A CHILIAN WAKE. car which contained it resting upon their shoulders. The greater part of this procession was composed of men carrying large wax candles lighted, accompanied by a fine band playing a funeral march. It passed up Royal street and entered the Church of the True Cross, where the coffin was placed in the chancel, very much inclined, so that on entering the door, the sunken, emaciated-looking face of the image of Christ could be seen distinctly; a sight which makes the heart of the Christian very, very sad. On either side stood a figure of a soldier with helmet and sword. These images seemed very fierce, and in an attitude of defense. In front of the altar of another church on a raised platform was what appeared to be a corpse covered over with a large white sheet. As there happened to be very few people there the few moments we were in, we quietly walked up to examine. What appeared to be an image was a pile of large silver candlesticks laid across one another, and all covered with a sheet. Behind the drapery of the altar some one was rolling large balls or stones to represent thunder. Saturday morning we sat again two hours in the cathedral watching the dumb show of gorgeously-arrayed priests, burning incense, etc., and listening to the chanting of the choir at the other end of the building. Back of the altar on that morning was a very large, rude curtain of purple muslin, behind which I had seen a great many soldiers with guns, not knowing for what. Just at twelve o'clock I was greatly startled by the firing off of those guns, and at the same instant the curtain was pulled from either side, separating it in two parts from bottom to top. The rending of the veil I suppose you recognize in this sham called religion. At the same moment a band in Bolivar Square struck up a lively piece, and all the bells of all the churches. began to ring, and rang for ten minutes furiously. Then on Easter morning the body of Christ is brought from the Church of the Cross to the cathedral at the head of a large procession. One's heart grows heavy, bowed down and sad with these things, and the tears will come. At the end of the week of show and mockery, 1 felt inclined to be more discouraged than ever before because of so much form and so little of the genuine religion of Christ. Pray earnestly for the spread of the Gospel, and for the outpouring of the Spirit among these people. A Chilian Wake. Wakes are not confined to the Irish people, but have a place in the habits of the lower orders of the people of Chili in South America. The Rev. J. M. Allis writes to the New York Observer giving the following account furnished him by an eye-witness, who, as a youth, beheld the strange performance. The wake, or, as the Chilians call it, the "watching," took place in a modest little house where the parents of the child lived. The child which had died was about 159 two years old. The work of preparation occupied the several members of the household. First a large table was placed in the middle of one side of the room. A smaller table was placed on the first. A third still smaller surmounted the second. A large white cloth was placed over the pyramid of tables, covering them completely and reaching to the floor. The women of the house had each her special work. One cut several figures from colored paper, one was arranging bouquets, another was engaged in finishing a pretty white dress, ornamenting it with ruffles, white flowers and bugles. After the dress was completed it was placed on the body of the little dead child. At the back of the child were placed two wings made of paper. On its head was put a crown of flowers, and its little hands were folded together as if in the act of prayer. As soon as the dressing was finished, a little armchair, such as the children use, was brought out. It was provided with a pretty cushion, and the back also. was lined. The little child was placed in this chair, and then both chair and child were placed on the top of the pyramid of tables. The graduated sizes of the tables afforded ledges on which were placed vases of flowers, lighted candles, shells of various sizes, and bits of colored paper, by which each table edge was bordered. Behind the pyramid of tables and on the wall had been placed a large blue paper studded with gilt stars. When the work of decoration was done the whole pile presented a tasteful object of sight, especially to the class of people engaged in the ceremony. Everything being ready, the family await the coming. of visitors, who begin to gather about dusk or at the time the bells are ringing matin service in the churches. The friends as they gather salute the members of the family with many a shake of the hand and with the customary embrace of Chilians. In this embrace the parties give each other a close hug, each looking over the other's shoulder, and patting each other on the back. These greetings are repeated so many times that they become quite ludicrous. When these friends enter, they cry out in a peculiar style, blessing the little angel whom they say is in heaven enjoying the face of the Virgin and the saints. Among all the visitors the most remarkable was Doña Ursula, or, as the people called her, "Na Ursula." The Ña is pronounced as if there was a "y" between the letters. Na Ursula entered the room making a sign of the cross and saying in a tone of surprise, "Ave Maria purisima-Little daughter of my soul! How pretty the little angel is!" On hearing these words, a fat old woman who was seated by a good hot fire arose and came to salute Ña Ursula, Her name was Ña Peta. The narrator said that he had never seen an embrace more sisterly than these ancient maidens gave each other. There was a strength and earnestness in it that made one sure that all friendship was not mere attenuated sentiment. Ña Peta was very fat, while Ña Ursula was very lean. It seemed as if a fairy and a giantess had met. In the exuberance of the embrace the little woman almost disappeared. But this was not all. A boy-the inevitable boy is in Chili also-I imagine he was not small, designed to amuse himself at the expense of the old woman; so he presented Ña Ursula with a flower on which he had sprinkled a pungent substance worse than Cayenne pepper. He remarked to the little old lady that the flower had a very fine odor. Na Ursula being somewhat flattered with the attention, took the flower with an air of coquetry, and put it to her nose. She had scarce taken one good smell of the odorous flower, when she began making a series of explosive sneezes, which were so furious that one could hardly understand how so small a body could produce such startling effects. Na Peta hovered round the little sneezer with ponderous but helpless sympathy, vainly attempting to compose the nerves of the delicate Ursula by using the sacramental words common among such people on such occasions, "Jesus, Maria and Joseph," but they were of no avail. The little woman had to have her sneeze out. This episode was interrupted by the arrival of other neighbors, who appeared at the door, and applying to Ña Peta, said to her with all force and variety of voice, "Why, my little god-mother, how do you do? How do you suppose I can get along without seeing you, my dear god-mother?" Ña Peta replies, "Come in; how are all your family?" "They are all well, I thank you, and they all wish to see you; and your godchild and god-father, how are they?" Na Peta replies, "Oh, so-so. They are in the house." So the coming of one and another and the greetings and conversation continue until the "watching" proper begins. On a side-table are placed two large bowls containing hot punch, made of aguadiente, or whiskey and milk. There are also several bottles of "mistela," a drink made of wine, water, sugar and cinnamon. Some of the men, who are supposed to represent gallants, arise and take the small waiters that have been provided, and bear on them glasses of liquor to the "girls," as all the women are called on such occasions without regard to age. After the liquor has been taken the dancing begins. The usual orchestra of guitar and harp, accompanied with voices, and a strange tattoo to mark time, guides the performers in the dance. The dancing and singing grow more and more animated, and may be said to be in honor of Bacchus rather than of the little dead child on the decorated pyramid. As the dancers chance to feel thirsty, one of the men says, "I salute you, Miss," addressing his partner. She replies, "The same to you, sir," and then he gets a glass of liquor and drinks half, and gives her the rest, which she easily disposes of. The dancing continues until they are tired, when some one says "I drink to the health of such a one," and then another shouts, "Haro, when I am tired I stop." At these words the music ceases, and the different pairs who have been dancing take their seats. The person who thus closed the dance supplies the company with a fresh draught. This part of the performance repeated by different parties during the night; whent dancing is over everybody sits down, and some of t women proceed to sing songs, one after the other. Some of the company begin to show the effects of t drinking and grow drowsy. But those who can, co tinue to refresh themselves until toward break of da The candles around the "little angel" are almost co sumed. Na Peta and Na Ursula are at the firesi drinking "mate," a kind of Paraguay tea. A cat whi is the idol of Ña Peta is seated at her side, and a d lies near the door, so that in the stifling atmosphere the room, the door of which has remained closed, an amid the smoke of incense, the fumes of the carbo bracero, or charcoal fire, the fumes also of the liquo men, women, dog, and cat are the stupefied companion of the "little angel." Suddenly is heard a sound of blows on the doo Then are heard notes of a tambourine, and then those a guitar, accompanied by voices. It is an "esquinazo or a sort of serenade, which other friends give on suc occasions, toward the break of day. The door is n opened during the song until the last verse is reached which is complimentary and addressed to the lady the house. This last verse is something like this I wish a happy life to Mrs. Such-a-one, Always glad, lucky and free. The doors are at once opened and the serenaders a greeted with warm applause, and are welcomed into th house. There is a rally at the side-table, but, with th exception of the newcomers, there is a feebleness response. When the sun rises, as my narrator sai "The whole meeting is like a destroyed country." W only hear the snores of the persons present, some sleep ing on chairs, others on the floor, and others on a be that was in a corner of the room. One person had bee commissioned to rise early, and put the dead infanti its coffin, and take it away to the cemetery. Such wa the end of the "watching," but not of the drinking which was prolonged several days. Rev. W. E. Dodge writes from Valparaiso, Chili: "T ignorance, the immorality, the superstitions which mark th South American countries, darker in some places than in ot ers, but everywhere dark, are fit to be named with the painf characteristics of Islam of Buddhism, or of any practicall heathen system. The darkness here is all the more painf because it is called light by the Roman authorities, because is labeled the Christianity of Rome. Multitudes here kno no more about the plan of redemption, in its spiritual natur no more of the hope of salvation in Christ alone, no more the call of God to be pure, truthful and faithful as childre of a heavenly Father, than do the Japanese and Chinese wh listen to the Gospel for the first time. Among the high classes men, disgusted with Rome, are becoming followers Comte. The women, as a rule, and the lower classes are su jects of Rome, without knowledge of Christ, sunk in supers tion, and often are worshipers of Roman idols. nations bowing down to and worshiping graven image pressing copper medals to their lips for salvation, and wi money purchasing liberty to sin." Here Protestant Missions in South America. The aboriginal tribes of South America are chiefly to be found in the interior where, among the forests and on the extensive plains they, in uncounted multitudes, still cling to their superstitious beliefs and are sunk in abject heathenism. Along the coast, and extending back for from 50 to 200 miles, are the dominant classCreoles of pure Spanish, Portuguese, or Italian descent, and long established immigrants of the same nationalities; these with German colonists, English merchants, and American manufacturers, constitute the mass of the population. In religion they are chiefly Roman Catholics, and in practice they exhibit a type of religion as dangerous and destructive as that found in the heathenism of Central Africa, or the jungles of India. Comparatively little Protestant work has been done among them. How much is being done we will here state gathered from the reports made in 1886. ARGENTINA. The Argentine Republic has a flourishing mission work under the direction of the Methodist Episcopal Church; and the South American Missionary Society and the American Bible Society are also here. In Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego are many heathen whose paganism has been touched by Christianity, and some inroads have been made upon it, but the great majority of the people are still savages. Among the early missionary workers in Patagonia was Allen F. Gardiner, who was born in England, June 28, 1794. He was trained in a Naval College and became a captain in the Royal Navy. In 1845 he went to Patagonia seeking the salvation of the natives, and after laboring there and in Tierra del Fuego for several years, he died by CAPTAIN ALLEN F. GARDINER. starvation in September, 1851, and his remains were found the following year. He died without seeing any of the natives converted. His work was taken up by others, and some of the natives have since received the Gospel, but the most of the natives of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego are still heathen. The Rev. Thomas Bridges, a missionary for many years among the natives, writing from Tierra del Fuego a letter which is printed in the South American Missionary Society for January, 1887, says: "I fully believe in the improvability of the character and condition of the natives; and that their health and progress can be insured by wise and kind treatment and Christian training. I feel assured that nothing would be more grateful to the governments of Argentina and Chili than to see the native inhabitants rescued from their barbarous condition, and restored to a place in the nation as a part of its industrious and loyal people." BOLIVIA.-The Republic of Bolivia has no Protestant missionaries in it, and the only work done there is by the colporteurs of the Bible Society and by an occasional preacher from the Methodist mission in Argentina. There is a strong reaction in Bolivia against the Romish form of faith. BRAZIL. In 1855 Dr. Robert R. Kalley, of Scotland, commenced independent mission work in Rio de Janeiro and continued it for several years. He returned to Scotland but has continued to feel an interest in Brazil, and has been directing the labors of some missionaries in that country and assisting in their support. Bishop Taylor is represented by a missionary at Para and a church of 12 members. Mr. James Fanstone has an independent church in Pernambuco and reports concerning it: "By giving a few lessons in English daily to private persons or in schools, I have earned ample means for my support. I have never wanted for pupils, and my teaching has gained for me many friends and much influence. And, by the grace of God, I have preached regularly on Sundays and week days, and God has blessed the preaching of His word. We have a church of about fifty baptized members, and a congregation of about a hundred, besides Sunday-schools, cottage meetings, etc." Rev. E. Vanorden has charge of an independent mission at Rio Grande do Sul. He reports a revival there in January last. The Southern Baptist Convention, Southern Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church, North, Southern Methodist Church, South American Missionary Society, the British and Foreign Bible Society, the National Bible Society of Scotland, and American Bible Society, are all represented on this field. Rev. E. H. Soper writes from Rio de Janeiro: "Think of the twelve millions of souls in this empire, who are almost without any true knowledge of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The religion taught here is worse MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. than Paganism. Could you but see the sights that I see daily-of sin and degradation, of ignorance and shame, saints' days kept sacred, and the Lord's day made a convenience of, priests living in open adultery, drinking and gambling, etc.,-the greater portion of the lower classes doing the same, because the priest will not marry them without an exorbitant fee. In the church, a dead Christ, in wood or stone, a dead form of worship, conducted in a dead language that few understand; dead saints on canvas surround you on all sides, and the Blessed Virgin' is given the chief place in stead of the living Christ." CHILI.--Bishop Taylor has missionaries in Chili at Coquimbo, Santiago, Copiapo and Concepcion, where their work is chiefly educational, but a church has been organized at Coquimbo. There is a strong English Union Church in Valparaiso, and another in Santiago. The Presbyterian Church, North, and the South American Missionary Society have successful missions. The American Bible Society, and the National Bible Society of Scotland and the British and Foreign Bible Society, make grants to the Bible Society of Valparaiso which has been energetically pushing forward the circulation of the Bible on the West Coast of South America for a quarter of a century. COLOMBIA.-The United States of Colombia, except on the Isthmus of Panama, has but one Protestant ordained missionary, the Rev. M. E. Caldwell of the Presbyterian Church, who is at Bogota, aided by two lady missionaries. The English Society for the Propagation of the Gospel has had a missionary on the Isthmus of Panama, and a representative of Bishop Taylor is also at work there. Mr. Caldwell writes: "The influence of Romanism has fallen upon Colombia like a blight. It has driven the more intelligent people into infidelity, while it has bound the ignorant with superstitions and degraded them. The moral condition of the masses is as black as night." ECUADOR.-In Ecuador is to be found the greatest religious intoler 163 10 River Amazon Xingu Para Maranhao C.St.Roque R PARAGUAY I Paraguay ASUNCION Salada BUENOS AYRES Parana St.Paulo o PARANA URUGUA MONTE VIDEO San Pedro Rio de la Plata L Lota Valdivia Llanquilue Chiloe I. Wellington I. 50 ARGENTINE ་ A T OUTLINE MAP OF B.of St. George SOUTH AMERICA 30 |