lork in t(j£ JJillajjes aromtft Hit-rlj'ntg, j^Ijan-st.
On September 5th I started on a tour over
the hills to visit the people who have be- come interested during the past year, whose homes I had heretofore had no opportunity
of entering. I would like to have taken you
with me on this trip, that you might have
a true glimpse of Chinese life among the common people. I will try to tell you about
it, but I fear my pen will fail to give an ac- curate picture. The journey was a new experience to me;
as the roads were so bad, cart travelling was
impossible after the first five miles. I had
brought along my saddle, and, putting my
bedding on that, I mounted on top. After about two miles' ride we halted for dinner
at the house of the man who was leading the donkey. While his wife prepared the noonday meal a number of women and children came in to see us. Elder Tien, who accompanied me, spoke to the children in the courtyard, and I talked to the women. I had no opportunity to speak with the woman of
BY MISS H. J. RICE.
the house before we left, shortly after dinner. She has been much opposed to the Gospel, but has been a little more favourable the last few weeks. About 5 p.m. we reached Ling-nan, where we were to spend Lord's Day. We were
heartily welcomed by Mr. Uang and his wife, who are interested in the Gospel. Mr. Uang,
since breaking off opium, has been preaching own village, but in a number of places several miles away. A few women came in to see me. Most of them were elderly women, whom we longed to have accept the truth. One old lady listened attentively, and pro- mised to come next day, but on the morrow
she did not appear. I saw her passing the house with a bundle of incense sticks in her hand to offer to her idol. The accomodations
in our host's house being limited, I went to the chapel to sleep, arid was glad of the quiet and cleanliness. The next day a goodly number gathered for service, both morning
and afternoon. Most of them listened very
well apparently; but alas ! very little is re- tained in the mind or heart by most of them
the first time of listening. They are just like
little children; but I trust that into some
hearts, at least, seed fell that will spring up and bear fruit. After breakfast the next morning we start- ed on the next stage of our journey, which was said to be a little over three miles, but proved to be nearly six. Being unaccustomed
to riding a donkey, I felt very stiff when I alighted at noon. We went to the house of one of our enquirers, and had a splendid time talking to the women who gathered. Many of them wished to come here in the
winter. Some desired to break off opium, and some who do not use it, to hear more of the Gospel. One woman was anxious I should go to her house, so the elder and I went with her, and afterwards visited several other families in the village. As we could not be accommodated there
ind Fu apply mbling the Fu, being i
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
for the night, we went on about a mile
further, where we had been invited to stay. There again a good many people gathered
in the courtyard, and the next morning came
in again before we started for Shen-kiashan. very unwilling that we should go away
so soon.
I was prepared for a hard ride, having
heard that the road was rough, but did not know just what it would be like. We as- cended ever higher and higher for two miles. and then down again a narrow path. I felt a little timid, and had spoken of dismounting, but before I really had done so my
donkey fell down suddenly, being tired out by travelling so bad a road with so heavy a
load. I was glad to walk the remainder of the journey. We arrived a little before dark.
Although it was raining next day, women
came to see me. They had no ears for the Gospel, but were very .curious about the foreign lady, whom they had never before
seen. Their remarks were most amusing.
After commenting on the whiteness of my
skin and the abundance of my hair, they began to question me, " How old are you ?" " How many children have you ?" Being
told by my hostess that I was unmarried,
they were completely astonished. "Are you
looking for a husband ?" " No." " Oh, do
look for one." It was very amusing, but gave opportunity to tell them I had come expressly to teach them the Gospel; and there- upon did explain the Gospel to them. The next morning was clear, and we pro- posed starting for home. I was somewhat in
dread, as I have been told the road I cameover the day before was a very good one,but to-day I would have to travel a very badone. However, I felt unable to walk, andthere was nothing for it but to get on thedonkey again, looking to the Lord to keepme in safety. It was a bad road, or ratherno road at all, only a narrow mountain path,and some of the way not even that.. I felt rather fearful sometimes going down thesteeps, as it was slippery after the rain, butI managed to cling on, and the donkey fell only once, and no harm was done.
I hope to go to them again. " Howshallthey believe in Him of whom they have notheard ? and how shall they hear withoutapreacher ?"