REASON FOR ENCOURAGEMENT.
When we consider the great extent of the missionary work being carried on in China, it is certainly a matter of wonder that so few missionaries fell victims to the fury of the Boxers; and to the Christian world it should be a cause of deep gratitude and encouragement that the lives of the missionaries have been precious in the sight of God. He certainly worked wonderfully for His servants in their hour of peril. At the outbreak of hostilities 54 Protestant missionary societies were conducting operations in China, with 527 ordained and 519 lay missionaries of European or American nationality. There was a total of 2,461 foreign workers, 470 stations, 80,682 communicants, and 30,046 day pupils. Many of these churches or mission stations were far removed from any means of human protection; yet their lives were spared, and their work is going forward now with added impetus. Surely the friends of Protestant missions have cause for rejoicing in this manifestation of God's care for His workers.