It may not be safe to say every month without exception, though that is the impression made upon me, but it is certainly safe to say almost every month brings some report to me of pupils beginning to believe in Jesus and professing their faith in him.  This extract from a letter will serve as an example:  “I have some very good news for you concerning my scholars.  Two of them have promised to join the Association [i.e. of Christian Chinese] next week.  One of them I have been praying for especially, for nearly a year....  There are three more who, I trust, are born of God, but are not yet brave enough to take a stand for him.  One says his brother will kill him if he joins in Christ’s name.”  And here is a word from another teacher:  “Five of the brethren unite with the church at the coming communion.  I do not feel that this is through my effort, as I have not known how to work individually.  It is the Lord that ‘giveth the increase.’  Two of them have been ready to come into the church for a long time.  The others show their conversion by face and manner as well as by testimony and prayer.”

I fear that I have exhausted my space, though I am far from the end of possible “jottings.”  I will close with a few sentences from a letter received from a Chinese Christian living at a roadside tavern beyond Oroville.  “Since I am determined to be a Christian, has very much surprised my elder brother.  When he heard about I join the Association he make a great deal of trouble to me.  Then I ask our brothers to pray for that matter, till one day I go and entreat him; also, tell him all about the gospel of Christ how good for us and redeem us from our sins.  Then he said, ’Do not talk such things to me; we are Chinese; must keep our customs.’  I say, ’I cannot keep anything wrong; idol worship is against God.  Four thousand years ago our Chinese population have no idol to worship.  Don’t you search a thing before you keep it?’ Then he answer:  ‘If good then you keep it,’ and then I received baptism; then do no more persecution to me afterwards.”  This extract merely hints at facts which, if related, would show that for our Chinese Christians at least, the days that try men’s souls are not yet past.

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BUREAU OF WOMAN’S WORK.

MISS D.E.  EMERSON, SECRETARY.

The thirteenth Annual Meeting of the Woman’s Missionary Union of Alabama met with the Congregational Church in Marion, March 31.  This Union has contributed during the year to the A.M.A. for Indian work, to the A.H.M.S. for Bohemian work, besides aiding a missionary in China, and one in South Africa.  All the auxiliaries have also done good work in aiding the churches and the poor in their respective localities.  The meeting was pleasant and profitable, and the Union starts upon another year with the prospect of adding greatly to its strength and efficiency.

The first Annual Meeting of the Louisiana Missionary Union, held at New Orleans, April 3, was also full of encouragement.  The new interest awakened, simply by the gathering together to report the progress of the year, indicates how much can be accomplished.  Not only will the missionary cause receive direct benefit, but there will be a reflex, healthful influence upon the churches thus represented.