supporting churches as far as possible, or at least to get that idea implanted strongly so that with time and the natural growth they will come of themselves to desire self-support." Dr. Ament established seventeen of the twenty-two churches connected with the Peking station. These little churches were as dear to his soul as children to a parent. He knew the names of all,-men, women and children. Many were the problems which awaited him in his country visits, some easy of solution, but others, owing to jealousy, or a desire to save one's face, required the utmost tact and patience. One of his deacons said, "Dr. Ament would reprove us severely, but no man ever went away in anger. He would always put his hand on the man's shoulder and say, 'Come, let us pray about this,' and in his heart, whether the man did what Dr. Ament wanted him to do or not, he always went away wishing he could be as good as the pastor wanted him to be." One of the native pastors, using a Chinese simile, said, “Dr. Ament always gave a man a chance to get off the stage if he had done wrong. He never let a man go away feeling he had 'lost face."" Dr. Ament felt that the best was none too good to give to the country people. He sought to interest them in newspapers, in all new lines of agricultural development, and in all things that might open their minds and add to their prosperity and happiness. His knowledge of the Chinese classics and history, his admiration for their heroes, all made him a welcome guest either for the official and literary classes or in the humble homes of the common people. His magic lantern was always his companion, and the joy and delight it brought to the people in the country who never had such treats can best be imagined. It was always a trial to him not to see things moving; the natural inertness of the Chinese in the country wore on him and yet he had large charity for them. As a pastor, he knew his people. They were dear to him and he to them. He might speak of their shortcomings, but woe to the other man who did. The man or woman who was down, or from whom others turned, were his special care. He knew how to be a true friend, and sought to find the best in a man and cultivate that into a living power transforming the life.

"Came the whisper, came the vision, came the power with the need, Till the soul that is not man's soul was lent to him to lead."

Your letter of September 4th just in. I now find that letters written the first part of June did not get through to Tientsin. I wrote almost every day and did everything I could to keep you informed. Your telegrams did not reach me and no private telegram could be sent from this end. have been as anxious as you, but it does no good to worry.

I

Two columns of soldiers, French and English, have gone to Pao Ting Fu and that city will be punished. I leave on Monday or Tuesday for Cho Chou, taking back church-members and settling them. If Wilder can come here, you may see me at home next spring. No aggressive work can be done now and I may as well leave as not. Only the Christians must be settled and claims paid in some way first. Boxers are getting their deserts in many places. A letter from the Cho Chou magistrate says he has a large place on the main street to give me. The French soldiers are in Cho Chou, and I am afraid the place has been severely punished. Several Catholics were killed there. Li Hung Chang is in the city but there is no light on the situation. Reported punishment of Prince Tuan is false. American policy is too weak and does not help solve problems.

TO MRS. AMENT:

Cho Chou, Oct. 18, 1900.

I reached here to-day quite worn out. I have not been well for some days. The Cho Chou people were glad to see me, and the gentry gave me quite a reception. They think it was my words that kept the foreign soldiers from burning the

city. Perhaps it was. I spoke to the advance guard and told them that the magistrate was a good man and pro-foreign. It would take volumes to tell of my settling Boxer matters. Boxers are all scattered but their ravages are seen on every hand. To-morrow I am to pick out a place from Boxer property for a new chapel for us. The Boxers in Cho Chou were not so much for killing as for making money. Some of our members are reduced to poverty by paying fines. In Pu An Tun where they wanted to kill me, I have cleared the idols out of the temple used by the Boxers and will turn it into a chapel.

The magistrate here called on me to-day, before I had rested up to go and see him. I reside at present in a Kung Kuan, or

public café. My reception was quite royal.
out to meet me and sent presents of fruits, etc.

The gentry came

I looked over

the list of names of donors and crossed off the Boxers. This made a panic and I am told they want to pay to be let off from my wrath! I am pastor and judge at once. It was pitiful to see some of my people cry on seeing me. Some of them said they would have gladly died could they have seen me first. Some of them were hid in holes for two months and others spent nights and days in the fields. It was a mercy that it was summer and the grain was high, otherwise many could not have hid. It will take several visits to straighten out all affairs. Twenty Boxers have been beheaded by the French soldiers who patrolled this region and others driven away, and property confiscated. We are not through with them yet. The devil overdid himself this time in this masterpiece. It will recoil on his own head. No religion ever had such an advertisement as ours has had. I could open the doors and take in multitudes. I imagine our faithful ones will still be among the poor. My pony went lame and I had to walk. I have no appetite, only a sense of weakness. Always expect the best until you know the worst. Take cheerful views and think of your old husband who pines for a sight of you.

MY DEAR SIR:

University Club, Fifth Avenue and 54th St.
New York, Oct. 22, 1900.

I have just been reading Dr. Morrison's letter to the London Times in which he gives you a deserved credit for your daring and humane work in the relief of the missionaries

at Tung-chow. While I am not sure that I met you, although I like to believe I did, when in Peking about a year ago, I still want to write you a line of cordial thanks and congratulations over your exploits, on the occasion referred to and otherwise. Men like you not only hold up the name and repute of Americans abroad, but, on professional sides, do vast good for the missionary cause in China and at large. To you perhaps your work was done as a simple duty, but you did it while others held back, and when, in fact, it was a daring effort.

I would be obliged to you for a line at some time, if only to establish a more intimate relation with a man of your stamp. You may identify me as the counsel to the American China Development Company, who was in Peking last October and November, on the affairs of the Hankow-Canton Railway. I think I was introduced to you by Dr. Lowry, whom I have since met here. I know I have met Mr. Gamewell, who also appears to have done good work and to whom please give my congratulations. You appear to have rescued Mr. Smith, the author of the "Chinese Characteristics." If so, you did a good thing for the world at large, if only in this regard.

Again with cordial regards, and best wishes, I remain, my dear sir,

Faithfully yours,

CLARENCE CARY.

Nan Meng, Thursday evening.

(No date to this; probably in November, after the visit at Cho Chou-about the 17th.)

DEAR MR. STELLE:

I am

Thanks for your letter and the reassuring tone. glad things are O. K. in Peking. In Wen An and Pao Ting I have simply had a splendid time. The officials and people are grateful for everything and the affairs of the church are amicably settled. The Pa Chou magistrate talked very well on my way down, but I find that it is all talk. I delay here tomorrow to see him again and talk justice straight at him. I cannot palaver much longer.

There is to be the greatest opportunity in these regions for the Gospel that the world has ever seen. The time is ripe and the need imperative. Men should be planted at once in these regions. Your prayer was answered as to a pleasant Sabbath. I spent the day in Nan Meng and we had sweet times together.