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Further, he must use all legitimate means to realize his desire. Either his fellow students may combine to send him (Princeton alone has already sent three), or several or all the colleges in his state may unite for his support, or the congregation of which he is a member may send him at its own request and in addition to its annual contribution to foreign missions, or the board of missions of his own denomination may secure him. He tries them all in turn until success crowns his efforts. In this way 110 have already sailed and 16 are under orders to go. The average salary is $700. These volunteers are drawn largely from the ranks of the best students, and all take a leading part in the religious work of their college, and especially on the missionary committee. Each committee has five duties which are assigned to it (a) to conserve the existing organization; (b) to organize the volunteers into bands; (c) to get recruits; (d) to support a missionary or co-operate with other colleges in supporting one; (e) to plead in churches. Something over $25,000 is said to have been raised during the past year by these volunteers. These students accept every opportunity to scatter missionary information and arouse missionary zeal, first, by holding meetings to which the whole college is invited, and at which the whole subject of foreign missions in its relation to work at home is discussed, and second, by sending deputations through the country to plead with the churches and arouse their interest and call forth their contributions. Mr. Martin says, "They simply storm one with the convincing arguments that struggle for first utterance-the Master's command; the greater needs of the foreign field; the reflex influence on the spiritual life of the home Church; the present crisis; the evangelization of the world within the present generation." They believe much in the virtue of preparing themselves by hundreds and thousands and offering the home Church no excuse if they are not sent at once.

The news which is received through the secular press, of the widespread devastation

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produced in the Shantung province by the overflow of the Yellow river, is simply appalling. To all appearances, if the accounts be true, there must be greater famine and distress during the coming year than that which has been relieved by the recent harvests. The Chinese government seems to look upon the spectacle with a sense of powerlessness, and Christian philanthropists in other lands will experience a feeling of discouragement that so soon after their gifts have been bestowed upon the suffering, a still greater demand may possibly appear.

But nothing occurs at random in the kingdom of God. There is some meaning in these strange events, and we shall doubtless know in time what it is. The frequency and urgency of the current calls for help, the spectacle of ever-continued want, temporal and spiritual, lying over against the abundance of the Church of western lands, are significant; and when Christ says "the poor ye have always with you" and at the same time supplies the means of help, who can complain?

Complaint is made in the Wesleyan missionary magazine of an ordinance passed by the Ceylon legislative council, and approved by her majesty the queen, which virtually establishes a church and state religion, with Buddhism as the religion. In 1881 the Church of England was disestablished in Ceylon, since which time the government has been neutral. Now a union is formed with the Buddhist religion which carries with it certain government temporalities to be used for religious purposes. No wonder that this legislation is challenged.

The work among the Japanese on the Pacific coast is exceedingly important in its bearings on our missions in Japan. One can hardly realize that there are now over three thousand Japanese in San Francisco and vicinity. Of these only about two hundred and fifty are under religious influence, as exerted by Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist missions. Most of them," says a recent letter from their countryman Mr. A.

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Hatori, who is employed by the Presbyterian Board to labor among them, "are exposed to the terrible temptations of the city, and are sure to meet the fate of the prodigal son." There is great need of a mission-home in connection with the Presbyterian mission, but with present funds and the many calls, it seems impossible for the present to provide one. Mr. Hatori's work, following the methods and spirit of that of Dr. and Mrs. Sturge, who were recently compelled to leave San Francisco on account of health, is highly prospered. Forty-eight of the young Japanese connected with the Presbyterian church have signified their desire for a mission home, and on condition that a permanent structure shall be purchased or built they have subscribed $837.50. It is estimated that a building with the lot would cost at least $15,000. To build now is impossible, but $75 a month would rent a place which would answer the needs of the mission until a permanent building can be supplied.

At its last meeting the Board of Foreign Missions appropriated $1500 for a mountain summer home for the ladies of the Sidon Female Seminary. The Philadelphia Women's Board have pledged $1000 of that sum over and above their regular work. It is hoped that a few liberal givers will contribute the remaining $500. The possession of such a home will enable the ladies to spend all their summer vacation in the midst of a great field for useful work. Jedaideh, where it is proposed to build the house, is a high, healthful place, and in the midst of quite a large group of villages where there are churches and schools. From it may be traced the gorge of the river Litany to the north and west, above which is the Crusader's castle of Shukeef, at the south are the waters of Merom; not far off is the fountain of Dan, where once stood one of Jeroboam's silver calves. Just to the east lies Cæsarea Philippi (Banias) and the famous Crusader's castle where every stone, when struck, gives out a pleasant musical sound. It is close by the sources of the Jordan and in full view of the stately Mount Hermon, while

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the southern spurs of Lebanon break down just to the north of it. But none of these things would be an inducement to build there were it not for the many surrounding places of religious interest and open doors for usefulness.

A large church with schools for girls and boys, and a school especially for Bedawee boys, are located in this large town. It is an important centre of influence. The money expended there will be a most profitable investment.

The object is laid before the Church in the confident hope that the amount required will soon be added to their regular gifts.

There are rumors of a serious development in China, resulting, it is thought, from the restriction laws of the American Congress with respect to Chinese emigrants. The whole history of diplomacy since the Burlingame treaty has been such that one of two results was certain to follow-either a manifestation of just indignation on the part of the Chinese government, or a clear demonstration of stolidity and callous indifference on the part of the Chinese as a people. No nation of any spirit could be expected to submit to the outrages of our diplomacy. Recent letters speak of an

overture which has been made to the emperor of China, calling upon him to restrict all Americans to the consular ports, and it is rumored that the emperor has called a council to consider the matter. If this rumor is true, and if as a result of the proposed council a favorable response shall be given to the overture, the effect must be to set back the missionary work to a most serious degree.

There is at the same time a degree of uncertainty as to whether the United States government will consent to the proposed revision of treaties with Japan. The demands which Japan makes upon the great treaty powers are most just, and if countries like the United States, Great Britain and Germany shall refuse, it will be because Japan is helpless; and it is believed that if our government shall take the side of injus

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tice, the effect upon the missionary work and upon all American influence in Japan will be disastrous. These clouds in the sky are sufficient to show the need of prayer that he who turns the hearts of men as the rivers of water are turned may direct all for the good of his kingdom.

Special attention has recently been drawn to the Colombia mission on account of the death of two young missionaries, Miss A. C. Ramsay and Prof. W. W. Findley. Who is ready to take their places and undertake the work to which these devoted missionaries had given their lives?

A special plea has long been made for a suitable mission-house and school at Barranquilla, in the station where Miss Ramsay died. The need is very urgent. The mission have asked for it and the Board have approved of it, but they can only grant the money if the churches will give it.

A house of ten rooms for the mission family and the teachers, with two large rooms for school and chapel, can be built for $5000 in a desirable situation. This can be done if done soon. The friends of the Colombia

mission are invited to give this amount if they can do so without trenching on their regular contributions to the Board. Who will help this afflicted mission to this muchneeded building? The work is growing and encouraging, and the investment a good one. Who will take stock in it?

The statistics of the Japan missions of the American Board show that during the year ending April 30, 1999 persons were received on confession of faith. This would make an

average of over forty persons added to each of the forty-nine churches (eight of which were formed during the year) under the care of that Board.

King Malietoa of Samoa, who had been deposed by the Germans nearly two years ago and carried as an exile to Marshall Island, returned August 11. His arrival, on the German gunboat Wulf, was greeted with

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hearty cheers by the English and American residents. The meeting between the returned monarch and his relatives was most affecting; the whole party, including the king, wept for joy, while the women fell on their knees and kissed his hands. According to the telegraphic account, Malietoa seemed to be a careworn man and broken down in health. The island has a population of 30,000, of whom 26,000 are nominal Christians.

Some months ago we stated the fact that an Italian newspaper was issuing in cheap. form, wholly as a business venture, pamphlet editions of the Scriptures. It now appears that the success of the enterprise has induced the publishers of a newspaper in Oporto to issue in a similar form copies of the Bible in the Portuguese language. The impulse which actuates these movements is a purely mercenary one, but we doubt not that good will be the result.

It appears from the Record of the Free Church of Scotland that there are 47 Protestant Jewish missionary societies laboring among the Jews. They employ 377 missionaries, with a total expenditure of about $500,000. It has been estimated that during the century fully 100,000 Jews have been converted to the Church of Christ.

The foreign mission work of the Societe des Missions Evangeliques de Paris reports in its Tahiti mission 4 missionaries, 20 native pastors and 2044 church members. The Basuto mission, under the care of the same society, has 20 missionaries, 67 native evangelists and 6543 church members. There are in addition to these 3332 catechumens, of whom 1022 are converts received during the great spiritual awakening of last year. This is a cheering advance.

At a special meeting of the Board of Foreign Missions, the following action was taken in regard to the death of Hon. Hooper C. Van Vorst, who died October 26:

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The Board having learned of the sudden death of its honored member and legal counsellor, Hon. Hooper C. Van Vorst, desires to express its deep sense of the great loss which has been suffered by the cause of Foreign Missions and by the whole Church in this sorrowful event. The deceased had been connected with the Board for sixteen years, and had always shown a deep interest in the great cause which it represents. During the earlier years of his service among us he had been more or less hindered from full co-operation by his arduous duties as a Judge of the Superior Court, but even after the exhausting labors of the courtroom he seldom failed to attend the meetings of the Board, which showed all the more clearly the conscientious regard in which he held the sacred trust. He was always of special service in discussions involving legal questions, wherein his judgment was entitled to peculiar consideration, and indeed, his habit of mind enabled him to look upon all subjects with a judicial fairness which was most helpful in reaching wise conclusions. With all his clearness of judgment there was always great simplicity and an entire freedom from prejudice or partisan views. During all the years of his connection with the Board he furnished an eminent example of courtesy and kindly spirit. His generosity and friendliness of manner, coupled with rare ability, have won the esteem of all his associates in the Board, who, while mourn

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ing their own loss, would tender to his surviving wife and family their heartfelt sympathy in their still greater bereavement.

The Board also resolved to attend the funeral in a body.

MISSIONARY CALENDAR.

ARRIVAL.

FROM ANGOM, WEST AFRICA.-October 25, Rev. A. W. Marling and family.

DEPARTURE.

FROM SAN FRANCISCO.-For Osaka mission, October 17, Rev. C. M. Fisher and family (r turning). CHINA.

FROM SAN FRANCISCO.-For Canton mission, September 19, Dr. E. C. Machle and wife.

For Central China mission, September 19, Rev. J. C. Garritt, Miss E. F. Lane, Miss Amy Saxton. SYRIA,

FROM NEW YORK.-For Syria mission, October 16, Rev. O. J. Hardin.

MEXICO.

FROM NEW YORK.-October 14, Rev. H. W. Brown and family.

BIRTH.

At Suk-el-Ghurb, Mt. Lebanon, Jeannette Ives, daughter of Rev. Frank E. and Harriet E. Hoskins of Zahleh, Syria, September 28, 1889.

PRESBYTERIAN ORPHANS. Boulder, Mon., lying west of the geographical centre of the vast territory, so soon to rank as one of the states, has in reality a central position as regards population. Its prospects of future importance are bright. The county-seat of Jefferson county, midway between the two rival cities of the territory, the centre of a large agricultural district, the intersecting point of several railroads,

with good homes and fine public buildings and a steady growth in population, it has an assured future.

A few years ago, in the adjacent mining camp of Wickes, a Christian work was begun by William W. Wickes, an elder in Dr. Cuyler's church in Brooklyn. There were more than ten and less than twenty persons who there met in Montana for the first time, and who, as the camp declined, left

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the place to locate permanently in Boulder. They had come originally from Michigan, Virginia, Ohio and old England. They were Baptists, Methodists and Congregationalists, but in Wickes they had cast in their lot with the good elder from Dr. Cuyler's church, and they found that they loved the stanch old Presbyterian banner, so they met, and, ignoring all disputations on baptism and election, they, with one mind, raised a new banner and inscribed on it, "The First Presbyterian Church of Boulder."

For three years they have accepted the courtesies of the Methodist Episcopal Church South in the use of their building for regular services, but every flock needs a fold of its own.

Children have, during the past two years, one after another confessed Christ. Various other accessions have increased their number to thirty-five, and the work of building a church was begun. "A house of prayer" was wanted, and from the first entertainment given to raise funds no questionable means has ever been employed to raise money. But entertainments were but the beginning. Children have worked and given their savings; overtaxed women have given liberally; young men and lads contributed labor and money. Every member of the church and many others in the congregation made sacrifices to raise funds for the needed building. The pastor gave his salary for the year. But in a town of one thousand souls, where only seventy-five are professed evangelical Christians, the people poor, as in all frontier. towns, money for church purposes accumulates slowly. At last the brick walls have risen, and the gothic window-frames are resting in their places. The spire is point ing heavenward, but the building is not completed. It will cost nearly five thousand dollars. The pastor has urged upon his people that they write to personal friends to aid in raising the one thousand dollars necessary to have before they can get the first gift from the Board of Church Erection. But alas, they are nearly all wanderers, as indicated in the heading of this note. They have wandered into the Presbyterian fold, and cannot ask the Baptist, Methodist and Con

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gregational churches, in whose care their early years were spent, to help hoist the flag of Presbyterianism in the wilderness. So they turn to THE CHURCH AT HOME AND ABROAD, with its many and devout readers, and ask, Cannot some of you, without lessening your gifts to the boards, still find something to give to this band of Presbyterian orphans?

Collections are to be taken up by the Sabbath-schools for the Woman's Executive

Committee, by the recommendation of the last General Assembly, the Sabbath before Thanksgiving day. In view of that action, THE CHURCH AT HOME AND ABROAD said last month, "Let the children know," and the Home Mission Monthly said, "Let the children help." That was the time of advice; the time to act is at hand. We are quite sure that if the children know, they will help; we beg, therefore, that all pastors and elders and all Sabbath-school superintendents and teachers will appoint a way for the children to take up a collection on that Sabbath, and if not on that Sabbath, as soon after as may be. The Woman's Executive Committee are prepared to furnish miteboxes specially prepared for and adapted to this effort, also circulars and other helps; and they say, "Let us make an effort worthy of so great and good a cause, worthy of our Sabbath-school army, in which we are sure all our friends will join."

The conviction is constantly forced home upon us that wealth is rapidly increasing in the hands of Christians. The Northwestern Presbyterian of October 26 says:

The wonderful development of the wealth of our own proud and prosperous United States, as marked by decades, is startling. In 1850 our wealth was estimated at $7,135,780,228. In 1887 the official report made it $50,000,000,000, with a daily increase of $6,000,000. Estimating from these figures the share of this enormous wealth possessed by the members of evangelical churches, pro rata, we have the following figures: in 1850, $1,004,803,490; in 1887, $12,000,000,000. And what are we doing with it? Why are our mission boards ever in perplexity and embarrassment?