTH CHINA MlSSION. evinced a familiarity with the various subjects seldom excelled by classes of the same grade in Institutions w here English is the vernacular. Gradually, but as rapidly as we could bring our students along through what to the Chinese have been untried fields of study, we have advanced the grade of the c.ollege curriculum. Now the Committee appointed, at the first meeting of the Board of Managers, on courses of study for Diplomas and Degrees, have ready a Schedule leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts, the completion of which by any student may 'well entitle him to the honor. So highly does this new Schedule commend itself to native Scholars, that already applications have been received from two Christian teachers, graduates of a College of high grade in another part of China, for admission to the classes as pupils, that they may complete the course of study and receive our Diploma. Questions and assurances from various sources, during the past few months, have led the Faculty to seriously consider the advisability of opening a new Department, with courses of study specially designed for foreign students of various nationalities, residing in China, who may wish to acquaint themselves with the Language and Literature of China. Such studies are already being pursued by two pupils-one an American and one a Japanese-under the direction of Members of the Faculty; and we have received intimations that others would be glad to avail themselves of the same advantages. While no obligations are placed upon ally student to lay aside his ancestral faith and becoi?je Christian, the primary object of the Institution-to impart secular instruction under Christian auspices-is never lost sight of.

61 ANNUAL MEETING, Christian influences pervade every department, and religious instruction is imparted constantly, and in many ways. Kot the least among the active forces at work to promote religious life among the members of the Institution is the Epworth League, a Chapter of which organization was organized last winter, and has done much aggressive work. Of the five young men who graduated last year, three entered the Christian 1\1 inistry, one was retained as a teacher in the Peking Intermediate School, and the fifththough not in the employ of the Church-has maintained his Christian profession, and has contributed of his means and of his time to the work of the local church where he resides. The present graduating class began the year with a membership of three young men of ex~ellent character and literary ability. During the year, one yielded to temptation, fell into sin, and \Vas expelled. Another-one of the most gifted students that has ever belonged to the University-sickelJed and died within a month of his expected graduation. The third has su~cessfully completed the prescribed course of study, and is recommended as a worthy recipient of the Bachelor's Degree. He has given many evidences of the possession of a genuinely religious faith, and, whatever sphere he may occupy, we believe he will prove an aid to the Church and an honor to his Christian profession. A Theological class has been in session during the year. The instruction has been given through the medium of the English language, with a degree of success that promises much for this department in the future. It is proposed to make some changes in the staff of Native Instructors. One, who has been with us for several years, has been transferred to another field. Two,

62 NORTH CHINA MISSION. as intimated above, have renounced their places with the accompanying salary, to enter the College classes in pursuit of advanced work which they hope to accomplish through the medium of the English language. We have secured the services of a native Christian graduate, a Hsiu-ls'ai of the Lin-sheng grade. Also a graduale of the Presbyterian College at Teng-chou Fu. The latter has, for several years, been a member of the Faculty of that Institulion, and is recommended by the Rev. W M. Hayes, his former instructor and recent associate, as H the best product of the College in the departments of Mathematics and Physics." With a new and more thorough course of study, a revised system of discipline, and a more efficient staff of Instructors, we have reason to expect better results than during past years. Plans are now in process of execution for the enlargement of the Industrial Department by the establishment of a University Press. Our great distance from Shanghai, the expense of getting printing done in Tientsin, and the accumulation of work at the American Board Press in Peking, united with the desirability of supplying industrial instruction for a considerable class of pupils, who for various reasons are debarred from completing the regular Collegiate Course, have led to the organization of this scheme. A press has been secured, and a supply of type and other printer's materials have been ordered from Shanghai. We expect to begin work in this department in September. Each year marks an advance along every line, running through every department. As we close the review of this year, we look forward into the next with a hopefulness that in itself must constitute a decided element of success.

63 ANNUAL MEETING, PEKING TRAINING CLASS. About the middle of November, last year, the Training Class, composed of members seleded by the Quarterly Conferences in the different parts of our widely extended Mission-field, arrived at Peking, in order to obtain a more thorough knowledge of Christian truth. Although, for several years in succession, there have been representatives [rom T'ai-an, 400 miles to the south, near the birth-place of China's greatest sage, Confucius,. and also from Lan-chou, at the east, where a large substantial railroad bridge is being constructed for the first time, there were last year two representatives from the district of Shan-hai-kuan, where the Great Wall of China abuts the Gulf of Pechihli. One of these was among the brightest students in the class. It is not always that we can trace any direct results from such drill in Christianity, but, last spring, after the dismissal of the students, one of them returned with the good news that a number of his relatives and friends in a certain village, to whom he had explained Christianity, had become collvinced of its truth, had destroyed their idols, and urgently desired a preacher sent to them, who would further instruct them, baptize them, and formally receive them into the Christian Church. Their names are now enrolled as probationers. The same schedule of studies was pursued as last year, and we trust that these students have been more thoroughly grounded in Christian truth themselves, and also are better able to assist their relatives and neighbors in understanding and appreciating the Gospel of Christ. MARCUS L. T AFf.

64 NORTH CHINA MISSION. MEDICAL WORK. PEKING DISTR1CT. This report covers a period of 17 months, ending August 31st of the present year, and ends the seventh year of continuous \york in this~district. The story we have to tell from year to year, if vie"red only from the professional side, would grow exceedingly monotonous. The two great professions, preaching and healing, which go band in hand as no other two professions, are under the warrant and seal of the great Master himself U who went about doing good." That we are following in His foot-steps and going at His command is the great incentive to a work that, in many respects, would otherwise be drudgery. But for this, stati:stics would have little meaning in Mission work. To us, the figures not only represent so many bodies which have received the benefit of foreign medicine and skill and the ministries of philanthropy, but they represent so many souls in which we have attempted to plant some seed of truth, and hearts into which we have tried to pour the balm of spiritual life. By far the greater part of tus work is that of casting the bread upon the waters. 'I'I,.l it does return, we ourselves have witnessed in ilian)' fo1':::)8. It may be in direct conversions, or it may be only m breaking down prejudice, making the later sowing 01 the seed the easier. It would be a heart possessed of little faith that did not believe that, after all this, there was the leaven of truth at work in many hearts.

65 ANNUAL MEETING, In the preparation of this report and consideration of figures which we shall present, our thoughts are divided by the consciousness of a year of greater success than ever before, with thankfulness that it is so, and by plans for even greater efforts in the year to come. The knowledge of our work is extending among the people, even in the face of the obstacles of a retired and untraveled locality, and we think we can safely say the poorest Hospital and Dispensary accommodations in all the Methodist connection in China. Our success has proyed tbat regularity is one of the keys to success. Country work has been carried on during the year in a manner to produce better results than in previous years. The care of so large a mission, with its hundreds of pupils and other dependents, makes it impossible for the foreign physician to make so many of lhese visits himself as would be for the benefit of the work. Howe\,er, our plans in this department are for a year of extended usefulness. Cases seen at Country Dispensaries, STATISTICS. First Visits, or individuals treated in Dispensaries.... 3,573 Return Visits... 10,84 I Total Visils to Dispensaries... 14,4 I 4 Hospital Patients... II8 Visits to Homes Total Visits... I4,577

66 66 NORTH CHINA MISSION. For last 12 months:- First Visils... 2,655 Return Visits... 8,564 Total Visits at Dispensaries... II,219 Adding Hospital Patients and Visits to Homes Total ,382 Against 6,452, the previous 12 months. W H. CURTISS. --:0:-- TSUN-HUA DISTRICT. The past year, in many ways, has been the most encouraging in the history of our work; for, while other labors have detained us from visiting as frequently as in years past our outer dispensing stations, we find that the attendance at the Hospital dispensary has increased to such are extent that the total number treated does not fall far (if any) below previous years. Many times, through the year, cases have come under my observation, showing the influence of the work on the minds of the people; and, in out-of-way places, where I had not supposed any one knew of us, there have been men come to' me and express their approval of our work, telling of some one from their home, or village, who has been under our care.

67 ANNUAL MEETING, Last Fall, our hearts were made glad by the arrival of Dr. Scott and Brother Barrow, who have in many ways aided in both medical and evangelistic work. The record of the last few years would seem to show that the success of Tsun-hua medical work, as such, was assured, the numbers applying for treatment being all we could desire, and the territory from which they are drawn being large enough to suit us. But the patients in the Hospital, although showing much interest while with us, and some uniting with us in church relation, still, when they return to their homes, they seem lost to us. Our great need in this line is faithful men who can follow them to their homes, and help them there to make a stand for Christ. The dispensing at P'ing-an-ch'eng, Hsin-chuang-tzu, and Sha-liu-ho, has been carried on as usual. At the latter place, where a new chapel and dispensary have been in process of erection, the work has been somewhat interruptedj but, at other places, the work has been most satisfactory. The Hospital has drawn many patients from the region north of Chien-an to 200 li beyond the Mongolian border, many having come from the Chen-tzu-chen district. Much good would be accomplished, were the medical force in Tsun-I1ua large enough to keep a man constantly on these and other districts, visiting and dispensing in their hon:es. Respectfully submitted. N. S. HOPKINS, M.D.

68 68 NORTH CHINA MISSION. TSUN-HUA MEDICAL WORK For the Fiscal Year-from April 20th, 1892, to September 25th, The medical work has done more to break down the prejudice and superstition of the people, in and about Tsun-hua, than anything else. Great credit is due to Dr. Hopkins for the energy and skill with which the work has been carried forward. In many towns and villages, a few years ago, the foreigner could not pass through without being reviled, but now one often hears words of commendation. Since Dr. Hopkins left us in June last, the work has not had the attention that it deserved. The: hasty departure of our first assistant, and the continued illness of Mr. Dudley, left us almost helpless, and compelled us to keep au of the out-dispensaries closed. Liu Shao-t'ang deserves credit for his faithfulness in attending to the local work. Notwithstanding the weak condition of our medical foroe, there were two, thousand five hundred treatments made during the past four months. The total number of treatments made, within the past fiscal year, was twenty thousand.four hundred and sixty-five. Included in the whole' number' of treatments were one thousatld one hundred,made by Dr. Barrow. She held daily clinics in the Woman's Hospital, from December 12th, 1892, to M ay 5th, 1893,.:andearned a deservedly high re.putatlon for her efficient servics. Dr. Barrow attended five obstetrical cases, and made a number of surgical operations. There were one h~ndred-and-fifty surgical operations in the -general work within the year, not including

69 ANNUAL MEETING, '9 extraction of teeth and minor operations not recorded. Many visits were made in the city, and the people have treated us with kindness and respect. The discouragements of the past do not dishearten us, for we have an abiding trust in the Great Healer, and therefore look with confidence toward a brighter future. J. F- SCOTT. --:0:-- A.NNIVERSARY AND OTHER GATHERINGS. A public reception was given to Bishop R. S. Foster, Secretary A. B. Leonard, Mrs. S. L. Kean, and Miss Kean, from 8 to 10 p.m., on the Wednesday preceding the Conference, by the Protestant missionaries of different Missionary Societies at Peking. The Temperance Anniversary on Friday evening, when Dr. Leonard delivered an eloquent temperance address, and also the Missionary Anniversary on Saturday afternoon, when Rev. George Owen of London graphically instructed the audience, were particularly interesting. On Sunday, the Love Feast, in which numerous testimonies of God's love and determination to walk.closer with God were given, was conducted by G. R. Davis. After the Love Feast, Dr. Leonard preached, H. H. Lowry interpreting, after which Bishop Foster ordained three deacons. At the Peking Missionary Association, on Monday evening, Dr. Leonard delivered an able address which captivated the audience.

70 NORTH CHINA MISSION. ~O'rtlr ~ljilta ~oltf.erence ~ire.cto'rlj+ Elders DATE OF ARRIVAL NAME POST OFFICE ADDRESS 1893 Barrow, LaClede Tientsin, China 1886 Brown, Frederick Leicester, England 1870 Davis, George R. Tientsin, China 1881 Gamewell, Frank D. Pek,ing, 1893 Hayner, J. F Headland, Isaac T. " " 1882 Hobart, William T. Tientsin, " " " " " 1869 Lowry, Hiram H. Peking, " 1870 Pilcher, Leander 'V. " " 1873 ' Pyke, James H. TieRtsin, " " 1880 Taft, Marcus L. Peking, 1890 Verity, G. \V. Tientsin, 1873 Walker, \Vilbur F. Greencastle, " Ind., " U.S.A. Ch 'en Ta-yung Peking, China Te Jui Tientsin, " 'Wang Ch'eng-p'ei 'Yang Ch'ing-yun " Li'Shao-wen " Sh~l.ng Ch'ing-yun " " " " Deacons " " " " Yang Ch 'un-ho Wang Ch'ing-yu Sun Chiu-kao Liu Chi-Iun KuCh'j Tients'in, China " " "!j 1I " " 11 " " " "

71 ANNUAL MEETING, Proba"tioners DATE OF ARRIVAL NAlIIE POST OFPICE ADDRESS Liu Ma-k'e Peking, China plan Cheng Tientsin, " Ch 'en Heng-te Peking, Ch'in Lung-chang " Chou Hsueh-sheng Tientsin, " " " Chang Pai-ling Ts'ui 'Van-fu " " Kung Te-lin " " " " " " " " Medical Missionaries Curtiss, Wil1iam H. Hopkins, N. S. Scott, J. F- Peking, China \Vellfleet, Mass., U.S.A. Tientsin, China Instructor in Peking University Davis, Hattie E. Peking, China

72 NORTH CHINA MISSION. Annual Meetings of The North Ohina Mission OF The Methodist Episcopal Ohurch. ""~: ==~l===:- NUMBER TIME PLACE PRESIDENT SECRETARY Organized II Sept; Aug. 28, Sept. I, Aug. 31, Sept. 8, O~t. 3~: Sept. 9, " I, '",. 20, 29,.--" 7, O~t. t Sept. 10, Oct. 7, Sept. 26, Oct. 10, " 15, June 10, May 13, Apr. 27, Sept. 28, n ,1888 1' Peking Calvin Kingsley L. N. Wheeler William H. Harris H. H. Lowry " II " " " II Tientsin " Peking "., " " " G. R. Davis Isaac W. Wiley H. H. Lowry " " Thomas Bowman H. H. Lowry Stephen M. Merrill Isaac W. Wiley H. H. Lowry G. R. Davis Henry vv. 'Varren Charles H. Fowler Edward G. Andrews H. H. Lowry Daniel A. Goodsell H. H. Lowry Randolph S. Foster H. H. Lowry L. "w. Pi't'cher W:' F. w'<~lker J. H. Pyke L W. Pilcher J. H. Pyke L. W. Pilcher O. W. Willits L. W. Pilcher " " J. H. PYke Marcus L. Taft W:' T. Hobart " " " " L. tw. Pii~her Marcus L. Taft NORTH CHINA CONFERENCE. SESSION TIME PLACE PRESIDENT SECRETARY 1 Sept. 29, 1893 Peking Randolph S. Foster Marcus L. Taft

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