Self-Denial.—Generous Giving.
THE instances of devotion to the cause of God, among converts in heathen lands, are often such as should put to shame many who have all their lives had the blessings of the gospel. The following from a report from a missionary in Japan, in the Missionary Herald, is a case in point:— There is an interesting item in connection with the organization of the Matsuyama church, and the installation of a pastor. Though distant from Imabari thirty miles, it is an outstation of that church, and its evangelist has been supported in part by Imabari, and in part by the mission. It is a generally understood thing that when a church is organized and calls a pastor, it is to be self-supporting. The Matsuyama Christians wished to be organized into a church, and wished that Mr. Neeno-miza might become their pastor. The financial part of the matter was discussed, and it was discovered that, when they had done their best, only two yen would be left after rent on preaching place and incidental expenses had been paid. As Mr. Neeno-miza has a family to support, it seemed useless to think of calling him to the pastorate. After thought and prayer, Mr. Neeno-miza said that he would accept the call to be pastor and the two yen per month, though he would prefer, for the sake of the outside reputation of the church, that it should not be called salary. The Christians were delighted enough, and resolved that "the mite-box" should be699always open for contributions, the proceeds, with the two yen, to be given to Mr. Neeno-miza. He needs at least fifteen yen per month, and twenty would be better. When the report of the action of the church and pastor reached Imabari, it was resolved in their aid to "hang up the mite-box." (The Japanese cannot endure a contribution box passed along the pews.) When the box was opened at the close of the day, thirty yen were found within. A carpenter's wages there is about one-third of a yen per day, so that you will have to multiply the thirty many times in order to see its real value. This incident also tells its own story of devotion, self-denial, and mutual sympathy and love among the Christians.