The Missionary Association is a splendid institution. It holds its monthly meetings regularly and there is always some paper read, some subject discussed, or some social gathering arranged for, which brings out large attendance and creates much interest. The discussions which follow are always good. Such mostings we have lately had. The Rev. Gilbert Reid read literary paper on "Seeking the best Results by using the best Agencies." The meeting took place in the United States Legation, and, the Diplomatic Body way present in full force. Their estimate of the missionary body must have been greatly enhanced by the paper and the discussion which followed. The British and French Ministers took part in the discussion, the latter in French. At the next meeting of the Association, the Rev, Mr. Webster of Manchuria gave a stirring address full of suggestiveness in regard to missionary work in the "Three Eastern Provinces," as Manchuria is called by the Chinese, An interesting discussion ensued. Conciliation was the keynote of the eldress, Interesting references were made to the pioneer of missionary work in tht region, viz., the late Rev. W. C. Burns. The last meeting of the Assvciation was a social gathering at the house of Mr, Oliver, to welcome the arrival of Dr, Martin and take leave of the Rev, Messrs, Ament and Reid who are going on furlough. Each delivered a powerful snd telling address. Mr. Ament has been here for some nine years without visiting the home-land Reid only some two years, has suitored a do-mastic ud goes heme to comfort and widowed mother and at the same time raise funds for a great educational effort here which has met with official endorsement from the Tsungli Yamen. His mission to the higher classes has met with unexampled success. He has succeeded by means of his tongue and very highest officials who have shown their pen in reaching'a very large number of the regard for him in his present circumstances by presenting him with a huge number of scrolls and silk curtains with suitable inscriptions. This is the most telling testimony perhaps which has ever been offered to " missionary on leaving China. Dr. Martin will occupy his house and hold the fort in his absence. The Rev. Doctor will also undertake the Editorshiip of the North-China Monthly Magazine, a little periodical which under Mr Reid's hands as suddenly blossomed into a vigorous and appreciated monthly. Mrs. Walker of the Methodist Mission leaves also for America with her family. Before Mr. Reid's departure we are to be favoured with n talk on his "Experiences among the Mandarins" to be held at the British Legation on the 19h.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.