John Van Nest Talmage
History and Ecclesiastical Relations of the Churches of the Presbyterial Order at Amoy, China
"History and Ecclesiastical Relations of the Churches of the Presbyterial Order" by Rev. J.V.N. Talmage is a historical account published in the mid-19th century. The work focuses on the Protestant missionary efforts and the development of churches in Amoy, China, particularly under the guidance of the Reformed Dutch Church. It discusses the ecclesiastical organization and the relationships among various Presbyterian denominations in the context of missionary activities. At the start of the work, Talmage outlines his motivations for writing, emphasizing the importance of ecclesiastical organization in mission fields and addressing misconceptions about the missionary methods in Amoy. He reflects on the arrival of the first Protestant missionaries in 1842 and chronicles the collaborative efforts of different missions, particularly those belonging to the American Reformed Dutch Church and the English Presbyterian Church. Talmage expresses concerns over how the organization of these churches is perceived at home and discusses the need for an accurate representation of their efforts to promote unity and proper governance aligned with Presbyterian polity, stressing the significance of adapting ecclesiastical principles to the unique challenges faced in a diverse and evolving mission field.