The Report further observes with respect to the general character of the churches in Amoy:—­

“While lamenting the falls of some, we rejoice in the salvation of many.  In the region of Bo-pien there has been a decided awakening; not the least interesting feature of which is, that it was commenced by the preaching of an individual who belonged to a church the fewness of whose members has often been cause of regret; thus showing us that the Gospel, though producing apparently little impression in one place, may be productive of the highest results in another; and that, though a church may not increase in numbers, it yet may increase in the usefulness of its members.

“It is with unfeigned joy that we observe among our church members many whose endeavour to overcome their evil habits and customs, whose love for the Scriptures, habits of prayer, patient forbearance of injuries, and general Christian behaviour, convince us that their piety is such as the great Head of the Church will greatly approve.”

The city of hankow, far up the river Yangtse, in the centre of China, has often been spoken of in the Society’s periodicals as one of the most wonderful mission stations in the world.  The Society’s work commenced in hankow in 1861.  It has steadily prospered from the first.  But during the past two years the Church has received unusual blessings; has doubled its numbers, and has received several remarkable accessions from the heathen.  The Rev. G. John thus describes these results:—­

“Profound gratitude to Almighty God for His presence and aid should be the predominant sentiment of our hearts.  The numerical accession which the church has received this year is considerably in excess of that of any previous year.  In 1862, ten adults were baptized; in 1863, twelve; in 1864, thirteen; in 1865, eleven; in 1866, twenty-two; in 1867, fifty-one have been added to our number.  Thus, whilst year by year the work has been steadily though slowly advancing, this year its progress has been rapid and signal.  But it is not in the mere number that we rejoice.  We rejoice in these fifty-one converts principally on account of their general character, their various stations in life, and the circumstances in which, and the means by which they have been brought into the fold of Christ.  In these respects they are to us a source of much consolation and encouragement.

“One interesting fact connected with these fifty-one members is, that thirteen of them are women, and that eleven of the thirteen are the wives of converts.  The conversion of the female population of China is a subject which must weigh heavily and constantly on the heart of every earnest missionary.  The obstacles are many and formidable.  Both by preaching and private conversation, for nearly six years, I have been labouring to impress on the minds of the converts the duty and importance of bringing their wives under the direct influence of the Gospel.  They would maintain that the custom of the country was against it.  To attend chapel and join the men in public worship, would bring not only the wife, but the whole family into contempt, and so on.