Sketches from Formosa.

FAR AFIELD NORTHWARD 59
baptism. The scene was most impressive, making one
feel inclined to shout for joy at the mercy and lovingkindness
of our Lord.
Our Communion service was held in the afternoon at
Gu-khun-soa. There, the whole wooden front of the chapel
had been removed, and even with that the crowd extended
far into the outer court. What a motley gathering !
The Church members quiet, and decently clad were
seated immediately before the reading-desk ; behind
them were the adherents, or persons who come to worship
but have not yet received baptism, and farther on
there stood a large company of non-Christians, looking
on in silent and stupid amazement. Among the latter
I observed many Sek-hwan, a few Chinese who trade
in the Po-ii-sia villages, and little groups of powerful
fellows who were only very partially dressed, and armed
with knives and long spears. They were Bu-hwan and
Tsui-hwan savages out on bartering the produce of their
mountains for salt and powder. Everything considered,
the meeting was a very successful one. A few of the
Tsui-hwan understood Chinese, and may have carried
away good impressions. Two of them made signs of
friendly recognition to me at the close, which reminded
me that we had met on the occasion of my former visit.
The Church members themselves seemed to enjoy the
service. There was no idle staring about, but rather an
appearance of much thoughtful earnestness, especially
when the bread and wine were being passed from hand
to hand. The Chinese cash of the offertory amounted to
about two pounds sterling.
At this point I concluded the strictly pastoral part of
my duties, and was now free to engage in a little evange-
listic work among the non-Christian villages of Po-li-sia.
The native preacher heartily aided me in this work.
Our usual method was to go direct to the school of any