Presbyterian Record. 1877 January p.13-14
Letter From Rev. G.L.Mackay, Formosa, Tamsui,
Sept.21, 1876
On 10th inst., we opened a good
substantial chapel at Pat-li-hun (八里坌),
when upwards of 150 people were present, and all seemed
interested in the services. The first chapel there was built by
the people themselves, and was opened March 22nd,1874.
The new chapel was built this year., not on account of an
increase of hearers, but on account of want of accommodation for
the helper and teacher.
Last Sabbath (17th Sept.), the
helpers and converts from our different Stations assembled at
the Toa-liong-tong (大龍洞)
chapel, to commemorate the love of Jesus. Nearly 300 people were
present. After previous examination and enquiry, I saw my way
clear to admit 40 by baptism With respect to this number, I
wish you to note particularly, that all of them renounced
idolatry four years ago. They are not new comers
I delayed admitting
them before, because I believe in being exceedingly careful
about building the walls of Zion. The youngest of the number
admitted is 17, and the eldest 73 years of age. I baptized them
in the forenoon of the day mentioned above, and, in the
afternoon, all sat around the table of our Lord. Dr. and Mrs.
Fraser (華雅各醫生夫婦)were
there too.
The occasion was
one of untold interest to me personally. I thought of February 9th,1873,
when I sat down with the first little band of five, to
commemorate the dying love of Jesus--and of the next occasion,
when 12 were present--and of the following, when 18
communed--and of the band of 37, then 31 who confessed Jesus
before men--and now 75 sat together.
The total number
baptized is 71. Three of them died trusting in Jesus, and one
was not present last Sabbath.
Add to these
statements the fact, that not one of tem has been suspended yet,
and you will see clearly that steady progress has characterized
the Lord’s work here from the first day until now.
Let us praise our
Living Redeemer for ever! Let us never grow weary because
temples are not converted into chapels in a day! Let us pray and
fight until the heavens shall ring with the praises of Jehovah
from Chinese lips.