'A.NNUAt"RE'PORT AND MINUTEB

OF THE

BOMBAY It·

,iii':' 'tlm;Ill'~ At iflliionaru ~on1~lltnq~ ~). -

-{ .. :i/'. OF TA I~

, !'

:Nf'ETHO'DIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH,

HELD AT

Bombay, DBoember 4-6

1897.

ANNUAL· REPORT AND MINUTES

OF THE

BOMBAY

1.o-mltlt'~ ! ilSlSi.o-ltltf!l ~lllt.~~tlt~~ OF THE

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ,u

HELD AT

BombaYJ December 4-6

1897.

15omltaJ2 : PRINTED AT THE M. E. PUBLISHING HOUSE.

1898.

OFFICERS

OF THE

BOMBAY

.OUlan'S jll±tissionat~ . Q!onfetencc 1.897.

President:

MRS. THOBURN, M. D., Bombay.

Vice-Presidents:

MRB. OSBORNE, Poona. I MRS. Fox, Poona.

Secretary: MISS BENTHIEN, Porma.

Assistant Secretary:

MISS PORTER, Bombay.

Statistical Secretary:

MISS HODGE, M. D., Baroda.

Finance and Reference Committee. MISS HODGE, M. D.

" HYDE.

MRS. Fox. " FREASE.

" ABRAMS. " DENNING,

MISS LA weaN, Official C01'1'espondent.

Examination Committees: MARATHI.-M1's. Bruere, Miss Abmms, Miss Lawson. GUJERATI.-Mrs. Frease, ~M1'8. W. H. Stephens, Miss 1[Orlg8. HINDUBTANI.-Mrs. Denning, },frs. Vardon.

standing Committees: TEMPERANCE.-Mr8. Denning, Miss ~Nicholls, Miss Porter. PUBLISHING MINUTES.-Mi88 Porter, },;/z'S8 Benthien.

Roll of Members, 1897.

The figures indicate the year of Yernacnlar passed.

An asterisk indicates that the Vernl.\culu.l' course, of Study has been completed. "Abrams, Miss M. F. Pooua.

Brllere, Mrs. \V. W. Poona • . Butterfield, Mrs. H. 19atpUJ·i.

Benthien, Miss E. M. POOlia. Bhosle, Pritheebai S. Bombay. Clarke, Mrs. W. L. ... Nagpm"

oDeLine, Miss S. M. In A rnel'ic(t. "Denning, Mrs. J. O. Na1·si1lghplf1'.

1 F.licker, Miss A. Jubbulpo1·e. Engel,l\lrs. G. Poolla. Fox, Mrs. D. O. Poona.

1 Frease, 1\[1'8. E. F. Ba·l'oda. 1 Felt, Mrs. F. R. Jubbulpore.

Grenon, Mrs. \V. H. Harda. Hutchings, Mrs. E. II.... Poona.

1 Hodge, Miss E. H.,M. D. B';'roda. Hudson, Mrs. T. M. Bombay.

Hyde, Miss K. M. Jubbulpore. Johnson, Mrs. T. S. Jublmzpore. Kali Barlibai, G. Pooua.

1 Lawson, Miss C. H. lJombay. Moore, Mrs. W. A. Ba8im. Morton, Mrs. T. E. F. Godhra. Nicholls, Miss E. W. Bombay. Osborne, Mrs. D. Pooua. Park, Mrs. G. W. Nadiad. Porter, Miss L. J. Bombay.

Robbins, Mrs. W. E. Kalyan. Spears, Miss K. A. Baroda. Stone, Mrs. G.!. In Amt,·ica.

~Stephens, Mrs. W. H. ••• Bon~bay. Stephens, Mrs. S.W.,M.D. Poona. Singh, Mrs. Esther P. ... Jubbulpor·f,. Thoburn, Mrs. J.M.,M.D. Bombay. Vardon, Mrl:l. A. S. E. ... Kha'ldwa.

Rules of Order.

1. Each session of the Conference shall open and close with Religious services. ..

2. All Business, excepting such as may be brought forward by the Presiden' .. shall be introduced by motion.

3. All Resolutions to be discussed shaH be presented in writing, if the Secretary or any member request it.

4. All members in speaking shall respectfully address the Chair.

5. No member shall leave the room without permission from the Chair.

6.' The President shall appoint all Committees not otherwise specially ordered.

7. It shall h~ in order for any member, when she thinks a question has been sufficiently discussed, ~o move that the question be taken without further debate, and if the motion be sustained by two-thirds of the members present, the main question shall then be put without further discussion.

MINUTES

." NOT·ICE.

The 'Publ~shing Committee very¢uch :r~gret. that the,

Minutes are out '80 late. The fuanU8cript was ill the hands 'of, th~P~bli~hers i~due 'tiple, llut-owiDg to &\lack. of tYP,e ~d pressure ,of': work th~y were una.ble to do the printing a.ny

sooner;

Officer8.-The officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows :­

President, Mrs. Thoburn; Vice-Presidents, :Mrs. Osbome and Mrs. Fox; Secretary, Miss Bentllien; Assistnnt Seeretary, MisR Porter; Statistical Secretary, ~liss Hodge.

Introductions.-Mrs. Osborne and Miss Hyde were introdnc(>cl and their names added to the list of member~. Miss McGrotty, Ml':;. Miles, Mrs. Sharp, Mrs. Ingrams, Mrs. 'Val'd and Miss 'Villiams were also introduced. On motion the ladies of the Z. B. M. M. Society were inyited to participate in the discussions of the Conference.

Committees.-The President appointed the following Committees :--

MINUTES OF THE

B01\IBAY

~ontallts jLttlissional1~ (llonfttctlcr.

First Day.

BO:lIlUY, Decembel' 4th, 1897.

The Sixth Annual Session of thc Rombay ',,",oman's l\11tltlionary Cun­ference met in the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms, Bombay, at 3 o'clock p. m. on Decelllber 3rd, IS!)7, with Mrs. Fn'ast', the President, in the chair. Mrs. Osborne conducted the elm'otioua1 cxcrci~l'~' reading the 12th chapter of Romuns, and leading in prayer.

Roll Call.-The roll of members wus callcel by the assistant secre­tary of the last session of the Conference, and the fonowing responded to their names :-Miss Abrams, Miss Benthien, Mrs. Clarke, Mrs. Denning, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Frease, Mrs. Felt, Mrs. Hutchings, Mis8 Hodge, Mrs. Hudson, Miss Lawson, Mi~s Nicholls, Miss Purter, Miss Spears, :Mrs. 'V. H. Stephens, Mrs. S. 'V. Stephens, Mrs. Thobul'l1.

Ofjice/'s.-The officers for the ensuing year werc elected as fullows :­

Presillcnt, Mrs. Thoburn; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Osborne atHl Mrs. Fox: Secretary, Miss Benthien ; ... \.ssistn,nt Setl'ctary, Mist'; Porter; Statistical Secretary, Miss Hodgc.

Int1·oductions.-Mrs. Osborne and Miss Hyde were introuncetl and their names added to the list of members. Miss McGrotty, Ml':-;. Miles, Mrs. Sharp, Mrs. Ingrams, Mrs. 'iV al'U ancI Miss 'Villiams were also introduced. On motion the ladies of the Z. B. M. M. Society were inyited to participate in the discussions of the Conference.

Committees.-The President appointed the following Committees :--

t 6 j

Resolution and JIemoriall ....... Mrs. Stephens, M. D., :!vilss Lawson, :lVIiss Hodge, M. D.

l Tcmperance :-Mrs. Denning, 'Miss Nicholls, Miss Porter. Moved that the Temperance Committee be a working Committee through the year, and report at next Conference.

Sessions :-Moveu that the daily sessions be held from 2 p. m. to 4 p. m. in the Parsonage of Bowen Church.

Election :-Moveu to elect delegates to the Central Conference at 3 p. m., 011 December 5. Miss Hodge read the names of those eligilJle to be delegates to Central Conference.

Examinations :-Miss Abrams and Mrs. Denuing reported that no one had taken the examinations in Marathi and Hindustani. Mrs. Frease reported that Dr. Hodge had completed the first year's course in Gujcl'ati with an average of t)8~.

Examination Committees :-M1's Bruere, Miss Abrams, Miss Lawson in Marathi. Mrs. Frease, Mrs. Stephens, Miss Hodge in Gujerati. Mrs. Denning and Mrs. Vardoll in Hindustani.

Publislu"ng Com11littee.-Moved that :Miss Porter and Miss Benthien be the Publishing Committee.

Jlinutcs :-Moved that five copies or the minutes be sent to each absent member, and to each one on furlough; and that twenty copies be sent to each W. F. 1\'1. S. Branch Secretary.

The Secretary calleu the roll to ascertain the number of copies desired by each member.

Moved to print fiyc hundreJ and. fifty copies of the Minutes, and that the surplus copies be sent to the Treasurer.

Adjolll'nment.-Oll motion the Conference adjourned after singing the Doxology.

Second Day.

December 4th.

Openin,q.-The Conference assembled at 2 p. m., Mrs. Thoburn in the chmr. Miss Nicholls conducted the.deyotional exercises-Subject, "The Crowns of the Believer." Mrs. Thoburn led in prayer.

[ ,... I ]

..:llinutes.-The miuutes of the previous session were read, corrected, and approved.

11Itroductiol1S.-Ml's. Briggs, Mrs. K ewell and Mrs. Van Ingen, 1\1. D. were introduced to the Conference.

Tlwitation.-Moyed to inyite Bishop Tholmrn to be present at the session on Monday.

Repo1·ts.-Mif.R Abrams, Miss Benthion, MrR. Fox nllU :\lr~\.

Frease read their reports.

Addre8ses.-The Conference was fayored with brief adell'osses from Bishop Foss and Dr. Goucher.

Delegate.~.-Mrs. Thobul'll and Miss Lawson were el(lctpd del<,gatc:'\ to the Central Conference. Mrs. Fox and Mrs. Stephens, M. D. "'oro elooted alternates.

Finance Committee.-Miss Hyde, Mr. Hodge, Miss Ahrams, Mrs, Denning, Mrs. Fox and Mrs. Frease were elected members of the li'illltll(,('. Committee.

Exten81On.-On motion the time for closing the Session was extcnded1

l\'[oY(~d to have a morning Session on Monday.

Jlctrathi Paper.-Mm·ed that Miss Lawson be coutinued as Edit-Ol' of the" l\Jarathi Woman's Friend."

Adjollrnment.-On motion the Conference mljourned after singing the Doxol()gy.

Third Day.

MORNING SESSION ..

December 6tlt.

Opening,-Conference convened. at 11 A. M., Mrs. Thoburn in the chair. Mrs. Phillips conducted the devotioual exercises, icading in prayer and reading a part of the fourth chapter of Philippians. A number of the members offered prayer .

. Minutes.-The minutes of the last session were read and appro,ed.

A.rldress.-On motion Mrs. Phillips addresseu the Conference for a few moments.

[ 8 ]

Widows' IIome.-Mrs. Brnere brought forward the subject of a home for widows. On motion the mutter was referred to the Financo Committee.

Repol'ls.-Mrs. Denning, )Ir~. Felt and Dr. Hodge read their reports. Mrs. Bruere's report was read. by Miss Abrams. The Secretary read the reports of Mrs. Elsam and Mrs. Grenon.

Alternates.-Moveu. to elect alternates for the- Finance Oommittee. The following were elected as alternates on their respective districts:­Miss Spear:.;, Miss Bellthien, Miss Nicholl's, (or the new lady from ,Jnbbulpol'e if snch should be appointed) Mrs. Yardoll, Dr. Stephens and Mrs. Morton.

Special Day Pl'ogl'ammes.-Miss Abrams reported on the translation of exercises for En,;tel' Day; Mrs. Frease, for Christmas Day; Migs Lawson for Children's DIlY.

Moved that last year's committee on the scyeral programs be con-

tinued, with the substitution of Mrs. Denning for Mis!'> Abrams.

Moved that the cODlmittee have their programs prepared two months }wevious to the time required fo1' their use.

_~Ia1'atlti Paper.-Moved that the committee to supervise the Marathi l)aper, be continued, substituting Mrs. Fox for Miss Carroll.

Central Conference.-Movecl that the President appoint a Commit.teA on Resolutions for Centl'fi} Conference, Miss Lawson, Mrs. Frease, and Ml'S. Denning were appointed.

AdJolwnment.-On motion conference adjourned for tiffin after sing­ing the Doxology.

AFTERNOON SESSION

Openin~q.-The Conference was called to order by the Pl'csident,at 2 p.m. :Miss Abrams conducted the devotional exercises, reading tll(> forty-sixth Psalm. Miss Felt and Mrs. Hutchings led in prayer.

Mhwtes.-The minutes of the morning session were read and approved.

Introduction8.-Mrs. Christie, M. D. and Mrs. Wright were in troduced to the Conference. .

Rep01·ts.-Miss SIJears, Mrs. W. H. Stephens, ~Irs. S. ,Yo Stephens, Mrs. Hutchings, Mrs. Thobnrn, Mrs. Osborne ga\re their reports. Miss Elicker's report was read by Miss Hyde; Miss Nicholls read the report of the Bombay work, and the Secretary read the reports of Mrs. Morton, Miss McGrotty and Mrs. Yardon.

[ 9 ]

Reports of Committee...:-~lrs. ncnuillg~ reau the report of the Finance Committec. On motion it wa!'; adopted.

:Miss Nicholls pre~ented t.he l"pport of the Temperance Committee.

~Ioyed to re-commit their rcsoilltioll for further deliberation. (Sec Report.)

Dr. Hodge read the report of tll!' Hesolution COlllmittee. Moyed to accept it. (Sec Resolutions).

The report of the Committc{' 011 Hesoit:tions to Central Conference

was n'Rd by Mrs. Denning ana accepted. E:riplIsion.-l\!oyed to l'xtelld the time.

G,.eetings.-Greetings hrollght by Bishop Foss from the Philadelphia Branch of the W. }j'. M. S. were read by the Secretary, who, on motion, was instrncted to send a suitable reply.

Addre8s.-Bishop Tholmrn was iutrodnced and fayorCll the Confercnce with a brief address.

Stati8tic8.-l\lon~d that the statjstical Secretary be allowed to make necessary changcs in the form.

Moyed to include the Ellgli:,h Schools in the Statistical Report. Day of Prayer .-Mored that we ask the Annual Conference to

nnit(, ,yith ns in appointing' It :-;pl'cial day for united prayer on behalf of our schools for boys and girls.

COW'8f. of Stlll/y.-Mored that the Committee Oil the Gnjel'flti

Course of Stndy be allowed to make It fourth year course for Missionaric~ and to submit it to the next Confercnee.

Arljuummt'nt.-Moved to adjourn after the reading of the minutes. Minntl'i; read and ~royed. ~\.f'ter sillg'illg the Doxology the Conferenee dosed.

E. 1\1. DENTHIEN, Secreta!'!!.

... \'XNA J. THOBURN, Pres. HToman'8 CUl1fel'encc.

RESOLUTIONS. ENTERTAINMENT.

Re3olt'ed.-That we extend our hearty thanks to our friends in Bombay for their kind hospitality in so gcnerously ;ntertainiIlg us.

Reeolt·ed.-That we express our sincere thanks to the Apollo Bunder Y. M. C. A. for so kindly pemlitting us the use of their pleasant rooms for tiffin eyery day and for our afternoon session, and

ReBoil·ed.-That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Secretary of the Y. M. C. A.

Re8olt·ed.-That we express our appreciation of Mrs. Thoburn's kindness in allowing us the use of her drawing rooUl rot' the Conference Sessions.

ADDRESSES. Resolz:ed.-That we express our appreciation of the addresses of

Bishop Foss, Dr. Goucher and Dishop Thoburn.

Resoh:ed.-That we express our pleasure in having )1rs. Phillip, President of the National "\V. C. T. U. of India, with us; and our appreciation of her helpf~llless.

WELCOME. Resolud.-That we express our pleasure in reechoing the Missc~

Thompson, McGrotty and EYans into our work, and are glad that Miss McGrotty has been able to attend the Conference.

Resob:ed.-That we extend our cordial welcome to Mrs. Osborne and Miss Hyde, and also to Mrs. Fox 011 her return from ;\ .. lllcrica.

REGRETS.

Resolred.-That we express our regrets at the absence of Mrs. Park and Mrs. Prautch.

Resolt·ed.-That we express our deep regret at the continued ill-health of Miss Elicker, and the necessity of her departure to America.

(Sd.) Mrs. S. W. Stephens,

" Miss C. H. Lawson, ,. Miss E. Hodge.

11 ]

EDUCATIONAL STATISTICS.

Resolred.-That we ask thr Central Conference to adopt some standard of statistics for educational institutions, so that definite and uniform information may be had about all the schools in India in our Mission.

(ScI.)

" "

C. W. Lawson, Mrs. Frease, Mrs. Denning.

REPORT OF TEMPERANCE COMMITTEE. We rejoice that temperance sentiment, temperance instruction and

work are on the increase throughout the bounds of the Conference; ye much more might be done, especially in regard to defiuite instruction in our native boarding schools and orphanages. For this work the committee would recommend the translation of a pamphlet, published by our Madras Press, called, "Easy Lessons for Schools."

'Ve note with pleasure and gratitude the growth of the W. C. T. U. in all parts of our territory, and we pledge them our hearty support and co-operation.

In ten stations there are organizatiolls for temperance work under ihe direct control of our Mission, and in nearly all of these places and in a good number of OtlHWS there arc 'V. C. T U. and other organizations in which our members take actinl part.

The District Conferences have begun an important work in writing and translating simple tracts for the use of our workers among the village people.

The temperance work among our N ati re Christians is of prime importance.

(Sd.)

"

Miss Nicholls,

" Porter, Mrs. Denning.

[ 12 ]

MEMOIR.

We know with what great sorrow the unexpected news of MisR Carroll's death must have come to the hearts of her many friends and loved ones in the home-land and with not less did it come to nIl who knew her'in this land.

Last April she went to Ootacamund, a hill ~tation near Madras, hoping a change of climate, and rest would restore her to her wonted health. She continued to fail, and as her only hope of health depended upon a painful operation, she went to :Uadras and entered the HospItal there for that purpose. She wrote hopefully and joyfully of her antici­pation of soon being able to return to her work well and strong. The operation was successfully performed June 8th, and she. seemed to Le doing well, until Friday, the lIth when an unfayourable change occurred, and at 5-40 that evening she peacefully passed away iu the presence of Dr. and Mrs. Rudisill of Madras.

Miss Carroll was borll in Schenectady, New York, Juue 27,1857. When she was about two years of age the family moved to Joliet, Ill. There she received her education and afterwards became priucipal of one of Joliet's schools. At eighteen she united with the ~Iethodist Church, became anIeffiicient Sunday School superintendent and a member of the church board. After the death of her parents and younger Rister, a long-cherished purpose took form, and she offered herRPlf to the 'Y". F. M. S. She was accepted and sailed for Bombay, December 31st, 1888.

She has served efficiently in every department of the work at dffiorent times, and at the time of her death~ waR, with Miss Porter, in charge of all the educational work, which included boarding school und city day scllOols. She was also the "\V. F. :M. S. Treasurer of Bombay Conference, which office she has most acceptably filled since 1889, except during the year and a half she was on furlough in America.

Miss Carroll had gained a large place in the hearts of the Indian Christians; through her deep, sympathetic nature she was known and welcomed in their homes. She knew their trials, helped the poor, cared for the sick, and helped them layaway their departed loved ones. During the three years in which she had the day schools and Bible Woman's work, she laid a foundation of confidence in the hearts of the people, which made bel' entrance npon the work of the Boarding School and

[ 13 ]

Orphanage an ea:::y one. The native pastor in writing of lwl' soys, "Sho had <'1ldeared herself to all who came ill contact with her; 'and 1 lit' Indian Christiall memberil of the Methodist Church h!lYP Io:;t a true ~ymputhisel' and friend." She was mnch giYell to hospitality and spared 110 l'ffort to

make her friends happ5·. She made European und Imlitm Christians alike welcome to th(> Home.

In one of the prayer-meetings at the Confer('u(:l', Deepmbrl' 18f)f"

just after her return from .America, l-ihe told 11il she had taken for he!' motto for 189(; "Others." Her unselfislmes~ was llllmifl'st~J. in various

ways ; by her concealment of her own trials and ~orrows except. us sh~

disclosed them to encourage and help otheri'. b~' the willing-Ill':'" to tak{' any position in which she could be uspflll to the Mastel', Lmt how lleauti­

fully, she exemplified her motto dnring the year perhaps, nOlle know so well as those who lived with her aIHl saw her daily life of sel'Yice for the

good of those about. her. Enm in her last day~ her thought was for others, planning for the famine children she had taken into the OrplllUlag'(',

and just before til!:' operation sending out to each of her friends some word of cheer and helpfulness.

For "1897" her motto was" Christ." As the months passed she

" grew in grael' and ill the knowledge of her Lord" Qud pro,-ed that fot;" her" to live ~lYas Christ. ; to die, gai.n."

COURSES OF STUDY.

MARATHI. FOR MISSIONARIES.

FI nST Y E.tR.

Grammar-Etymology. First and Second Government Marathi Readers. Gospel of John.

iFirst 44 pages of First Royal Reader to be tl'llnslated into Marathi.

SECO~D Y EAU.

Grammar-Syntax. Third Marathi Reader. Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. M. E. Di8cl})Zine-Doctrines, Rules and Ritual. Translating of First Royal Reader, completed.

THmD YEAR.

Fourth Government Reader or Hunter's Brief History (Mal'athi) of India. The Acts of the Apostles. Seventy-five Psalms. Gramml\f completed.

FOURTH lEAR.

To be supplied in 1897.

FOR ASSISTANTS. FIRST lEAR.

Grammar-Etymology. Fjl'~t and Second Government Marathi Readers: Translation Series.

First Book, Part I. and II. John's Gospel. First Royal Readers, to bi translated into Marathi. \Vriting from dictation, Balbodha character.

SECOND lEAR.

Grammar-Completed. Third Marathi Reader: Matthew, Mark and Lnke. Garland of Chris­

tian Doctrine. First Book Modi may be taken by School-workers . . M. E. Discipline-Doctrines, Rules and Ritual. 70 pages of Second

Royal Reader, to be translated into Marathi. ENGLISH. To be Read.

THIRD YEAR.

First Volume of 'Veslev's Sermons. Prince of t.he House of David. Swinton's Outlines of the World's History. Disciplinf' of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Geikie's Life of Christ.

FOURTH YEAR.

Second Volume of Wesley's Sermons. Naomi. History of Methodism. Geikie's Life of Christ.

t 15 J HINDUSTANI AND HINDI.

FIRRT YEAR.

Forbes! Hindustani or Hindi Grammal', Etymology. First and Second Hindustani or Hindi Government Readers. Gospels of )Iatthew nnd John. ",Vritten Translation of 44 pages of First Royal Reader. Conversation.

SECOND Y B.tH.

Grammar-Syntax.

Third Hindustani 01' Hindi Reader. Gospels or Mnrk anti Luke, nnd one of the Epistles. Translation of last half of First Royal Reader. First quarter of Mirilt-ul-Arus, 01' Dharam Tula.

THlllD YEAH.

Second q nat'ter of Mil'ut-ul-Arlls. Translation of first half of Second Royal Reader. G)'ammar completed.

Acts of the Apo~tles in Roman-U rdn aud character.

GUJARATI.

FOR MISSIONARIES.

FIRST YEAR.

Grammar-Etymology.

Second, Third and Fourth Government Reading' Dooks. Gnjarati Government Translation Series ( 'VeIl's), Part 1. Go!'pels of Matthew Bud John. Translation of first 44 pages of First Royal Reader.

SECOXD YE.\R.

Gospels-"Nlark and Luke. Translation of the First Royal Read('r completed. Grammar, Syntax.

Third Government Reader .

. llf. E. Discipline-Doctrines, Rules and Ritual.

THIRD YEAR.

Fourth Government Reader. Grammar completed. Acts of the Apostles. Seventy-five Psalms.

FOURTH YEAR.

To be supplied.

[ i6 ]

FOl{ ASSISTANTS.

lhnST YEAn.

Urit'ffimal''-:Et.ymology. First., Second and Third Government Readers. Translation series ( \Yell's ), Part I. Gospels of Matt.hew amI J olm. Translation of First Uoyal Reader. 'V~·jtillg from dictation, 13albodha character, for those in school work.

SECOND YEAr..

Grammar completed. Fourth Government Reader. Gospels of Mark and Luke, the Acts and seventy-five Psalms.

).11. E. Discipline-Doctrines, Rules and Ritual. Translatioll of 70 l)ages of Second Royal ReacIer.

HINDUSTANI AND HINDI.. FIRST YEAH.

Ii-01'OOs' Hindustani or Hindi Grammar to Prosody. First aHel Second Hindustani or Hindi Government Readers. G08pels of :Matthew and John. "Tritten Translation of the First Royal Reader. COllycrsatioll.

SECOND Y EAIt.

Third Hindustani 01' Hindi Reader. Gospels of .Mark and Luke, and (ffi'e of the Epistles. Tl'anslation of first half of Second Boyal Reader. First half of MirtLt-uIwAril!'.

THIIW Y EAll.

Second half of Mirat-ul-Artis. Translation of Second Royal Header. Grammar to Prosody.

Act.s of the 4\ posHes ill Homan-LJ rdu and character.

FOR BIBLE-WOMEN. 3IARATHI.

FmST YEAR.

26 LeF<sons 011 the Life of Christ. Catechism of the M. E. CllUl'eh, No.1. J\Ial'athi First Header. vVriting-Simple Dictation. Arithmetic-Addition and Subtraction of numbers not exceeding 100, ten Multiplication tables.

SECOXD YEAR.

~fatthew's Gospel. Gener:;is,2;; Chapt.ers. First half of Catechislll No.2. l'Iamthi Second Reader. GOYe1'llIDcnt Aritlnuetic. Throu~h Multiplication.

[ 17

'fHIIW Y.I!;.Ht.

Murk's G(\~pel. Pilli~lt Genesis. EXoUU8, 20 Chapters. Last half . of Cateehisll1 No.2. l;hird and FOUl1h Marathi Rea<lerr:;. ArithUlctic­Through Diyir:;ioll.

FOUUTH YEAR.

Luke's Gospel, Act~, Church History. Hnnter's Marathi History of India (to be read). GlIl'laml of Christian Doctrines.

HINDI AND URDU.

FIRST ¥.I!;.\.H.

Catechism No. 1. (Mudge's), Roman-"Gl'du 01' Hindi. Gospel of Matthew to lie read in Roman-Urdu or Hindi. Talilll Dnl' Talim (Line upon Line), Roman-Urdu. ~\rnnodaya (Peep of Day), Hindi.

SJWO~)) YEA H.

l'he Book of Gcne:-si::; ami ;\.cts of the ~\postlcs, io be read, in Human Urdu or Hindi. l'urth\ Dihle Storit·::; ill Roman-Urdu. Dbaram IuIa, Hindi.

GUJARATI.

26 Les~olls (Ill the Lire uf Chrh:t. Study of ~latthcw'ti Gospel. Mudge's Calt·ebism .

.'~'(I:uhlr-( 1) Reading-Goyernmrllt Fjl't:t TIook. (2) "Tl'iting-Simple Dictation. (~1) ~ \ rithmet ie-Throng h ~lnlt i },liclItiull,

SECO~D Y E.\R.

8tlltly of Mark\.; Go~pel. Stndy of the History of Noah and Abra­ham. Caicc11isru of M. E. Church, Xo. 1.

Seculal'-(l) Reading-Go,el'llll1ent Second and Third Books. (2) 'Vriting-Dictation. (3) ..:\rithmetic-Thl'Ollg'h Dh·isioll.

I)

o

[ 18 ]

Church History. Gospel of Luke. Genc::;i::; to be finished. ExodulIJ, 20 Chapters. Cat,echislll No. 2 and Proofs.

Secular-(l) Reacling-Goyerml1cut Fourth Book. (2) 'Vriting-Didatioll. (3) Arithmet.ic...;.-Reyiew of first and second year.

FO,UUTH YEAR.

Chnrch History. Exodus to be finished. .\ds. Exposer of the Hiudu Religiou.

Secular-(l) Rcading-Fifth GOYCl'nmcnt B\)uk. (2) 'Vriting-Dictation. (iJ) Al'thmetic-Fonrth GOYCl'llllll'ut Standard.

PUPIL· TEACHEHS.

~\1 ... \ HATH r.

Isaiah. ...\.('18. Commit to memory Isaiah XI. ana liii. amI 1 Cur. xiii. Church lii::;l()l'Y. Luther's Life, and Pilgrilll's Progress (to be read).

SECOND Y E.Ul.

Minor· Prophets. Leyiticus. Hebrem:;. Commit to llJelllOl'Y Proy. xx. and XXXI~ and Rebre,,"s xiii. Histo]'y of Ellg'lanu (to be read).

-~~----.....

REPORTS OF WORK.

BOMBAY DISTRIOT.

BOl\~13~~ I~.

EVANGELISTdC Ie. EDUCATIONAL.

C. H. L.\W80~

E. ~ICHOLL~

L. J. PORTER

::: ~ Jli .• ,io" "I'i".

... )

On account of the plague the Zenana work this year Jill not open ill lull until after the summer YacatioJl. About die miJdlc of l\Inl'ch some of the workers began to yisit the homes. 'Ye found that many families had left the city through fear anJ ill lilallY homes the plagne had taken one or more members of the family. ,Yo continued the work through the hot season, going out in the aftcl'lloon. It seemed difficult at first to gain all cntmnce into some homes where the women had learned before, but were now oyercome with grief o\'er the loss of lowd ones. Others receired us gladly and softened by their afflictions, listened more thoughtfully to the 'Vord. One womau who has been a pupil for a long time and had felt the st.ri viugs of the Spirit hut would not yield, has through great sorrow aIHI loss giyen herself to Christ. She was taken yery ill with l,laglle, and wllile lying unconscious both husband and son were taken away hy the same disease. Wrhell recovering she VIa!'; yisited, and to our great joy COll­

fessed faith in Jesus us her Saviour. L pOll our yisits she always gathers her friends together to listen to the 'Y onI, and is bold ill witnessing before them to her faith in Christ. Upon a certain fast day she said before them that she was not obserdng thoe day because she ,,-as now a Christian; and npon anot.lter occasion, being asked if she were happy, she replied ., My happiuess is complete." In another home this yeaOr the Gunputi festival was not observed at all. Two of the women of this home profess faith III Jesus and one is desirous of receiving baptism but ii:: preYented from doing ~() just at pl'cfolcnt h~' eircumsh"l11CE'fol. ~\. y0l111g

20 ]

woman who had been ill for some time with consllmption rassed away in August trusting in Jesns. Sbe had seen the Mission gari pass to and fro and perllaps had heardJrom others about the teacher who went to the homes of her people, so one day she sent a child to stop the gari while she herself reached her hand from the window and beckoned to tile Missionary to come up to her home. The Gospel story found. an entrance iuto llcr heart and sne gave herself to the Lord. Thus God in His infinite mercy prepared this dear girl for a place in the home alxn"e. Tbe mother of this girl is now being taught.

It is encouraging to know that the childl'enlisten and remember what is taught to their mothers or elder sisters. Mrs. Fritchley tells of one cllild eight years old answering correctly a question put to all olUer mem­ber of the family. Some of the men of the families are interested and not only listen while the lesson Ii being taught but ask questions concerning salvation. One man said he wished his wife tang'ht the Bible as he did not believe in what the Brahmin priests taught the woman. Although this work has been so interrupted this year we still feel that we have much to encourage us. The day schools have been very seriously interrupted. The Madanpura School has suffered most because of our inability to find a suitable teacher, then too it was in the centre of one of the plague spots of the city and had to be closed for a time. It is now open and the atten­dance is improving. We haye a large Sunday School cOllnccted with this school which has an a,-erage attendance of eighty. Our Bellasis Road school was closed and tl11'ned over to another mission working in the same neighbourhood. The Charni Road school goes steadily on and keeps about the same average attendance as in former years, It did not close for the plague although cases OCCUIT€d near by. Here also we have a Sunday School mtll an average attendance of fOliy. These little ones have committed to memory many port.iol1s (If ScriptUl't' and SODW of them helieve in Jesus and pray t.o bim.

In the Boarding School we bave one hundl'ed anel thirty six girls. or these about seventy-five are from the famine districts. Eighteen famine waifs were added, ill August, to the number received last year. Some of these are still ill a very weak condition, and one or two have died. Two of these latest arrivals have tried t{) run away doubtless preferring the free~ dom of their native fields to t.he limitations of a city compound. One of them took upon the first oc(,Rsioll ller supplies in the shape of flour Rnd

[ 21 ]

chillies tied in one cornel' of a ,,:heet, but she was found and ret,lll'llCtl by a policeman. The next time she st.al't-ed with two brass plates but was seen before she escaped from the COm})01Uld.

Our friends in Auiel'ica and England b8.\'c ycry kindly aided iu the support of these little ones, and even Germany heard the call and l'espond­ed with a generous subscription. Nor Ilaye the home lands been alone in t,heir willingness to help. The Christian people of India hM'e come to the rescue in many ways impossible to those outside of India.

We have one hundred and six girls in the Marathi Department and thit·ty ill the Gnjarati Department. The classes range from the Primary to the High School grade. Some of these little ones who have been here only a year have made marvellous progress both ill school aud ill their know­ledge of spiritual things. They can repeat 11. Co)'. XIII, J ohll 14 and different portions of Scripture. Their voices are often heard ill prayer in the Junior League and not many days ago some of them who were ill were heard to pray'; Dear Jesus please make my sores well; " and when they have wronged another child it is touching to heal' them get down anel confess their sins to the Lord, and t.hen going to the one they have wronged, ask her forgiveness. Last. April a girl who had run away from a cruel husband was brought to us. Sbe now testifies for Christ.

Miss Carroll's deat.h ill June brougbt. sorrow to all hearts and her loss was greatly felt in the work. It did not seem possible to spare her and we could not understand wby it had to be but we 1.'"110W the Lord makes no mistakes and He takes care of Hi~ work CV"Cll when He calls Home the workers. He bas been our stay and we have been conscious of His }wcsence in our millst.

[ 22 J MEDICAL AND GENERAL WORK.

:Uns. THonunx, M.D. . .• ][/88/onaJ'Y·

'Vhen . we m;l'ircd in India abont 1.he middle of December, it was

impossible to .find n sllitablehouse in Bomba.y, and as all work was at. a st.andstill, any way, on account of the plague, it wa .. ·decided best for me

tn journey about with my hu:::baw1 for a tim(' at l~a.st. And us it. turned out, three fourths of the year wa':; taken np with f'.:('Pingothel' p('ople's work, rather than doing wry mnch myself.

W" e first went to Poona, to the Bombay Oonfel'(,Jw(', then to Luek­now, to the North-India o on ference, from thence to OaWll}JOl'e, to t.he N orth-"\V est Inuia COllfel'enc(', then to the Bengal Burma Oonference, wl1ich was h('ltl in Calcutta. ~\. long f.!ea voyage followed down to

Straits Settlement where I had the priyilege of seeing that interesting work in Ponang aUll Sillg·H.pOre. Ou our way up from there, we stopped in Burma, in Calcutta, afterwards in Mozufiel'pore and again ill LuckllOW, OllOur way 'to Nairn Tal, frolll which point we expected to make a long t.our in Eastcrn Kamaml. .But thit-! plan was suddenly cut short., by my lmsband l?eillg thrown from a horse, which resulted in a broken arm, when we were four days out from Naini Tal. ,\Y c returned to that lliace, and spent three months there, and it was not until the middle of August that I fOllnd myself in my own home in Bombay.

I began my work on the 13th of August., and since that timp, h:lYC

been a sort of "Acting DeaCOIH'SS " . in the Bowen Church. The work is most interesting, and within three monts I haye made 180 yisits in 65 homes, and could have made as lllany more if I had had. the strength .

. . 'Ve have had a seal set upon onr plan, to begin deaconess? work in this part of the city. .A. stl'~nge lady who wa~', stopping at the hoteillext door, came into our Flcl',ice one morning, and aftel'WRl'US asked fOl' fin

intelTiew with my hnsball:l. She ,,-as anxious to gin' ll10ney to bt'gin a llew work, and when we laid before her our yarions plans, she chose as one of her objects the deaconess' work in BOlllba~', and gave us £ 200 ; with which to bring out a deaconess, and commence the '\lork. If the money had dropped out of the skies it would hardly have been more unexpected. \\~ e at once sent to America for a deaconess, and are hoping soon to have a suitable llerson sent to us. The plan for a deaconess' houFle is 110W sanctioned, and the building' will soon be commenced.

" This is the Lord':-i doing and maryel10us ill our eyef':,"

[ ]

MARATHI AND ENGLISH WOMEN'S WORK.

MRS, Sl'EPHEX;:';

The })ast year has becB full of ble:;sillg'i-:, .\ l t Itt'last COlll't'l'eJIt'c we were appoiiltcu to both Ellglit:h ancl :JLal'HtiJiwOl'k, aw.l eitlwl'tLe :\rurathi or English seemed enongh 1.0 keep one bu~y : but !.loth lllU::;L be UOJl(" \Y e han~ prayell lUuch und our Father llll:' giycn us tItt' needed

strength, ~\:-: Wt" look baek on"1' thc ~-CHl' we fed that this has Loc11 the llappiest year of our Uli~:,iollnl'.r lire,

At the begilluillg' ot' the year the' vlag'ue wa~ in OUl' lltitl:-:i and jntel'fered g'l'(lnny with hoth EII,!,,di:,:h and ~farflthi '\'(Ii'k. 0111' :,:{'hpoj" WI'j'C c]u;';ed fol' ~;lIII1(,! iul(', aId \\,1)('11 the." l'l'-(l]ll'llt'fl it Wit"': ;:;nd t41 lilld htl"" ]1I<1l1Y of the ],0.' s hatl died of th~' plaglll'~ and ltOw Ulany lwu lus1 Im-t'd ones, Our sdlOols and Snnday ~("1tool:,: nn' filling up llil'ely Hlld will "oon bl' back to their old standard, The lIlaJ'athi Clmrdl i~ gl'I.HYill,!!,' ill nUlllber.

Om yillage w01'l, which i~ ill the Pamrdl {)i~ll'il'1 lta:-: herll n:-: ,!.:'o(,d

H:-; \Ie coulll expect with the p]ngne mg'illg', 'Yt' huye Il .Jewi:-:h :-:t'11001 ill l'amwU with un attendnm'c lll' :;.j bright Jewj:-,:h girl:s,

English work-Both )ll', Stephens and 1 haye eujuyeJ the Eug­

lish work, and thillk that the" two works :11'e lll'fU'('l' tog·ethel' ill ~.rmpathy

than they have been befort', In the month of .\pril one of om ~"(lll1l~'

men from the Ellg'lj:-;h Chnreh was called huml', Hilt! ut the :;anlO tillle tt

brotlll'r from the ':\f al'athi Chl1l'dl wa,;; abn takell hOllll' , Th('~e 1 wu brethcl'll were Iml'i(,d (In the' sanw day and Ht. the snmc' hour. The plan was t.hat ~Jr, SteplH:n:-,: would meet. tll{' flllJPntl (If the nat.jH~ brother at

the cl'Dwtel'Y, !.tnt it so happenl'd that tllc two fHllcrah; lllet (Ill the rlJall,

Hlld were mixed tog'ethel\ und at the CClUcl cry t 1H'Y all met ni'Olllld tlw open g'l'aye of t.11t' Engli:;h ~'lln]}g lllall and thcH arulIlltl tht' gTilYC uf the )lara.thi brot.hel', The teal'S were lllillgled togethel'~ nnd no one 1 hong-lit ahont colonr or :,tatioll, XII Ol1e remembered that the Ol1e ,,"U:-; we1110 do,

and the other ollly a but.lt'r~ but that the t,yO hall Jesus, The twu funerals were larg'e]y attended a1ld it dr{'w till'se peOl)lc YCl'y near to­gethel',

"~e pl'ai~e God fer t.he Ildp that the English people hHe lJCt'll to tl~ U~ a people and a Church. TIll'y hnYl' helped U:3 both tlY their l)ra~-el''S

( 24

aml mOl'VY. One uld lady who is wry. poor, ami being sitk and uuable to work, receh'e~ Rs. 20 fl"Om the Church Poor Fund, and out of this she lwlps to support the Church. One day a lady called on her, and made ller a present of ten rupees, and the good old sister sent the money right (Iff to the famine people. I relate tlle aboye to show t,hat we haye people ]I(:'re as ill eyery land, who giyc all that they can. 'This old lady lin.'s ak1llc and spends much time ill prayer for the missionaries and their work.

Our English EpWOl·tb Leagne has been helpful in Church work. They have snpportcd a boy in Brothel' Urucl'c's school during the year, and hayc held a lllissional'~' praycr meeting onee a month, and bayc had talks from different lllil'3::iionaries who han~ giYell much light. 011 differcnt kinds of missionary work.

MllCh more might be said, hut wc will just add, that the Lord bas been Ollr st.rength, during the past year ..

[ 2:' 1 POONA·

WORK AMONG WOMEN AND GIRLS.

1\1ns. D. O. Fox :Jft'ssl()naI'Y·

On our return from Americll, July 1st, I took charge of the Girls' School, Zenana wOl'k and Bible wome11 , except three of the latter who remained under 1\1rs. Bl'uerc's snperv-ision.

Owing to the famine and the plague, our eight Girls' Schools, suffered both in numbers and in regular attendance during the first few months of the year, bnt in July the plague almost entirely disappeared from our midst, and confidence being somewhat restored, the schools began to pick up and assnme something like tl1eir normal condition, though t.hey 1tave been more or less un favourably affected by the famine all the time. Most of the children in our schools belong to yery poor families and large numbers of them have been sent out to beg since the hard times com­menced, while others have been put to work, who, under ordinary circum­stances would 11a,"c attended the sehools. Although there have been copious showers producing abundant hal'\"c:;L~, yct famine prices stilI prevail, consequently the distress among the pOOL' continues, but onr hearts Rl'e full of praise to our Heavenly Father as we look forward to the neal' future when, we trust, tlle prices will be lower.

AmiLl all the discouragementb of this yeal" we havs had Hi'eat cause for cnconl'ag'ement in the fact that so many of onr old pupils who ha.t~ left schoal and hayc gOllC to live with their husbands, as well as some who hayc not yet entered the married state, haye frequently visited their old 8chools, especially on Sunday, and in almost every instance we have found, on inquiry, that they nrc lidng liyes of prayer, daily praying to the Lord Jesns Christ instead of to idols, and also that they regularly reael the New Testaments wllich ,,'e always aim to gi\"e to all W110 leave us in this way. Meeting them from timc to time, as we do, we cannot fail to observe the subduing effect which their new life almost inyariably produces upon their outward conduct at least. As a rule, they seem to have a greater interest in spiritual things than when they were in schooI. Life has evidcnt1y become a ~ober reality to them, and this has led them to appreciate and appropriate the knowledge of the true God which they have acquired in our schools.

One day, S0011 aftel' our l'etm'n, I met ill the city market a young-4

26 ]

woman who lJt:ts formerly a pupil in OIle of our high castc schools who was married about six years ago. I was delighted to see her, and she evidently, was equally glad to me. She clung to me as she would to her own mother, and poured out her great grief in my cars as to one whom she knew sympathized with her most deeply. De~th had removed from her loving embrace her three precious little ones, two boys and a girl. 1Ve .tried to comfort her grief stricken heart by telling her that her children were safe and happy in the arms of Jesus. She still worships the one true God and prays to Him daily. She has gone away from Poona to her husband's home. A few days ago, a younger sister of hers, formerly a pupil in the same school, came to t.he school while my hus­band and I were there. She is now employed as a teacher in one of the municipal schools. She assUl'ed us that she prays daily to the Lord Jeslls Christ. She is still unmarried, though 16. She belongs to a well..:.to-do family. We yi:5ited her in her home to-day. Her mothet' and an elder married sister W110 were present during the interview, listened attenth-ely and approyingly to the Scripture teaching and seemed to enjoy the singing especially. They urged us to stay longer when we spoke of going.

Y cstcrday our hearts were pained to leal'll of t.he sudden death by plague of the eldest and most promising girl in our sweepers' Girls' School. She had been ill only two days. 'Vithin a few days, her father, brother, sister, all~ herself haye been carried off by this terrible disease. She was a member of my Sunday School class, and always a most atten­th-e and eager scholar, She has asked for baptism, but not being of age, it "\las thought best to llave her wait. Now that she is gone, her mother who is not a christian, says, ""~hy did you not baptize her? Now she i-s dead and will go to hell!" The probability is, that if we llad baptised her, the mother would now blame us for haying dOlle so, and say that she had been taken away as a pnnishment for ha,-illg rcecin,d baptism. These people are full of superstition. 0 that they might know our God who loz'fs them, our Father who cares for them! It is a great comfort to ns to feel that the dear girl who, only a few days ago, was sitting at our feet eagerly drinking in every ,yord about the Saviour's love, is now sitting at His feet, basking in His loving smile, safe for eyer more. What a privilege to teach these precious little ones! 0 may we be faithful to the sacred trust reposed ill us I .Ill these days when it is

it common, yea., t\ll almostcycry day OCClU'rellCC, that those whom we

[ ~ .. -I ]

meet to-day in religious services, in schools, on the street, at t,he shOI)~, in offices, in fact anywhere, may be in their graycs to-morrow, the followers of Christ cannot feel otherwise. than that it is a solemn thing to live and mingle with imlllolt.al souls, so many of wl10m we lllay norel' flee again till we meet them at the bar of God.

Since the beginning of September, owing to the re-appearance of the plague in our midst, all our day schools have been decreasing ill numbers. Throe have been temporarily closed; the first, because there was a case of plagne in the house where the school was held, the second, because the call-woman who had lost her daughter-in-law by plagu<" her son, also, being ill with the same diseaRe, was required to go to the segregation caml), the third, becanse the teacher was segregated owing to a plague case haying occurred in the same compound in which she liYes. Many of the children have died, others have lost one, two, three .01' more relath-es, and large numbers haye gone with their families to their villages where they will remain until the pestilence subsides.

Six of our women passed their examinations, two in the Third Year's course, and the rest in the First Year's. Two others passed iu all but one subject, which they will bring up next year.

0111' Bible woman has done most excelleht sen-ice during the last few months, hunting up and regularly yisiting' a number of the old girls who haye left the schools owing to marriage. She has also regularly taught the Bible in many of the homes of our school childl'en and has assisted me in om' Sunday School work.

Miss Sundel'abai Powar, om' zenana missionary, has been carrying on the work of visiting the homes of the women in the city, and has had much eucouragement lUltil within the last two months since the plague has been raging. At present, owing to the plague, this work is practically at a stand still, nearly all the families to which these women belong having left the city. There have been thirty-five houses regularly Yisit~d, the number of listcnors in each varying from one to sixteen, there being only three houses- which have but one pupil each. All the women visited take a great interest in tIle Bible lessons. Among them are some, of whom Miss Powar has great hope, one being a Rajput widow with. seven children, also a family who inyite their friends to come ill and hear the Gospel. Miss Powar always prays with this fa~ily.

Shall we not l.lnit-e our prayers with hers that this entire househo}d may

[ 28 ]

have the courage to confess Christ before the world? I ,,"ould also ask an interest in your prayers in behalf of those of our pupils and their friends who have been so sorely bereaved. This is the most solemn time I have ever known in India. As wo go through the city and note the plague mark on house after house, our hearts groan within us; not for ourselves, we have no fear, but for the desolation all around u's, for the poor grief­stricken people who have no hope beyond the tomb. "'tVe feel, however, ihat we have special cause for thankfulness in the fact that although the plague has been raging all around and close to us and our work, yet not one of our workers or native Christians has been removed from us or eyell llarmed by this dread disease. It is also worthy of remark that not one of our workers has shown any undue fear or anxiety or asked to be re­leased from duty on account of the pestilence.

For all the mercies of the past year, we praise our loving heavenly Father and look forward with brig-ht hopes to the new year just opening before us.

WOMEN'S WORK.

( ENGLISII).

MRS. OSDORNE ••• • •. M/saionaI'Y·

I arrived in Poona on 3rd April, and entered on the work with a glad and grateful heart. The plague was then at its worst and the place altogether depleted. It was a great joy to see the work grow, and take on new aspects of promise and blessing. I haye felt it an unspeakable privi­lege to labor, with my husband, in the Church there, and have rejoiced in the many tokens of encouragement we have had. The return of plague has again hindered the work, yet, thank God, our people have been preserv­ed not only in health and safety, but in cheer and courage born of faith in God. In Poona, it has been a joy to l)articipate in the many forms of Christian work in progress, while association with experienced and devoted Christian workers has been an "inspiration 'lnd a blessing. I have been pri­vileged to take some Hindustani Meetings for Miss Abrams, but the pOOl' women were soon driven out by plague, and the meetings lmd to be sus­pended,

[. 29 J

I have visited Bombay and seen the M. E. Girls' -Boarding Scbool at 1v1azagon. Everywhere our truly devoted workers seem to be carrying on their work with wisdom-and efficiency. I hope to become better acquaint­ed with them and their fields of labour. Our District Woman's Conference although straitened for time, and unattended by many because 'of Plagne restrictions, was a season of blessing; and I look forward with much pleasure to meeting om' workers again.

Mny God greatly bless us and fit us for His work .

•

WOMAN'S WORK •

Mus. BnUERE

All s~ lVlcGnoTT.Y l lip;:> TaO:UPSON ('"

MIS8 EVANil )

.. , Jlissionctry,

... Associate .illissio na1'l88.

The past year has been one of claiming the promises, asking for and expecting great things and receiving Leyond all asking or thinking. Judging by visiLIe results it has been the best year of nIl. A year ago when the Lord burdened my soul concerning the rescue of fallline children while I longed to help save some, yet I shrank from the responsibility. He set before me the blessed privilege of testing and proying true the promises for their support. Which would be chosen ?-t,o go forward in His llame or refuse to respond to His call, and let the children die of starva­tion, without any effort to help. I could not say, "No," I said, "Yes," 'look­ing unto Jesus' I will." So praying out of the way obstacle after oLstacle, the children began to come. It seemed remarkable to me that without any effort on my part, saye that of writing, the chiklren were either br()ught 01' sent to Poona for me by kind friends. It was impossible for me to leave my own little family, and go after them as many haye had to do, and I hate only had to go to the statioll to meet them. Those who haye had experience ill gathering and bringing them by tl'ain in all their misery and filth will appreciate the Lord's goodness to me in this. In May I heard that the Z. B. M. had giyen me three ladies, to help care fo1' the cJlildren, salaries proyided, how I rejoiced, I thought, this is wonderful; then the money for their support for several months just poured in,

r 30 ]

Our hearts have been saddened to see so many of the children die, but we rejoice over· nearly or quite 200 left; most of all for the work-of God's Spirit in their hearts: Most hopeful is the work amongst the girls and widows at 1'alegaon. About 30 girls and 2 widows have given themselves to the Lord, the widows were .vcry hard cases, andhavc given a great deal of trouble, 110W, they are willing to give us their children and put the~ jn

school, which is a sign that they ha.c confidence in us and are. settling down to stay with us. Misses Thompson and EYans have done heroic work at Talegaon with the girls, swabbing out the ulcerated mouths with their own hands, cnduring the sickening odour~ going through all sorts of diseases, mU'sillg t.he sick, and caring fOl\ and teaching the well ones. Miss MCGl'Otty at the Doy's Orphanage in Poona has been a real mother to the boys, the sick ones have been her special c.are, while she has been a bless­ing to all there. About 35 of the boys are ill another bungalow in charge of Mr. and Mrs. Ratan8h~-gh, she too is·a real mother to the boys, caring for them as if they werc her own. Vinayakrao has taken a deep interest in the boys from the first and has more than once pulled up his sleeves and set to work and bathed yery sick boys, Wh£,l1 they were in such a condition that 110 one else would do it, I write this just to show his spirit, he has done splendid work amongst them, he and his mother Mrs. Gnngadhel' have spent hours over cholera cases trying to save t.hem. 'Ve cannot but praise God for such helpers.

Two Bible women have spent lllost of the year in teaching and caring for the famine girls. Shantibai (saved from the famine of 20 years ago) in particular, has done most faithful work, and her 23 girls as she calls them (those whom she cared for before the ladies came) arc all converted. The other Bible woman visited the women in Bhungi Hutti and has helped in instructing converts, one woman at least from that quarter became a Christian. The city schools were under my supervision until Mrs. Fo·x' return in July. The Christian teachers of these schools, living as they do amo!lgst the heathen have an excellent opportunity for work, and several have brought enquirers. One has helped us ill finding out cases of real distress and giving out grain. I have been struck with the unselfishness and devotedness of our nati \'e sisters and brothers this year as never be ..

fore, their willingness and readiness to help in all things and at all times. One of the first donations for the famine childl'en was a basketful of grain

costing Rupees 5 given by one of our sisters. Mrs. ,Dr. Stephens has

Tendered vahlRble service as ,; Doctor in charge" of the orphanagefl. Last

[ 31 ]

Christmas was maue a happy time for the children by Mr. and Mrs. 'Veldt of r. S. A. who gave them a Christmas Tca.

'Ve feel very muclr the need of a home for women conyerts where they may be placed under Christian influence and instrnction for a time, we lose a good number by not being able to do this. Coming out oue by one as they do, it means 110 home amongst theil' own, and where are they to go if not to their Christian friends? I know now of fixe such women. 'Ve have found homes and work for some, but it is impossible to do so for all

Miss Me Grotty reports as follows :-

It was in the month of April, this year, tha.t I received my call for India.

Dm'ing my Easter holidays I rereh-ed a letter from OUI' Society (Z. B. and M. M.) telling of the need of workers amollg Famine Orphans and asking me to be ready to sail in three weeks from that time. I luul hoped to work among the girls, but after I had been in India a little while, found that God needed me to be 'mother' to the boys.

A::; soon as I was settled down among them, I saw how much they needed some one. There were oetwcen 30 and 40 sick ones, and the sufferillg of somc of them, with sore mouth, dysentery, rheumatism, cte., luts been painful to witness.

A ·number of them have had whooping cong·Jt and we have also had three cases of plagnc, but I am thankfnl to say that the number of the sick is now reduced to 12. Many have gone into school again, and others who were too far gone to recovcr from the effects of famine, have died. Three or four of them are still suffering very much from rheumatism, and cannot ,va1k. The legs of one poor little boy are quite doubled, but thougb he is suffering so much, ~'OU never hear him murmur. His patience is remarkable, considering that he is never free from pain.

I know God is working in the hearts of these dear children; I often hbar them, although they are so sick, trying to sing hYlllns, and praying that God will wasb all their sins away. ";hen one dear little fellow wa!'! dying, I asked him where he was going', and his reply was " I am going to . oe with tTesus."

It is touching to find that they still think of their homes and friends. Sometimes, when they are sitting down to their meal!';, a chiltl will burst into tears and ask for hi::> sister or brother. One eyening at bed time to I found onc of them sobbing for his mother, who is dead.

[ 32 ]

It IS such a joy to ue working alllong them and to be allowed to minister to tbem in any way, for Christ's sake, showing them that though fliends and parents are gone, He loves them, and has sent us to tell them so, and to lead them to Him.

I have tried to make it as homelike as possihle for them, and many of them come in in the evening and sing hymns, etc.

:Many of them have already gi\ren themsehTes to God, and one can tell by their conduct that they know Him.

Some, are very promising bright boys; 011e cannot help loying them amI I have every llOpe that they will become trnc followers of tho Lord Jesus Christ, aad S~Jllle tim:', in the fut.ure, go forL~l as missionaries to their own people ..

In spite of trials and disappointments the Loru is with us, and as we look back at His faithfulness ill the past we can cheerfully and hope_ fully trust Him to lead and bless us in the fntnre.

YOUNG PEOPLE'S WORK.

:Mus. ENGEl .... ... lIIissionary.

:My report by no means embraces all the young people's work done in connection with our English Church in Poona. Helpers for such work are always plentiful and but a small portion has fallon to my slmre.

DUl'ing the past year I have had charge of the Junior League and the Mission Band; the former meeting weekly, and the latter once a month.

The :Mission Band has not flourished greatly owing to the breaks for the holidays and the absence of the Secretary-one of the school girls~

for two or three months. However we are beginning to look up again and the last meeting was of a most promising character.

The work of the Junior League has been more encouraging. The 111embers, :chiefly children from our schools are regular and prompt ill attendance. -My aim has been to get them acquainted with their Bibles and one of its stories has usually been taken up e-very week and a verse bearing on the subject has been cOlllIDitted to memory. ,\VhCll the texts

[33 ]

are rehearsed they will be repeated with chapter and verse correct. Weare just now trying to master the books of the Bible by heart, so that the children may know how to handle the Book for themselves.

We have some bright Christians among our Leaguers and I believe many of them were blessed during the weck of special services held by the Rev. Dennis Osborne in September.

Respectfully submitted,

C. ENGEL.

ENGLISH EDUCATIONAL WORK.

E. M. BENTHIEN ••• • •. ltii88ionarg.

Several things of special importance have characterized the year, which has been one of great perplexity, but of greater strengthening of faith in the Blessed Master, who has interlaced many bits of love and encolU"agement with the trials.

The year began with the transfer of dear Miss Fisher to Kolar. I keenly felt her removal, and missed her kindly sympathy and counsel, but could not murmur, as the work there needed her so much.

In May I toured along the B. B. and C. 1. Railroad, advertising the ~ischooI and searching for more girls. On account of the extreme heat, :and the absence of many of the people, I could not accomplish much, but the trip was a help to me personally, for besides the pleasure of visiting 'the missionaries and friends along the line, and the information gained from travel in a new country, I sa"" and felt, the great need of our Eng­lish work, and I thank God that He permits me to have a share in it.

In June the Taylor High School was divided, and the" Taylor High School for Girls" was put in my charge with Mrs. Hunt as associate principal. She worked with us faithfully and zealously for six months and then left in response to an urgent call elsewhere.

We have twelve boarders and thirty-three day scholars. We have laboured under difficulties on account or lack of room. Five classes were held on the verandah, which is very damp dming the monsoons, and very hot and glaring dtil'ing the hot seasons, a state of affairs which is

5

/

[ 34 ]

not conducive to either mental or physical development. For a time, school was held in a cottage, but seven classes shut up in one room made too much of an "industrious hum" so some of the classes were taken back to the verandah, and one to a bedroom. The Inspector was pleased with our work, but not with the accomodations;. but we were " passed" and received the grant as he was assured that it was only a temporary arrangement. We yearn for our own property which can be improved and enlarged as the needs arise, and which would enable us to work more efficiently and attract a larger number of pupils.

The plague has crippled us very much; by the withdrawal of Mrs. Hutchings' Girls as one of them was ill with the dreadful disease, and by the sudden exodus of two of our teachers, but those who remain are cheer­fully and loyall;r sharing the ~~tra work.

We praise the Lord that the g,meral health of the boarders has been very good-no contagious nor infectious disease has entered and I heal' that many remark on the healthy appearance of our girls.

With the help of the Lord we have striven to have a healthy spiritual tone in the school. All the members of the home are professing Chris­tians, but the nervousness and shyness of some retard their growth. The teachers and matron take an active interest in the spiritual life of the girls, and I rejoice in the privilege of spending many an hour with the girls in heart-to-heart :talks and prayers. The girls have made dresses for the famine orphans and they also have a Band which subscribes to­ward native work; and last :March when prices were very high, they voluntarily gave up their meat-dish at dinner, saying that curry and rice was sufficient.

Weare in great need of a library. I have only a half dozen books which arc adapted to young girls, and those are eagerly read for an hour on Sunday, by the six younger girls, who then come in my room and relate what they have read, and then I read and talk over with them, selected articles from my papers. I am much pleased, every Sunday with the request, "Please, may I have Bome papers 1" They are very fond of reading, and I want to keep them supplied with wholesome literature.

The "Kindergarten" is almost a misnomer so far as material is concerned, as aside, from a few building blocks, foldh.tg papers, and em­broidery, we have little that constitutes a respectable Kindergarten-not

[ 35 ]

even a table and chairs! But we use and adapt what we have and the little people are happy and make rapid progress. If we only had the money to properly furnish our room, we feel that much good could be done through this department. All the little ones participate in their weekly prayer meeting, and frequently they ask to offer the openingprayel' on other days. A visitor highly commended us on the }"eligious instruc­tion given by lesson, SOl)g, etc., and because of it, secured us five new pupils.

Financially, we are not well off-we have no heavy debt--praise the Lord I-but it is difficult to make both ends meet. However when we have a more commodious bungalow with necessary school apparatus and a permanent corps of teachers, we believe the school will build up rapidly.

The year has been full of blessings. To be sure, some of them have come wrong side out, but we have learned to await the Lord's time of turning them; and we know that

" We cannot hope to be mowers,

And gather the ripe golden ears,

Until we have first been sowers,

And watered the furrows with tears."

MEDICAL WORK.

MRS. S. W. STEPHENS, M. D .... • .. Mi88ionary.

The Medical work in Poona has had a most checkered history during the past year. Never at any time in my life have I so completely failed to accomplish the things I had planned to do, and yet I have never more plainly seen the hand of God directing and guiding.

During the early part of the year the plague increased so rapidly that soon after Conference it was foreseen that, owing to the rapid mig­ration of the people from the city, we should soon have very few patients attending the Dispensary; and by the end of February they had come down to 2 or 3 daily, so on the 15th of March we closed up entirely, and I took the opportunity to get away for a rest as I had been unable to get away for four years,

[ 36 ]

During a part of the time I was absent the plague raged in that fear* ful manner you are all only too well acquainted with, but by the middle of July it had greatly abated, and we were able to re-open on the 28th of that month.

While I was absent the city Municipalitt was forced, for want of funds, to close up their charitable Dispensary for women and children, of which I was the Medical Officer. This left a most central and otherwise desirable part of the city open for Medical Mission work, so after con­sultation with :Brothers Osborne and Fox I decided to take the building, which was a most suitable one in every way, vacated by their Dispensary, the Municipality very kindly allowing me the free use of as much of their furniture, instruments etc., as I desired. At the end of August we moved in and opened our work there with every prospect of reaching a far greater number of women. But our hopes were not to be realized, at least not for a time, for no sooner had we well established ourselves there, than the smouldering embers of the plague began to blaze up with alanning rapidity and has gone steadily on to the present moment without the slightest signs of abatement. The consequence was we were very soon left with few patients beside our famine orphans to prescribe for, however as there are some 300 of these and 40 or 50 of them more or less unwell every day this in itself is no insignificant work. So I am at present opening the Dispensary only three times a week and attending to the 8 or 10 patients who attend, and compounding and sending out medicines to the orphanages.

Now I must go back a little to tell you about the Orphanage Hospital work. Shortly after my return from Ooty, Brother Bruere spoke about my doing something for some of the cllildren, who were really very ill and needed daily visitations, but I did not just. then see my way to as sumo more duties and responsibilities, but when a few days later he asked me if I did not want to start a hospital, adding that he could fUnlish the patients I decided to see what was needed, so I drove out with him to see the children, a distance of about a mile, and found them in a beautiful large building, with plenty of open space and fresh air, but alas! the 20 or 80 really sick ones crowded up in one room, and as we went rather early in the morning and the doors and windows had been tightly closed for the night and not yet opened, those of you who have had to do with famine children will know something of the fouJ stench that greeted us on opening the doors. Almost every one had a famine-mouth or discharging

[ 37 ]

'ear, or both together, besides dysentery, dialThoea &c., &c., and my heart went out to the poor miserable little mortals of skin and bone, aud my duty was clear. Here lay mypresenttask. Miss McGrotty, Bro. Bruere's new worker had just beeu installed and every thing was new and strange, something must be done, and done 'Sharp, so we then and there planned. to convert the large range of stables into a Hospital; work was at OIlce begun, and in a few days we had about 25 of the worst cases pretty com­fortably established, with new cots, blankets &c., in the [) stalls-from henceforth dignified by the llame of" Wards. " Since then many bQYs have been." Admitted" and many" Discharged" from these wards. Some have passed from our lowly Hospital to the great Mansion House above and not a few of these haye left clear unmistakable evidence of a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I need not enter into detailed cases, many of you have had experiences along the same lines durillg this black year. All was going on well, and under Miss McGrotty's good nursing and careful feeding, the sick as well as the stronger boys were improvillg in appearance, when suddenly, one evening, we awoke to the fact that We had plague added to famine on our hands. There was no alarm however on the face, or in the heart of anyone, and so, after lancing and dressing the bubo we sent the lad, a crippled boy of about 10 years.into the Plague Hospital. The whole 150 were then segregated and after a fewdays two more cases developed. One was a poor little blind boy of about 7 years who was at the time very low with dysentery. )Ve hardly expected him to live to reach the hospital, but he survived the journey and died next day. This was about a fortnight ago, the first boy, being pactically convales­cent when he was sent away, has returned to us quite well, and the other is progressing favourably. Of course we have had to undergo the usual amount of disinfecting, whitewashing, segregation &c: but all have endured it cheerfully and the general health of the boys has never been so good as now.

The girls at Telegaum have also claimed a share of my thought and attention. I am sorry that, owing to the distance and my other work I have Ilot been able to yisit them often, but Miss Thompson writes me the symptoms of the worst cases, and for the others we send out 2 or 3 times a week big bottles of mouth-wash, dysentery, fever and other mixtures which she gives as the individual cases require.

In the case of both these institutions, while I have prescribed for so many, aud compounded ma-ny hundreds of ounces of medicines, very

[ 38 ] - .

few of the patients have ever attended the Dispensary., hence I have little to report in the wfloY of setuII religious teaching or tract distribution. In fact for the past three months I have not had a Bible-.woman at all. As soon however as the plague abates and our regular Dispensary work starts again we shall resume our usual Bible lessons.

I have also given some little medical help to the Anglo-Indian Homes, and just before the plague cases occurred in the Famine orphan_ age we found we had one in the Girls' Home, tl-nd a little later on two in the servants' quarters of the Boys' Home. The girl I took to the Stl-S800n Hospital where she remained for a month, being discharged at tha end of that time quite well and is pow staying for a few days with ple, and so with all the depressing ~jrcum8tances that have surrounded us in the past and that still h31lg OV~f us, our hearts are not ~oved, our trust is firm, our faith unshaken. H Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."

During the year I took two of Mrs. Hutchings' girls to train as compounders. Dinbai, the daughter of Mr. Bhimjibhai, our Guzerati worker in Bombay is already making rapid progress; and will, I feel sure be a most valuable helper in the near future. Her heart is set on Mission work and she is, for one so young, wonderfully successful in the line of Bible-woman's work. The other girl has some chrollic eye trouble which however is improving under regular treatluent and I am hoping much from her also.

Notwithstanding th~ fact that the Dispensary was closed for three months the total numbel! treated was -£,566 as compared with 4078 last year.

Respectfully Submitted,

S. W. STEPHENS. Poonu, NO'IJemb8r 2Stn, 1897.

[ 39 ]

VILLAG~ EVANGELISTIC WORK.

Minnie F. Abrams C. E. Williams Krishnabai Kulkarni Bheemabai Dharma Bheemabai Joshi

Assistant Mis8ionary.

" Bible-Woman.

" " "

At the beginning of the year I was unable to get a house in the district, hence had to keep my residence in Poona. From January to the end of May we lived in our tent at Chinchwad and Telegaum. The three Bible-Women helped in the village preaching until April 1st when Bheemabai Dharma returned to her work in Bombay, and the other two remained with me in Telegaum to help care for the famine orphan boys who had been driven out of Poona by the plague. In June I was back and forth a good deal looking afte~ the widows and children at Telegaum, at the end of which time Miss Thompson relieved me of that work, and I returned to Poona much broken in health.

Just at this time Pnndits Ramabai sent four widows asking me to take care of them. The number grew until I had to take a larger house, and had on my hands a full-fledged widows' home numbering twenty-four. September 1st Miss C. E. Williams, a deaconess and trained nurse from Dr. Grattan Guinness'training college, joined me in the work.

The work among the widows has been full of interest and encourage­ment. When these widows came to me they were opposed to Christianity; they did not want to learn to read, because women in their country did not learn. I said, " Very well, do not learn, but when I bring sweets only those who learn will get any." Then they began to study. They also said that they did not want to learn sewing. Again I said, "Very well, but until you learn to sew your own jackets I will not give you any, you will receive only cholies." They soon learned to sew, made jackets, and are now learning cap-making. They enjoy their school, and now their prejudice against ChrIstianity has gone. October 1st I felt that the Lord would have me go to Khedgaon where there are a large number of widows, living on Pundita's farm, to teach them the Bible; I found that the Pundita had been praYIng that the Lord would send me or some one to that place to help with the evangelistic work. October 15th together with the twenty-four widows I proceeded

[ 40 ]

to Khcdgaon, Miss Williams and the Bible-Women went to Telegaum to carryon the village work there. I went out to Telegaum once a week to help and encourage the workers there. I have also tried to make the way of salvation very plain to the widows at Khedgaon preparatory to special services being held. In November Mr. iJruere came out and held special services and there were a large number of genuine conversions. One hundred and nine persons received baptism, and more are to be baptized soon. These meetings were attended with great spiritual power. Women hardened in sin confessed their sins of idolatry, stealing, lying, quarrelling etc., and in simple faith received the Saviour .. There was great rejoicil1g, the quarrellin,g ceased, and the place in which these widows lived became a home. Now the work of training these widows in divine things is going on.

Krishnabai Kulkarni left us in July to attend school. In October Bheemabai Dharma again joined our party for village work. Before going out into the villages, we had a week of Bible study and prayer. This dear old Bible-Woman received a grest blessing, and went forth in the power of the spirit to preach in the yillages. Her messages strike home to the hearts of the hearers. One woman said, "Now go away, you are sending us all to hell." She had silenced all the scoffers, and they were listening to her burning words with wonder, but this woman could not stand plain preaching.

At this time of tUl"moil it is hard to get an unprejudiced hearing. God's hand is stretched out over this Indian Nation. They recognize the Hand, but pride and bigotry of nation and caste rise up against the arm of God. There seems to be a mighty spirit within them, but God is almighty, and He has girded His chosen ones with strength unto the

battle. Those who have sympathy to give, and comfort for the people in sorrow can reach the people. One woman said, people say, why do Y011

go to that lady's tent? and I reply, 0, for nothing, just to have a chat. Then she added, why should I not come and get comfort in my sorrows. Like the Egyptians the people are stricken, and nearly every house has become a house oE mourning. Let us fill our hearts to over-flowing with love and sympathy, and we shall find abundant opportunity to give it out.

News spread abl'oad that I was travelling a.bout to ~teal women for Puudita Ramabai's hOUle. A woman was washing ller clothing in a stream

near a.:village we were approaching. On seeing us she ran as for life,

[ 41 ]

leaving her washing lying in the water. Last April after Pundita.'s widows camped in Telegaum, the women of a neighbouring Yillage wbere we had always received a hearty welcome, seemed terrified, and begged us to go away, while they backed iuto their house~, closing the doors after them. This fear is now wearing away, and the people are receiving us more heartily than eyer.

We praise God for the many open doors for work during the past year. It is the first year since I became a missionary that I have not taken a rest. I look forward to the coming year with pleasure, trusting that the same presence which has been with me will accompany me all the way.

ANGLO-INDIAN CHILDREN'S HOMES.

MRS. HUTCHINGS ... .J.1It's8ional'!/.

Another year of goodness and mercy has passed away, nnd again we raise our Ebenezer to the praise of our loving Father who has guided us safely through troubled water and smooth.

Our girls now number 52, the boys 22, total 74. In January last we sustained a great loss' by the marriage of

Miss Walker who had so ably assisted us for some months past amI her place has not yet been filled but we hope in a few weeks to welcome a worker who is being sent out by the friends belonging to the Star Hall Manchester.

During the year one of our little girls passed away to her heavenly Home after a long and painful illness borne with great patience and sweetness. A short time before her last illness Rhe joined the Church on 11robation and on her dying bed she was received into fnll member­ship.

Those who were present will not easily forget the simple and solemn service.

Our flower is transplanted, but the fragrance of her life of patience and simple trust remalllS.

Eight girls and three boys have joined the Church in full membership during the year and four girls and one boy 011 probation, in all there are twenty ill full membership.

Of these all give evidence of growth in grace. 6

[ 42 ]

The spirit of l)rayer among the children is very encouraging. We haye a united prayer-meeting of workers and children every Monday. Another on Thursday mornings among the little ones, ':lnd a meeting twice a week conducted by the chiltlren themselves.

Some of the requests for prayer are very siIllple and touching. Many of the petitions are for friends and relatiyes. One of our little girls who had been praying for her father for a long time, had the joy of receiving a letter from him telling her of his conversion.

Our dear friend, Mrs. Stephens, M. D. has taken two of the girls into her dispensary in order to teach them compounding with the thought that when they are competent they may be engaged in this capacity by Medical Missionaries. Thus they will be able to support themselves and at the same time be employed in direct mission work. The health of the children has been good on the whole until about a month ago, when one of the girls was attacked by plagne, which filled our hearts with dismay. But through the kindness of the Cantonment magistrate and the trustees of our sanitarium at Panchgani we were able to remove our whole establishment to that charming spot and also had the satisfaction of knowing before leaying Poona that our little girl was getting well quickly. It was no small lilldertaking to conyey so many such a long distance and the obstacles were numerous but our Guide went before and cleared all difficulties out of the way.

" We can joyfully say, "Ill that thou blessest turns to good." For that which seemed to be the direst misfortune has been made the means of giving the children such a change as they would never have had in the ordinary course of things.

Our expenses have in variolls ways been wonderfully met by om' gracious Father. At the same time we owe hearty and sincere thanks to the numerous friends whom he bas led to help us by their sympathy and gifts.

HARDA.

CENTRAL PROVINCES DISTRICT. Mus. GRENON ••• hlis8onal'!J.

The work in Harda this year has had some trying experiences, but our Heavenly Father has been with us, and we haye been carried through all our troubles.

[ 43 ]

The severity of the rC('(lnt famill~ was mnch felt in our District, and greatly hindered. our school work which was fast developing; but we struggled bra,-ely to attain the best results possible under .the cir­cumstances. Although our Day-school broke down fOl' a short seaSOll in the course of the year, we resumed the work with success, and han\ at present, two teachers, who besides teaching in the school, devote a part of their time to evangelistic work. Twenty-two pupils are at present on the roll exclusive of the Christian children of our workers. 'Ve have also a flourishing little Sunday school of twenty-six children who are fast picking up the essential truths of our glorious Gospel.

In carrying on our Zenana work, we have four women assistillg­two as volunteer Bible-Readers, and the other two as regularly pai<l workers. Eight families are regularly visited in the course of the week in addition to a good deal of general yisitillg which averages about twonty a week. Twelve women are being regularly taught in their homes, and fOUL' are learning to read, while four receive lessons in needlework. The average number of listeners a week is about forty. In the Mohulla work the average is about one hundred and fifteen, and eighteen women are regularly taught from the Word of God.

If we could obtain a more liberal allowance, our work could be ex­tended and much good could be accomplished, so we live ill the hope that the Finance Committee mu.y be able to see their way to help us further in this direction.

JUBBULPUR. ZENANA WORK.

MRS. FELT 00' J.llissionary,

As we anticipated we have been able to engage two additional workers this year, One for the work in Jabalpur city and the other for a village, a few miles away but belonging to the Jabalpore circuit. During the year the work has been carried on as faithfully and continuously as sicknesses, famine and other unavoidable hindrances would permit and has increased in ahout the same proportion as the workers. Weare now regularly visiting twenty-seven zenanas and forty-six Mohullas.

In Kuttungee, Rukmanibai made a very good beginning among Brahmins but unfortunately in re'lcuing famine orphans, in that place, one of our workers brought away, by mistake or by her own deception, a girl who ha<lliving pal'euts. Very soon the idea became prevalent that

[ 44 ]

Rukmanibai was visiting their homes, in order to carry off the children to put into Christian schools and the result was that all the houses which had previously received her yisits and teaching gladly, were closod against

her, and only with difficulty and by perseverance has she succeeded in

finding six houses which will receive her, but ,~e trust that the suspicion will soon wear away, and that she will be able to carryon the work therlJ as successfully as it promised at first.

Sarah has been encouraged by seeing one of the women, whom she had been teaching for some time, together with her son, a boy of ten or twelve years, publicly profess faith in Christ and receive baptism.

Clara, also, has had the pleasure of seeing one of her women baptized and afterward married to the man with whom she had lived unmarried for years.

Our one Day-school is not very promising, during the year it has had a change of teachers and an entire new list of pupils. It now numbers twelve pupils, nine of whom are working hard and attending regularly in anticipation of Christmas.

Three Sunday schools in connection with our Zenana and Mohnlla work have an aggregate of eighty five children, nearly all Hindus and Mohamedans.

There arc many encouraging signs about our work. Three house­holds, one containing uFwards of twenty women and girls together, have been opened to us during the past week and we are hopeful and believe that our "Labour is not in vain in the Lord" although we may not be permitted to see the results as we would wish.

EDUCATIONAL WORK. ANNA R. ELICKER} NETTIE M. HYDE •••

:Afissiona1'ies.

"As thy days, so shall thy strength be" has proyen true in our CRse during the past year and though we have been called apart several times to .rest a while yet during the greater part of the year we have been able to. remain at our post. We have much to be thankful for.

Early in January we removed to our new home at Hawa Bagh. The added room which we thus obtained, gave us the opportunity of taking in famine orphans, the care of whom has taken the . greater part of OUf time. During the year we have received two hundred and fifty~two

[ 45 ]

famine orphans, of which nUlllber, one hundred Bnd thirty-six are with us, the remainder having either died, ruu away, or been claiUled by parents. The mortality among these children has been vel'y great.

In January, we received a batch of ten froUl the poor house and of these only one is living, Some have come ill to die the following day or very soon after, others haye apparently become well and strong, and then suddenly begun to waste away and have died, Many of the girls are as well and happy as we could wish to sec them, while with others, life is still hang'iug in the balance. The lllarks of want and sufferings, the misery and cruelty, which some of these children have horne has made our hearts ache. One little girl, Gindiya, was fonnd, late at night, by the road side. Her body was a mass of sorcs and her head swollen out of shape by an immense boil, we sent her to the hospital, but had little hopes of her recovery. After two months she was returned to HS

well and strong. She is such a bright, happy, little Cl'eatw'e and the pet of the whole school.

Seyeral times a child has been brought in, who discovers Bmong the children, a sister or a cousin who was brought in at some former time. 'Ve have been grateful for the assistance in proyidillg for these children which has come to us from India, England Bnd America. Dr, Felt's help ill caring for these children has been inyaluable; he also superintended for two months the famine relief works on onr ·compound.

Dr. Johnson has taken all the responsibility of the building, laying the water-pipes, and enlarging the premises, off our hands. We often wonder what would become of us without the help of these Parent Board missionaries and thank God for giving us such good, ldnd, true friends.

A number of our old girls have been called to the home above. Bari Josephine had been ill with fever for nearly two months; on the day she died, she called different ones about her and bade them 'goodbye.' She said, "I shall not be here to-morrow. I am going home to Jesus." When asked if she were afraid, she replied, "No, for I love Jesns." Almost her last words were," Khudawand Yisu Ma8ih," (Lord Jesus Christ.) Her death occurred at a time when we were cast down and almost discouraged. and came as a rebuke and encouragement. Little Jamni was taken from us by cholera. Chota Nanni (sister of Satiya, who died. of scrofulous swellings in the neck, two years ago,) was taken with the same complaint and went to join her sister.

[ 46 ]

When Miss Daugherty left us suddenly last June and help could not be found, Miss Thoburn kindly sent us two of her teachers to help until permanent help could be secured. We feel deeply indebted to her.

'Ve now have with us two young women whom we think will prore to be a real help. They, together with an efficient matron, make our work very much lighter.

But best of all, the help we have been hoping and praying for, has come to us in the person of :Miss Hyde. Our prayer is that our heavenly Father will abundantly bless and strengthen her in her work for Him.

KHAND"WA.

EDUCATIONAL WORK.

MRS. VARDON ••• Missionary.

Training Class.

From the Training Class 3 women passed their examination success­fnlly this year. These are to be put out immediately to work in three separate villages, as Bible-Women, and we expect three new ones to take their places in the Training School. Some visits have been made to the villages where our Christian women are; they have been instructed during tbe year to the best of our ability; and with great thankfulness we note a general improvement among them. With the three new Bible-Women we hope to do more village work next year.

Boarding School.

We have had 44 girls in our boarding school during the year, of these some have died, and before death confessed that they loved Jesus. One of the bigger girls wIlen she new she was dying, said to her friend who was sitting beside her crying, "Don't cry, trust Jesus. He will take care of you, and we will meet again in Heaven." Most of the bigger girls are able to read and write and some of the smaller ones too. On learning anything new, the little ones amuse themselves by teaching those of their companions who have not learnt it. One little girl when she had learnt to pray, every night after saying her own prayers would make her mother kneel down, and repeat a small prayer after her. Another one when she went home for a few days, On seeing her mother

[ 47 ]

about to eat her food, without asking a blessing, said, "Yon have not asked God's blessing." Her mother said, " I do not know how to tio it." The daughter then said, "Olose your eyes and 1""ill ask a blessing." The bigger girls do their own grinding, make their clothes and help ill the cooking and cleaning up of the honse.

" Sunday School ami Epworth Leagtlc."

Our Sunday School among the girls and hoys is vcry cllcouraging. Most of the teaching being done hy tIm bigger OIlCS of bot.h schools and training class.

On the whole the end of this year finds us with larg('r numbers, and greater encouragement ill tIle work, than we have had in the pa~t.

K.A.l\IPTI. WOMAN'S WORK.

:MRS. EL!U'A[ Jfixsimul/'!/.

The year 1897 has brought us many discouragements, but it has u\:-;o brought in its train many lcssons of trust, which have drawn u:-; Ilcarer to. the Lord, and haye led 11S to look to Him alone in t,ime of difficulty, at ,d for comfort in the day of trouble.

The Boarding School which I reported so IlOpcfully at the end of 1896 has suffered through a lack of fuuds, its support not haying yet been undertaken by the W. l~. M. S., and in addition the Oantonment. Authorities in this Station, haying refused to grant a sanction for snch an establishment. We have to praise God howcyer, that this Ranction has lately been given and we feel assured that the coming year will prove a successful one, for God i:-; here, and His name iF: glorified in and by the work.

Much as I regretted doing so, I was obliged in the earlier part of the year, to send away the majorit.y of my girl~, some of them to Bomhay, to the care of our dear Miss Carroll, and thence to Mrs. Moore, at Basim. I still look upon them as "my girls," praying and helieving that they ",iII grow up for the dear Master. "~e still haye some girls with U~; OIlC,

who has lately come, ha yiug being a regular attendant at our Street Sabbath School. She is totally blind, and entreated her father, I believe, to allow her to come to our school. He is a heathen, and it is surprising

that he should consent to his daughter remaining with ns: he has told Mrs. Benjamin that Lachmi would not be happy till he had consented to her heillg put )nto the Sc4ool.

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Another interesting case is that of three starving ones who came from one of the villages, a mother, with her daughter and niece. They say they have no belongings, and have given themselves over unreservedly to our care, being more than willing to work for us, if we_will but clothe and feed them.

Owing to my inability to do so on account of ill health, Mrs. Ben­jamin bas been looking after the girls for the last few months. I need not say that I have been more than satisfied with her management of them. Her work in the day-school is as faithful as ever. She has had Miss Drake's help in teaching the greater part of the year. Jhurriabai is still with us, and continues steady and faithful in her work; besides teaching in the school, she has had a good deal to do with the care of the boarders.

Mrs. Butterfield has been working single-handed since Nelliebai was put into school work, and later, went to Jubbulpore. Her visits to the Zenanas are still welcomed\varmly. She reports a very hopeful case. A young widow, a Telegu by caste, and very bright and happy looking, is: wanting particulars regarding Pandita Ramabai's Home.

Tllis dear woman has been visited regularly by our workers for several years, and is, I feel sure, a true believer in Jesus. I am in communication. with the Pandita, and hope the young creature may see her way clear to enter the Home. I would ask your prayers, my sisters, on her behalf, for she may yet be one to confess the Sa"riour openly, and if we meet her ill heaven, we will have the joy of knowing that she has been led there by the Ministry of our workers.

I am still writing my report, and news has just been brought me that the two famine-sticken women and the girl above referred to, ran away last night. We had begun to feel so hopeful about them, and they seelll~

ed so happy and contented, and werc such attentiyc listeners to the Word that it is a great disappointment to find that they have proved as ungrate­ful as many others before them. These are amongst the discouragements that tempt us to ask where the benefit is in caring for this benighted people but the thought comes to cheer us that the dear Master of the Vineyard sees what has been done in His name, and though seed may be lost to us, it may take root elsewhere, bringing what we so much desire, glory to His great name.

In closing this report, dear Sisters~ I feel I must add a word of fal'ewel~ for it illl already known to you, no doubt, that my husband and I are ceasing oUr connection with the Mission, with which we have laboured

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for t.he past seven years. We hale enjoyed your fellowship, and lulYC loved you dearly and though separated from yon in work in this life for a while, we may look forward t.o dle meeting above, where we shall be re­unit.ed in our services of 10yc for Him who has washed us in His precious blood, for Him, who is our Elder Brother, and for wbose sake, we are stm sist.el's in the great work of bringing lost souls to the foot of the Cross. May God bless each and all of yon in your labours for Him, and giye yon much fruit here below and still greater rewards ill the Home above.

BASIM.

MRS. ~IooRE ... • •• J.llissionm,!/.

\Ve began the year with 8 girls in our orphanage, we close it with 32. Of this number 6 are under three years of age. Of these six, two are only babies of 3 and 10 months. The younger of these two, is t,he illegitimate child of a Brahmin child widow. Seyeral of the girls in the Orphanage huye been conycrted, we belieye, in the past year, and are to publicly con­fess their faith in Christ by baptism next Sabbath, the Lord willing. The only assista.nt we have in the teaching and training of these girls, is Herabai, one of our old pupils, who during our absence in America was trained in the Christian Alliance school at Khamgaon, we paying for her trailli llg.

Woman'sWorl:.

Our Bible-Women, are the wives of our preachers and teachers, and because of family cares, cannot give theil' full time to the work. Yet, not­withstanding this, in Basim, and in our two out-stations, Paradi, and {Tamsi, hundreds of women have heard the Gospel message scores of times. There are no Zenanas properly speaking in our district. The women, haTIng freedom to go out whenever they wish, to the temples, and to each other's houses, as well as to the market. There are some few exceptions to this, among a few well-to-do Mahomedans. Our Bible-women go through the streets and lanes freely, telling all who will listen, the Gospel story. The famine has pressed sorely on these helpless women; for months we

fed hundreds of them daily. God has turned the hearts of some of these to Himself. One day, a poor stan"ed girl came for food;

7

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the orphanage girls gathered about her, and coaxed her to come into the school. She listened to them for some time, and then said, "I'll run and ask my mother," and off she went, as fast as her strength would permit. In an incredibly short time she returned bringing her mother with her. The mother readily consented to giye over her fatherless child to our care and she herself went on our relief work. From the first she showed a deep interest in religious things and was baptized a few months after, on pro­fession of her faith in Jesus. Another young woman has been baptized during the last year. One has also been baptized in Jamsl, one of our out­stations. Another, widow, with three bright intelligent boys and a very in­teresting young daughter, has cast in her lot among us, and is soon to be baptized. Her daughter is in the orphanage, and her boys are in the boys' Orphan Home.

For the greater part of the year, besides the care of the girls' orphllll­age, and the direction of the Bible-women, we haye had the care of the boys' orphanage and school. We began the year with 4 boys, and the year closes with 25.

NARSINGHPUR.

ZENANA AND VILLAGE WORK.

MRS. DENNING •• • Missionary_

The work this year has grown very rapidly, and owing to the famine amongst us, has been heavier than usual; while illness of one Bible-woma n and,the marriage of another has given me only three out of my former five for my working force.

I have now three new workers in view and hope soon after Conference to have two women working in each of the three towns under my care, namely ~ Randeli, Narsinghpur, and Gadawara.

In connection with the Zenana work of Narsinghpur and Randeli, I have ten villages regularly visited. These ten villages are the only oncs out of the 900 in my husband's circuit, in which work is done among the women.

I have now in hand the money for an ox-cart and as soon as my new workers arrive, we can double the number of villages visited.

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III the ten villages, in which 240 visits have been made this past year, we haie mnny encouragements. The women leave their work Rnd many come together to hear the Gospel.

Some of them learn the commandments and texts of Scripture. The number of hearers haie aggregated 5,796 for the year. We usually gather all the women together at the house of the chief man of the village. 'Ve hope many of these simple villagers may soon oome into the kingdom.

Our work has been increased by the distribution of grain and clothing. Many, even the high caste warnell, were nearly destitute of clothing, the high famine prices for food taking all their husband's scant earnings. Mauy of them are half-starved as well. The help we have given from the Chrhtian women of England and America has opened to us many hitherto closed doors. The women say, "If these Christians help us why may they uot teach us also?"

We now Dsit 58 houses, in all three of the towns and if we had the workers, we could get entrauce into nearly 70 more homes. These seventy houses we owe to the gratitude of the women who have received help in the time of scarcity. As we go along the streets in N arsinghpnr, many women send their servants out to call us in.

1500 visits during the year and over 100 women regularly, with an average of 350 listeners every week, is a report that fills our hearts with joy; yet out of all these women who say, "Bach bat, thil" bat i. e.," " True words, good words," we feel we can only claim seven as real ser­vants of our Lord and Saviour.

But knowing that the entrance of God's Word bringeth light, we go on sowiug' his precious Word, trusting the results with the Lord of the harvest.

Gujarat Dist~ict.

BARODA.

BARODA: WOMAN'S TRAINING SCHOOL.

BARODA CIRCUIT.

YAH! RIVER.

MRs. FREASE

} WOMAN'S WORK.

Missionary.

After our last Annual Conference the training school, which had been up to that time one 8choolfor both men and women, was divided into two separate schools: one for men and the other for women, and a woman teacher hired for the woman's school.

There has been an average of eight women in attendance throughout the year. These are Christian women, and wives of mission workers.

Our plan is to have them stay in the school long enough to learn to read the Bible intelligently, to study catechism, and other essential snbjects and then to send them out to the work and call in others; thus changing them as often as possible on account of the great lleed of simple Bible­kaching.

The brightest ones are kept longer and given a better education, so they will be able to fill a higher position than they would otherwise. We have two'such women at present who have been in the school during the entire year, and we expect to have them remain during the coming year.

Our district Summer School held its session during the month of August and a part of September. It was in charge of Mrs. Prauteh at first and afterward of Miss Hodge assisted by Miss Hart. Six of the women who came in for the Summer School attended the regular trainiug school on account of living nearer to it. Our examinations for District Cou­ference were very satisfactory. Some passed the first year of the lower course of study and some the second year. And the teacher of the school and an assistant teacher, who helped during the session of the Summer School, passed the second year of the higher course of study.

At the District Conference one of the women of the school received an appointment and is now working in one of the villages with her lIusban<l!

We hope to send a number of others out during the coming year, as the school is now established and doing' effective work.

During the monsoon we had Mrs. Ward's assistance. She _had charge of the training-school during the time of the Summer School, helped her husband in preparing and giving tIle Bible-lesson each morning to both men and women, took charge of the woman's prayer-meeting and helped ill many other ways.

She has lately moved to N adiad to be nearer to their own circuit, which is now the Mahi River Circuit. She is greatly missed in Baroda by both our Gujarati sisters and the missionaries.

In addition to the Woman's Training School I have continued in charge of the Boys' Boaruing School during the year, which now numbers sixty boys; and have also superintended the Junior League, which numbers fifty boys and sixty girls mostly children of the Boarding Schools. We have found the Junior League of great value and help to the little ones.

Mrs. Ward had charge of the woman's work ill what was called Baroda East. circuit, until Mrs. Prautch left for America; when that circuit was incorporated with a part of the Mahi RiYer circuit and called by the latter name: and Mrs. Ward was given charge of the combined work. She writes of her work as follows :-

During the past year, the number of women baptized ill the villages with which I am connected has been one hundred and thirty. Many of these cases have been the fruit of another's labours, and the work among the women is so much mingled with the general evangelistic work, that one can seldom say with certainty where or when or by whom the effectual seed was sown.

For a number of months in the early part of the year, I had the pleasure of assisting Sister Frease in the Baroda Sunday School, Bible­class etc., as well as occasional turns at the drill exercises in the Baroda Boys' .Boarding School.

.Wer repeated attempts to reach a wider area of work, by means of my husband's camel, I found that this methocl of travel was distinctly injurious to my health a_ud ultimately Dr. Gurnbai Karmakar advised me to abandon the camel. To me, at present, the matter of regular and safe travel among the villages, is a bit of a problem. BullOOk-carts are generally available and, provided that one be in good health, the jerking and jolting do not always prove harmful.

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Personally I have visited a fair number of villages and have con­versed with many women. Their welcome has always been warm and they gener,ally will cluster round me and have a quiet talk whileM!. Ward is addressing, the men. The women workers irr the villages are for the most part, very slightly educated, and gladly avail themselves of any counsel and encouragement it is in my power to give. The work is in­tensely interesting and important, but for many reasons cannot be hurried. Patient and loving toi~ conscientiously persevered in, promises to trans­form the WOlllen and through them, the homes of the Gujarathi men converts, from division and hindrance to unity and prosperity.

If the L.ol'd permit, it is, my intention to procure a cOlmtry pony, on which to travel more safely And I ,look forward with keen joy to the pros­pect of winning many more of my fellow country women to the cross of Jesus.

VILLAGE AND MEDICAL WORK.

E~{MA H. HODGE, M. D. N"ELLIE D. NUNAN ...

THAJABAI DOOLA •••

.llfis8z·onal'!J • Asst. Missionary. Bible- TVoman.

At the beginning of the year Miss Hart and I visited the villages pretty constantly till about April 5th, when the intense heat compelled us to cease. I say we visited them pretty constantly; that is she was out almost all the time and I as much as possible with half of the ,school girls sick with chicken-pox and mumps and the alarm caused by a fatal case of malignant small-pox and another mild case.

In the hot weather we went to N aini Tal visiting the stations of Ajmere, Agra, Aligarh, Muttra and Bareilly on the way and learning much of different methods of work.

Returning to Baroda at the beginning of the rains we were able to work abont two weeks in the villages. We had many interesting ex­periences in getting drenched.

Returning to Baroda we decided to move the dispensary out of the bungalow as the room was needed. The moving process was hard work and it took some time to get everything in place. The dispensary was held here till November 1st accommodating eighteen (18) in-patients ~t

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dIfferent tImes and the new famine girls for two montllS. Then as they lllustbe with the rest of the school it seemed best that Miss Nunan and I should take a separate bungalow and have the dispensary there as well.

We had some difficulty but succeeded in getting a suitable place. There was so much uncertainty about the moving and time needed to get settled, besides seriouB and fatal ilhless occurring among the school girls that we were not able to go to the villages till November 19th. Since thcn we have visited about nine places some of which were yery hard to reach being eleven to fifteen miles. from the rail-road.

Many more women have been baptised this year than last and we trust that this next year will see a great awakening among them.

It is rather hard to TInd the women at home at this time of the year. They get up very early to grind, then go to the fields to work at about 8 or !) a. m. Most of them are out till 5 or G p. lll. and as soon as they return they must do their cooking and are not free till about 8 I). m. But some stay at home to weave and if they are not too busy we are able to reach them if we arrive after the others have gone to the fields. If we stay all night at the village we have a good chance to talk to them night .and morning. We like to go into their homes and get acquainted with them and have personal talks though it is hard to do so, as all stand around to listen. We have not been able to visit anyone place more than five times and the newest villages only once. We have visited forty-seven different villages.

The district has been deprived of three workers this year. Mrs. Park expected to take up village work and the ladies at home had appropriated for it but early ill the year it was decided that she go home to Sweden.

Mrs. Prantch visited the yillages with her husband up till the hot season except when he had small-pox. We miss her very much in the work.

Miss Hart left us to get married. Her loss is almost inestima.ble. She knew the langnage and the l)Cople 80 well having been in Baroda for seven years or more. "\Ve are glad that she is still in Mission work. :Miss Minor helped in the school llntil the summer holidays and since then has been WIth me in medical and village work. She has done almost all my compounding and helped much in caring for sick girls.

Miss Hart and I took charge of the Summer Training School for about two thirds of f·he time. 'Yhen I went to Finance Committee she attended

[ 56 ]

to it faithfully srending six hours a day there.- About twenty women attended. It did one good to see how much they had improved since the year before. Nanie Paseha one of them passed the 2nd year's COUIse for village women. No one else did quite so well but some learned yery rapidly. Therc were of course some slow ones but they were in the minority.

I examined the Bible-women and though the questions were hard most of them did quite well. Our District Conference being held in Sep­tember makes changes in the stations of our yillage women workers in the last quart,er of the year. When Mrs. Park went to Sweden her village workers "ere put into my care. Jivibai Ashirvad bas been changed several times during the year but has worked faithfully in cyery place gathering the girls togetl1er and teaching them and holding meetings with the women. I think she is perhaps the best worker we haye. She is now in Mr. Ward's circuit. Sonabai Lukshman haying been stationed at Mahudha and liying in the high-caste quarters was not able to do much as the Christians lived some distance from there. Rheilbai Mutthu was at Nadiad and our work there is among the lowest caste people. Her husband objected very much at first to her working among them but allowed her, to go later. They are not in our Mission now. Weare sorry to lose her for she is a good worker. She taugllt during' the rains in Mrs. Frease's training school. She is one of our old boardiug school girls. Panibai Paul was statione(i at Anidhra which is rather inaccessible. I was only ~ble to go there once but I found she had done what she could teaching the girls and women. Jeyibai Simon was one of Our Baroda School girls and is an excellent worker for the. children. Her school was the best I saw. These schools haye sent a good lllany girls to the boarding school. Another N anibai Paseha has been \forking most of the year though she is only a beginner ]}erself. I have great hopes of her. Lukshmibai Shint only callle illto Mrs. Park's district late in September. I visited her station just before coming here. She had not accomplished very much yet but I trust she will see the great need aud work faithfully. She is an experienced capable worker and should be able to reach the women better than a younger woman could. Being very stout it is difficult for her to walk much but she sa}'s she will start a girls' day-school there and go to yjsit the women at Dudaser, a mile distant, once a week. A 11 but one of these village teachers

were teachers. My native helper this year has been a village woman.

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When I first saw her ill her village I felt that the Lord haa called her to work with me. At first Thajabai said, she would come, then her relatives persuading her she said" No." Then wheu I came the next time she had decided to cOllie. She came to the tent aud had a long talk with me and after I explained to her what her work would be and the great need, she said she would remain with me always if I were kind to iter. She has no education but she knows the Lord by a personal experience. She says when her boy had cholera and others were dying all around her she prayed to God to spare his life and the Lord heard and answered. Soon after she came to me a famine girl took malignant small­pox and Thajabai nursed her from the sta.rt and went with the child to the hospital and was with her till the end. She has been invaluable ill nursing the sick ones. 'VVhell the famine girls came she was put in charge of them and most faithfully did she discharge the duty not only doing their cooking but nursing the sick. She grew so attached to them that she felt she would like to take care of them all the time.

Some details of the work might be interesting. Early in July hear­ing that there was much suffering in the village of Ord from guinea-worm we went there for two days. One of the workers there had composed tt

poem in our honor entitled, " Bring the Doctor Miss Sahib to our help." The poet himself was much reduced by the disease. He went to llaroda la.ter and was entirely cured and said that when he went back he expected to write another poem telling how he was cured. It seems that the disease is only in certain parts of Judia. The ova are supposed to be swallowed in the drinking water and working their way out lodge in the skin. Here they usually form abscesses unless removed and canse intense pain for months and the patient beeomes pale and thin. We treated about thirty­five patients during the two days, removing the cntire worm in some cascs and partially in others. Each treatment took some time. Some patients had as mauy as twelve. 'Ve could not stay longer so made arrangements to have those who could, come to Baroda, and later six were brought some of whom were unahle to walk. They returned home after a week's treatment and later ten others came.

As we go about to the villages the people are very glad to receive the medicines but in some places lately they were quite surprised that they werenot cured after taking one dose. One woman suffering severely from heart disease and llaving a ,'ery weak little baby, would not take any more medicine the 2nd time because she was not yet cured. I had giveu

8

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her meuicine the week before and went back specially because she was so needy. She looked much better than when I saw her the first time. At the village of Megive when we wcnt the first time the women were afraid of us. They would not come near to listen. So ·we had to talk to them from a distance. Only one person would take any medicine and that was a high caste man who happened to be going by and came in. The people are of the tanner caste whereas most of our village Christians are weaver~. The next time we visited there however we found a great change. They all came gladly and welcomed us and listened eagerly. Some of them had hecome Christians since we were first there.

Also at Dudaser when we first went no one would come at first and the wife of the Christian worker was so bashful that she covered her face during the meeting but during the rains she went to the Training School and now is able to read some. When I went there last there was a great difference in her and also in the other women.

At Rusulpur we had never been able to pl'ofitably show the S. S. pictures for each time the women began to worship the Ilicture of Christ. So I closed them at once. It seems strange that this has happened at no other place.

The women in the villages around Mahudha seem ~special1y bright and ready to accept the Gospel. In Thanna when I went last February I fouud a man named Mitha who had had a bad ulcerated foot for six months 01' more. He had not walked for some t.ime. When I saw it tlie ulcerat.ion covered almost all the upper part of the foot and was in a dreadful condition. I treated him then returned several times to the place especially to see him. I left medicines to last for some time. When I was away at the hills however his medicines gave out and though tIle foot had improved a good deal it began to grow worse. So as soon as I came home I visited him again in his village and brought him with me to Baroda. He could just crawl along then. He stayed some weeks at the di:-;pensary and becoming able to walk with a stick went home taking some medicines. At themeetillg at Bhalaj OIl December 1st I was surprised while giving out medicines to see his beaming face emerging at the side of t.he tent there being no way to make himself seen or heard in the crowd in front. So he lifted up the side of the tent and came in. He said he 11ad . 'walked six miles. to come. His foot is almost well. He looks so strong and is so grateful and glad that he is again able to walk. He has becom,c a Ohristian aud I trust his. wife will also.

MISS Sl'EARS

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EDUCATIONAL WORK. ••• ][issiollal'Y·

The year seelUS to have been a continual struggle to find room enough to properly accommodate the girls, nor does the Rtruggle appear to be over. After Conference we were visited "'ith a seizure of mnmpf'l and chicken-pox. Believing that it is not necessary for children to have the so-called children's diseases we attempted to keep the unfortunates in quarantine, es})ecially when a supposed case of chicken-pox turned out to be small-pox.

Various expedients were resorted to in order to carry into effect our plan. The dining-room was turned into a hospital ward while the back of a bed-room upstairs screened off served to supply our wants in this direction. Hot weather and with it vacation time served as further methods of this kind.

111 August, when it seemed impossible to accommodate more than one or two additional girls, twenty-two from the famine districts came to us. 'I'hey were well on the way when it became certain that they must be placed under our care, although not a single provision had been made to re­ceive them. While they were not of our c1lOosing, none the less gladly was the charge assumed in the Master's name and for His sake. For nearly two 1llonths they found a temporary home at the dispensary, both because they needed it and because there was no room at the school for them. After unavailing efforts to secure a more cOllUl1odi­ons place for them, it was certain that in some way place must be made. Accordingly for the time we dispensed with a drawing-room Rnd turned that place into It dormitory for them. Shortly afterward Dr. Hodge moved to another bungalow in order to give both of us living room. The question of a place for study, prayers and .class-meeting was solved by turning the verandah along one siele of the bungalow over to the girls. It is not the most convenient arrangement. There are girls in front of us, girls back of us, girls to our right, girls to our left. When quiet and rest is most desired it is least obtainable. Our dinner is usually accom­panied by a chorulOl of Gujarati sounds. At present all efforts to bring in new girls are at a. standstill, although it is quite probable that t.he appearance of the plague in the city would prevent children from coming to us. An occasional stray one receives care and attention. The year opened with fifty pupils; to-day it uumbers seventy in the boarding department with twelve day-scholars.

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The readiness with which most of the girls returned after the summer vacation waEl encQwoaging. While at these times there are certain to be changes, fewer cases of what might be termed experiments are in the school to-day than six months ago. The new pupils from the villages seem likely to stay with us sometime. The Christmas holidays are not likely to interfere much in this resppct as the quarantine re­gulations along the railroad will prevent them from going home for the holidays.

The removal of Dr. Hodge left me with heavier responsibilities. The convenience of saying" Doctor, this or that girl is sick and leaving the care upon her, because she was sure to shoulder it, came to an end; not that Doctor felt the responsibility less, but that I felt it the more. My assistant good naturedly assured lllC that I developed so rapidly in nursing abilities that I could out-do the Doctor in producing a thermome­ter and powders in seaSOll and out of seaSOll, since they became constant occupants of my pocket.

Many cases of serious illness have occurred and nine times during the year the entrance into the life beyond was passed by our girls. Some­times we feared the effects of these deaths on the people about us, espe­cially when one woman assured us that it might do to ldll famine children but her. child was different. 'Ve are sure that any evil effects have been counterbalanced by the unusual gratefulness of the mother of little Mithi who was critically ill with pneumonia. This woman tells every person she meets about the kindness and attention given to her child.

During the early part of the year Miss Nunan was with me in school work. Knowing her desire to return to another department of the work, which she left to assist me as soon as I could find a suitable assistant I relieved

. her of school work. In June I found Miss McPherson to take her place. Without experience in teaching or the work, she has proved herself most helpful, capable in teaching and of excellent influence on the girls, she promises to become an invaluable worker.

There have been slight chan~es in the teachers, Ruth who was trained with us did not return after vacation because of ill health. We were sorry to part with this bright obliging worker. Her place is filled by Sarahbai, a very capable woman who for sometime was a village worker. The two girls who passed the sixth standard last year proved

-very inefficient as teachers. One, a day scholar, was dropped, while the other has been re-cl1t.ered as a student.

[ 61 ]

This year another standard has been added. English has bet"11

taught in all grades except the first, prepa.ratory to raising the grade of the school. Since the higher grades are small in number it will be a few years before the necessary nUIllber of girls required by the Government will be ready for exaIllination.

Thirty-eight girls passed at the annual inspection. Two of tl1eso passed the final grade of the Primary School. The rest of t.he girls han~ not been with us the required 100 days. One case of baptism during the year was especially interesting and of great joy to us. Lllchmi, the daughter of a Dhed priest was placed in our school through the influonce of her grand-father because her father has cast her mother off. Owi llg to the father's command that she must be of age, she was nm'er baptized although the child herself earnestly wished to be and was saIl when others were baptized. About a month ago, while preparing to have a large number baptized, I was surprised to see the father cOIlling in the gate. Scarcely hoping for a favourable answer, I approached him on the subject and was surprised by his ready asseut, the oIlly condition was the child's willingness; not fearing her answer, I sent for her. I shall neyer forget the eager joy with which she answered her father's question. The father llimself has since expressed his desire to receive baptisIll sometime, but just at present is not willing to decide.

The spiritual atmosphere of the school is not all we wish for. The increase in number in so· short a period has not been without effect on the girls. For sometime a spirit of pride and a non-desire to mix with the new comers was very apparent. Within a week or two there haye been indications of deeper spirituality. Praying for this more than any­thing else has led us to expect a speedy answer from the Father iu a quickening by His Holy Spirit.

GODHRA.

WOMAN'S WORK.

Mns. MORTON ••• • ••• MissioOO1"!J.

Work is carried 011 in the three sub-circ~ts of Godhra, Thasra, and Kalsar. In the early part of the year Sarahbai did good work at. GodIna, visiting several villages with her husband, and going out even at nights to' the class-meetings at Koliari and the railway station. I accompanie(l her o~ several occasions and visited her Sunday Schools. Several attempts were made to open a day-school for the lower classes, but without success as parents prefer sending their daughters out to labor to earn a few pice, than to send them to school. Sarah had to leave last April as her husband's services had been dispensed with and Ashabai has now taken the reins. She reports one Sunday School with a pretty fair attendance. She regularly visits our Christians who reside near the railway station; and she has also visited Limkhera, a station about twenty-five miles from Godhra, where my husband had baptized thirteen persons.

Harikabai is doing good work at Kalsar; she has charge of a day­school; and, when opportunity offers, she visits the women of the Mohalla and preaches the Gospel of Jesus. Her children are rather sickly, hence she is not able to visit the surrounding villages.

Jivi is our teacher at Ajarni -and she, .too, has been among the women working for Jesus. She has been able to visit some of the adjacent villages.

Shivi has done tolerably good work at Ekalvaru. She teaches a school and has also been visiting some villages during the year.

We find it difficult to get \Vomen teachers; a score of SC11001s could be started if we had them. I have been ill for 8 good portion of the year.

CONSTITUTION OF THE

BOMBAY

WOMAN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE OF THE

~tfhodist ~pisrtlp1tl ~ltUltclt.

ARTICLE I.-This Association s11a11 be called the Bombay Womall'tS Missionary Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ARTICLE n.-This Conference shall be associated with and aid the 'Voman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church ill the United States of America, in carrying out its plans, and shall collect funds in this country, to help forward the work of educating and saving the women of India.

ARTICLE IlL-The Annual Meeting of this Conference shall be held at the same time and place as the:Bombay Methodist Episcopal Conferenc~, at which time reports of work shall be made, officers for the ensuing year elected, and counsel taken with reference to work alllong women within the bounds of the Bombay Conference.

ARTICLE IV.-The wives of the members and probationm's of the Bombay Conference, the Missionaries appointed by tIle Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church iu the United States of America, Deaconesses in charge of work, and lay workers for­mally elected by the Annual Conference, shall constitute the Members of the Bombay Woman's Missionary Conference.

ARTICLE V.-The Officers of the Conference shall consist of a Pre­tlidellt, two Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Statisti­cal Secretary, to be elected annually from among the members of the Woman's Missionary Conference.

ARTICLE VL-A committee of Reference and Finance shall be elected annually to which all special matters shall be referred for decision, and

[ 64 ]

which shall meet to consider estimates for the Woman's Foreign Mis sionary Society's work at the same time and place with the Finance Commit­tee of the Annual Conference. This Committe~ shall be composed of the Foreign Trcasurer of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, tInee other members of the 'V oman's Foreign Missionary Society, together with three other members of the Conference who are in charge of Work supported by the women's 'Foreign Missionary Society. The Official Correspondent shall be elected annually by the Committee from among its members.

ARTICLE VII.-Any number of women contributing not less than five rupees annually may form a Society, auxiliary to the Bombay W oman'~ Missionary Conference, by electing officers and arranging plans for meetings and work.

ARTICLE VIIL-Each Auxiliary Society mllY, appropriate its own funds for Mission Work, and report both work and funds to the Annual Meeting of this Conference.

ARTICLE IX.-ThiR 'Vornan's Missionary Conference shall work under the direction of the Bombay Annual Conference, receiving its sanction to estimates, plans of work, &c.

ARTICI.E X.-This Constitution may be changed or amended at the regular Annual Meeting of UlC Woman's Missionary Conference, by a two-thirds vote of the members present, notice of the proposed change or amendment having been given at a previous session of the Conference.

BYE-LAWS.

1. The duties of the President shall be to preside at all meetings of the Conference.

II. The duties of the Vice-Presidents shall be to perform all the duties of the President in the absence of that Officer.

III. The. duties of the Secretary shall be to keep a full account of all ,proceedings of each Conference Session and to edit the Minutes, and to ~onduct aU 'the correspondence of the Conference relating to the work of Auxiliary Societies.

IV. The duties of the Assistant Secretary shall be to assist th9 Secretary in all her duties as occasion may require.

[ 6.1 ]

V. The duties of the Official Correspondent shall be to communicate with the Executive Committee of the VVomall'R Foreign Missionary Society in the U llited States of America, regarcling snch act·iolls of the Reference aud ~'illauce Oommittee as she shall be instrllcted so to do by the said Committee, and to keep a book ill which all official communica­tions shall be recorded.

VI. No funds shall be asked of the 'Vomun's Foreign Missionary Society in America, and no slll'plus fuuds shall be appropriated to work in India ( unless specially appropriated by the General Execlltire Com­mittee ) without first obtaining the sanction of the Reference and Finance Committees of this Woman's Missionary Conference.

ORDER OF nUSINESS FOR ANNUAL MEETING.

1. Calling the Roll. 2. Election of officers. !:;. Introduction of New Members. 4. Appointment of Temporary Committees.

5. Reports of Auxiliaries. G. Communications. 7. Reports of Examination Committees. 8. Report of Publishing Committee. 9. Report of Finance and Reference Committee.

10. Unfinished Business. 11. Election of Standing Committees. I') Miscellaneous.

CONSTITUTION FOR AUXILIARIES.

1.-00NSTITUTION.

ARTICLE I.-This Association shall be called the Woman's Mission-ary Society of l1Uxiliary of the Bom-bay Woman's Missionary Conference.

ARTICLE n.-The object of this Association shall be to aid the Bombay Woman's Missionary Conference in interesting Christian women in the evangelization of heathen women, and in raising funds for this work.

9

[ 66 ]

ARTICLE IlL-The payment of eight annft.s annually by Native Christian women, and two and a half rupees by European women, shall entitle to membership; aIllI in auxiliaries organised in our English work, any person contributing two and a half rupees a quarter for one year, or ten rupees at one time, shall be constituted a life member.

ARTICLE IV.-The Officers of the Society shall be a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Secretary and Assistant Secretary, and a Trea­surer, who together shall constitute' au Executive Oommittee, to administer the affairs of the Society.

ARTICIJE V.-Meetings of the Society for business and communi­cation of intelligence shall be held on the of each month. The Anniversary meeting shall be 11cld early in the month of November, when the Annual Report of the Secretary and of the Treasurer shall be read, a.nd the officers for the ensuing year be elected.

ARTICLE VI.-This Oonstitution and the accompanying Bye-Laws may be changed or amended at auy regular meeting of this Society oy a two-thirds yote of the members present, notice of such intention haying been given at a previous meeting.

BYE-LAWS FOR AUXILIARIES.

1. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Society and supervise its general interests.

2. It shall be the duty of the Vice-Presidents to l)erform the duties of the President in the absence of that officer, and to aid in devising means for the efficiency of the Society.

3. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a record of the proceedings of the Society, provide the pastor with notices of the meet­ings, and furnish the Oonference Secretary with report,s of the Society.

4. It shall be the duty of the Assistant Secretary to aid the Secre­tary in all her duties.

5. It shall be the duty of the Treasllrer to collect the dues of members, forward moneys to the Oonference Treasurer and keep a book of accounts.

[ 67 ]

ORDER OF EXERCISES FOR MONTHLY :\!EETING.

1. Hymll.

2. Reading of Scriptures.

3. PrRyer.

4. Reading minutes of l'rcyious meeting, and roll-call.

5 Report of Treasurer ill writing.

G. Report of Sccrctary.

7. Heading of ::Missionary intelligence.

S. Report from members of what they ha\'e donc to advance work

during the past lllouth, by talking, reading 01' praying.

!). U llfinished busincss.

10. Adjourllmcnt after prayer.

N. B.-Go through thc form though only three be present. Kcc p to the form and the spirit will grow.

N O\'cr omit a rcgular meeting because the Sccretary forget8 to 11a\'c it aUllounced. The announcement is for the benefit of the public

and inactive members.

,\VOMAN'S ,\VORK.

RErOItT OF THE CE~TIU.L COXFEItENCE ComIITTEE OF 18~){;.

SEC. 1.-EYA~WELI8TIC ,\VORK.-TVlw/,caB a large numt)Cr of Ulen ba\'e been baptized whose wircs and children remain in heathenism, and

numbCl's of baptized women continue to practise heathen rites and customs while hearing the Ohristian name, we are deeply impressed with the necd for united, carnest, prayerful effort to reach and to saye these our sisters "ho are now not only willing but ea3cr to be taught; therefore-

RE80LVED-1. That every district ill the several ~\.ultual Con­ferences of India and ::Malaysia form a hawl of threc or morc women from their most efficient available workers whose duty it :shall be to itinerate among the above-named women, visiting from village to \'illage and from honse to house.

:2, That the workeriD in eyer)' station as far as possible plan for a special campaign each year in the ,illages connected with theil' station, and that all our workers consider the demands made upon us to sayc these women for the hOllour of Christ's name, and unite their works and their prayers for this important work.

[ 6H ]

3. That the·Auxiliary :\{issionary Societics be requested to devote as far as possible a part or the whole of the funds raised to the expenses connected with this special work.

4. That we urge the authorities of the Woman's Foreign Mis­sionary Society in America to send out to each Conference women who are specially fitted for evangelistic work, who can organize and superin­tend thctlc bands of workers, and give all their time to this department of work.

SEC. n.-We recommend that Rule 10 of the Report on Woman's Work ill the Central Conference Journal of 1889 be annulled. It reads as follows :-" Where an assistant is raised to the grade of a fnll missionary, her. salary may be increased, but not exceed Rs. 75 per mensem."

DEA.CONESS' WORK.

1. Where clearly indicated by Providence, and with the consent of the Conference Board and of the Presiding Elder, Deaconess' Homes may be established, the objects of such institutions being to pro­mote the work of Deaconesses as recognized by the discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to provide homes for them, to furnish them with necessary snpport, instruction and training, and as far as practicable to provide for such form of Christian charity as may be developed in the prosecution of their work.

2. The Superintendent of Deaconcss' Homes shall be appointed by . the Annual Conference.

3. The duties of the Central Conference Beard of Deaconesses shall be to maintain uniformity of rules and cnstoms relating to Deacon­esses' and Deaconess' Homes in the different Annual and Mission Conferences of India and Malaysia; and all questions of common interest shall be referred to this Board for decision.

4. ProTIsion shall be 'made for a Superintendent of a Deaconess' Home to be a member of the Annual Conference Board of Deaconesses.

5. The Annual Conference Board of Deaconesses shall require to have submitted to them a certificate of health from a physician in the case of each candidate before she is received as a full deaconess.

6. Only those legally recommended by the quarterly Conference

[ 69 ]

and accepted by the Annual Conference lloat'd shan Lc recognized a:ot

deacon('sses, or receive the designation.

7. As far as possible candidates are reqnircll to ttl,ke a course of stndy in a training school: but whcn this it' not pO:-lsible, an examination in the course of study laid down by the Oentral Confercnce shall be re­quired by the Board of Deaconcsses before candidates are admitted as P1'o­bationers.

8. When a sister who shall ha,c dcyotcd her lifc to this work, in conncction with a Deaconess' Home, is laid asidc fro111 acti\'c work by the infirmities of age, shc shall bc entitled to a con tinned rcsidcnce in the Homc, 01' el~e rccciyc an cquivalent proYisioll in money, and bc permitted to reside elsewhere.

fl. Deaconcsseg shall Weal' a simple uniform, 110t only for protectio11 and rccognition, but also for economy of time and nWllt'Y, and Conference Boards of Deaconesses shall require this purPOtiC to be kcpt in yicw by all deaconesses. The same uniforlll shall bc adopted by all Deaconess' Homes.

10. Deaconesses shall receive an allowance of Us. jO a month, and probationer deaconesses Rs, If) a month, with 1nltnslti or pundit for four years, except when the said probationer has had expcrience in work and has already passed the four years' course of study in the vernacular.

11. Bible-women who dcyote their entire time to Christian work, and whose gifts, grace and usefulness have beeH !Jl'o\"cd hy ]Ja~t sen-ice may be rccognized and set apart as deaconctises on election by the board of deaconesses of their Conference.

12, All candidates for admission into Deaconess' Homes shall he received on three months' trial, after which a written application Hhall be presented to the Oonference Board of Deaconcsses, who may admit sucb as probationer deaconesses wbosc age is not lcss than twenty, nor more than forty years.

13. Those admitted into a Deaconess' Home shall consent to abidc by the decisions of the Superintendent in all matters, alld cbeerfully

giYe all their time to the work assigned thcm.

] 4-. No deaconesb or probationer shall solicit moncy unless duly authorized and all donations amI money recei,"cLl for sen-i~s rcndered

shall be paid into the treasury of the Home to bc applied to its expenses,

[ 70 ]

15. The position of associate deaconess shall be allowed to those who for any reason canllot meet all the requirements of the rules fixed by the Discipline and the Conference Board of D~aconesses, and they shall be permitted to wear the prescribed uniform while Ihing ill the Home.

IG. The following three years' course of study is compulsory for all deaconesses, except in cases of persons who have taken a course which the board of Deaconesses consider an equimlent. We recommend that the Bible be studied in the order adopted in "Bible Studies," by Dr. A. E. Duun!ng, which book is added to the present course.

Fit'st year.

1. The Old Te8tam~nt as a preparation for the Christian Cllllrch.

1. The diyine religion giYell to man. 2. The dc\elopmellt of the didlle religion 111 the life of the

chosen people, 3. Lives of the chief founders of the Old Testament Church :_

Abraham, Jacob, Joseph and Moses.

II. The Old Testament as a preparation for Chri::it.

1. Sacrifices. 2. Types. 3. Kingdom. 4. Prophets. 5. Lives of the chief prophets of the Old Testament Church:­

Samuel, Dayid, Elijah and Daniel.

To be 1'ead:-Pentateuch and historical books; JereUliah, 'Ezeki4Pl und Daniel.

Other Studies:-Catechism No.2, Binney's Theological Cum­~nd, Vel'nacular according to Mission conrse.

Second year.

1. The New Testament as a manifestation of Christ.

1. Facts in the life of Christ and thc order ill which they Hhould

be taught. 2. Doctrincs of Chdst. 3~ Life of Christ and of the tw~lve Apostles.

II. The New Testament as a Retelatioll of Christian doctrine.

[ 71. ]

1. Relation of the facts to the doctrine. 2. Study of Christ as Teacher.

To be ?'ead :-1'he four Gos})els, the Messianic Psalms, Isaiah and Minor Prol)hets, Hurlbut'~ Outline Normal Studies.

Other Studie.'? :-Smith's Smaller History of the Bihle, Yerua­cular according to the second year's Mission course.

'l'/tt'l'll year.

1. The New Testament as the revelation of the Christ.ian Church.

1. I ts essential elements. 2. Its history in the New Testament. 3. The progress of doctrine in the New Testament. 4. The doctrines in the Acts and Epistles.

II. Life of Paul.

To be ,'ead :-Acts, Epistles, and Revelation.

Other Studies :-1'he Discipline, and Hurst's Ohurch History.

2.-1'RAINED NURSES.

For those preparing to become trained nnrses :

First yew'.

Bible Course, Discipline, Catechism No.2, & Physiology (Hnchinson).

Second yeaI'.

N nrsing Manual, and practical training in hOSl)itals as far as possible.

CO'ltl'se l'ecommended to be read by all the Classes.

How to study the Bible-.Moody; The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life; Life of Elizabeth Fry; Life of Sister Dora; Life of Ohrist-Geil.::i6; Deaconesses, Ancient and Moderu-lVlteelel'; History of Iudia-Hunter; Hindu Mythology-lVilNns.

APPOINT}'IENTS FOR 1898.

BOMBAY DISTRICT •

BOMBA Y .-Eduoational Work ..• { jlfi~s Lawson. " Porter.

Evangelistic Work Medical and General \Y ork Seamen's 'Vork ••• 'Voman's Work (Marathi and

English) IGATPURI.-\Voman's 'York KALYAN .. -"\Voman's Work KARACHI.-"Toman's Work

Seamen's'Vork PooNA.-Anglo-Illdiall Girls' Home

Evangelistic Work Girls' Boarding School (English). Girls' Day-School (Marathi) Medical Work Woman's 'Vork (English) Wqman's Work (Marathi) Young People's Work ... On leave to America

" Nicholl.c;. Mrs. 1'lwburn, Jf. D.

" Wood.

1111'8. Stephens. " Buttel:field. " Robbins, " Waller. " Dowling. ,. H1ltchings.

Miss Abrams. " Benthien.

},{rs. Fo;c. " Stephen8, 11[. D. " Osborne.

Brllel'e. " Engel.

J1is8 Deline.

CENTRAL PROVINCES DISTRICT. BASIM.-W oman's Work ... HARDA.-\Voman's Work ...

~TAn.-\.LpuR.-Girls' Boarding School

Mrs, Moore. " Grenon .

... { Jliss Elicl.:er. ••• " Hyde.

Zenana 'York ... Woman's 'York

KAMPTI.-WOman's Work ... KHANDwA.-Woman's Work and boarding

School. NAGPuR.-Woman's Work ... NARSINGHPUR.-Woman's Work •.•

}'b's. Felt. " Johnson.

1'0 be supplied.

}'frs. Val'don. " Cla1'ke. " Denning,

GUJARAT DISTRICT. BARoDA.-Girls' Boarding School .. ~ JIiss Spears.

Medical and Evangelistic Work... "Hodge,Jf. D. Woman's Training School Jfl's. F,'ease.

BARODA CmCUIT.-'V\T oman's Work "" BOMBAY GUJARATI MISSION.-Woman's Work. " Hudson. GODHRA.-Womall's Work " JIm'ton. MAHI RIVER.-Woman's Work Supplied by .311-8. Ward. NADIAD.-\Yoman's Work ;,l!?'s. Parl ...

FORM No. I.

STATIONS.

Basim .••

Bombay

Baroda Circuit

Godhra Circuit

Hurda ...

Igntpuri

Jubbulpore

Rampti

Khandw3.

Mahi River Cireui t ..•

N adiad Circuit

N ursingpore

Poona, ...

Tulegaulll ...

Total

5

2 5

4 2

1

4

1

3

1

8 20

75

259 4150 232

8 20 12

200 400 100

881 20

27

35

Rcmark F.

58 1500 116

35 80

......

698 7123 646

1:

WOMAN'S WORK, BOMBAY CONFERENCE.

VILLAGE WORK. MOHALLA WORK. DA y ~SCHOOLS. TRAINING SCHOOLS.

Remark A.

5 3

1 1

12 1 1 189

3

1

4

1

65 50 64:

IRCIllIIl"k ('

1 30

2000 ... i

!Remark D. 47 101 5

4 4 26 19 10 10

40 36 4 6 18 15

100 20 I ... 100 Rcmark I:.

8;) 51 59 11 46 148 217 1 1 12 10 12

50 10 15 1 4 46 30 18 28 Remark lJ.

50 4 ..... . 3 20 I .. · 1 1 9

. . . ~ ~ 10 14 4 4 20 20 20 ... . .. !I ... 2 2 14 14· 14

350 8 i 40 3 10 240 241 1 2 12

... !I 8 10 1 24·0 194 2 247

~~~5 -··-::-~·-~5-1--··~-3-t--:-I--l-:-1--1-::-I---:-::-.; ::: I~ "':~61 354

606 25

1 1 4 10

31 --:- 4471-:-1 50 -3"'-1 ;-11--3- --33-, --33-

10

i I-

REMARKS.

A-The Bible-wolllen at Bllscill are wives of the teacherlS {1.ml preacherfi and us they htwe family duties can give only It portion of their tillle to E\,lLngdiRtic work lLud IU'C

paid accordingly. They ga­ther the womcll from UIlIIl­

hers of hOllses into one place to listen. As Mrs. Moore is ulone in charge of the Gir\t;' orphanage tlhc cnDnot go out with the wOlllen.

E-Two or threc of the women hJ.ve been in training during the past year but at present only one remuiIlK who, however, hns learned sufficient to enuble her to tcach in the school •

C--Twenty-two of these women were taught in the SUlIllller tmilling school lasting six weeks. In this Kchool six of our village workers were tauglit.

r-Thcre were villageK all over the diHtrict but <l~ the workers live in Baroda they were put under that.

E-l'wenty-six of these arc being taught OlltlSide of Zcnanas.

F-Twcntr Ihonses arc Mahol1le~ dan, 'und thirty-eight Hilldoo.

FORM No. iI.

STATIONS.

Basim

Bombny

Baroda ... Godhra Circuit

Hurdn.

Igatpuri

J ubbulpore .•.

Kampti

Khandwa .. ,

Mahi River Circuit

N adind Circuit

Nursingpore

Poona

Taleganm •••

...

Total ...

VVOMAN'S "W'ORK, BOMBAY CONFERENCE.

1-----,.------:,-...,----.,...--. .:":"', _---:-. __ ...,~-.;..I -:--__ ...,,.,--!----S-UN-.D-A-Y.-SC-::r;U:-O-O-LS-·--::;---I;. _____ ~-M_:_ED___;lC-.A"-L_..::_~vo_n-K""7. ,_"_---; __ .... 11 __ s.-'":I;::;:;-;t:(I-:;:;-----:----::=:-._-:--_G-;-~:!'\_.E_II_AL-:--S_U_:_M-M.A-l-tr_,. ___ ." ____ .... _______ _--:-_--,-_-;-_

~ ~ d '::.=_: '::_'-:::_~ .:: r1 : ..... _7: ~ :;....: II ~ .E .~ .~ Ie'S r ~ ~ __

BOARDING ScnOOLS AND ORPHANAGES. ESGLISII Sc1l00I.M.

2*

1*

2*

... 1

9

o Z

Q.. ~ 0 ;= ~ :Z.2 :E d P ~ :; .t= -a ~ . '';: ~ I ---::c

"E: =- ~ ~ .n ,;. ...3 ,.2 g, z : ;; -; ~ .3 'B ~ I ~ 't~ ~ ~ '" :-<

i _ ..... -:-'._~ .s·S "g.s ~ ~ i c3 ~ ~ ~ <s :~ ~ .~ -_; § ~8 I ~~.§ ~ '-._~ , 'Xl·.E~ ;-.~_~ ] ~=-" .. ~ _ ~ ~ ~ ~ r:£ ra ~ ~ ~/, -0 I ....., f,.; ~":;:: "" _' oJ .. _ ~ = ~ C) ~ t:: ~c1 00. ;:-'I t.i- <II ' • "i I Z _ CJ IJ..J r-:;: ......, ~ ~.= _ ~ -:! ;c 'Bo' 'Bo' ao: ~_~ ~.~ ~ ~ 'B ~ : f ~ t ~ 'c II ~ ~ ~ ~ § ~ ...... . ~:; 'B 'c ~ 3 ~ :; 2) ;... ~ ~

'- " _ 00 d d _ - S ::.. - - C' .- 0 :;:: 0 ; ... ~ ~~ :) co..;: ._- - - .- -!7. Z Z - Z - I Z Z z z --: ..... :..-; z ::-. < - z Z I"'-< I Z :.-; -- I"-i Z ...... -'" ~ '-0

I ...... i

i

3

. ..... 2

6

6

80 I 1

37

235

16 3

15 51

...... I 100 I i

I I

4 ...... . ... I. .... .. ...... (Noto 2.) ... • ••

5 70

2

12 2 ., .... 1,379 2,153 (Note 4) 100 500 52 ...... I . ..... I 206 2-0·0 2,805-14-10 .••

3 180

3*

1

1

12

44

71

••• J

1

46

...... 4.

10

...... " .... • •• I"

......

" ....

1

1

1

4

2

2

4

2

8

2

1

2

1

8

8

5

4

2

16

5

I ...... I

2

10

190r-

18

48

23

14

2

15

2G

20

76

11

21

247

81

975 (Note 5)

5,591 16,566

I

...... I

I

. .....

......

. , ....

......

......

......

......

......

11

......

,.., ,

7

10

40

125

130

95

i ...... !

5 I 2,393

1,300 I 500

......

252

';00

400

5000

I

I ... ... ... ...... ... . .. . II... ....... ... . .. ...... (Xnt(' 3.) ... • ••

157 101-3·0 2,137-9-3 ... . ..

1 5 12

...

. ..

38

21 ~~~ ...... '\ ...... 1 32 106

... I ...

---:-'r--36-3~--1-,-13-6+-1-,7-49-i 6,960 \S'719\ 500 466

... I ...... ...... ... "'1'" 1,905 R~ 103-3-0 ~I--5,-OO-3_-8-~1 ..... --1-:--5-i-1-2 :-

...... I

RIUIARKfI.

-1. Sign t at begining of

school statistics de­notes Boarding sohool • Sign t moans Orphan­nges, amI sign • means Bo:mling school It n d Orphanages.

2. Of this Rs. 2,250 wns for Famine children.

8. Received on previous bnilding fund Rs. 1,065.

4. Most of the medical evangelistic I work was done while touring in villages.

5. A large number of those treated were children in our famine orphanages and so were not jn actual attendance in person atthe dispensary.

1IIIIIIIIIIIIfmm~illiml~!111111111 3 9002 05441 0809