lar monthly meeting of the Nanking Missionary Association was held at the residence of Dr. Jellison last Friday evening. The principal feature, of the evening was a debate on the subject of missionary methods. The proposition w "Resolved that present—missionary methods tend to pauperism the native Christians." The Rev. Mr. Williamsled offinsupof the affirmative and was followed Jellison on behalf of the negative, after which there was a general discussion participated in by most of those who were present. Most held with the negative, but there were some who contended that there were too many native Christians employed and paid with foreign money and that they were too well paid, with the result that a spirit of dependence upon the foreigner was developed and the self-support of the. native Church greatly retarded. In answer to this it was said that the natives who were paid, gave "value received" for all that they obtained, and striking instances were reported of great generosity and self-denial on the part of some so employed.
An attempt was made on Friday last to create trouble at the Methodist Mission chapel in the southern part of the city. A little girl attending the day-school was said to have been kidnapped. The parents still insist that she has riot been found, but Mr. Nichols who has charge of the work there made investigation and was met by two or three conflicting reports. The neighbours say the child is not lost, but visiting relations, and the fact that the parents do not appear at all grief-stricken rather confirms this report. The crier, too, when about to start out in search was st ped and tol it was unnecessary as the git] lad been found. A crowd gathered at the chapel on Friday evening, but there have been no violent demonstrations. It is a rather puzzling case, but is generally sup-to bean attempt to extort money. Retives say they were told thatthe child had been led away by native helper. The man in question did go into the country that very day. When he returns the mystery may be cleared up. The officials have been notified.
27th November.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.