We were happily surprised to find so many in attendance at the Honan meeting. There has been such a condition of unrest that not many were expected to attend. One hundred forty were present from the beginning. This number increased until at the last Sabbath services one hundred sixty were with us. This is one of the oldest missions we have in China. It has shown excellent progress for the labor bestowed. The people show an intelligent Christian experience. At this meeting there were twenty-four native Chinese laborers present. The evangelists rendered acceptable assistance in the preaching services. Elders Cottrell and Westrup and the writer were the foreign laborers.
At this meeting twenty-eight were baptized, and a very solemn ordinance service was held the last Sabbath. Three or four of the recent converts to the faith give promise of making excellent evangelists and colporteurs.
Elder Westrup has manifested a real devotion to the work here, remaining for almost two years without his wife's assistance. Mrs. Westrup is still in America, on account of a serious nervous difficulty. The work is on a good basis in this province. The school and foreign buildings are almost completed. They are comfortable, economically constructed, and well adapted to the needs of the work.
This is my first trip into Central China, and I am well pleased with the organization of the work and the progress made. I have seen a few of China's millions and noted their needs, and can truly say that both are great and worthy of our best endeavors. Let us show our faith in a soon-coming Saviour by our works.
R. C. PORTER.
