66

THE RED SEA A MISSIONARY HIGHWAY.

letters gave a vivid account of the tremendous heat he and his

crew had to endure. The member of the party that suffered ROM our earliest childhood the Red Sea has been a most was the Newfoundland dog !—which had to have its hair

familiar name to us—the sea whose waters were a cut close, and to be frequently tossed overboard, to keep it wall unto Israel on their right hand and on the cool. The great heat of the Red ea is one reason why misleft, and which, returning in its strength when the sionaries are usually sent out not before October.

morning appeared, overwhelmed the hosts of In this past October the principal steamers have carried large Pharaoh. And we cannot but be glad to find that the modern parties of missionaries. The Rewa, of the “ British India " line, theories which transfer that memorable scene to an arm of the sailed on Oct. 17 with a C.M.S. party of fourteen, and several Mediterranean appear to be set at rest by the recent wonderful ladies of the Zenana societies. The Ethiopia, of the same line, discovery of the “ treasure city” of Pithom.

sailed on Oct. 24, with a C.M.S. party of twelve, and several But the Red Sea has an interest also for its connection with more Zenana ladies. The Peshawar, of the “P. & 0." line, missionary enterprise. Nor is this only a recent connection. sailed the same day, with four from the C.M.S. and one Zenana Which

way the Apostle Thomas went, or Bartholomew, or who- | lady, for China. Before these lines appear, we trust most will ever it was that first carried the Gospel to India, we cannot say; have reached their destination safely. How many readers of the but we may safely assume that Pantænus of Alexandria, the GLEANER thought of them when joining in the prayer for those missionary of the 2nd century who visited the Indian Churches, " that travel by land or by water "? Let us also not forget the sailed down the Red Sea; perhaps also the embassy sent by dear ones whom they leave behind. The touching lines at the King Alfred of England on pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Thomas, foot of this page, written by a missionary's wife, will remind us if they ever got so far. Modern missionaries, however, from the of one of the sorest trials that have to be undergone by those who Jesuits downwards, have sailed round the Cape, until some thirty | go forth as our substitutes in obeying the Lord's command. years ago ; and the first C.M.S. men to

C.M.S. Mosses ; use the Red Sea were

C.M.S. Jam. the early missionaries

Miss L. E. JUKES, 14, St.

Paul's Street, to Abyssinia-Gobat,

Tiverton,

writes, “ You will be glad Isenberg, Krapf, and

to hear that we have realised others. Krapf made

£2 for the C.M.S. through ten or twelve voyages

the notice of the dried

mosses you kindly inserted on it, most, if not all,

in the April number of the of them in Arab ves

GLEANER. We bave added

to their number during our sels, the great steam

summer holiday, and perpacket lines being

haps some C.M.S. friends still in the future.

might like to procure them

for Christmas presents." But latterly, almost

Miss LONGLEY, Claverall our brethren going

don, Warwick, writes,

“ What can be done with to or returning from

Blackberries? I have had East Africa, Mau

a very large sale of Blackritius, India, Ceylon,

berry Jam this year, and

have sold it for the benefit China, Japan, and

of the C.M.S. at 10d, a pot, New Zealand, have

and have realised £6 at presteamed up or down

sent for the Society, and I

have still thrce dozen pounds the Red Sea in the

more to dispose of," splendid “P. & 0.” "

SUEZ, THE NORTHERN PORT OF THE RED SEA. « British India" ships. Before the Suez nal was open this route took them to

LEFT AT HOME. Alexandria, and across Egypt by rail to Suez, where they reembarked; but now the same vessel conveys them—those, at least,

A Missionary's Prayer for an Only Child. for India—all the way. Those for East Africa change at Aden.

EEP him, dear Father, keep our little Percy, In contrast with the almost crowded state of the Red Sea

Close in Thipe arms, from all there is to fear; it is curious to see what the Sultan's orders regarding it

Dear unto us our treasure is, Thou knowest, were just a century ago (1781) :

But unto Thee, dear Lord, he is more dear. “The Sultan absolutely forbids that any Franks’ sbips be permitted,

Call’d for awhile to leave our little darling, on any pretence whatever, to come to Suez, openly or secretly. The

Not in strange hands, dear Lord, nor yet alone, Suez Sea is reserved for the holy pilgrimage of Mecca, and all such as are

But ’neath the care of those who love him dearly, content to admit Franks' ships to a passage and do not exert themselves

Thou wilt provide for him a happy home. in preventing it, are guilty of infidelity to the religion, to their sovereign,

Keep him, dear Lord, in all his little footsteps, and to all Mobammedans. Such as do not attend to this express com

E'en as he grows, Lord, let him turn to Thee; mand, so important to our state and religion, will most certainly meet

May his young heart be ever in Thy keeping, with severe punisbment in this world and in the world to come. Do for

As was the Master may our Percy be. ever, with all zeal and ardour as we command. Our Royal orders are

Let him, then, ever waking, Lord, or sleeping, gone forth, and this is our will.” (The Times, Oct. 30, 1883.)

Be close beside Thee, ever ’neath Thy care; One memorable voyage down the Red Sea was that of the

As thou dost mark each sparrow when it falleth, Highland Lassie, the little steam-yacht given by Mr. Wright's

So number on his head each curly hair. family to the East Africa Mission (now superseded by the Henry

O keep our darling baby, Father, for us, Wright). That was in April and May, 1876. The little vessel

This holy treasure, may we hold it loose,

Loved, blessed, and tended by the Master, was navigated by the late Lieut. G. Shergold Smith, the leader

Kept by the Master, for the Master's use. of the first Nyanza party (see GLEANER of June, 1876); and his

A. G.

or

now,

6

fails me.

а

OVER THE WATER.

Looking from him to her two children Mrs. Lancaster thought of Mrs.

Venning's words-
BY EVELYN R, GARRATT.

“A deaf, childish old man-what can he do in this great battle of life ?" CHAPTER XII.-GOOD NEWS.

And as if in answer to the question came into her mind the wordsHIEN Sasie and Leith met the following day both their faces

“Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many showed signs of a sleepless night; they stood looking into noble, are called : but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world, to each others eyes without a word, and each saw at a glance

confound the wise ; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world, to that the other had come to no definite conclusion.

confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and It is hard enough sometimes to decide even an unim- things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are portant question, but when it is a matter which may alter the whole

not, to bring to nought things that are.” current of a life it becomes doubly so.

Leith and Sasie were living witnesses of the old man's work in How could they part ?

Inglesby. That was the question written on both their faces, and something there

They went away after a few minutes, leaving Mrs. Lancaster for a reminded each that “this world is not sor aye.” That their life was “but

little while longer with Mr. North. as a tale that is told," as a “flower of the field,” perishable-uncertain.

"Mr. North,” she said, after a slight pause, “ I fancy you know someThe tempter was busy with Leith Lancaster for the next few moments.

thing of what I am going through. It is sometimes hard to say, 'Thy Meanwhile Sasie, who stood looking up at him, remembered his words,

will be done.' “Would you marry a coward ? " If Leith was in the army, she reasoned

Mrs. Lancaster, who was far more accustomed to receive confidences with herself, and his Queen and country called for his services, would she

than to make them, to sympathise with others than to ask for sympatby, wish him, for love of her, to keep at home instead of facing the foe ? was surprised to find how easily she was able to talk to Mr. North, and it Nay, would she not rather buckle on his armour and urge bim forward,

was a relief to her. remembering how great and grand a thiog it is for a man to fight for his

Mr. North looked keenly at her, and his sympathy being fully aroused country, and to die for it if need be? If she had to choose, would she he was able to express himself and collect his thoughts more easily than not far rather be the widow of a hero than the wife of a coward ?

usual. Madam,” lie sail, “there was a time I felt like you, and refused Thus reasoned Sasie with herself. And as she remembered that Leith

to give God my best. I had a child once--just such another as my was in God's army, and that to remain in England instead of obeying the

little Sunshine'--and when she grew up the wish to work among the call to go across the water would be quite as cowardly an act as the other,

heathen became strong in her ; but I would not let her go. Though she sho made up her mind.

was not my only child she was the one I loved best, and I would bare “Leith,” she said quietly, “Jr. North would ask, “Will you give unto

spared all rather than her. Year after year passed, and-ah! my memory the Lord of that which doth cost you nothing?'”

But one day a rich man came into our village and stole my “What shall we answer, Sasie ? :)

pretty bird away. I can see her now, standing in the churchyard with A pause, and then the answer came in clear, brave tones--

her golden hair, on her wedding morning. Now, I thought to myself, “We will give unto the Lord that which costs us most-we will give my little girl will never be longing and pining to go over the sea ; but I Him each otlier, Leith.”'

made a mistake, she went over the water after all,—but it was the river of

death that she crossed. All the rest is a blank. I know nothing more, Mr. North had been disappointed to hear that his missionary -box except that she was laid in the grave, in the little churchyard where the when opened contained only thirty shillings; he had hoped for far

primroses and violets grew. I think I nearly died of a broken heart, and greater things, and felt discouraged.

I felt the souls of those heathen laid to my charge. It was years before I “I've done so little, Lord, and I meant to do so much,” he murmured

could believe that God had forgiven me; I had robbed Him of His due, again and agaia.

and would not give God my best." le little knew or expected wbat he had been the means of doing, and

And your other children?" when it was told him the joy was alınost too much.

“ They all died ; tko were carried off by sever, and one was drowned One afternoon to his surprise three visitors were announced, Mrs.

on his third voyage to China." Then, after a slight pause, he added, Lancaster, her son, and Sasie, all old friends of his, for Mrs. Lancaster

“It seems to me, somehow, as if God had sent my little bit of sunshine' had often been to see him when Leith was in London. lIe was not,

to me in the place of Gracie; and I have been praying for long that she however, accustomed to receive more than one at a time, and had not

might be led over the water, though Ile knows how much I shall miss seen Leith and Sasie together since their engagement.

her. He has granted my prayer about her. Madam, be sure of it, that “We've come to tell you some news,” said Leith, “ for we feel that you

God's way is always the happiest. You will lose, instead of gaiuing, if of all people ought to know first."

you try to keep your son. Besides, will you offer unto the Lord your “God bless you both, God bless you," said the old man, holding out God of that which doth cost you nothing ? his hands to them. “I know all about it--why my little bit of sunshine' came round last week to tell me—and may God bless you, my children.” Susie grew in soul during the next five years, and when they came to “Oh, but we have some more news for you,” said Sasie,

news that

an end she felt that it had been good for her to have had that quiet will make you very, very glad.”

training time. A strange eager light flashed across Mr. North's face. “ Over the How different now were her feelings, as she looked forward to work in water ?” he asked excitedly, looking at Leith.

India, from what they had been at the beginning of those five years ! Yes, I am going out as a missionary.”

Then Leith was everything—the work, save that she was to share it with They were almost sorry that they had told him the news so suddenly, him, nothing. Now, she felt that even if there were no Leith in the for he literally trembled with excitement.

question, the work was there for her, and she looked forward with eager“I owe a great deal to you," said Leith ; " for you were the first who ness to beginning it. taught me to care for tbe heathen, or led me to think of a missionary's It was sad work leaving home, and saying good-bye to little Inglesby, life, and now I feel that God has called me."

which looked particularly sweet in the bright October sunshine, as she “And you, my dear?” looking questioningly at Sasie.

leant against the stile leading into the churchyard, taking her last look at “Father has promised to let me joia Leith in five years from the time the old familiar scene. Standing there, the remembrance of her first he starts, if I still love him.” Sasie looked up at Leith with a laugh meeting with Mr. North came vividly before her, and she could almost that was very nearly a sob.

fancy she heard his trembling words“Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace," murmured Shall I offer unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me Mr. North; “ for what wait I for?” A look of peace and rest stole over nothing?" his face as if a burden had just rolled off his mind.

Sasie crossed the stile, and made her way to the spot where she had first

seen him. There was no bent old man with silvery hair sitting on the

ONE OF OUR HELPERS. tombstone, but by its side was a newly-made grave. It was a simple grass

HAVE just returned from D—, where I addressed a meeting mound; no stone had been erected to tell who lay beneath ; but those

last night. The Vicar's daughter called for me in the who loved him needed no reminder of where the old man lay, and his

afternoon, and we drove to the pretty vicarage, but stopped grave was bright with flowers.

on our way, at one of the smallest houses I have ever seen, He had died on a bright summer morning, when the sun was shining

to pick up a very tiny widow woman, who just matched in all its glory, and the birds’ voices were sounding a joyful thanksgiving

her house. She used to be the toll-keeper, and the house

was the toll-house; but the gate bas been removed for many years, though to their Creator, Ile passed peacefully away in his sleep, with a smile of

its keeper is permitted to occupy her old home. satisfaction on his face. When Mrs. Caston came down from the chamber The old lady came out at the sound of wheels, and greeted my comof death that morning her face bore traces of tears.

panion cordially. “I beg your pardon, ma'am,” she said to Mrs. Venning, who was “I shall soon be ready," she said, and began to bustle about. The waiting in the shop. “I'm afraid I've kept you waiting, but the poor

window shutter had to be secured, the cat conducted to some outside old gentleman has just gone from us."

huunt, and made suug for the night, and the door locked. Then she

caine to the carriage, and got in with some difficulty, grasping her faithful “ Has he really died ? I had no idea he was so ill. Well, it's the

umbrella, her clean white band kerchief, and her well-worn black thread happiest thing that could have happened to such a lonely old man, and gloves. She was a very neat little old woman, dressed in old, but spoiless, it is not as if he had left any one behind to grieve over his loss."

black and white. I learnt from others that she has been the chief friend Mrs. Caston shook her head sorrowfully. “That he is happier in

of the C.M.S. in her neighbourhood for many years. She goes round the

parish and collects the small subscriptions and donations that so many Heaven, ma’am, I havo no doubt, and if any one was prepared to go there

are willing to give if some one will only take the trouble to call for them. he was; but as to leaving no one behind to grieve for him, I can't say

I learnt also that she had a very high character for personal holiness. much about that. My husband and I feel, ma'am, that we've been One friend spoke of her as “ a saint.” entertaining an angel unawares, and though I grumbled a bit about the I drove back with her this morning, and she told me much about extra work at first, and went so far as to say I could not stand it much

herself. She is 76 years of age, and much regrets that her increasing

feebleness prevents her from doing as much as slie used to do for the longer, I've learnt better long ago. I've never had a lodger whom I

cause she loves. She has lived in her tiny lonely house for 46 years; shall miss so much, and I verily believe that God bas blessed this house

during 16 years a husband (as small as her:elf her friends tell me) shared ever since he came into it, that I do."

her home, but for 30 years she has been a widow, with no living companion “Will you really miss him so much ?” said Mrs. Venning; “ I had but her cat. She has never been to London, nor wandered far from home, fancied that being so helpless

but she has an intense interest in missionary work in the “uttermost “Yes, ma’am, and so he was very helpless, but never a grumble came

parts of the earth”—an interest wisich arises apparently from a real

ci mpassion for ihe poor heathen who “sit in darkness and the shadow of from his lips, and he wasn't one of those fidgetty ones who always want

death,” and a deep love for her Saviour, and a desire to obey Ilis la-t to be attended to. Ile would sit quite patient and quiet by the hour command. together, and I used to hear him praying just beautiful-speaking to the It is encouraging for the missionary to meet such friends among the

And it should also be an Lord as if He were close beside bim, and so I believe He was. And," poorest and humblest of Christ's flock. she added, brushing away her tears as her eyes fell on the missionary-box

encouragement to those who desire to help the work at Home, to know

that one so solitary, old, and poor, can do so much to help the glorious on the counter, “that box shall stand there so long as I live, and I don't

work of establishing Christ's kingdom in the world.

L. say so only because it would please Mr. North, but because it will please the Lord.” Did Mrs. Venniog remember her talk with Mrs. Lancaster seren

THE STORY OF THE NEW ZEALAND MISSION. years ago about the new lodger at Mrs. Caston's ? I think so, for her face wore something of the same sad expression as By the Author of "England's Daybreak,'

"" The Good News in ske leit the shop that Mrs. Lancaster had seen upon it at the time of

Africa,” foc. Ella's accident, when she had confessed to another mistake, another sin.

XII. As she wended her way home the following words came to her mind :

E heard last month of the son of the blood-thirsty “But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee : nor again the head to

chieftain, Raparahau Katu, at the extreme south of the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more, those members of the

the island, being seized with an earnest desire to body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary."

learn to read the Book of God, of which he first

heard casually from a cousin, and acquiring the power of doing so by six months steady toil with a teacher, shut

up in a little islet once used as a prison. Missionary Sermons in Advent.

The spiritual appetite thus once awakened, Katu and Why. To the Editor. EAR SIR,—Permit me to suggest to your cleric al reader; the following why longed for further teaching, and felt nothing would now during the season of Advent :

man's mouth.” Raparahau strongly objected to their going, (1) The Condition of the World without the Gospel. (2) The Means used to propagate the Gospel.

but they were not to be thwarted in their purpose; and paying (3) The Results achieved by preaching the Gosp 1.

their fare in pigs and potatoes, took their passage in an American (1) The Responsibility resting upon every individual Christian to assist in ship, bound for the 500 miles' voyage to the Bay of Islands, the spread of the Gospel.

We are now circulating these subjects among the members of our Suffolk starting courageously, though they left their wives weeping
Union in the hope that they may be used by the clergy, and tend to awaken pitifully on the shore. Arriving in about a month, they were
among their people an increased interest in the subject of Foreign Missions. taken to our friend Mr. H. Williams, quaintly called “ of the
Peasenhall Vicarage,

EDWARD D, STEAD,
Nov. 10th, 1883.
Ilon. Sec. Suffolk C.M. Union.

Four Eyes” by the natives, because he wore spectacles, and

he asked the reason of their coming. “ To get a missionary," A Dying Maori Clergyman.

TIE END.

hearing

we

6

was

A MAORI FAMILY AND HUT AT WAIPAHIHI, LAKE TAUPO.

last Mr. H. Williams sent them
to his brother, under the guid-
ance of a native lad, a distance
of fifteen miles. The journey
was nothing in itself, but this
very district had been ravaged
by Raparahau, and his son's life
might have been sacrificed had
he been recognised. They
arrived in safety, only to meet
with a renewed disappointment.
The second Mr. Williams could
do no more for them than the
first. “Oh, dark, very dark, our
hearts were,” said Katu;
have left our homes, our wives,
and our people ; we have come
this long way, but we do not
hear good talk."

The poor fellows returned to wait for their ship, which was being painted, more sorrowful than before. But a fortnight later they heard an exclamation, “ The missionary's boat has come,” and running out to see, with reviving hope, were told “ They are calling for you.” Katu continues : “ Mr. Williams said, · Friends, do not be angry with me any more; here is your missionary.' His name

the Rev. 0. Hadfield. He had heard us speak to Mr. Williams at Waimate, but he did not understand what we said. When we were gone he said to Mr. Williams, * What did those Maoris say ?' Mr. Williams told him we wanted & missionary, and God put it into his heart to come with us. We said, “We are very much obliged to you,' and we were very happy.” It was true: the young_missionary just arrived from England, and present at the interview, had been touched by the pleadings of these poor thirsty souls that some one might be sent to show them the way to the Water of Life, that in spite of his ignorance of their language, and being entirely strange to the country, he had urged to be allowed to return with them to the South, and Mr. Williams of the Four Eyes, seeing in these coincidences the leadings of God's band, decided to go also, and remain there with him until he was established. Thus the happy Katu returned with two missionaries instead of one, and right joyous was the reception they met with on arriving. The cry arose from many voices, “ Wel.

6

1)

so