The attendance at this Sabbath noon service averages about fifty-five. Of course, my pastoral duties render it impossible for me ever to be present. I do not think, however, that my presence would add anything to the worship or the work. I assist the helpers in their preparation, but I believe that in dealing with their countrymen they are more skilful than I could be, even if I could speak Chinese. It needs an experience in heathenism, to enable one to reach the heathen in the most efficient way. God chooses saved sinners to be messengers of salvation to those still lost. I think that the programme of this service, as Bro. Fung Affoo gives it, illustrates this fact. It is not one of my planning—not the one I should have chosen; but as I carefully consider it, I ask, “What could be better fitted for those for whom the service is arranged?”
Rev. T. M. Oviatt, whose missionary labors among the Chinese at San Leandro were attended with so rich a blessing, is now acting pastor of the Presbyterian church at Visalia. He has carried there his zeal for this good work; has already rented a small room, and opened a school. We shall aid him as far as we are able. Would that we had a hundred men like-minded with him touching this work!
Miss Anthony is obliged to relinquish the care of the school at Petaluma, and is succeeded by Miss Waterbury, whose Christian spirit is not unknown at No. 56 Reade St., New York. This school is quite small, but its members surpass those of every other school in liberality, and I cannot consent to abandon them. Christ, too, is becoming known to them. With increasing interest they study God’s word. And they sing, somewhat at random, it must be confessed, in the matter of time and of tune, but with an eagerness and a gusto that betoken a beginning both of the spirit and the understanding in their song. Miss Anthony writes: “Wah Yene is a good Christian as far as he understands. He told me, one evening, that he prayed ‘every morning, every dinnertime, and every night. Some people,’ he added, ‘not much good; likee go to church; make Mr. Hutchins [the pastor of the Congregational church] think they good. Some people very good, and pray to God. I likee be good—not much bad.’”
THE CHILDREN’S PAGE.
A TEACHER’S STORY.
The following letter is from a young girl who has not gone through the Middle Class at Hampton, but is showing much energy and tact, and doing good work as teacher in one of the rough places of the far South:
FLORIDA.