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Show - 24 - Kingdom.' In sentiment the cleavage between the world is not nearly so wide as formerly. Negatively there is not only the absence of real hostility, but positively there is a much more kindly feeling towards the Church, and a greater respect for Christians and the Christian standard of living. One is especially impressed with this difference in feeling when entering some of the newer preaching places as "J;n«> u?ian» Hsien and Shih Lon Hsien. APPEALS FROM THE SOUTH As one example of several places now open to us and asking for help we may take the case of Si Ma Ts'un, a large market town of great wealth and importance to the south. And in reading the story of this place it should be kept in mind that this is not an isolated instance, but one which can be reduplicated in almost every respect in a number of places. Si Ma Ts'un is a town noted for the wealth and scholarly attainments of its people, two things which ensure a strong church when once the knowledge of the Gospel has been given them. Outside of a walled city, Si Ma Ts'un has the best schools in th;s part of the country. It chances the head of these schools is a man whose acquaintance was made during the days of the Revolution. As far back as 1911 requests have been coming for a preacher for the place but we were unable to send one. In 1912 when the church here in the city was dedicated Si Ma Ts'un heard what was being done, and sent one of their number, a Chu Jen, to bring the greetings of the town. Altho the program was already crowded a place was given him at his earnest request and he read a paper expressing the hearty congratulations of the town and its interest in what Christianity was doing in the county, closing with the hope again that they, too, might some day have an opportunity to know what our teachings are. Several times since then the requests have been repeated, and last fall tho we could promise no more Dr. Watson promised to conduct an opium refuge there for a few months to meet the needs of that class. In February a delegation came to Fenchowfu to present a written request, signed by several of the head men of the town, asking that we do not this time refuse to send them a preacher and promising to do what they could to help in establishing a work which would enable them also to learn about Christianity. Later a visit was paid to the place, the first time any of us had been there. The word soon spread and the people poured in each with the same request that they might be given a chance to understand the meaning of what they heard was going on in other places, and each with an added reason why we should begin at once. One old man passed seventy years of age said he had been waiting fourteen years for the church to come >hat he might learn what Christianity really is. It came out that thru reading he had in 1900 become convinced of the truth of Christianity but had never had an opportunity to know what its teachings are. Unless one has been thru the experience it would be difficult for him to realize how hard it is to say no to such a band of men and their request, especially when to meet just such needs as this is what he came to China for, and what the church is seeking to do. Oftentimes men have labored for years before the welcome of even one citizen of a town could be won, but here are numbers of eager seekers. It is not an opening which we seek against opposition, indeed |