Page:The Chinese Empire. A General & Missionary Survey.djvu/104

58 to preach Christ, but missionary societies have rightly felt that alongside this supreme duty must be placed other duties of a philanthropic kind, which a missionary may legitimately undertake, and which give a new emphasis and meaning to his message. It is quite impossible to live in China for any length of time, or to traverse her crowded streets, without feeling her great need of help in many directions. In this vast empire the sick, the poor, and the blind are practically uncared for, and it is hardly felt to be a crime at all to throw away multitudes of newly-born babes. The missionary therefore, perforce, takes what measures he can to lessen the suffering which abounds, and this side of our work appeals very forcibly to the Chinese people. Our hospitals are usually crowded with patients; sightless children of both sexes are gladly handed to us to be taught useful trades; baby girls are left at our Foundling Asylum instead of being thrown into the nearest pond; the victims of opium present themselves at our Refuges to toto [sic] be cured of their evil habit, and the lepers meet together for Christian worship, maimed in body, but sound in soul. Who will say that such works as these have not the Master's approval, and are not a following of His example, Who went about doing good?

The tragedy of the Fukien Mission took place nearly twelve years ago at Hwasang, about 80 miles north-west of Foochow, and a few miles from the city of Kucheng. The doing to death of that band of devoted missionaries at their summer retreat in the hills was such a ruthless and dastardly act that it aroused the indignation of the whole civilised world. No fewer than nine faithful servants of Christ passed through fire and sword into His presence that bright summer morning in 1895, slain by the people whom they had come to help and save. No indiscreet action on their part had aroused the animosity of the people; all was peace in that secluded spot until the murderous band stealthily surrounded the simple cottages, and without question or comment put their occupants to death. A beautiful memorial tomb in the Foochow