Page:China's spiritual need and claims.djvu/14

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Prefatory Note.

information, may be seen at a glance. A careful study of that one table, with the aid of a map of China, will give a comprehensive view of the extent of the work of Protestant Missions in the empire. A valuable table, given as an appendix, contains the names of all the Protestant Missionaries, and the dates of their arrival in China, arranged under their societies and stations, and will also be found worthy of study. It also indicated by the use of various types, the proportion of Missionaries, male and female, engaged in medical work.

The statistical table given in this edition as Appendix B, reprinted from "The Chinese Recorder," gives a general summary of the position of Protestant Missions in China on December 31st, 1886. We trust the year 1887 will witness great additions to the number both of Missionaries and converts in connection with each branch of the work. In the China Inland Mission we are praying for a hundred additional Missionaries during the year. By the end of February, thirty towards the hundred had been accepted by our Council. We ask prayer for special guidance in the acceptance of candidates, that only God-sent, fully consecrated men and women, "willing, skilful" workers, may go forth.

Many readers of this pamphlet may render invaluable service to China by diffusing the information it contains in the form of Missionary addresses. It will not be found difficult to enlarge the diagrams–on the blackboard or otherwise–to illustrate such addresses, which will greatly add to their value. Above all, let us not forget that we all may serve China by prayer to God, without whose aid no other help would avail.

6, Pyrland Road,

Mildmay, London, N.

March, 1887.