THE CHINESE.
A NEW HOME.
BY THE REV. C. T. WEITZEL.
The Santa Barbara Chinese Mission has taken a long step forward. Until the beginning of this year, its rooms were hired. Now it lives in rooms of its own on grounds of its own.
Some time before the annual visit of our faithful Superintendent, the Rev. W. C. Pond, the further use of its old quarters had been denied the mission. In this emergency the teacher of the school, Mrs. E. M. Shattuck, opened her own house for its meetings until it should appear what was wise to do next.
The problem had already been considered by Mr. Pond. With a faith, an energy and a wise caution all alike admirable, he set about the solution of it. Within forty-eight hours after the steamer landed him, a desirable lot had been purchased and the contract for a mission-house made. In a week’s time the building was sufficiently advanced to be used by the young men for their Chinese New-year’s reception. On the evening of Feb. 11th, it was formally dedicated. I had charge of the service, and fully sympathized with Mr. Pond’s earnest wish that it should be a decidedly religious and solemn one. His letter for the occasion, and the addresses of the evening, which were interpreted by the helper, Foo King, all strongly emphasized the religious purpose and character of this mission work. The building was set apart not only as a place of instruction, but also as a place of worship; not only as a school, but also as a sanctuary. May it become, indeed, a sacred place to many of these our brethren by the manifestation of the Divine Spirit in His enlightening and converting power!
As for the spiritual results among these young men, it is even more difficult than in ordinary evangelistic effort to speak definitely and positively. Yet no one, it seems to me, can look into the many eager and open countenances to be seen every evening in those mission rooms, without the conviction that somehow the good seed is growing in those hearts. Nor can I note the cheerful alacrity and the large generosity with which these young men have contributed toward the cost of the new building without a feeling that they have, on the whole, a worthy conception of its purpose. And I certainly cannot contrast the debasing, poisonous atmosphere of the ordinary resorts of their countrymen in Chinatown with the healthy, uplifting atmosphere of this mission home, without the thankful assurance that this is a refuge from temptation as well as an inspiration to a better life for every one of these scholars.
That the Chinese Mission of Santa Barbara is doing good, there is not a doubt in my mind. One of their number made a public confession of his faith in Christ the past year, making four who are now members of the Congregational church. Two or three more are anxious to be baptized, but dare not yet take this step for fear of the bitter opposition and the complete ostracism which they say they must expect from their family connections here and in China if they do.