The Chinese.
—Two Chinamen were baptized and received into the Church at Stockton, Cal., Nov. 7. They were the first of that nation to join any church in that city.
—Restriction of Chinese Immigration.—A treaty has been made by the United States with the Chinese Government which practically leaves the subject of regulating Chinese immigration to the authorities at Washington. Owing to the fact that the Chinese Government has never been anxious to have its citizens emigrate to any country, little difficulty was found in negotiating the treaty.
—The Christian Advocate has a very interesting report of the sermons preached by the native pastors at the Methodist Conference at Foochow, China, in October last. We select one. Rev. Sia Sek Ong preached from the single word “Go:” “Leave father, mother, friends, fields; preachers go thus; world-men don’t like to go in that fashion. Where must we go? To the sea, for the fish. They are not on the surface; they are in the depths. We may find shrimps in shallow water, but we must go to the deep water for the large fish. Go to the mountains to seek the lost sheep. There are lions and tigers and snakes in the mountains; but we must go, not to find sport, but to find the sheep. Go to the vineyard, to work, to watch, to plant, to water. Go to the field to sow seed. Study the soil, and sow accordingly. Field-work is not play. Go to the market-place, and bid guests to the Master’s feast. Go into the army, to fight, to wrestle with the devil, to put forth your strength, and to come home singing songs of victory.
“Ask the Master for Peter’s hook to bring up the right fish; for David’s crook to guide the sheep aright; for Gideon’s torch to light up the dark places; for Gospel seed, without any tares in it; for Moses’ guiding rod; for the brazen serpent, to cure the bites of the world’s snakes; for David’s sling to prostrate your giant foe; for the armor inventoried by Paul in the last chapter of Ephesians; but above all, for the wonderful Holy Spirit, to help at all times. If we have all these, it is no matter where we go. We will come with rejoicing to conference next year, with songs and shouts of victory.”
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
Nashville, Tenn.—During the latter part of November a precious work of grace was going on in Fisk University, more than fifteen of the students having decided to come over upon the Lord’s side.
Chattanooga, Tenn.—As a result of some special meetings held by pastor Jos. E. Smith, assisted by Rev. E. J. Penney, of Marietta, Ga., the Church was greatly confirmed and six or seven were added to the company of the disciples.
Tougaloo, Miss.—In the University Chapel, on the last Sabbath of November, Superintendent Roy preached a sermon, and delivered a missionary address before the young people, who were about to organize a Society of Inquiry in addition to their mission school association, and was permitted to rejoice on that day with the teachers over the conversion of a young man, who had been the occasion of a great deal of solicitude to them. Half a dozen others have been coming along this fall in a quiet way; whereas, one year ago, the Spirit appeared almost as a rushing, mighty wind, leaving nineteen students to the Saviour within twenty-four hours, all of whom are still holding on their way beautifully. There are now 107 boarding students, while not a few have been turned away for lack of room. The new house for the home of the President is nearly completed. A third story is to be put upon the Ladies’ Hall, and other enlargements are sufferingly needed. The industrial department is in vigorous condition.