Associated Press despatches from Peking on Thursday of last week reported that the Chinese Government has made an appeal to all the Christian churches in China to set aside April 27--next Sunday--as a day of prayer for the Chinese National Assembly, for the new Government, for the President of the new Republic yet to be elected, for the constitution of the Republic, for the maintenance of peace and for the election of strong and virtuous men to office. Representatives of provincial authorities are instructed to be present at these services.... Thirteen years ago this coming summer the Imperial Government of China hunted and slew her Christian subjects like wild beasts and brought all of the resources at her command to aid in driving the hated religions of the “foreign devils” from her shores. Today the new Republic solemnly and officially sets apart a day and urges all her Christian subjects, as well as foreigners, to assemble and, in the presence of the officials, intercede for those things which Christian nations seek and supremely value. In 1900 a despatch was sent from the throne to all viceroys of all the provinces to exterminate all foreigners, and the streets of Peking were placarded with posters threatening with death all who provided them refuge. A few weeks ago the President of the Republic, Yuan Shi Kai, addressing in Peking an assembly of delegates to the Annual Convention of the Y. M. C. A., said: “You, my friends, who are members and delegates to this Christian Association from every province of the Republic, are examples for the men of every class of society. By the help of your guiding light and uplifting influence, millions of young men, well equipped, morally, intellectually, and physically, will be raised up in this nation to render loyal service to the Republic in her time of need, and lift her to a position that shall add to the civilized world an undying luster.” China is doing her part to make amends for the past and to demonstrate to the entire world the sincerity of her purpose. Undoubtedly this is the first time in history that such an appeal has been made by a non-Christian nation. With commendable promptness both the Federal Council and Committee of Reference and Council of the Foreign Missionary Societies of North America have asked the churches to intercede for China. Was there ever a more striking proof of the presence of God in the life of the world and of His purposes for men in Jesus Christ the universal Saviour? Was there ever greater encouragement to use the mighty enginery of united prayer for a specific end? [Sidenote: Sun Yat Sen.] Listen to the testimony of the son of a prominent Christian official in China:--