VOL. XXIX. No. I Old Series

WORLD-WIDE AWAKENINGS

As the new year opens, waves of revival are rolling and increasing in depth and extent in various parts of the world. A gracious work follows much united prayer in Jamaica, West Indies, where conversions have been conspicuous among the worst classes. In many districts of India-in Assam, in Burma, in Ramabai's homes at Mukti; in Sialkot, Yeotmal, Madras, Poona, Sylhet, Dhond, Cawnpore, Phulera, and Tirukoliur-God is mightily working. The Orkneys, likewise, are visited of God, and since the middle of October daily meetings have been held. The Spezia Mission in Italy, in Valentigney, in France, in Norway, and several parts of Germany, the United States, and other countries, as already mentioned in these pages, there is a work of the Spirit in progress, accompanied by signs that are rather exceptional. Surely God is calling His people to prayer. All this work of revival, which is simultaneously manifest, followed closely upon the formation of Prayer Circles in this and other lands, uniting disciples in daily intercession. When such answers are clearly apparent the grand result should be, not the relaxing of prayer, but rather the regirding of prayerful souls with intenser zeal.

A REVOLUTION IN WALES

The great Welsh awakening is still in progress, and so far from subsiding, is moving as a tidal wave, outside the limits of the principality. One correspondent says that it is "not a revival, or even a reformation, but more -a revolution. Sections not previously reached are now sharing blessing, and that greatest of teststhe stability of converts-has proved triumphant, the vast bulk of them showing the grace of continuance; not more than seven per cent. have backslidden. slidden. Another says that, tho the emotionalism has largely died down, there is a steady glow of warmth and a healthy activity. Bible study is at the front, and it is especially refreshing to see how Evan Roberts is kept humble and spiritual, and wisely guides the movement. He says: "Wales needs just now a thousand teachers." These young converts need instruction. Edification must follow evangelism.

STIRRINGS AMONG THE MIAO

The Bible Christian Mission in Yunnan Province, China, reports an encouraging movement among the aboriginal tribes in that district. An old school building was opened to receive inquirers. At first a few came and slept in the school-room. Then more followed, and brought the news that

All

thousands were wishing to be taught. In the last year 4,000 have come for periods from two or three days to one or two weeks. Chapel, guest halls, and other buildings were taxed to their utmost to accommodate them. brought their own food and many presented gifts to their missionary teachers. The Miao are studying Chinese so as to be able to read Christian books, and are making good progress. Recently a landlord has given 10 acres of land, and 100 Miao have undertaken to clear it and build a chapel at their own expense. Already 10,000 are registered as adherents, and many have proved their sincerity by enduring persecution at the hands of the Chinese. Pray for them.

THE TORREY-ALEXANDER MISSION

The Torrey-Alexander evangelistic work, after three years of marvelous success beyond the Atlantic, is now transferred to American shores. We regret that the Boston Congregation alist has printed a sharp criticism of the mission, from the pen of a New England minister. He assails Dr. Torrey as a distinctively theological propagandist, who goes about like Talus with his iron flail, demolishing whatever does not suit his intolerant spirit and theological dogmatism.

The attack seems to us both unfair and unfounded. Having been in Great Britain during no small part of Dr. Torrey's stay, and after closely watching the work, we are prepared to defend it from all such charges.

Of course, the evangelist is an oldfashioned believer in the whole Bible, and is uncompromising in his defense of the infallible teaching of the Lord Jesus. But his confident tone has acted as a tonic in the midst of the

looseness and uncertainty of present day thinking. Wherever he has labored, not only have marked conversions followed, but all evangelistic work has been stimulated. We have heard it often said that nothing has equaled it in power since the Moody and Sankey work of a quarter century ago. The closer the work has been watched, the more satisfactory have the results been found.

AN IMPORTANT CONVENTION

The Fifth International Convention of the Student Volunteers is called for February 28th to March 4th, at Nashville, Tennessee. These conventions are quadrennial, and are the most largely attended and influential of the world's student gatherings.

About 3,000 official delegates are expected to be there; fully 500 universities and other educational centers will be represented, and 200 missionaries from 40 fields, besides many of the leaders of young men, editors, and educators.

There will be discussions of great questions, nearly fifty special conferences, impressive exhibits showing the progress of Christianity in the world, and exceptional opportunity for fellowship.

The outcome is likely to affect the whole world and all time to come.

THE FEDERATION CONFERENCE

One great event of 1905 was the Conference on Federation, more fully referred to on another page. It was held in Carnegie Hall, from November 15th to 21st, and more than 500 delegates were present, representing about 20,000,000 Protestant communicants. The Romanists, Unitarians, and Universalists, and a hundred smaller

denominations, were not included. In some people's opinion, this was a huge stride toward corporate unity, tho only cooperation was suggested. If nothing more, it was a demonstration of the fact that in all essentials there is unity, and that there is a vast field of social reform and political reconstruction inviting hard work, which can be done only by a united Church. We heartily rejoice in any movement which, without removing important landmarks of doctrine, combines evangelical Christians in federated effort for human uplifting. Immense waste on both home and foreign fields may be prevented by such coworking. Nelson pointed some contending officers to the foe, and curtly said: “ Look there! and then shake hands and be friends!"

WHAT SHALL WE SAY OF RUSSIA?

It has long been a proverb in Russia that no one but a Russian can know Russia. We might say that no one but an American can know America, but the Russians mean more-that there is something more unique and mysterious about Russia than about any other country. There is some truth in this, and it might be added that very few, if any, of the Russian aristocracy know the Russian peasants, altho some of the Liberals as well as Tolstoi have made great sacrifices to get into intimate relations with them. The 80,000,000 of Russian peasants are an unknown quantity in any calculation as to the outcome of the present revolution. The system of repression which has kept them in ignorance, deprived them of books and newspapers, and prevented all free discussion, has left them to brood in silence over their

wrongs and to form fantastic theories as to all political questions, and has given rise to the most curious and fanatical religious sects. What they will do now no man can foresee, but nothing is more certain than that they are utterly unfit for universal suffrage. The revolution thus far has been directed by small classes of Russian workmen and disaffected Liberals of the intellectual class steeped in advanced theories of socialism and anarchism.

She

But this is only one of the difficulties under which Russia labors. has some 50,000,000 of subjects who are not Russians and whose chief desire it is to escape from Russian rule, who would welcome the overthrow of the government and the destruction of the empire. They are of different races, from the civilized and enlightened Finns to the wild tribes of the Caucasus and Central Asia. They see in the present circumstances their opportunity to throw off the yoke of the Czar and regain their independence. On the other side we have the ruling class in Russia, which believes in nothing but autocracy and force, which has been pushed into the background for the time, but which may regain its influence with the Czar; and, if the bulk of the army remains under control, may again attempt to put down. this movement with fire and sword.

With all these conflicting elements at war, it would seem that we can expect nothing but a period of anarchy in Russia in some respects like that of the French Revolution, altho the conditions in Russia are quite different from what they were in France, where there was a unity of race and religion, where were capable leaders and more

general intelligence among the people, where there had been at least the shadow of representative government.

All honor is due to de Witte for the efforts which he has made to save the empire, and at the same time meet all the reasonable demands of the people; but he stands alone, and is too late a convert to liberal ideas to gain the confidence of the people.

REPORT OF THE KONGO COM.
MISSION

The report of the Belgian Kongo Commission, even the "blue penciled " form in which it has appeared, proves completely that many of the worst atrocities with which the

leaders in the state were charged, were truly reported, but no attempt. is apparently to be made to bring the real culprits to justice.

The

commissioners find that the natives have been robbed of land and subjected to nameless cruelties in the enforcement of labor, and that "punitive" expeditions have been conducted by irresponsible commercial companies in a ruthless and vindictive manner; while the charges of mutilation have been fully proved. If other governments which have a secondary responsibility for the Kongo State do not bring international pressure of a real kind to bear on King Leopold and his representatives in West Africa, probably no good will come out of this inquiry. Let action take the place of apathy that we may rescue the perishing. The London Daily Chronicle has exposed the bogus report of some fake "missionary society," whose business seems to be to minimize the horrors with which the world is familiar. The charges have been proved, and the hour has come for the chastise

ment of the offenders, for the cessation of crimes, and the inauguration of true reforms.

King Leopold has appointed a new Commission to make recommendations of this report effective, but the composition of this new Commission is thought to give little promise of substantial reform. Somehow it is very difficult to bring about an abolition of even infamous wrongs when greed is the cause which lies at the root of them.

RUMBLINGS FROM KOREA

It seems that there may be trouble ahead for the mission churches in Korea on account of the Japanese occupation. The higher Japanese officials, educated in America or Europe, have enlightened conceptions of duty, but those intrusted with the administration of details do not appear to be so worthy of confidence. The Japanese are crowding the natives to the wall in every form of industry, and the new regulations of the army of occupation seem to favor the immigrant. rather than the resident. The new rulers have issued not a few vexatious edicts, such as those restricting the length of pipes, forbidding the wearing of veils by women, and otherwise annoying and distracting a people little accustomed to petty interference.

In the vicinity of Seoul a Christian church was seized by Japanese and converted into a saloon. Houses and farms belonging to the defenseless people have been occupied by soldiers without compensation and without promise of restitution. When men are needed to “rush" government works, the natives are forced to labor with little or no compensation. The missionaries sympathize with the con