L iZjLCL//^ ' 4 SOUTH AMERICA. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR ' Mission Circles and Bands. BY MISSIONARIES OF THE PRESBYTERIAN BOARD. PRICE, FIVE CENTS. PHILADELPHIA : WOMAN’S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, No. 1334 Chestnut Street. 1894. SOUTH AMERICA QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR Mission Circles and Bands. BY MISSIONARIES OF THE PRESBYTERIAN BOARD. PRICE, FIVE CENTS. PHILADELPHIA : WOMAN’S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, No. 1314 Chestnut Street. 1894. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from Columbia University Libraries https://archive.org/details/southamericaquesOOwoma SOITH AMERICA. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR MISSION CIRCLES AND BANDS. 1. Wliat countries of South America are occu- pied by Presbyterian Missions ? The United States of Colombia, Brazil and Chile ; only three of the fourteen States which compose South America. 2. What is the religion of these countries ? The Roman Catholic religion. 3. How did they become Roman Catholic ? Christopher Columbus took possession of South America in 1498, in the name of Spain and the Pope. 4. Are they not then Christian countries ? Only in name, since Christ and faith in Him as the only way of salvation are practically ignored. 4 5. Do they not worship Christ ? They profess to worship Christ. In reality, the people know little of Him except as an infant in the arms of the Virgin Mary, or as the dead Christ they see on their crucifixes ; not as a liv- ing, loving, personal Saviour. 6. Whom then do they worship ? The Virgin Mary and the saints. 7. Do they worship images ? Yes, they have images of the Virgin and saints in their churches and homes, and many of the people believe that these images can think and feel and have power over them. 8. Do they regard these images as miracle- workers ? Yes, persons often travel long distances to pray to a certain image, although there may be many of the same saint in the place where they live ; thus showing that they believe there is some special virtue in that particular image. 9. Have they not the same creed as the Pro- testant Church? Yes ; but they define it to suit their own teaching. 10. Have they not the same ten command- ments ? They leave out the second commandment. 5 which says: “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image,” and divide the tenth com- mandment into two parts. 11. What does the Roman Church teach is ab- solutely necessary for salvation ? Baptism, the Sacrifice of the Mass, Penances and Indulgences. Even the most devout must, after death, remain in Purgatory until their friends have had a number of masses said for their release. 12. What is the effect of such teaching upon the people ? It has led the more intelligent to renounce all faith in the Roman church, and has made the ignorant more superstitious and idolatrous. 13. Into how many classes may they be divided ? Into three classes : those who have cast off the old faith and have given themselves up to skepticism or indifference, those who are begin- ning to learn a better way, and those who still blindly follow the teachings of the church. 14. What alone can supply the need of these three classes ? An open Bible which teaches that Christ our Saviour, who is the only Mediator between God and man, offers to all a perfect and free salvation and lovingly invites us to come directly to Him. (3 BRAZIL. 15. Where is Brazil ? It occupies the northeastern part of South America. 16. What is its size? It is as large as the United States not including Alaska, and occupies nearly half of all South America. It has a population of over 14,000,000. 17. What are the natural characteristics of the country ? It is divided into three distinct sections : the low lands along the coast where are grand har- bors and large cities, but a climate generally hot and unhealthy ; the middle section, a magnifi- cent and fertile plateau, formed by abrupt moun- tain ranges on the eastern side, which slope gradually to the interior ; and the vast and un- explored forest region to the west. The climate of the interior is cool and healthful. The northern part of the country is watered by the Amazon, the “King of Rivers,” and its tribu- taries. 18. What are its productions ? A great variety of tropical fruits, with sugar, coffee, cotton, india-rubber, spices, etc. It also abounds in gold, silver, iron, lead, and in dia- 7 monds and other precious stones ; its forests are rich in rare and beautiful woods. 19. By what people was it first colonized ? It was settled by the Portuguese, who, in 1500, took possession of the country in the name of their king and the Pope, and it remained un- der Portuguese rule more than 300 years. 20. What language is spoken ? The Portuguese language. 21. Did any of the Portuguese kings ever rule in person? When Portugal was invaded by the French in 1807, Dom John VI with his family and court went to Brazil. He improved the government and the condition of the country, and, upon the fall of Bonaparte, raised Brazil to the rank of a kingdom. After thirteen years he returned to Portugal, leaving his son, Pedro, as Regent. 22. How long did Brazil remain a part of the Portuguese kingdom ? Only two years after Dom John’s return to Portugal, the Brazilians desired independence, and the Regent not wishing the control to pass out of his family, declared it a free and inde- pendent State, and assumed the title of Emperor, as Dom Pedro I. 23. Was this arrangement satisfactory? 8 There was still general dissatisfaction, so Dom Pedro I abdicated and left for Portugal in 1831, and nominated his young son, then scarcely six years old, as his successor. 24. How was the government then managed ? Three regents vrere appointed during the young Emperor’s minority : at fifteen years he was declared of age and crowned the following year, 1841, as Dom Pedro II. 25. What was the character of his government ? Dom Pedro was a wise and liberal ruler. He was in favor of the gradual emancipation of slaves and of religious freedom ; he established schools and introduced machinery and railway's, so that the people and the country improved greatly during his reign. 26. Mention notable events of recent times ? A decree liberating the slaves was signed May 13, 1888, by the Princess Isabel, as Regent, dur- ing her father’s sickness and consequent absence from the throne. In the same year a Bill for liberty of worship passed the Senate, but was tabled in the Lower House through the influence of the Princess and her party. 27. What followed this reaction? The fall, on November 15, 1889, of the Empire, banishment of the Imperial famil}’- and the peace- ful inauguration of the Republic of the United 9 States of Brazil, under a Provisional Govern- ment. While waiting for the adoption of a Con- stitution a decree was passed, January 7, 1890, declaring that “all religious denominations have equally the right to liberty of worship.” This “liberty embraces churches, associations and institutes.” MISSIONS. 28. How was the Gospel first carried into Brazil ? In 1555 religious teachers and aid were sent by Calvin and his friends from Geneva, but the colony was soon scattered by persecution ; some were put to death, others fied to the Indians, while a few returned to France. 29. What Church first established a mission in Brazil ? The Methodist Church maintained a mission in Rio de Janeiro from 1836 to 1840, during which time two missionaries rendered faithful service, but the work was abandoned at the end of the four years. 30. What was done by a private individual be- fore mission work was resumed ? Dr. Kalley, a Scotch physician, who came to Rio de Janeiro about 1855, did a good work in circulating Bibles and tracts, and holding re- 10 ligious services. His labors resulted in llie estab- lishing of two independent Protestant Churches, one in Rio de Janeiro and the other at Pernam- buco. Dr. and Mrs. Kalley also translated many English hymns, which form a large part of the hymn-book in use at present in the Protestant Churches of Brazil. 31. When did the Presbyterian Board com- mence work in Brazil? Rev, Mr, Simonton was sent out in 1859 to Rio de Janeiro, and the first church was organ- ized in 1862. 32. In how many provinces has the Northern Presbyterian Church established missions ? In seven of the twenty provinces ; Bahia, Ser- gipe, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Minas Gorges, Parana and Rio Grande do Sul. 33. Where is the city of Bahia ? Bahia is on the sea-coast, 700 miles northeast of Rio de Janeiro, on a bluff overlooking a bay which forms one of the finest harbors in South America. It is the oldest city of Brazil, and the second in size. It has a population of over 200,000. 34. What work is done there? There are two ordained missionaries, three ladies and one native minister, who is doing a good work, A church has been organized in 11 the cit}", and another at a neighboring town. Bible instruction, a Sunday-school, a singing class and an extensive colporteur work are among the agencies used for reaching the people. 35. What station in Sergipe? Larangeiras, where there is a large church and a good school. One missionary and his wife are working there, and greatly need helpers. 36. How is Rio de Janeiro situated ? Rio de Janeiro, the capital of Brazil, is situated on a large ba}^, which is justly said to rival the Bay of Naples in beauty. It has a population of 400,000, and is in many respects like a European city, with a large class of cultivated, intelligent, liberal men, who are friends of education and progress. 37. What Gospel work has been accomplished here ? There is a fine church with 280 members, which supports its own pastor. It occupies a central position, and has good opportunities for city mission work. At Riachuelo, a suburb of Rio, a church has been organized, and a school opened. The missionary here has charge of several outlying stations. 38. What other station near by? 12 Nova Friburgo, a watering-place in the mountains, about forty miles east of Rio. 39. How is Sao Paulo situated ? Sao Paulo is 250 miles southwest of Rio de Janeiro, and 50 miles from the sea-coast, a city of some 125,000 inhabitants. It is situated on a high table-land, and in consequence has a cool, healthful climate. It is the capital of a province of the same name, which is acknowledged to be one of the most progressive and liberal provinces of Brazil. It embraces a large part of the coffee- growing district. 40. What seats of learning are found in the city of Sao Paulo ? One of the two Law Universities of the Empire and the Roman Catholic Theological Seminary. Sao Paulo has been called the “Athens of Brazil.” 41. What educational work is established here ? There is an excellent graded school under the care of our Board of Foreign Missions, with 560 pupils. Many are refused each year for lack of room, and the school is now self-supporting. The theological students are also educated at this place. 42. What church work is carried on here ? A church has grown up with over two hundred members, with a spacious church building. 13 This was the first church in Brazil to become self-supporting. Twenty-four churches in the province formerly sustained by the mission now support themselves. 43. What other branch of work is there ? A monthly religious paper, The Review of National Missions, goes into most of the pro- vinces of the Empire. It does much good by urging the churches to self-support and evangel- izing effort. 44. Where is Curityba? It is the capital of the State of Parana, about 300 miles southwest of Sao Paulo. There are four churches in this province, and a fine school at Curityba, which is filled to overflowing. 45. What of Minas Ger?es ? It is one of the largest provinces of Brazil, being nearly equal in size to France. It has a clear, bracing climate, and boasts a people among the most energetic and intelligent of all Brazil. It embraces the gold and diamond dis- trict, and has much undeveloped wealth. 46. What Gospel work has been accomplished here ? At Caldas and Campanha and other cities are churches under the care of native pastors, and the work has spread through the surrounding country. 14 47. What has the Southern Presbyterian Church accomplished? Missionaries of the Southern Presbyterian Church entered the field in 1868, and besides work in the Provinces of S. Paulo and Minas Gerses, they have occupied the Northern Pro- vinces of Pernambuco, Ceara and Maranham, and extended their work into Alagas, Parahyba, Rio Grande do Norte and Piauhy. 48. What important step was taken in 1888 ? The missioris of the Northern and Southern Presbyterians were united to form the Synod of Brazil, an independent body, consisting of over sixty churches. It has its Boards of Home and Foreign Missions, and the Brazilian Presby- terians are making great efforts to support their own churches and carry the Gospel to their countrymen. 49. What other Boards are working for the evangelization of Brazil? The Methodist and Baptist Churches have established Missions at a few points, also the Episcopal Church. 50. What word comes to us from Brazil ? The same that comes from every other field in South America ; people are willing and eager to know the truth, and there are earnest calls for more workers. 51. What is needed in Brazil? 15 Men and women are needed ; but above all faithful, expectant prayer, that God will bless the seed already sown, and consecrate to Him- self the intellect and wealth that abound in that country. HOW THEY SAY IT IN BRAZIL. Portuguese, the language spoken in Brazil, contains twenty-seven letters. There are slight differences in pronunciation in different parts of the country, but no dialects. The construction of the language and the idioms are very like the French. Geographical Names. Pronunciation. Bahia. Bah-ee-ah. Botucatu. Bo-too-ca-too. Brotas. Bro-tahs. Caldas. Kal-das. Cani'panha. Kahm-pahn-yah. Curityha. Coo-ree-tee-ba. Fartura. Par-too-ra. Jahu. Jah-hoo. Bar an geiras. Lah-rahn-jay-rahs. Novo Friburgo. N6-vo-Fre-b6or-go, Parana. Pah-rah-nah. Bio Janeiro. Ree-o Jahn-ee-ro. Rio Claro. Ree-o Clar-o. Sdo Paulo. Soun Paw-lo. Santos. San-tus. Sergipe. Sur-gee-pee. Sorocabo. So-ro-ca-bo. 16 Coins and their Value. Gonto of Reis (Konto-Rays), $500.00. Milreis (Meel-rays), about fifty cents. Pataca (Pali-tah-cah), 16 cents. Tosiao (Tus-town), 5 cents. Viniem (Vin-tame), 1 cent. W'^eights and Measures. The French metrical system is used. The unit of weight is Tima Gramma, a little over 15 grains. Kilo Gramma, usually called “ Um Kilo,” a little over 2 lbs. Arroha (Uma Arroba), 32 lbs. Metre — equal to 1 yd. 4 inches. Kilo-meire — equal to | of a mile. Distances. Lequa (Leg-wah). A league, equal to four of our miles. Native Words Found in Missionary Literature. Pronunciation. Aula. Ovvl-ah. School-hours or s sions. Bencdo. Bensoun. Blessing. Bond. Street Cars. Cafezal. Cah-fee-zahl. Coffee plantation. Caixa. Kai-sha. Post-office box. Cam. Kah-zah. House. Cereja. Sell-ray -jail. Cherry trees. C liacara. Shah-cah-rah. Country place. Cidade. See-dah-dee. City. 17 Pi'onunciation. Collegio. Kol-lesli-ee-a. School. Culto. Kuhl-tu. Religious service. Fazenda. Fah zen-dah. Farm or plantation. Fazendeiro. Fali-zen-day-roo. Planter. Eschola. Eh-skol-ah. College. Fegas. Fay-gahs. Blk beans. Ferias. Fay-ree-ahs. Vacation. Mate. Mali-tah. Paraguy an tea (plant). Meninas. Mee-ne-nahs. Girls. Ministro. Meeneestro. Clergyman. Oracdo. Ore-ah-s6un. Prayer. Quintal. Keen-thal. Garden. Santa BiUia. Sabn-tah-Bee-blee-ali. Holy Bible. Semestre. Seh-mess-tree. Half year sch’l term. SenhoT. Sen-yor. Mr. or Sir. Senliora. Sen-yor-ah. Mrs. Trolley. Buck board. Salutations. Bon dia.” Bong-dee-a. “ Good Morning.” ‘‘Boa tarde.” Bo-a-tar-dee. “Good evening.” “ Como estd a senliora'' (Com-oo-es-tah a sen- yor-a). “How do you do, madam.” South American people bow and shake hands as in North America, only much oftener and more profoundly. St. John, 3d chapter, 16th verse. “ Porque de tal maneira amou Deus ao mundo, que deu a seu Filho unigenito, para que todo aquelle que n'elle ere, ndo pereq.a, mas tenha a rida eterna. 18 CHILE. 1. Where is Chile ? Chile stretches along more than half the west coast of South America, from Tacna, lat. 18° S., to Cape Horn, lat 56^ S. 2. What is its size ? It is larger by one-half than California, and has a population of about 2,500,000. 3. What is its shape? It is more than twenty times as long as it is broad, being 2660 miles in length and averag- ing 120 miles in breadth. 4. What is the character of the country? There is a great diversity. Tacna is a fertile region near the tropics ; Tarapaca and Atacama are vast deserts with rich minerals ; towards the south is a fine agricultural district with timber lands; along the southern coast, embracing part of Patagonia, are hundreds of small islands; and the eastern boundary is the Cordillera of the Andes, varying from two to four miles in height. 5. What of the climate ? It is on the whole temperate, and one of the most salubrious in the world ; all varieties of 19 climate are, however, to be found. In some portions of Chile rain never falls ; in others it falls only during four months of the year, while in the south rains are frequent and there is much snow. The high mountains are covered with snow, and from these come refreshing breezes in the summer. January is the hottest month, August the coolest. 6. What are the chief productions? Wheat, copper, hides, wool and saltpetre are exported in large quantities. Gold is found in some quarters, and there are valuable coal mines in the south. It is now the wealthiest nation of its size in the world. 7. What interesting historical associations has Chile? A large part of its territory once belonged to the ancient Incas of Peru ; one of them led his armies into Chile over the terrible desert of Atacama, as far south as the river Maule, which he fixed as the southern boundary of his dominions. 8. Describe the famous highway which ex- tended into Chile ? It was built as a route of travel from one ex- tremity of the kingdom to the other, and was twenty feet broad, nearly 2000 miles long, and extended from Quito, through Cuzco (then the 20 capital of Peru), down into Chile. It was built in many places of heavy flags of freestone ; miles of the road were cut through solid rock ; the rivers were crossed by bridges of plaited willow, swung in the air ; precipices were ascended by staircases cut in the rock, and gullies were filled up with solid masonry. Every flve miles there were posts or small houses, with runners for forwarding the Govern- ment dispatches. 9. Who conquered the Incas and took posses- sion of the country? When Pizarro conquered Peru, iilmagro, his companion, took possession of Chile, and it re- mained under Spanish control about 300 years. After eight years of war with Spain, the inhabi- tants secured their independence in 1818. 10. What is its present government? It is a Republic, although the power is really in the hands of a few, and the government might be termed an Oligarchy. 11. What of the people? The population is about 2,500,000. One-flfth are of pure Spanish blood ; the rest, with the exception of about 10,000 Indians, are a mix- ture of Spanish and Indian. They are intelli- gent, progressive and brave — the Spartans of South America. There are also many immi- grants from Europe. 21 12. Are the morals of the people good ? There is great immorality. Murders are frequent. Drunkenness is very common among the masses, and the habit of lying is very preva- lent and deeply rooted. There are, however, many noble exceptions to this rule. 13. How many public schools are there ? More than 1000. There are also a number of High Schools, a Normal School and a University, all under the direction of the government, 14. What else is being done for the education of the people ? Besides the schools conducted by the priests and nuns and by our missionaries, there are many private schools, and in several of the large cities, hundreds of children receive gratui- tous education in schools supported by benevo- lent Chilians. 15. What is the religious teaching in these schools ? In the public schools the Roman Catechism is taught ; in those established by rich men for the poor, there is usually no religious teaching. Some of the private schools conducted by for- eigners are opened with prayer, and give some instruction in Bible truths. 16. How long is it since much attention was given to educate the people ? 22 About forty-five years ago, Don Domingo F. Sarmiento, of tlie Argentine Republic, gave a great impulse to popular education. 17. Before that were scbool-teacbers much re- spected? Ko ; a man who bad been guilty of stealing a silver candlestick from a church, was punished by being obliged “ to serve as a schoolmaster at Copiapo for three years.” This happened in 1832. 18. Is Chile an important mission field ? Yes, highly so. It is the most advanced of all the South American Republics. It is the most powerful nation on the west coast south of the United States. God in His Providence has set the door wide open in Chile, and calls upon His people to enter and make known the glad tidings. MISSIONS. 19. When did the Presbyterian Board com- mence work in Chile ? A mission already established by the American and Foreign Christian Union was transferred to the Presbyterian Board in 1873. 20. Which are the principal stations? 23 Valparaiso, Santiago, Concepcion, Chilian and Copiapo are centres of work from which the whole Republic may be reached. Besides these there are many outstations. 21. What of Valparaiso ? It is the chief seaport on the west coast of South America. It is situated on a large bay, with a background of high mountains. Several large steamship lines have their headquarters here. There is communication with Europe every week by way of the Straits of Magellan, and with the United States three times a month, by way of Panama. The business portion of the city has a European look. Valparaiso has a population of about 120,000. One-tenth of these are foreigners ; the Germans and Italians out- number the Anglo-Saxons. 22. By whom was Gospel labor first under- taken here ? More than forty years ago, work was begun among the English-speaking people by the Rev. Dr. Trumbull. He was sent out by the Ameri- can and Foreign Christian Union and the American Seamen’s Friend Society. He gath- ered a self-supporting congregation and pre- pared the way for evangelical work among the Chilians. 23. When was the first Protestant native church formed in Valparaiso? 24 In 1869, by the Rev. A. M. Merwin. There were only four members at first. 24. What is now the condition of that church ? It is in a fiourishing condition with a member- ship of 126. The Sabbath-school is encourag- ing, attendance good, and contributions of the scholars large for their circumstances. 25. What enterprises have sprung from this Chilian Church ? Two Sabbath-schools with 125 pupils ; seven preaching stations in different parts of the city ; a day school for both sexes, with 276 pupils, an excellent building and fine grounds. A Sheltering Home, with twenty children, supported partly by English-speaking residents, but under the direct care of our mission. A Spanish periodical. La Alianza Evanjelica, published semi-monthl}^, and with a circulation of 1400 copies per month. A society called “ The Friends of the Gospel,” with fifty members, an institution for beneficence and the spread of Christian truth. 26. Where is Santiago ? Santiago is situated on a fertile plain, 2000 feet above sea-level, and 120 miles inland from Val- paraiso, Avitli which it is connected by a railroad. Its population is about 200,000. It is a beautiful city with many fine buildings. Like Valparaiso, 25 it has street railways, the telephone and electric light. 27. What adds to the importance of Santiago ? It is the capital of the Republic, the seat of the University, the centre of intellectual life, and of the operations of the Romish clergy. 28. When was mission work established here? In 1863 the Rev. X. P. Gilbert gathered a small congregation of English people, and a few years later began work among the Chilians. The first Protestant Chilian Church was formed there in 1867. It has now 110 members. 29. What educational work is carried on by our mission in Santiago ? There is a theological seminary and also the Instituto Iniernadonal, a school of high grade. It has 115 pupils, 40 of whom are boarders. They are mostly sons of influential Chilians and Germans. This institution is thoroughly Pro- testant. Religious exercises are held morning and evening, and there is a preaching service on Sunday morning and a Bible class in the afternoon. 30. What other work is done by our mission- aries in Santiago ? One of them has charge of an English-speak- ing congregation of about 100 people. 26 31. What of Concepcion? Concepcion is in the southern part, near one of the best harbors of the Chilian coast, from whence large quantities of wheat are shipped to Europe. It has been called the Chicago of Chile. 32. When w’as our Mission Church organized here ? In 1879. The church is reported as united and prosperous, and gives liberally for its own sup- port. 33. Where is Copiapo? About 400 miles north of Valparaiso. It has a population of 15,000, tAvo missionaries and six outstations. 34. What of its climate? It is in an almost rainless distriet, only tw’O slight showers during the year ; but the heavy dews supply, in part, the lack of rain, and the land is irrigated by open ditches. 35. What is the meaning of its name? It is a corruption of the Spanish “ Copa de Oro,” meaning eup of gold— probably from the cup-like shape of the valley and its rich mines of gold and silver. 36. What was the last station occupied? Chilian, on the railroad, 240 miles south of 27 Santiago, Regular services are held here and in neighboring towns ; there is a promising school, and the people seem ready to listen to the Gospel. 37. Is the outlook for our Chile Mission a hopeful one ? Very hopeful. The Romish system is falling into discredit. People are eager to read Pro- testant books and tracts. Our missionaries are respected and welcomed as preachers of the truth. 38. Have churches for Chilians been formed by other missions in Chile? No ; the Presbyterian is the only Church that attempts organized work for the Chilians. 39. Are Christians of other denominations at work in Chile ? Yes ; the Church of England has several con- gregations, at Valparaiso, Lota and other places, for the benefit of the English-speaking people. The Germans have three or four congregations, mostly in the south. The Methodists have estab- lished some good schools, have religious services in English in several large towns, and send out itinerant preachers. 40. What message comes from the workers in Chile to the workers at home? 28 A plea that men may soon he sent to occupy important towns and seaports on the West Coast, where the Gospel in its fullness has never been preached. “As Christian men,” they say, “our hearts ache at the spiritual destitution which prevails along the coast.” The West Coast of South America lies at our very doors. It has long been neglected. Let the Church awake to the grand opportunity that now presents itself for the introduction of the Gospel of Christ. 29 IJ. S. OF COLOMBIA. 1. Where is the U. S. of Colombia? The U. S. of Colombia is situated in the north- western part of South America, adjoining the Isthmus of Panama. 2. What was it formerly called? New Granada. 3. What is the size of the country ? It is nearly as large as all the Eastern and Middle States and Dakota, with a population of about 4,000,000. 4. Of what is the population composed ? About one-half are Spanish, one-third negroes, and one-sixth Indians. 5. What are the products ? Tropical fruits, cotton, sugar, indigo, coffee, etc. It abounds also in minerals and precious metals. 6. What is the climate of Colombia ? Being just north of the Equator, the climate is 30 hot, but as a large portion of it is a plateau of the x^ncles, the heat is greatly modified by the altitude. 7. What two cities illustrate this difference? Cartagena, situated on the sea-coast, is hot, damp and unhealthy ; while Bogota, 8500 feet above sea-level, has a cool, pleasant and health- ful climate. 8. What language is spoken ? The Spanish language. 9. What is the government of the U. S. of Colombia? It is a Kepublic, and its capital is Bogota, which has a population of about 90,000. 10. When was mission work commenced ? The llev. Mr. Pratt began work in Bogota in the summer of 1856. 11. In what condition did he find the people? Excepting the more wealthy and refined families of Spanish blood, he found the mass of the population ignorant and degraded, because of the long rule of the Roman Church. 12. Was he opposed by the government ? No, but the priests did all they could to hinder his work, threatening those who should attend Protestant services with excommunication. 31 13. What work was commenced ? Spanish services were held, a Bible Class started and a night school opened. 14. What interrupted the progress of the work soon after its commencement? About 1860, civil war broke out, and. for a time the capital was held by the Romish party ; afterwards the Liberals came into power, the Jesuits were banished, and the Protestants were able to continue their work. 15. When was a church organized? In 1861, with six members ; it has now (1894) a membership of about one hundred. 16. What of the school work? There is a flourishing day school, with a boarding department for girls. The Boys’ School opened in 1890, with sixty-nine pupils. All are in Bible Classes and seem interested in learning the Gospel story. 17. What has Bogota been called ? The city of pianos. These heavy instruments must be carried on men’s shoulders sixty miles, over rough mountain roads. 18. What other mission stations are there in Colombia ? One in Barranquilla, opened 1888, the other in Medellin, opened 1889. 32 19. Where is Barranquilla? It is situated on the northern sea-coast, and, next to Panama, is the most important com- mercial city on the Colombian coast. 20. How was mission work commenced ? In 1888, two missionaries were sent to Barran- quilla. They found a gentleman there who had been carrying on a school for boys for eighteen years. Services were commenced at once in a building belonging to this teacher, and from the first the attendance has been good. Services are also held in other parts of the city. 21. When was a church organized ? The Barranquilla Church was organized January 5, 1889, and sixteen members were re- ceived during the year. 22. What other encouraging work ? Two Sunday-schools are carried on, a day school for girls, and another for boys. 23. What can be said of Medellin? It is an interiorcity, situated on table-land, be- tween the other stations. It is the second city in Colombia in importance and population. 24. What adds to its importance? It contains a government mint, and is the centre of a mining region. 25. What work is carried on here? 33 Regular services are held, a prosperous school maintained, and a religious paper published. 26. Give figures showing extent of work at present (1894) in Colombia. There are fourteen missionaries, seventeen native helpers, two churches and 143 communi- cants. The schools are five, with 312 pupils. How They Say it ia Chile, Colombia. The Spanish language is spoken in Chile and Colombia. There need be no difficulty in pronouncing any Spanish word at sight, if the following rules are observed. Vowel sounds are uniform. a, as in far. e, “ay in day. i, “ ee “ thee. o, “ o “ note. u, “ 00 “ room. y, “ ee “ thee (same as i). u is silent after cp unless marked thus, ii. With the exception of c, g, j and q, the con- sonants are generally the same as in English ; the difference between b and v is not always ob- served ; c and z before e and i are like s ; ch is like ch in church ; h is always silent; j, and sometimes g, has the sound gh. 34 LI is equal to ly ; n is Gua is Gwa. like n followed by y. The rules for the accent are practically invaria- ble : (1) Words ending in a vowel or diphthong have the accent on the penultimate. (2) Words ending in a consonant have the accent on the last syllable. Where there is a written accent, it neutralizes the above rules and indicates the accented syllable. Geographical Names. Chile. Pronunciation. Caldera. Kal-day-ra. Chile. Chee-ley. Chilian. Cheel-yan. Concepcion. Con-seyp-seeown. Copiapo. Co-pee-apo. Quillota. Keel-yo-tah. Santiago. San-teea-go. Valparaiso. Val-para-ee-so. Colombia. Barranquilla. Bar-ran-keel-ya. Bogota. Bo-go-ta. Cartagena. Car-ta-hay-na. Honda Own da. Magdalena. Mag-da-lay-na Medellin. May-del-j^een. Socorro. So-c6r-ro. Sogamoso. So-ga-mo-so. Zipaguira. Zee-pay-gwee-ra. 35 Coins and their Value. The currency of Chile is the same as C, t?. dollars and cents. Peso (Pay- so), one dollar. Fesita (Pay-see-ta), 20 cents. Real (Ray-al), 10 cents. Medio (May-dee-o), 5 cents. Quartillo (Quar-teel-yo), 2^ cents. Centavo (Sen-tah-vo), 1 cent. The English weights and the French metric system are used. Distances. Legua (Lay-gwa). A league, 3^ of our miles. Native Words Found in 31issionary Literature. Pronunciation. Aguardienti. A-gwar-dee-ayn-te. Native brand Alamo. A-la-mo. Poplar tree. Alquilados. Al-quee-la-dos. Servants. Americano. Ah-may-ree-ca-no. American. Brazos. Bra-sos. Field hands. Cdlle. Cal-yeh. Street. Colegio. Co-lay -hio. Higher College School. Escuela. Es-quay-la. School. Escuela Popular. Es-quay-la Po-poo-lar. Day school. Fiesta. Fee-es-tah. Holy day, feast. Hacienda. Ah-se-en-dah. Station or farm. 36 Pronunciation. Heraldo. Ay-ral-do. “Herald,” a relig- ious newspaper. Iglesia. Ee-glay-see-a. Church. Instituto Internacional. In-stee-too-to. Inter- na-see-o-nal. Pligher Academy or College. Limosna. Lee-mos-na. Alms. Madre. Mah-drey. Mother. Mantilla. Man-lee-ya. Shawl, or cape, worn over the head. Padre. Pah-drey. Father. Patio. Paht-yo. Court of a dwelling. Peones. Pay-6wn-es. Peasants. Poncho. Pon-cho. Cloak made of a square of cloth, with a hole in the middle for the head to go through . Sehor. Sen-yor Sir or Mr. Senora. Sen-yora. Mrs. or lady. Salutations. Buenas Noche. Boo-ay-na , No-cheli. “Good night.” Buenas Dias. Boo-ay-na-Dee-as. “Good morning.” Gospel of St. John, 3d Chapter, 16th verse. 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