One of those connected with us has been employed by the Missionary Society of the Synod of Amoy to labor on Quemoy Island, where much encourage ment has been met with. , We must regret that the Theological School is to be closed this year because of Mr. McGregor’s expected absence. He is to leave next month for Scotland, but not without the hope of returning to Amoy after a rest at home. “
TO N G -A N D IS T R IC T .
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Rev. P. W. Pitcher, M issionary in charge. This church with its five out-stations reports a gross increase of twenty-two, and a net gain of eleven. The benevolent contributions have fallen below the figures of last year. This church, in the way of self-support, pays the salary of the pastor, all current expenses, nearly half of the school teacher’s salary and contributed last year (1897) forty dollars ($40) towards Domestic Missions. The Mission provides four'helpers and pays the remainder of the teacher’s salary. ’ • . . . 1 Tong’-An Church.
The spiritual condition of the people is improving. The cultivation of the poppy by church members, and even by members of the consistory has had a most baneful effect upon the hearts and lives of the members of this church, and its evil influence will not be removed until the people of the church cease touching the unclean thing. ‘ A right step was taken at the last election of church officers. In one sense it was a bold step to take, and shows the character of the man who stands as the leader of this people. At this election those office bearers who were in any way connected with opium fa ile d to be re-elected. Let us hope that this is the beginning of the end of opium-cultivation by members of the Tong-An Church. Poppy Growing.
The out-station of To-kio is as flourishing as ever, antj people who worship there are thinking seriously v 1 j ■u of, calling a pastor. Ngo-hian-keng does not- nflourish. The people of the place fail to respond, and only a very few come to the services in the chapel. Poa than-chhi which had been more or less abandoned for two years was occupied by a preacher and his family this year. The preacher’s house was renovated and the whole place put in better order, but the task of resus citating a work so long abandoned has been more difficult. A u iu.and O'-chi have maintained their ground. But it is a cause for regret to know that the number of inquirers has been reduced by one Tong-An Out-statlons.