One of them I have
been praying for especially, for nearly a year.... There are three
more who, I trust, are born of God, but are not yet brave enough to
take a stand for him. One says his brother will kill him if he joins in
Christ's name." And here is a word from another teacher: "Five of the
brethren unite with the church at the coming communion. I do not feel
that this is through my effort, as I have not known how to work
individually. It is the Lord that 'giveth the increase.' Two of them
have been ready to come into the church for a long time. The others
show their conversion by face and manner as well as by testimony and
prayer."

I fear that I have exhausted my space, though I am far from the end of
possible "jottings." I will close with a few sentences from a letter
received from a Chinese Christian living at a roadside tavern beyond
Oroville. "Since I am determined to be a Christian, has very much
surprised my elder brother. When he heard about I join the Association
he make a great deal of trouble to me. Then I ask our brothers to pray
for that matter, till one day I go and entreat him; also, tell him all
about the gospel of Christ how good for us and redeem us from our sins.
Then he said, 'Do not talk such things to me; we are Chinese; must keep
our customs.' I say, 'I cannot keep anything wrong; idol worship is
against God. Four thousand years ago our Chinese population have no
idol to worship. Don't you search a thing before you keep it?' Then he
answer: 'If good then you keep it,' and then I received baptism; then
do no more persecution to me afterwards." This extract merely hints at
facts which, if related, would show that for our Chinese Christians at
least, the days that _try_ men's souls are not yet past.

* * * * *

BUREAU OF WOMAN'S WORK.

MISS D.E. EMERSON, SECRETARY.

The thirteenth Annual Meeting of the Woman's Missionary Union of
Alabama met with the Congregational Church in Marion, March 31. This
Union has contributed during the year to the A.M.A. for Indian work, to
the A.H.M.S. for Bohemian work, besides aiding a missionary in China,
and one in South Africa. All the auxiliaries have also done good work
in aiding the churches and the poor in their respective localities. The
meeting was pleasant and profitable, and the Union starts upon another
year with the prospect of adding greatly to its strength and
efficiency.

The first Annual Meeting of the Loui