Sketches from Formosa.

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SKETCHES FROM FORMOSA
Townes in the Northern parts of the Formosan Island,
viz., Tavacan, Sincklan, Bacluan, Matthaw, Soulang, and
Ternang, the Lords Worke had such wonderfull Successe ;
that it hath moved, and still doth move the greatest
admiration to all Godly people, that have notice thereof.
" As touching the Fruit and efficacie of the Preaching of
the Word :
by the Light of Heavenly Truth, Idolatrie,
not to be named, brutish ignorance, horrible blindnesse,
and most filthie worship of Devils being discovered and
expelled ; very many of the inhabitants were brought to
the saving knowledge of, and true faith in God, and the
Redeemer, Jesus Christ. And so great and laudable
Progresse both of men and women, young and old, chiefe
ones, middle sort, and meane ones made therein ; that
every one of them could not only rehearse without hesitating
accurately the chiefe Heads or Principles of true
Religion, but also were able to Answer wisely and solidly
to most Questions about Religion that one would propound
or. put forth to them. And this Knowledge and
Profession of Faith, many of them did so adorne, by
their Pietie towards God, and Righteousnesse and Love
to their Neighbour, and Sobrietie and Temperance in
themselves ; that may cause shame and blushing to
many amongst us, that are born of Orthodox Parents,
and from the Child-hood have been trayned up in the
Christian Religion.
" Moreover, many of them are so able, in much fervancie
of spirit, to poure out their prayers before God, Morning
and Evening, and before and after taking of Meat, and
in other Necessities ; and that with such comelinesse and
fitnesse of speech, and with such moderation and decencie
of gesture that ; may provoke tears to such as heare and
behold them. And there are some of them, that being
called to pray about many atter or businesse, are able
to perform it in conceived prayer, ex tempore, so readily,