SLAVE GIRLS OF MADAGASCAR, POUNDING RICE.

those educated and trained to trade by the missionaries have been forced to bestow their services without compensation.

The people who have not been influenced by the teachings of the missionaries are very immoral and untruthful and cruel in war. The old laws of the Hovas' were barbarous, and the punishment of death was inflicted in cruel forms for slight offences.

For more than fifty years (with one exception) female sovereigns have ruled the country, and it may be for that cause that the women of Madagascar occupy a higher position than they usually do in a heathen country.

The London Missionary Society have had here for many years a large and successful mission work, and last year reported over 60,000 members.

NATIVES OF MADAGASCAR.

Methodist Mission in Sweden.

BY REV. K. A. JANNSON.

It was with great joy we received the information that the General Committee increased the appropriation for our conference, and I was especially glad that our most burdened churches received help to pay the debts. We will try to do all we can to advance in all particulars.

This conference year will be very short-only eleven months, and it will require hard work to increase the collections over last year's collections, but I have urged the preachers to take "all collections" and to press above the sum received last year. In good time we will begin to take collections and subscriptions for the missions and I hope we shall have a good in

crease.

The prospects are promising. During the first six months of this conference year about 300 persons have joined on probation, and more than 270 have been received in full connection on Karlskrona district. I have advised the brethren to have protracted prayer weeks, and I suppose that when we begin with prayer weeks early in the new year, we will continue with revival meetings as long as possible. We will pray and preach till the heavenly fire descends in our congregations. I do not know how many have been received on Stockholm and Goteborg districts, but I think it has been good success also there.

In three of the cities on my district it would be a great blessing if we could organize new churches. In Norrkoping we have now about 600 members and the church has not place for more people. There we must have a new church organized. In Karlskrona the state of things is the same.

In Malmo we now have good success; about forty persons have been received on probation there since last conference. It is one of our largest cities and we need to have two preachers there. Oh, if we only had money and men, we could begin new work in a good many places; but now it is impossible. May God bless our work more and more.

Stockholm, Dec. 17, 1886.

IGATHPURI, INDIA.-Rev. W. E. Robbins writes 'Igathpuri is situated 85 miles from Bombay, in a very healthy and pleasant place. The greater part of the people, both European and native, are employés of the railway, and for the most part are unevangelized. No that they are without Gospel privileges, for there is regu lar preaching in three churches, both in the vernacula and in the English, but only a small proportion attend The census of 1881 gave 837 Christians. Of these 31 belonged to the English Church, 421 to the Roma Catholic Church, 24 to the Presbyterian Church, 64 t the Methodist Church and 9 to the Baptist Church We are endeavoring to carry on vernacular work in th surrounding villages."

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tants.

Notes about Towns and Poeple in Sweden.

BY REV. L. G. BERGLUND,

Gothenburg, situated at the west coast of Sweden, is a great commercial town, counting about 95,000 inhabiIt has a fine harbor, and the most people who emigrate from Sweden to America embark there. Concerning the character of the inhabitants, it is in general haughty. The people are in many cases indifferent to true godliness; nevertheless, they have a great esteem for the State Church and the priesthood. Here is a Lutheran mission, counting 1,200 members, who possess the largest free church in Sweden, holding 4.000 attendances. They support in a powerful way the mission in the heathen world, especially in Santa listan and Congo. The Baptists have a congregation here, counting about 400 members, and possess a very fine tabernacle; but their success is not great. The Methodists have two congregations here. The number of the members in both together is 600. Our cause in this place has had a good and sound development and is steadfastly advancing.

Orebro, having 14,000 inhabitants, is the residence of the Governor in Orebro County. The people of quality here as in other places-do not care for Christianity; but are indifferent. The rest of the people are unsuited and variable. The greatest difficulty that our church has to strive against is to hold together so unquiet an element. When our church began to work here, a common indifference, both in the State Church and in other societies, was prevailing, but by our work every society has been incited to more lively effort. The view for the : future is good.

Kristinehamn, that now counts 5,500 inhabitants, is in some respects a happy community. In external morality it stands before many ones. Never is there to be seen any quarrel on the public places or an intoxicated person. But the contempt for God and holy things is possessed by many. Among the people of quality, a great indifference in spiritual things is prevailing. The haughty infidelity has also infected this town. The character of the people is harsh and capricious and mixed with meanness. In spite of the bad informities of the community-body, the different Christian societies have worked well, to which our church has contributed not a little. Nevertheless, we have darkness and prejudices to fight against still. The Separatists (Waldenstromare) with their many defects in the doctrine, have destroyed the soil very much, so that we have to work very hard for success.

Karlstad, situated at the beautiful Klara River, where this falls out into the greatest lake in our country, namely Wenern, counts about 8,000 inhabitants and is one of the finest of our province-towns. It is famous for its mineral-water, which in value is to be compared with the iron-water in Spaa. A great many of the people live above their incomes; are luxurious in meat and drink; are liking vanity and laziness. The borers take care of themselves very well. Especially

is that the case with the temperate among them. The moral state has in the latest years been better than before; and this is a consequence and a fine fruit of persevering work by spiritual tools in many societies. The State Church, with its learned priesthood and fine temples, has done what it can; but this is not so much, as it ought and could be, if some circumstances were otherwise. The Separatists (Waldenstromare) count a great number, about 500. Their doctrine is hastily changing. They have a large mission-house and many people attend their services. Concerning the Methodist congregation in the place, it is very young still. It consists of between 200 and 300 members and has to rejoice at a constant success as well as at confidence and sympathy far about. The members are inspired by a good brotherly spirit, and the view of the future is very fine. The Baptists are here represented by 150 person.. At last, the discouraging remark is to be done that the people of quality are insensible for all the religious societies.

Lidkoping counts 5,000 inhabit nts, who for the most part are laborers and merchants. Here is a match factory that employs 400 workers. The religious tendency of the State Church in this place is Schartonansk (a sect in the Lutheran Church.) The Methodists have had a good influence upon the ecclesiastical conservatism in the State Church. Nevertheless, it seems to many as a scandal to attend our services here; yet the future is undoubtedly ours.

Filipstad. The number of the inhabitants in this town is about 3,000. In the tract round about are many mines. The miners are a hard people and can only be gained by love; but then they are good and noble men. The inhabitants in the town are humane and helpful and show great esteem to the religion; yet the people of quality are indifferent. The greatest hindrances for our work at this place are the intensive prejudice and ignorance about Methodism, even as the Antinomism, that is prevailing among the so-called "lasarne " (separatists) as well as the liberty without discipline, that is current. among them. From the State-church we have met with no opposition, at least in the last time. In the territory of the town our church has only in the last years had any success. The people attend our services more and more. Here are many Separatists and some Baptists. The former have great influence; not so the latter.

Halmstad is a town of 9,000 inhabitants. The character of the people is very lively. Concerning the religious state, the schartonanism is prevailing in the Lutheran Church; but the free religions are subduing them by degrees. The Waldenstromarism is here numerously represented. They have a large mission house, and their preacher has been stationed at the place for twelve years. Our preacher in charge lives in good harmony with him, and sometimes they preach at their dif ferent preaching localities alternately. The Baptists are not many here and have no stationed preacher, and seldom they have any service in their preaching hall. The

church free of debt, with forty members in full connection.

Rev. K. J. Wahlstiom, Srendal. This town has 4,500 inhabitants. Its people are energetic and enterprising. Here we have a good brick church and a flourishing Society. The Sunday-school is large, and the appointments, or preaching places, on the different islands are many. Good prospect.

Rev. L. Jenson, Brevig. This town has 2,200 people and is situated on the east side of Skienfjord; at present Brevig is connected with Kragero; inhabitants, 5,000, a good place commercially. In Brevig we have a good chapel, in Kragero one will be built in the near future. The membership is growing, and the outlook for the church is quite encouraging.

Rev. J. Thorkildsen. Porsqumd is an old town situated between Brevig and Skien, has a population of 3,600. Methodism has reformed the people here as a whole; the Lutherans are here preaching, praying, sing. ing and testifying as do the Methodists. At first they persecuted us, now they imitate us. Our church has done and is doing much good in this place.

Rev. J. Wiel, Skien. This town was burned down last | August, our churches with it. Its population is 7,500. Its population is 7,500. Its location is at the base of Skjensfjord. A good town, and a strong people. Our membership is 170 in full connection; a good Sunday-school is in operation. A few miles from Skien we have a fine chapel and a Sundayschool-all under the Skien charge. A new church, I hope, will soon be built in Skien.

Rev. N. Jonarsen. Lanwig is a very fine town, six miles southeast of Skien, and has 11,000 people. Here is a summer resort for many, as here is both a great bathing establishment and the largest beach-grove in the country. Here we have a beautiful church with a membership of 180 in full connection. Since our dear Bishop Harris, in 1882, presided over our conference in this town, prosperity has followed our labors from year to year.

Rev. B. Joigensen. Fonsberg has a population of 6,900. Here the mission is yet new, but we have a church and a growing membership and Sunday-school. Rev. H. Walle. Horten has a population of 5,800, and here is the headquarters for the marine. Everything here bears military image. But Methodism thrives well here. We have a substantial brick church and a comfortable parsonage. Prospect good.

Proclamation in China Respecting Missionaries. The following Proclamation was issued by the Tao-tai of Shanghai in November, 1886:

Since the removal by Decree of the prohibition against the erection of chapels by Protestants and Roman Catholics at the time of the opening of trade between China and foreign nations, several scores of years have passed and these missionaries have leased houses, obtained possession of ground and gone about preaching their religion in accordance with the regulations provided by treaty, their sole aim being the inculcation of the practice of virtue and having no design of interfering with the business of the people. Such of the subjects of China as wish to become converts may lawfully do so; as long as they abstain from evil doing, there is no law prescribing

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inquisition into or prohibition of their action. Every Chinese subject, be he of the gentry, merchant, literate or artisan class, may carry on his vocation in peace; where there is no underhand dealing there need be no apprehension; one and all rest under the benevolent apprehension; one and all rest under the benevolent care of the Throne. Being so favored, it is their duty not to invent imaginary causes of dislike and spread them through the country.

Quite recently there was an outbreak of ill-feeling between converts and people, and consequent disorders. It proved on inquiry that these originated in apparently trivial jealousies and bickerings, slight causes which nevertheless eventually involved the missionary chapels in destruction. The ignorant common folk conceived a prejudice in their minds, which was taken advantage of by two or three rascals who delighted in mischief, and did all in their power to foment the turbulent elements and increase the growing ill-feeling. To these disturbing influences were added the local bad characters and vagabonds, who were induced by the prospect of nettirg some profit for themselves to join the movement. The result was a serious affair, the consequences of which it will be no easy matter to remedy. The task of inquiring into the case has been intrusted to officials unconnected with the locality, and therefore disinterested; they will not fail to make a searching investigation. The ringleaders and prime movers will suffer according to their degree of culpability; the less blameworthy by imprisonment, the more guilty will involve in their expiation their families and possessions, for the consequences of such misdoings are manifold and far-reaching. Let those who suffer owing to ignorance take these words to heart; and let the well-doing feel compassion.

The High Authorities have recently instructed me to carry out the Imperial Commands conveyed in the Decree of August 27, 1884, which was to the effect that throughout the provinces missionary chapels were to be sedulously protected and anything in the shape of disturbances prevented. I have accordingly ordered all officials in every jurisdiction to act in strict compliance with the Imperial will, and it is now my duty to issue this urgent proclamation for the information of all persons in the circuit of which I am Intendant.

Bear in mind, that when missionaries live in the midst of your villages, you and they are mutually in the relationship of host and guest. Under ordinary circumstances it is your foremost duty to act towards them with courtesy and forbearance; should there arise any misunderstanding requiring to be set right, let each submit his side of the question to the local authorities for equitable arbitration and decision; your officials have the necessary power and influence. You must be careful on no account to give rein to ill considered resentment, and fall, owing to the impulse of a moment, into the net of the law. I have over twenty years' experience of the coast as an official and am thoroughly conversant with international business, with which I have long been specially occupied. I am not one afraid to do my duty though it may be troublesome, and what I say to you in this proclamation is uttered in all earnestness. is involved than the mere protecting of missionary chapels; the weal and woe of yourselves, your homes, and your livelihood are assuredly concerned. Let such of you as are fathers and brothers do your utmost to teach the necessity of turning away wrath and putting an end to strife. Cast your eyes ever on the warning example which has preceded, and avoid a day of repentance in the future. This is my earnest wish. Do not disobey this urgent and special proclamation.

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METHODIST EPISCOPAL MISSIONARY TO JAPAN.

Julius Soper was born in Poolesville, Montgomery Co., Md., February 15, 1845. In his sixteenth year he moved to Georgetown, D. C., with his father's family, and for two years was a clerk in a grocery store. Hav. ing a preference for the drug business, in 1862 he entered Georgetown College (Roman Catholic) as a student, to study Latin as a specialty. Instead of going but one year, as was intended, he continued his college course four years, and graduated in 1866. One of the reasons for attending this college was its convenience, it being only four or five squares from his father's residence. He went as a day-scholar.

During his college course, May 3, 1863, he joined the Dumbarton Street M. E. Church, under the pastorate of Rev. W. H. Chapman. His mother had been a member of the Methodist Church from her girlhood days.

After graduation he taught school, being principal of a private academy five years in Georgetown, on West Street. During these years he not only took an active part in the Sunday-school of the church of which he was a member, but also, in connection with several young men, carried on a mission at the old "Chain" Bridge, three miles above Georgetown.

In the fall of 1871, having felt a call to the ministry, he gave up teaching and entered Drew Theological Seminary, at Madison, N. J., becoming a member of the Middle Class. During the last year of his teaching he attended a night school of theology, under the auspices of Columbian College, Washington, D. C., then under the presidency of Rev. G. W. Samson, D. D.

On May 15, 1873, he graduated at "Drew," and on May 20, was married to Miss Mary F. Davison, at Andover, N. J., by Bishop Foster-Bro. Soper having joined the Baltimore Conference as a probationer the previous March. After spending a month, visiting friends and relations in Washington, D. C., and Andover, N. J.. Bro. Soper and wife, in company with Bro. Davison and wife, who were married at the same time and place, started for Japan via San Francisco. They all left San Francisco in the steamship "China," July 16, 1873, and, after a pleasant voyage of twenty-two days, reached Yokohama at noon, August 8. The next day was held, at the residence of Dr. Maclay, the first meeting of the Japan Methodist Episcopal Mission, Bishop Harris present and presiding. Bro. Soper was appointed to Tokio (old Yedo), in which, at the time, there were only four other missionaries-they of the Presbyterian Church.

Bro. Soper spent ten years in Japan; his wife, on account of poor health, returning with two children eighteen months ahead of her husband. During Bro. Soper's stay in Japan he was engaged in a variety of mission work-preaching, teaching, translating, etc. Part of the time-the last five or six years-in addition to other duties, he acted in the capacity of presiding elder a year or two, having charge of two districts, and once, during the absence of Dr. Maclay, and Bros. Harris and Correll, on furlough in America, of even three, literally "Holding the Fort." Bro. Soper, with the assistance of his teacher and several Japanese friends, translated into Japanese the M. E. Catechism (No. 1), the Book of Discipline, and Binney's Theological Compend. The three years previous to his return to America, he was treasurer of the mission, having relieved Dr. Maclay of this burden in 1880, and for two years he also taught in The Theological and Training School. Bro. Soper made several extended tours into the interior of Japan, and during his ten years' mission work he baptised nearly 400 persons-adults and children. He and his wife, with their two children, returned to Japan last fall.