The Amoy Mission, by Rev. Wm. Rankin Duryea, D.D.

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   THE AMOY MISSION: Woman in China
                          By Miss Helen M. Van Doren, 1877
(Scanned and edited April 1st, 2008, by Bill Brown, Xiamen University)
From Sangster, Mrs. Margaret E., Ed., “A Manual of the Missions of the Reformed (Dutch) Church in America,” Board of Publication of the Reformed Church in America, New York, 1877, pp.170-209            I hope it is useful to you--and saves you a lot of time and $70!
The Amoy Mission, By Rev. WM. RANKIN DURYEA, D.D. 1877

Part 1   Part 2   Part 3
WOMAN in China has been persistently degraded and oppressed. .As a child, she is, and has always been, regarded as an unwelcome incumbrance. During her early girlhood she has been immured as a prisoner. In her married life, she has been a victim and a slave. It is only in her old age that she has been regarded with honor and esteem. Could women in Christian lands understand the absolute vacuity of existence, which life means to even the most favored of their sisters in the flowery land, they would not shirk the responsibility of sending them something better. That labor among these women is abundantly repaid in success, is evidenced by the testimony of our missionaries. They have been face to face with the souls who sit in the house, of bondage. They have seen those but lately redeemed from heathenism, willing to endure persecution, rather than abandon their faith. They have witnessed the awakening of intellect, the quickening of affections, and the growth of gentle graces, the fruits of the spirit, so that before their eyes, the desert has blossomed as the rose.

THE WORK IN AMOY.
Let us look at the work begun at Amoy, one of the ports of China, in which, some of us have been permitted to labor.

The more direct work there, was commenced about ten years ago, by the ladies of the Mission [Mrs. Talmage and Mrs. Kip] meeting with the Chinese women from week to week; forming them into classes for Bible instruction, praying with them, teaching them to read, and encouraging them in the Christian life; and sometimes, perhaps, being able to suggest to them in what way they might govern their children-in which essential, they are quite as deficient as in the knowledge of books.
This work, though carried on amid many discouragements, has proved successful. Many having learned to read the New Testament, and some colloquial books, are much more attentive to the preaching of the Word, and better able to understand and retain the truth. What they have thus gained, has not been for each one alone.

The doctrine is often made known through them to others, to one of their own family, or it may be to a friend or neighbor; in this way, some, we trust, have been led to a knowledge of the true God.

This much has been accomplished, in the city churches. But what shall we say of the women, at the country stations? Living, as many of them do, a long distance from the chapel, they find it very difficult, with their small bound feet, to walk to and from the service; besides, one or more young children must always accompany the mothers, so that they can seldom give their undivided attention to the preaching, even should they desire to do so.

Then, again, although the preacher may strive to present the truth very clearly and simply, probably they will not for any length of time, remember what they hear. I have heard the preacher, in the early part of the service, ask these women questions on Scripture truths; and when asked again, during the same service, not one in ten could answer a single question, though the answers had been many times repeated to them. They have never been taught to think on any subject. Does it seem strange, then, that on hearing any new doctrine, for the first time during their lives, they fail to remember just from having it told them? Ah! if they could read, how different it would be. Then, instead of hearing the Gospel only on the Sabbath, they could daily search the Scriptures for themselves. Not until they are able to do this, can we look for progress on the part of these neglected and ignorant women.

A work on their behalf was begun two years ago, by the young ladies of the Mission [Miss Helen M. Van Doren, Miss Kittie M. Talmage and Miss Mary E. Talmage], who went out to spend a few days, or a week, at a time, at the different out-stations, hoping to teach many of these women to read. Of course, they met discouragements—these were expected; still, the beginning of a good work was then made. It was the more hopeful, as many of the children entered heartily into the plan and became diligent pupils.

The great hope of the Church, is in the education and conversion of the children. Although the Chinese think their daughters are not worth educating, we are of a quite different opinion.

GIRLS SCHOOL IN AMOY.
We are fully aware how much depends on their being educated, and taught the Christian religion. For this purpose a school for girls, was opened in Amoy, seven years ago. Here, have been educated many of the wives of our helpers and teachers. The Bible has been made the great text book of the school. In addition to this, however, a number of other studies have been successfully introduced. They have been taught geography, arithmetic, reading, writing and composition, and have made good progress in each branch. Besides this, instruction has been given in sewing and in domestic work. It has been our earnest desire, that all the girls who come under our care, shall be thoroughly fitted for all household duties, and shall obtain the knowledge they will so greatly need in homes of their own. Very few have left this school, without having professed their faith in Christ. Thus we have great reason for gratitude to our Heavenly Father, and for encouragement in our work.

Here, in Amoy, we feel that a work is begun and going forward, which will be of untold benefit, for years to come, in the churches, and indeed, in all that region; a work well worthy of faithful effort. Shall not the workers in this field have the kind counsel and earnest prayers of all who remain at home? The work is great, but let us have faith that it will be accomplished; when many shall thirst for the hearing of the words of the Lord, and when this great kingdom, now under the dominion of sin, shall be given to Christ, for His inheritance. Can we hesitate to go forward, when we have the arm of God to strengthen us? Is there anything too hard for the Lord? Lot us cease not, then, to pray that the labors of these sent to teach may be blessed, and that those who are taught, may themselves be made meet for the Master's use.

AN EXAMINATION AT AMOY.
We appropriately follow Miss Van Doren's statement, by a detailed account of one of the annual examinations, dated June 19, 1876:—

"Another year of the girls' school was completed yesterday. The closing exercises were very interesting. The pupils with some of the parents, and a few visitors, assembled at half-past nine, in the recitation room of the school. The pastor of the First Church took charge on the occasion. The older girls, after an exercise in reading, repeated the Psalms, which they had committed to memory during the year. They had finished and reviewed the first thirty. These were selected from the many Bible lessons of the year, as giving a fair idea of what they had done. Then followed the examination in geography; the recitations from the text-books were well given, after which, oceans, seas, rivers, towns, etc., were pointed out, from the outline maps, with great accuracy. Many of the lessons were repeated, first by one pupil alone, then by the class in concert.

"The examination in arithmetic was the last one in colloquial; the answers given, the repetition of the table of weights and measures, and the work of the older girls at the blackboard, were all most satisfactory. As this study has been by far the most difficult to teach, it was a real pleasure to hear the ready explanations, and the application of the rules in each division of the study; and more than all, it clearly proves that Chinese girls can be taught to think for themselves, if sufficient care and training is given them.

"The pastor, Choa, then took charge of the remaining exanimations, which included all the lessons prepared in the character during the year. A class of young ladies have just finished Genesis; this being their first attempt in reading the Old Testament Scriptures; as they are more difficult, their attention before this, has been given entirely to the New Testament. After this, came the recitation of other classes, and finally all, down to the youngest children, had passed the ordeal of a public examination.

A PUPIL TEACHER.
"The oldest pupil has now so far advanced in the study of the character, that she has been promoted; and will, herself, have charge of this department, during the coming year. We are thus able to dismiss the teacher we had previously employed, and are much pleased to see this young lady in a position of so much usefulness. It is, indeed, a step forward.

CONVERSION OF SCHOLARS—MARRIAGE OF SAME.
"We had, last year, thirty pupils; and have this year, had but twenty-two. During the six years existence of the school, fifty-seven pupils have, at different times, been in attendance. Sixteen of this number have been received into the Church. These all have an opportunity of imparting the knowledge they have gained, to the many ignorant around them. Eight of the pupils have been married since the school began, and six of these were church members. All have married Christians. This is very important, for each Christian household thus begun, is a light shining in a dark place.

"Some parents seem happy, and are grateful in sending their daughters; but many, still cling to the old idea, that girls are not worth educating. Only slowly, can the notions of ages of superstition be swept aside. But every educated woman will be a fact, preaching more loudly than many sermons, for the elevation of her sex. We try to carry forward instruction in domestic matters, side by side with tuition in books. The girls take turns in cooking, and in the performance of all household duties. This arrangement enables us to do without servants, and what is far more important, gives the pupils the knowledge they will need in their own homes.

INQUIRY MEETING.
"An inquiry meeting is held every week, in the Church, near the school. The girls attend regularly, and we have reason to feel that it has been the means of great good.

BOARDERS AND DAY PUPILS.
“It is not considered proper, for a Chinese girl to walk about in public, after she has attained the age of twelve. All our larger girls, who come from the four churches in Amoy, as well as from the adjoining country, board with us. The little ones are allowed to go back and forth through the streets. It should not be forgotten that this is

THE ONLY SCHOOL

for girls in a large region, inhabited by not less than ten millions of souls.

THE MATRON.
"The matron is the widow of pastor Lo, whose name is here given. She superintends the household affairs, and assists in teaching the younger children.

THE INSTRUCTION IN CHINESE.
“My teacher, Liong-to, spent for some time four afternoons in the week instructing the girls in reading and writing the Chinese character.

BIBLE STUDY.
"Though they have desired to read Christian books, it has been thought best to make the Bible the important study of the school. Besides the study of the character, instruction is given in the Romanized colloquial. In this they prepare Bible lessons also, and are taught geography, arithmetic, reading and writing. The larger girls are reading 'Pilgrim's Progress,' and enjoy it very much. They have committed to memory all the parables of our Saviour, and when school closed, they were learning the miracles. They also write an analysis of one sermon on Sunday. A class of eight little girls are learning the 'Sermon on the Mount.' The pupils commit to memory very readily, and it is a pleasure to hear them recite.

DIFFICULTY OF TEACHING CHINESE GIRLS TO THINK.
"We find it very difficult to teach Chinese girls to think. As this is something quite new to them, great patience is required in teaching arithmetic, especially to beginners. For thousands of years, the mind of woman in China has been a blank page; her conversation has consisted of the most frivolous gossip. It is not wonderful that intellectual discipline is not easy, all at once.

INSTRUCTION IN SEWING.
"The matron, on each Wednesday afternoon, instructs the girls in cutting and making their dresses. Many Chinese women are quite incapable of making their own clothes. We particularly desire that all who attend school shall be thoroughly taught in this department. On Saturday, the morning is spent in putting the house in order and recreation, and the afternoon is devoted to sewing."

THE TESTIMONY OF THE PERSECUTED.
Possibly there are many in this Christian land who never remember what it costs a heathen to give up the religion of his childhood, and embrace Christ. The amount of suffering, both physical and mental, which some of our Chinese converts have been forced to endure, reminds us of passages which we have read in the history of the church of God, in all periods when its members have had to combat error and superstition, even to the death. But we have nothing in our own experience with which to compare it.

Dr. Talmage, in 1874, wrote an account of the persecution of a woman, who had dared to become a believer. She was seized and placed in a sort of stocks, a punishment described by the Chinese, as "sleeping in two rooms." The body is placed in one apartment, and the feet are passed through a hole near the bottom of the wall, into the next room, where they are secured. Sometimes, to make the position more uncomfortable, one foot only is put through the aperture, and this was the case in the present instance. The efforts of native Christians, through the judicial courts, effected her release from this torture, but not until they had baffled severe difficulties.

Two years later, Mrs. Talmage, in a letter from Amoy, related the story of another Christian Chinese woman. A little girl of nine, she had been given away for marriage, as is common among the Chinese, her mother knowing nothing of the Christian religion. Later, the mother learned the truth; and yearned with maternal affection to have her daughter forsake idolatry, and come with her to the cross. Whenever she found an opportunity, she taught her and urged her to accept salvation through the Saviour. She at first, manifested strong opposition, but finally understood—yielded, and was baptized, when in her nineteenth year.

The family of her husband were bitterly resentful, at this change in her convictions; and her own friends, therefore endeavored to redeem her, before the marriage was consummated, by the payment of a sum of money, but this was refused. Her husband and his relatives treated her with great severity. The former whipped her every day. Her bridal attire was taken from her, and she was not allowed a room she could call her own, and was obliged to sleep wherever she could find a place. This persecution, continued in the determination to make her renounce Christ, she endured until she was twenty-three years old, when her brother took her away by stealth.

For some years, she remained with her mother, attending church regularly, and learning more fully the doctrines of the Gospel. Then, she yielded to the persuasions of her husband, and trusting to his promises that she should enjoy her faith unmolested, returned to his home. The promises were soon broken; her life was far from comfortable; she was not permitted to pray or read, and necessary articles of clothing were denied her. Her son, in his fifteenth year, was threatened with severe chastisement, if he followed in his mother's way. The mother is now in her forty-third year.

Not long since, she attended one of the woman's prayer-meetings. She spoke of her trials, and seemed almost in despair. "How is it?" she said, "I have been praying and praying all these years, and yet there is no answer." Mrs. Talmage encouraged her still to pray, and to trust, telling her that in God's time, her prayers would be heard. Surely those who read these pages, will add their petitions, that this poor, loyal heart, on the far away shore of Amoy, may be comforted at last; and that the grace of the Holy Spirit may reach the husband, and all his family, and lift them from their darkness, and bring them to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Christ.

A MISSIONARY JOURNEY.
Pastor Yap, of the Second Church, in Amoy, whose picture is here given, made, in June, 1876, a trip into the country north of Tong-an, for the purpose of obtaining a place for a chapel, at Poa-tan-chi, i. e., the market-village of Poa-tan. The place has been secured, and the chapel opened. A preacher is now stationed there, with one of the members of the Tong-an Church, as chapel-keeper, and assistant teacher. Dr. Talmage afterward visited the region, and thus described his journey:

POA-TAN.
"Poa-tan is in the district of Aukoe, the next district north of Tong-an, about twenty-five miles from the city of Tong-an.

The road from Tong-an city, for some miles, passes through a fertile valley, along the banks of a beautiful stream. We left Amoy, in our boat, on Friday, at 11 A. M., landed at Tesoa, and thence proceeded by road over the hills to our chapel at Tong-an, where we spent the night.

"On Saturday morning, at seven, we left the chapel, and two hours after, began to ascend the first mountain, arriving at the highest point of the pass, about 2,000 feet above the level of the sea, a little after noon. Here, we rested. Descending, we passed through another beautiful valley, and climbed another mountain, arriving at its top at three in the afternoon. From this point the descent is continual, first very steep, then gradual, along the banks of a beautiful stream, until Poa-tan and far beyond. We arrived at Poa-tan chapel at six, having spent eleven hours on the journey, sitting in uncomfortable chairs, where the ground was not too rough, and walking over the steeper ascents and descents.

SCENERY.
The scenery along the route was sometimes exquisite for beauty, and sometimes impressive for wildness and grandeur. Perhaps the wildness and grandeur predominated. But the loveliness of some of the gorges, both sides lined with terraces far up the mountain steeps, sometimes to the very top of the gorge, covered with growing crops, and with the exquisite green of the rice, must be seen to be appreciated.

BOUGHNESS OF THE ROAD.
"This road, like most of the roads in China, even on the level ground, "is seldom wide enough, and never, for any great distance, smooth enough for carts or wagons; and the steeper parts are always ascended and descended by steps. It is a great thoroughfare. We met sedan-chairs, with their passengers, many pack-mules, which are never seen at Amoy, and many coolies with their heavy burdens. The goods coming down to the sea-board market?awere chiefly iron, coarse porcelain, paper and charcoal.

THE MISSIONARY STATION.
"Poa-taii is an important village, or rather cluster of villages, on the banks of a small river, in the midst of an extensive, fertile and populous valley. This makes it an eligible missionary station, where the Gospel may be preached to great multitudes. At the chapel on Sunday, the audiences, wholly composed of men, were large—morning, afternoon, and evening. Between services, I went out, and in various places, addressed women as well as men. The people everywhere seemed friendly. Their interest was doubtless prompted by curiosity, for, as yet, we had no converts here. Much of our preaching is like sowing seed by the wayside, or among thorns, and yet we trust that some will be found to take root, spring up, and bring forth fruit.

WHAT WE NEED.
"We need for this, your funds, to furnish the people with the Word of God; and your prayers, that the Word may be accompanied by the Spirit's power.

HOT SPRINGS—TEA-FIELDS.
"Near our chapel, are hot springs, impregnated with sulphur. There are also tea-fields in the neighborhood. All along the way are, here and there, places where preaching-stations might profitably be established, had we the men and means. Oh, how many such places there are in this land of China! Who will come to take possession of them in the name of the Lord?

"We journeyed back, on Tuesday, met our 'Gospel-boat' just before dark, at Chioh-jine, a few miles below Tonyan City, and having a strong south-east wind, two hours and a half more, brought us home—tired and thankful, and deeply filled with the importance of great enlargement in our operations if we would evangelize China."

A TOLL BRIDGE.
Accustomed, as we are, to swift modern modes of travel, and to the triumphs of engineering skill, it is not easy for us to understand how rude and primitive are some of the features of life in oriental countries. Perhaps we have never thought very much about it, and we do not, therefore, consider, as we ought, the privations to which our missionaries willingly submit, nor do we remember that because of some of these difficulties, the work of their hands progresses slowly. Dr. Talmage tells about the first toll-bridge he crossed in China, in these words:

"A narrow causeway was raised for a few feet into the edge of the river, then a single long plank was stretched from this to some natural rocks farther in the stream; another plank reached from this to a few large stones which had been placed there as a kind of abutment, and therefrom still another extended to the opposite shore. This is not a very costly or elegant structure, but the fare corresponds; being only two cash for one person, so that the bridge may be crossed five times for one cent."

CHEAPNESS OF LABOR.
To illustrate the cheapness of labor in China, and the consequent toil required of the masses, to obtain a mere living, it is stated that iron is carried from the mines, mostly on mens' shoulders, though pack-mules are used to some extent, many miles overland to Tong-an, and then is brought by boat to Amoy; yet it is there sold for about the price which pig-iron commands in New York.

A FIRST-CLASS HOTEL.
Dr. Talmage, writing from Amoy, in the fall of 1876, gave a graphic description of the resting-place, at which he stopped on the journey to Poa-tan. He said:

"I can only guess at its dimensions. Its side walls being joint walls of the adjoining houses, can have no windows, and probably would have none, if they were not joint walls. Its floor is a few inches higher than the street, close on which it stands. Its height on the eaves, on the street, is seven or eight feet. The front room, some fifteen or twenty feet, occupies the whole width of the house, is a little deeper than it is wide; and serves for office, parlor, dining-room, kitchen and bedroom. A dozen of us slept in it, the night we staid there. Having the ground for its floor, no whitened walls, and no ceiling; it needs neither washing nor scrubbing. Immediately behind this room are a few feet of open court, or part of the house, without a roof; and two other bedrooms of the same character as the front room, only, both together, much less than half its size, and more dirty. For the accommodation of the entire party, the whole charge was twenty-seven cents, enough to pay the rent of the establishment for some weeks. This house was a fair sample of all the houses of the village. We selected it to pass the night in, because it was reported to be the best and cleanest inn on the route."

BEAUTY OF CHINESE VILLAGES.
Many of these villages are enchanting in the distance. The lovely grassy knolls, delightsome brooks, magnificent shade trees, and fruitful fields, with mountains rising gloriously in the background, combine to make them most attractive. But once look into the houses, and scan their immediate surroundings, and the poetry vanishes. Usually it vanishes even before that, for the sights and smells which greet you at the entrance of the village, take it all away. You can often smell a village, some time before you get to it. Yet the people who reside amid such filth, regard themselves complacently, as the only civilized race on the globe; and think of Europeans and Americans, as barbarians. I was gravely asked, by an old woman, at the inn: "Do you, in your country, have the family arrangement? Do men have their own wives? Do you acknowledge such relations as parents and grand-parents?" I answered, "Yes." With pleased surprise she turned to the bystanders, and said:"Why, they do!”

A WALK IN A CHINESE CITY.
A Chinese city is not in the least like London or Paris, or New York or Philadelphia. Some years ago, foreigners were rigidly excluded from all the populous towns of the Flowery Land; but now many of the seaports are open, and travellers walk through them without molestation. Walls are built round the towns, and we enter by gates; but even outside the gates are streets of closely-packed houses and shops.

NO HIGH HOUSES IN CHINA.
You find in China no high houses, no broad streets, no horses. You see indeed some high roofs and tall towers, but these belong to pagodas or temples, and the people are forbidden to raise their houses very high, lest they should over shadow the idol temples. Few houses have more than one story. They look like big toys, for they have often fancifully carved roofs with curved corners. Some of the roofs are painted in bright colors, bells are sometimes hung from the corners; and at times, the figure of a dragon is seen, who the inhabitants think will protect them from evil spirits and bad influences. You will find no glass in the windows, but instead, very thin paper, or small panes made of thin oyster-shell.

HOW BURDENS ARE CARRIED.
"How are burdens carried, when there are no horses and few broad streets?"
Well, you see a river runs by the town, and canals have been made in different directions. The rivers are as busy and crowded as roads. Thousands of people live on river-boats, and vessels of different sizes, row up and down the water, laden with passengers and cargo. If you do not wish to travel by the river, and prefer not to walk, you can get into a sedan chair or palanquin. There will be no difficulty in finding some one to carry you.

Hundreds of coolies do the work of horses in every town. They carry not only passengers, but chests of tea, bales of silk, and all sorts of cargo, making quite as much noise as cart and carriage wheels, while they rush about with their burdens, crying, "Ah ho! Ah ho!:' from morning till night. The cry seems to help them, as sailors say their call, "Pull ahoy," does half their work. The coolie's work is very hard, and he is worn out after a few years of labor.

HOW THE PEOPLE DRESS
The coolies, and most of the men you meet, are dressed in dark blue cotton, the color universally worn by the poorer classes. Their dress, their hair, their eyes, their faces, seem all precisely alike. In town or country, you seldom see a Chinaman who has not coarse black hair, and small black eyes. The richer and higher ranks of people, wear costly and bright colored clothing of embroidered silk, satin and furs. The long tail of hair is an indispensable ornament for the men; only the coolies, who find it in the way, twist it into a knot at the back of their heads. Very few women, and those only of the poorest, walk in the streets.

CARRYING FANS, AND FLYING KITES.
Everybody is provided with a fan. A Chinese soldier would stop fighting to fan himself, and a laborer, taking a rest, uses his as gracefully as the lady of leisure. It does duty also, in place of a hat; and is held over the head, to protect it from the sun. Grown up people, and grave, elderly gentlemen, too, are often seen amusing themselves with kites, which flutter in the air like birds.

BRIGHT-COLORED SIGNS.
By the sides of the shops hang gaily colored boards, bearing mottoes, advertisements and fanciful names. Sometimes a whole street is devoted to one article; as combs or copper-kettles. Tinkers, barbers, cobblers, smiths, carvers, portrait painters and tailors, are selling and making their wares, and crying out their praises to every passer-by.

HOW CHINESE LADIES LIVE.
The married lady is expected to rise early, and see that tea is prepared for her husband; and that hot water is awaiting his convenience, when he desires to take his morning bath. She must also pay equal attention to her mother-in-law; for China is the Paradise of old women,?aand while her husband's mother lives, his wife is a very secondary personage indeed. The ladies go about en dishabille in the early portion of the day, shouting out vehement orders to their servants, and confusion reigns.

The elaborate toilet of the lady of rank, is the great business of the day. In this, is there not something in common with too many votaries of fashion in better instructed conditions? Aimless and frivolous, wherever she be, who lives mainly to adorn her person and display her dress, she is not greatly elevated above her Chinese sister. Each fashionable woman in China has one or two maids, and a slave-girl to wait on them. The latter makes it her first care to trim and light the pipe of her mistress.

ADJUNCTS OF THE TOILET
The dressing of the lady's hair occupies from one to two hours. A white paste is next applied to her neck and face, a rose powder to eyelids and cheeks, and a red dye to the finger nails, and she is then attired for the day.

OCCUPATIONS OF CHINESE WOMEN.
Many ladies devote much time to gossiping, smoking and gambling; in which latter vice, they follow the example set them by the men. They always play for money, and when they have no visitors of their own rank to play with, they do not hesitate to engage in games with the servants. Numbers of ladies, however, are skilled in embroidery; and shoes, purses, handkerchiefs and robes pass through their cunning fingers. Before marriage, they occupy their time in preparations for the wedding—a sad wedding, one would imagine, when often the bridegroom is a stranger, whom they have never seen, and for whom they cannot care. Here and there, a woman is found, who has learned to read, and her accomplishment is in real demand. She can while away the tedious hours, by reading tales and plays, to her less fortunate friends, who are willing, often, to pay for the pleasure she bestows.

God speed the time when the blessed change, which the coming of His kingdom ever brings, shall dawn, not only, but go on to the grandeur of noon, in the land of Sinim.

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