Directory_and_Chronicle_1850 — Page 312

1850.

Report of the Ophthalmic Hospital.

277

and moreover, offer my regards to her honorable family, relatives and friends, desiring for them perfect tranquillity.

"Your younger sister bowing, presents ber respects. Canton, 25th September, 1849.

Nuon Ta-taou.”

It is a constant source of gratification to witness the living evidences of the Divine blessing upon the Medical Missionary cause in the per- sons of those whose lives have through its agency been instrumentally prolonged for years. Now, one and another calls, who five or ten years' since, by a surgical operation were delivered from evils fast hastening them to the grave; then, another, who fifteen years since was on the border of dissolution from an affection which, without foreign aid had terminated speedily and fatally, is distinctly before the mind. After the experience of fifteen years, the cause of Medical Missions, whether as it respects its divine origin or its peculiar adaptedness, as a means to the introduction of the Gospel and its blessings into China, has not diminished in my view of its importance. Confidence, friend- ship, and influence, have thus been acquired, attainable in no other way so successfully. It is an occasion of unfeigned pleasure to witness the success and influence of kindred institutions, the Reports of which have been read with gratification.

In 1841, the Bishop of London expressed his conviction of the be- nevolence and wisdom of medical missions, which he very justly remark- ed, were sanctioned both by the precepts and example of the Savior himself; and it is a pleasure to know, that the Church Missionary Society of England has at length affixed the seal of its approval to the cause, by the appointment of the Rev. W. Welton, B.A. of Cambridge, and for some years a practitioner in England, its medical missionary to Fuhchau.

The systematic efforts of the Medical Missionary Society of Edin- burgh, to enlighten and awaken the public mind generally, and that of the Profession particularly, betoken good for the cause. A volume of Lectures upon the duties of the latter, delivered in that city the last year, by some of the ablest of the distinguished faculty of that metro- polis, deserves a place in the library of every medical man in Christen- dom, and will richly repay perusal. Sir Henry Halford and John Aber- crombie, names ever to be remembered in this connection, have passed from the stage, but fortunately their mantle has fallen upon others. Soon may the number of duly qualified inedical missionaries, com- mensurate with the demand for them, come forth to this inviting field, where is ample scope for all their talent, faith, and holy enterprise.