FORT MACPHERSON

[s. 258] : A settlement in the northwest territory of Canada, situated on Peel River about 125 miles from its mouth in Macment of Pietism, which arose in Germany during the 18th century, produced remarkable results. Baron von Leibnitz, a philosopher of world-wide fame, came forward at this time as a vigorous advocate of mi ions; and in his work entitled Nov is sima Sinica and in the charter of the constitution of the Berlin Academy of Sciences, he embodied his views of the subject. The book of Leibnitz came into the hands of Francke, who addre ed the author a letter in reference to it. That letter is not extant; but we have the interesting answer which Leibnitz wrote, which shows his genuine interest in the cause of mi ions. The mi ionary ideas of Leibnitz bore fruit in Francke and helped toward the first mi ionary “Pietism activity of Protestant Germany. united itself with mi ions, and this union alone enabled mi ions to live.” Indeed, Luther an Pietism was the spring and support of mi ions; and Francke was the real leader in the matter. Tho a pious layman, Baron von Weltz, in the 17th century tried to convince his fellow-Christians of their duty to send the Gospel to the heathen, it was not until the beginnmg of the 19th century, under the leadership of Zinzendorf, Francke and Spener, that a real impulse was given to this great cause but within the space of thirty years, despite many difficulties, seven lar^e mi ionary societies were founded. The pioneers; Si41 of evangelical mi ions in India were sent out by Fredericlc IV. of Denmark. These were the pupils of Francke at Halle; and several of their succe ors were also Germans and Pietists. Kramer (A.), August Hermann, Francke, 2 vols., Halle, 1882. 259