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Presbyterian Record V.8 (1883) p.153-154 To MacLaren Tomorrow, at 3 p.m., it will be eleven years since I stepped on the shores of Northern Formosa. What scenes have passed before these eyes since that day – what moments of joy and anxiety –yea, what sou-inspiring gatherings ! I have just counted the trophies of victory in my room –trophies won since our return from America – trophies which speak louder and clearer than the orator’s rounded sentences. Idols of all sizes and shapes forty in number; tablets (ancestral) of all colours, twenty-five in number, worshipped by succeeding generations, some are black with lapse of time; but all, all were the gods of poor devotees. In addition I have a shrine exactly three feet wide and three feet two inches high, which was given me by a man who a few years ago would really sooner part with his life ! Praise the Lord, all who love His holy name praise him. Let men tell me there is no God. I throw it back with indignation. I know that my Lord and God reigns forever. These memorials of victory (with many others) I intend for the museums in Montreal and Kingston colleges. I have not forgotten my promise to each of the Principals. During 1882 many of our converts gave liberally towards the relief fund for the famine in China proper. Another old convert went home with joy on her lips. Our work progressing as usual. Oxford College is flourishing. Torrents of rain here every day for three weeks past. May Almighty God come in all His might and power and save this beloved isle ! G. L. M. Later News – A telegram received from Dr. Mackay contains the following intelligence, for which the Presbyterian Church in Canada should “thank God and take courage”:- “A thousand Aborigines have thrown away their idols.” The people of whom Dr. Mackay thus speaks are not Chinese; they are Malays. In Formosa, they are generally found in the mountainous parts of the island. Their religion is a mixture of Mohammedanism. They are, for the most part, savages. They have, in their natural state, abandoned themselves, with desperation, to the most ferocious habits, --taking delight in doing mischief to their neighbours. |
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