  “CALIFORNIA CHINESE MISSION.” Auxiliary to the American Missionary Association. President: Rev. J. K. McLean. D. D. Vice-Presidents: Rev. A. L. Stone, D. D., Thomas C. Wedderspoon, Esq., Rev. T. K. Noble, Hon. F. F. Low, Rev. I. E. Dwinell, D. D., Hon. Samuel Cross, Rev. S. H. Willey, D. D., Edward P. Flint, Esq., Rev. J. W. Hough, D. D., Jacob S. Taber, Esq. Directors: Rev. George Moor, D. D., Hon. E. D. Sawyer, Rev. W. E. Ijams, James M. Haven, Esq., Rev. Joseph Rowell, E. P. Sanford, Esq., H. W. Severance, Esq. Secretary: Rev. W. C. Pond. Treasurer: E. Palache, Esq. Fung Affoo’s Bible Class—Visalia and Petaluma.REV. W. C. POND, SAN FRANCISCO. Remembering that the Sabbath worship at our Central Mission had never been described, though often alluded to in the Missionary, I requested Bro. Fung Affoo to give an account of it, and received the following communication: “As we have not much time to teach them the Scripture on any other evening, we set apart Sunday and Wednesday evenings to teach them to read the Bible instead of their other lessons. On Sunday we have the “Bible-class,” commencing at half-past eleven A. M., and continuing for one hour and a half. We sing about half an hour either in Chinese or in English, then offer a prayer, and then read a chapter from the Bible. Each verse they read after me, then I translate it into Chinese; when through interpreting, on each verse or paragraph I make some remarks which I have studied out during the week days. After we get through the chapter, I speak about ten minutes on a subject selected from that chapter beforehand, then one of our brethren offers prayer; we then unite in singing the Doxology, and close with the Lord’s Prayer. Our exercises on Wednesday evening are similar to those we have on Sundays. It gives me much encouragement in the work seeing that they like to read the Bible more than ever before. Formerly only about one-half of the school attended the Bible-class on Wednesday evenings, but now they number nearly as many on that evening as on any other evening of the week. It seems as though their hatred of Christianity becomes less. Of course, many come to read the Bible only for the sake of learning the English, but in time we hope, when they know the truth of God, they will change their mind and heart, as some of them have already done, who are now on Christ’s side, battling for the Lord.” “Fung Affoo.” 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.’” |
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