The subjoined letter is of special interest only because it is a little more full in its statement than others relating to other voyages. The writer, Ng Hing, was brought to faith in Christ at our Barnes Mission, and the letter is addressed to his teacher, Mrs. H. W. Lamont. Ng Hing is a modern Nathaniel. I scarcely ever spoke with him during the first months of his discipleship to Christ, but I felt like repeating that greeting which Jesus gave to the first Nathaniel: “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.” And I have found this impression abundantly confirmed by the testimony of his brethren and my own closer acquaintanceship.
The letter is a little old, being dated Nov. 17th. When it was first placed in my hands I asked the privilege of laying it before the readers of the Missionary, but it has been crowded out till now. I give it with no attempt to set it right in its English. It will be understood as it is, and will be read, I trust, with all the more interest, revealing, as it does, the attempt of an intelligent Chinese to wrestle with what must seem to him the awkward idioms of our outlandish tongue:
“Dear Teacher:
“I am arrived here safely, Nov. 15th, Tuesday, at noon. I thank you and Miss Lilian [daughter of Mrs. Lamont, and, like her mother, one of our teachers] very much indeed for your lovely present and the letter which you given me. I used to read it very often because it is very improve to me, and that I know the Lord Jesus has opened my soul-eye and raised me from the death of sin to a life of righteousness. I will to tell all my countrymen what great thing Jesus has done for me, just as much as I can speak to.
“Now I want to tell you about our journey. We have met fifteen missionary ladies and gentlemen. Some go to Japan and some to China. And several Chinese Christian brethren were there, and we have joined with the missionary to have service on every Sunday morning. I am very glad we have so pleasant opportunity on the ship—sing to praise God and spoke the gospel of Jesus.
“But on the Oct. 26th we meet a great tempest; the waves run over the deck, and the wind against the ship, dreadful. That made the Chinese heathen complain and say many wicked words against us Christians; and they said to themselves, too: ‘We must not allow these Chinese Christians have the meeting on the ship because they tell us believe in Jesus and not worship the idol and image; therefore the evil spirits made the wind and the waves against the ship.’ Oh, I am very sorry for them, so foolish, when I heard that. For we trust in God and know he will take care of us, and even the tempest so great. God made it peaceful, and carry us all to get through safely—never drown. We should all thank God for his mercies and praise him so great and so powerful. But the heathen not mind God and do not care for their souls.
“The missionary was very kindly to them and pity them so ignorant.
“On the 6th of Nov. Mr. Chalfant read Acts 17:24-30, and I read it in Chinese and we try to explain it to them, but they were very proud, and not want to hear the Gospel of Jesus. They only crowd round us and make terrible noise, with revilings and indignity to us. That was to be fulfilled the words which Jesus had said to us Christians: ‘Ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.’ Well, no matter what they said; the Bible says: ‘Love your enemies and do kindly to them that hated you,’ and we know God will be with us and help us in trouble, and even the heathen so persecuted us, but we do kindly to them and pray for them. Now please pray for me, for the temptation is great here; and pray for the missionary in China. * * * I do not forget all your kindness to me. Let God bless you and your family and all the scholars, and increase the number that believe in Jesus our Saviour. From Your scholar,
Ng Hing.”
I have room for a sentence or two from Chin Toy at Sacramento, in a letter just received: “The tracts and small books were duly received. I was very glad for them. I think will do much good to our people. Street meetings here every Sunday. I give out some of the tracts at the end of the preaching. All hearers seemed very glad to come and get them. Each one say, ‘Give me a piece.’ I trust the Lord will bless the seed still growing, which were sown on these ground. This school is better lately. Had five or six new scholars come last week. The Christian brethren are all well and attend the meeting regularly.”