The Missionary Review of the World — October 1937
1937
Mohammedan World Number The Moslem World Today Dwight M. Donaldson Some Trends in the Moslem World Edward M. Dodd Influence of Moslem Superstitions Davida M. Finney Why Preach Christ to Moslems? Samuel M. Zwemer The Christian Approach to Moslems W. Wilson Cash Moslem Reactions to the Gospel James Haldane Educating Moslems for Christ John Van Ess A Christian Doctor Among Moslems Paul W. Harrison The Power of the Printed Page Mabel H. Erdman My Experience with Moslems Frank C. Laubach Moslem Views of "Those Nazarenes" J. Lowrie Anderson Christian and Moslem Homes Eleanor T. Calverley How to Interest Christians in Moslems Estella S. Aitchison Best Books on Moslems and Missions Samuel M. Zwemet'
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September 27 – October 1 – Dallas, SURVEYING THE WORLD Texas. Pres., Mrs. E. R. Alderson, 561 Goodwin St., Dallas, Texas. Here is a series of real missionary sur- veys, scientific and evangelical, written with September 27 – October 1 – Houston, a grasp and definiteness of fact, a perspec- Texas. Dean, Mrs. A. B. Haynes, tive of view and a passion which makes 618 Highland Ave., Houston, Texas. them comparable to a military reconnais- sance. One after another the great fields October 2-6 – Triennial Convention. of missionary endeavof afe being covered Women's Missionary Society of the with topogf~phical accuracy from a stand- United Lutheran Church. Buffalo. point vitally evangelical and entirely non- denominational. The books come from the October 3-Presbyterian World Com- munion Sunday. press bound like government monographs, in big type and made vivid by splendid maps.
October 5-6 – Southern Mountain Catalogue on Application Mention The Missionary Ret'iew Child Service Conference; under auspices of Save the Children Fund WORLD DOMINION OFFICES of America, Inc. Hotel McAlpin, New York. 156 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK CITY October 5-6 – Warren, Ohio. Mrs. The Rev. George S. McCune, D.D., ceived an honorary doctorate degree George Konold, 314 Scott St., N. E., LL.D., for about 30 years a Presby- from Yale in June. At a meeting of Warren, Ohio. terian missionary in Korea and presi- the Associated Boards for Christian dent of the Union Christian College Colleges in China, he made a clear October 6-12-Annual Meeting, Wom- of Pyengyang has joined the admin- statement of his Christian faith, and an's Home Missionary Society, istrative staff of the Moody Bible In- of the part that that faith had in the Methodist Episcopal Church, Se- stitute of Chicago, and will also teach release of the Generalissimo last attle, Wash. and assist in the evangelistic pro- Christmas. gram. Dr. McCune was also for a October 14-15 — Interracial Confer- time president of Huron College, '" * .. ences. Asbury Park, N. J. South Dakota, and brings real talents, Dr. Raymond C. Walker, pastor of October 21- Baltimore, Md. Mrs. experience and spiritual strength to the Market Square Presbyterian David D. Baker, 410 N. Calhoun the service of the Institute. Church of Harrisburg, Pa., was win- St., Baltimore, Md. ner of the $150 prize offered by the * … '" Presbyterian Board of Foreign Mis- October 24-31-Presbyterian Centen- sions for the best missionary sermon nial Week. Mr. Dugald Campbell, agent of the preached in connection with the cele- bration of the Board's centennial. November 7-11-International Good- National Bible Society of Scotland, is Dr. Walker's subject was: "These Are Will Congress. Boston. retiring as agent for Northern Africa the Great Days of God." Other prizes since he can no longer undertake the went to Dr. George E. Sweazey, of Your Missionary Activities long pioneer journeys on the fringes Danville, Ky., Dr. George Johnson of of the Sahara Desert, and other parts Lincoln University, and Dr. Paul F. Should begin at home. Get a of Africa, as he has done for many supply of our years. He hopes to spend the re- .. . Barackman, of Brookly.n.. . New York. mainder of his days in Johannesburg, GOSPEL TRACTS James Hardy Dillard, eighty-year- .. South Africa. old president of the Jeanes Fund for Sound, attractive, convincing the Improvement of Negro Education, '" '" has received the Theodore Roosevelt Sample package, 250. medal for 1937. This medal is given Mr. Arthur T. Upson, formerly of annually for human achievement or FAITH, PRAYER and TRACT LEAGUE the Nile Mission Press, has returned the development of American char- to Palestine from England. He will acter. Dr. Dillard receives the award Dept.R.W. Muskegon Heights, Mich. be at Mt. Carmel until December 10, "in recognition of sixty years of wise and subsequently at Fairhaven, Alex- and devoted work in behalf of the Personal Items andria, Egypt. He plans to do mis- American Negro, and the creation of sionary work and to give Bible read- a better understanding between the Dr. Iran Lee Holt, minister of St. ings in various places to help weaker white race and the black."
John's Methodist Episcopal Church, Christians. … '" … ~Obituary Note'S South, St. Louis, Mo., and a former General Evangeline Booth left Rev. William Milne, a Presbyterian London on September 22 for a tour missionary stationed on the Island of president of the Federal Council of of the United States and Canada. Nguna, New Hebrides, was killed by Churches, has been appointed chair- After conducting the Salvation a native April 27. Army's annual Congress in Atlanta, man of the Federal Council's new New York, and Chicago, she will go The native was the son of the chief to Winnipeg, returning to New York of the village near the mission sta- Commission for the Study of Chris- tion, and he had seemed demented. by way of Montreal. He attacked several natives who ran tian Unity. The commission is to be- to the mission station, where Mr. and * * '" Mrs. Nottage, missionaries from angin its work when sufficient financial other island, were present on a visit. Dr. H. H. Kung, the Minister of support for it has been secured. Finance in the National Government The madman rushed at the mission- of China, and vice-president of the aries with an axe and struck Mr. Dr. and Mrs. '"Ern'"est'" Lyons, veteran Executive Yuan (vice-premier in the Milne with the axe. Government), has recently visited Methodist missionaries to the Philip- America. He is an earnest Christian Then the village chief commanded and stands next to the Premier, one of his men to shoot his son. pines, have retired from active serv- Generalissimo Chiang Kaj-shek, in responsibilities and authority in the Rev. William Veitch Milne had ice. They went to Manila in 1903 Government. Dr. Kung is a 75th de- served as a missionary in the New from Singapore, and have seen in scendent of Confucius, but in his life Hebrides for over 20 years. His fa- and work he has repeatedly testified their thirty-four years of residence to his faith in Christ and has taken (Continued on pag6 449.) his stand for Christian principles. in the Philippines a most phenomenal Dr. Kung, as a representative of his growth of the evangelical Christian Government, attended the Coronation ceremonies of King George and ramovement. In 1913 Dr. Lyons took the bar examination, thereby saving the church thousands of pesos for legal expenses, as well as enabling him to serve as advisor in critical sit- .. .. . uations.
Dr. Charles Stelzle has been ap- pointed executive director of the "Good Neighbor League" in place of Dr. Stanley High, resigned.
MISSIONARY PARENTS
REVIEW OF THE WORLD In the Foreign Mission Field Fast Days Endorse Calvert School DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor Home Study Courses TO TBE VOL. LX OCTOBER, 1937 No. 10 For Children ORIENT Publication and Business Office– Calvert School, through its Home Instruc- Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. tion Department, will give your child a superior elementary education ••. by mail, Editorial and Executive Office– regardless of where you may live. Mod- 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. ern, approved courses from this famous Entered as second-class matter at school are being used by parents all over the world with outstanding success. Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. Give your children the advantages of these interesting lessons, carefully chosen books, 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. and attractive materials. Instruction is Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. under the personal guidance of teachers in Published monthly, except August. Calvert's prominent and successful private All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1937. British agents – Marshall, Morgan , day school in Baltimore. and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, Write today for booklet of complete in- 10 shillings a year. formation. Costs are low.
MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- CALVERT SCHOOL LISHING CO., INC. 180 E. Tuscany Road BOARD OF DIRECTORS Baltimore ol> Maryland ROBERT E. SPEER, President Obituary Notes Empress of Japan-holder of A. L. WARNSHUIS, Vice-President the Pacific Blue Ribbon WALTER MCDOUGALL, Treasurer (Continued from 2nd Cover.) DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary • ther, Rev. Peter Milne, was one of SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT the pioneer missionaries in the New Go direct fromVancouverand Victoria in 10 days by Em- WILLIAM I. CHAMBERLAIN Hebrides. press of Asia or Empress of D. J. FANT Russia. Only 3 more days via MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD *** Hawaii by Empress of Japan WM. B. LIPPHARD (fastest ship on the Pacific) Dr. Claire H. Denman, who served or Empress of Canada. Con- ERIC M. NORTH as medical missionary in Siam for nect at Honolulu from Cali- SAMUEL M. ZWEMER twelve years, died recently in Berk- fornia ports. Low round-trip eley, California. He was first located fares include passage from Editorial Chat at Chiengmai and later established and and to Seattle. built the first hospital in Chiengmai. This number of THE REVIEW is de- He was also editor of The Laos News, ~fi+ voted to the study of the Moslems of which later became The Siwm Outlook. For rates and sailings, see the world-their distribution, char- Being an ordained minister as well acteristics, influence and the extent as doctor, he made numerous tours YOUR TRAVEL AGENT or Cana- and results of Christian work among into the interior with both foreign Mohammedans. It is an interesting dian PSaacnifiFc:raNnceiwscYo,o3r8k~tChheir- subject and will be studied by thou- and Siamese evangelists. cago, sands of Christians in America this year. The articles we present are by *** cities in U. S. and Canada. experts-men and women who have spent years of service in Moslem The Rev. Dr. Frank Rawlinson, lands. Other equally fine articles, Editor of the Chinese Recorder, was crowded out of this issue, will appear accidentally killed by the explosion of in November. Look for them. a bomb in Shanghai on August 14. He was at the time with his wife and Moslem Women and Children- daughter but they were uninjured. Mrs. Herrick Young. Dr. Rawlinson went to China under the auspices of the American Baptist Encouragements in the Work- Foreign Mission Society in 1902 and Geo. Swan. later became associated with the American Board (Congregational). Testimonies of Converts from He showed great ability in his edi- Islam. torial work and in his understanding of the Chinese. His death is a real Sermon by a Former Moslem- loss to the cause of Christ in China Sa'eed Kurdistani. and one of the tragedies of the con- flict between the Japanese and The Story of Sa'eed Kurdistani- Chinese. Christie Wilson. Ambrose Sw*ase*y, *prominent Bap- New and Old in Moslem Lands- A. T. Upson. tist and trustee of many educational and missionary enterprises, died in *** Cleveland, Ohio, recently, at the age of ninety. He was one of the world's The following shows the esteem in leading scientists, having constructed which THE REVIEW is held by readers the giant telescopes for the Lick Ob- who use it for their own personal in- servatory, the United States Observ- formation and in church work. atory at Washington and the Yerkes Observatory at the University of Chi- *** cago. He was also a generous sup- porter of interdenominational mission- "I think the Rural Number of THE ary work. REVIEW is a very fine contribution to ,the cause. I am receiving a great (Concluded on 3rd Cover.) deal of help and enjoyment as I read the various articles."-Dr. Ellsworth [449 ] M. Smith, Field Representative, American Baptist Hom.e Mission So- ciety.
*** "THE REVIEW means much to me in my work with the women of our church."-Emma H. Mills, Santa Cruz, California. MOSLEM WORLD R op SOUTH INDIAN ATLANTIC OCEAN OCEAN H· REVIB ORLD VOLUME LX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 10 OCTOBER, 1937 Topics of the Times WHY THIS INTEREST IN MOSLEMS? many other points in common with the Christian Few people on earth are as difficult to lead to faith. This too is a challenge. There is a foun- Christ as are the Moslems, and yet this year thou- dation on which to build. sands of Christians in America and England will 3. They are people of strong character. They be reading and studying about the countries take their religion and its obligations seriously. where the followers of Mohammed are most nu-. They are willing to fight for their convictions, to merous, and about the work that is being done make sacrifices and even to die for their faith. to win them to Christ. Multitudes of earnest They are not easily led to abandon their beliefs prayers will be offered for their conversion and large sums will be given to support missions or obligations as they conceive them and are diliamong them. Why? gent in teaching their children to follow their Prophet. Apostasy is considered an unpardonable It is not because of any personal gain to mis- sin and in Moslem law it is a crime punishable sionaries, or any desire for political, economic or with death. These facts constitute a challenge to ecclesiastical advantage. It is not because the Christians; they may be transmuted into Chriswork is producing large results or because the tian graces when touched by the Holy Spirit.
Church of Christ is moved by a spirit of imperial- 4. Moslems exert a great influence on the world ism for world conquest. There are at least seven reasons why every true follower of Christ should for good or for evil. They constitute a real probtake a deep and practical interest in Moslems and Christian work in their behalf to the extent of lem in Egypt and Turkey, in Iran and Syria, in earnest prayer and sacrifice. Arabia and India. In lands where they are in 1. The number of Moslems in the world and their wide distribution are challenging. At least power they offer great obstacles to progress of one in every ten of the population of the earth is a Moslem. There are between 200 and 250 mil- Christianity and to the promotion of peace and lion of these people scattered over the globe. Nort~ Africa, Egypt, the Sudan, Turkey, Syria, good will among all classes. They believe in a ArabIa, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Beluchistan, Java and Sumatra are almost solidly Mohamme- totalitarian Moslem state and in government condan. Millions more live in Central Africa, India, Central Asia, China, the Philippines, South trol by force of arms. Their influence might be Africa, Russia and Bulgaria. Many are found in other parts of Europe and in North and South turned to the advancement of the cause of Christ America. These multitudes cannot be ignored. and for the principles for which He stands. 2. They are people with positive and strong faith in God, as the one eternal, omnipotent 5. More potent than any of these reasons is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. They believe fact that Christ died for Moslems; He died that He might give tliem the life of God. They are sinners and know it, though they have wrong ideas of sin and its expiation. MthoereGoovse~reloutor Lord's command to "Go, preach every creature" certainly includes the Moham- medans today, even though there were none in existence when He first gave the command. There is no other way for Moslems to be saved than by Christ and the acceptance of His gift of Life.
in Christ as a unique prophet and in the authority 6. Another great reason is the obligation that of the Old and New Testaments. They believe in Christians have to Moslems because the contact prayer, in almsgiving, in immortality, and have of Arabians with 'a weak and distorted form of [451 ] Christianity was what led Mohammed to estab- and evidently thinks herself able to defy the publish his new form of religion. If Mohammed had lic opinion of the world. Her military party is been truly and intelligently converted to Christ ambitious to carry out its program, without in his youth what a difference that would have much regard for justice. It is reported on good made to the world ! We owe Moslems a debt, both authority that ninety per cent of the Japanese for the temporal things we have received from are opposed to the invasion of China, but the peothem and for spiritual truth we have failed to ple are kept in ignorance of the real situation share with them. by very strict censorship of the war news. J a- panese Christians, and others with more enlight- 7. A final reason for the support of Christian ened and pacific ideals, are greatly disturbed over work among Moslems is the encouraging results the aggressive policies of the military party that that have come in the conversion of Moslems to now rules Japan. These policies destroy the bene- Christ. Some outstanding trophies have been won ficial effects of the friendly advances made by in Syria and Egypt, in Iran and India. Every such Japanese Christian leaders as Dr. Toyohiko Moslem is supposed to be a missionary and, when Kagawa and Miss Michi Kawai. Apparently Jawon to Christ, should have the same zeal to ex- panese military leaders feared that China was tend their faith, in spite of persecution. What a growing in strength and was becoming united wonderful example is Dr. Sa'eed Kurdistani, the under the able Christian leadership of General- Kurdish Moslem who has become a great Chris- issimo Chiang Kai-shek and so determined to tian physician in Iran. Others are Kamil of strike while there was more likelihood of being Arabia and Michael Mansur of Egypt. There are able to achieve their purpose. multitudes more whose lights shine in narrower circles-but they are known to God. In Sumatra The modern war machine of Japan is much and other parts of the Dutch East Indies there more perfect and complete than that of China. are fifty thousand Christians who formerly were Airplanes· make it possible to carry destruction Moslems. They have their own schools and large far inland, and there seems little effort on the self-supporting churches. The influence of Christ part of the. Japanese to limit destruction to is permeating Iran, the Philippines, Africa, India, enemy fortifications and military forces. Already and many other lands to break down prejudice many thousands of noncombatants have been and build up an intelligent faith in Jesus Christ killed and wounded and peaceful villages have as the true revelation of God and the only Saviour been destroyed by ruthless Japanese airplane atfrom sin and its consequences. tacks. Foreigners and foreign enterprises have also suffered. In the north Japanese forces have Truly we as Christians have reason to preach occupied Peiping and Tientsin and are pushing the Gospel of Christ to Moslems, to carryon the their campaign north to the Great Wall and south work sacrificially and to expect that God will to the Yellow River. Without any declaration of honor our fulfilment of His will, by bringing Mo- war, Shanghai has been attacked with warships, hammedans into the fold of Christ. airplanes and cannon. Even the International Settlement has suffered and many educational THE TRAGEDY IN CHINA and missionary institutions have been bombed. The Chinese troops have offered brave and deter- Apparently the Japanese have determined to mined resistance in spite of their inferior equipgain control of China or of the northern prov- ment. They have now retired to their second line inces. Impartial observers who have followed the of defense on the west of Shanghai. events that led up to the present conflict can see no justification for Japan's invasion of China. What will be the outcome of this invasion of The excuse offered is the Japanese desire for eco- China, no one can foresee. China is too great a nomic development, their determination to sup- nation and too large a territory to be conquered press anti-Japanese feeling, and. a desire to com- in a short time. The Japanese attacks have bat the communistic influence of Russia. They united Chinese as never before, even communists have taken a strange method for accomplishing offering their service to the Nanking Government. these purposes. The first end might have been China is fighting for her life and for the pringained by friendly agreement and cooperation; ciples set forth by Dr. Sun Yat Sen, the father the second aim is thwarted and made more im- of the Chinese Republic. possible by each new invasion of China's territory and by utter disregard of China's sovereign The warfare is naturally affecting the missionrights. The third aim-to destroy communistic ary work in China. Reports come that the people influence in China-can scarcely be achieved by in war areas are filled with fear and that there methods that stir up the spirit of communism and are signs of religious revival in many places. seem to give reason for its promotion. Christians meet to worship, in spite of danger, and pray earnestly for the guidance and strength- Japan feels conscious of her military strength
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
ening of their rulers. The Protestant community meantime we can all work for greater unity numbers over one million and Roman Catholics re- through the guidance of the Spirit and through port 2,702,000 on their church rolls. Foreigners loving cooperation in the work He has given His in China number about 10,000, of whom over one- Church to carry forward. There is no room for half are Protestant missionaries. Many of these jealousy, for a desire to rule or for personal am- have left China on furlough; women and chil- bition, rivalry, suspicion and selfishness in such dren have been taken with other refugees to the unity. Philippines; missionaries on furlough are being kept home and others are being advised to leave Mr. Erling C. Olson, a New York business man, the danger zones. Probably by November first recently broadcasted over a network of stations the number of missionaries on the field will be re- some very helpful meditations on "Christian duced to 2,500, but most of these will elect to Unity," based on the one hundred and thirtystand by their flocks and to suffer and die with them if necessary. The missionary work most third Psalm. He said in part: * affected is in the area of Peiping, Tientsin, Shangh:;d and Nanking, although Japanese bombing The New Testament principle of fellowship and complanes have carried their attacks as far as Han- munion was beautifully expressed by our Lord, when He kow in the west and Canton in the south. said, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." One would nat- The Christians in America and England can do urally assume, therefore, that when any body of Christians most by upholding their missionaries and the meets together they would experience this delightful comforces of righteousness by prayer. Much suffer- munion which the Psalmist so wonderfully portrayed, ing of innocent Chinese can be allayed through when he said, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is missionary and Red Cross ministrations. Gifts for brethren to dwell together in unity!" No one takes to meet present emergencies should be sent exception to this principle. It is good for capital and through the mission boards working in China. labor to dwell together in unity. It is good for any in- dividual to enjoy the fellowship of other members of his THE BASIS FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY group and preserve a spirit of unity. Such being the case, what an indictment it is against the Christian fam- Many movements are on foot for church union ily when there are petty squabbles and when the spirit of -on mission fields, in England and in America. discord and consequent disruption are present, as has been Some of these are to unite denominational fam- evident, particularly in recent years, even among men ilies, as in the Methodist, Baptist, Congregation- and women who actually have been born again by the al, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Reformed bodies. operation of the Spirit of God and the Word of God. I Some unions have already been effected, while am not talking about Christendom as we know it today. others are still being agitated. Other union move- I am not talking about the vast body of Christians and ments, as in Canada, include different denomina- non-Christians gathered together in one great melting pot. tional groups, while still other communions, like I refer to the body of Christ; to those who know that their the Protestant Episcopal Church eagerly advocate sins are forgiven, who know that they have eternal life a united church but can conceive of it only on the through faith in Jesus Christ, who know that they have basis of the acceptance of ecclesiastical ordination passed out of death and into life and therefore know that in harmony with their belief in the "historic epis- the Lord Jesus Christ is their Saviour and have acknowlcopate." edged Him as their Lord.
All true and intelligent followers of Christ ac- It is no wonder that the Church appears so impotent cept unity as the Christian ideal for which our before the world when the members of the Church are at Lord prayed three times in his high-priestly variance with one another. prayer: "That all may be one, as thou Father art in me and I in thee, that they may be one as in There can be no united Church except on a solid foundaus"-they are given eternal life in order that they tion. I do not think it is possible to have unity between may know God and be sanctified, kept, perfected. two groups of people, one of whom believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the other believes that He is The recent conferences at Oxford and Edinburgh a mere man; or to have unity between a group that looks have again emphasized the ideal for unity and upon the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross as a divine union among Christians, but seem to have found transaction, wherein God made 'atonement for sin, and a no new basis in which to realize such union. Hu- group that looks on the Cross and the death of Jesus man individuality, with differences of personal Christ as that of a martyr or a good man who died for a interpretations, tastes and methods of operation, cause. There can be no real fellowship between such must be recognized and respected until we all real- groups-but there can be unity between every member of ize that union with Christ that can find full ex- the body of Christ whose feet rest solidly upon the fact of pression in the harmony of faith, love and service the deity of Christ and upon the death which He died upon only as we realize perfect union in Him. In the the Cross.
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul says, "I beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuifering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to' keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
In the 16th chapter of his letter to the Romans, the Apostle gives a similar injunction: "Now I beseech you, • Quoted by permission.
brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences tion. In Java and Sumatra alone, where the contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid Dutch Christian influence predominates, there them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus are over 50,000 converts from Islam. Christ, but their own belly . . ." That is a strange expression. Mark those men and avoid them, for they do There is the challenge of Jewry-not a popular not serve the Lord. They serve their own selves in their challenge but one we must face as Christians conlust for preeminence, or their appetite for power. cerned with the spiritual welfare of the youth of the world. The key to the Jewish problem every- Again, our Lord Jesus Christ, the fountain-head of all where is the recognition of Jesus Christ as divine truth, in His great high-priestly prayer, recorded in the Lord and Saviour of all mankind. Fifteen million 17th chapter of John's Gospel, said, "Neither pray I for Jews are without the knowledge of the saving these alone, (that is, the apostles gathered around Him) grace of Jesus Christ, and yet what do we owe but for them also which shall believe on me through their to the Chosen People of God for the preservation word; (that means us) that they all may be one; as of the Old Testament, and the knowledge of Christ thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may and His Way of Life. be one in us: that the world 11WIJJ believe that thou hast sent me." What a terrific responsibility rests upon each The challenge embraces many non-Christian member of the body of Christ to observe a spirit of unity, lands such as India and China. There is the mass in order that the world may know that our Lord Jesus movement in India towards 6hristianity; whole Christ is the Son of God and sent by Him to die for us! communities are pressing forward to become Christians. The immediate need there is for When brethren dwell in unity we will determine that, Christian education and the greater development instead of causing divisions, we will endeavor to keep the of indigenous leadership. China is plastic to new unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The Holy Spirit impressions and the greatest hope of the Chrisalways makes for unity amongst believers in Christ, for tians of China is their vision of a Chinese in- He dwells in them. digenous movement adapted to meet the religious needs of the people, and effective in arousing in * SOME PRESENT-DAY CHALLENGES Chinese Christians the sense of responsibility for the extension of the Kingdom of God. Weare living in a world which is more or less in a broken state, when even the bravest are apt There is also the challenge of unreached areas to grow despondent. The difficulties and problems in Central Africa, in South America, the Islands are of many kinds-political upheavals and mass of the Pacific and other unevangelized fields. movements are ruthless in their disregard of Christianity; nations are dissatisfied with what Then there is the challenge of Europe today. they have seen of modern civilization, and are In Central and Southeastern Europe Protestantfilled with bitterness and antagonism. But a new ism is fighting for its life. Nationalism and Comproblem is becoming the most serious menace to munism are seeking to capture youth with teach- Christianity, namely, a refined heathenism. Also, ing, much of which is subversive to the ideals of in their very antagonism to Western civilization, Christ and the best interests of humanity. some non-Christian religions are absorbing the principles of the Gospel of Christ. While thus The needs of this weary, war-torn, restless refining their own religion they still stand in ab- world and the great opportunities that confront us solute antagonism to the Christian faith. In the constitute a challenge to every Christian. God is early days of the Christian Church, they, too, more concerned about the needs of the world than found that a purified paganism was more insid- we are; the Christian teaching and training of ious and powerful even than an antagonistic bar- youth is a great burden oli His heart even more barism. than on ours. One of the greatest words in Chris- tian literature is "Immanuel" – God is with us. We believe that these problems are not per- Here we find the motive and the power for Chrismanent, nor even paramount; they are passing tian education. God loved, and when He loved, phases; to followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, He served, and when He served, He sacrificed they constitute, not reasons for fears and misgiv- His best. There is but one service which is the ings, but a challenge. service of the Kingdom of God; one race, and one Cross; one world of men, and one Kingdom; and First, there is the challenge of Islam. Moham- one glorious, peerless, Saviour for the whole medanism is conscious of a solidarity and unity world. which does not exist to such an extent in any other religion. They have their sects and their divi- This world is not going to be won except by sions, but they are conscious of a brotherhood great sacrifice. We must have the spirit which wherever they are. Today the Mohammedan recognizes that only by entire dedication of ourworld is restless, but it is more responsive to the selves and all our resources can we truly serve message of Christ than it has ever been. Per- Christ. As Hudson Taylor once said, "Christ secution and opposition exist, but nothing so must be Lord of all or He is not Lord at all." clearly proves the power of the Gospel as opposi- • From an address at the World's Sunday School Convention, Oslo, by Dr. James Kelly.
Moslem World
-"if By the REV. DWIGHT M. DONALDSON, D.D., Ph.D., Meshed, Iran )Bt– Missionary of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., 1915- I T SHOULD never be forgotten that when the maintain this political and military authority, it armies of Islam were victorious in Syria and has come to be a matter of policy for Western in Persia, they took over the authority of the governments to have strict regard for the cultural old Persian Empire. This ancient empire, under and religious preferences of their Mohammedan the Achremenide'S, had been the scene of the far- subjects. Whatever criticisms may be voiced flung adventures of Xenophon and the Ten Thou- against this Western domination, it will not be sand; under the Parthians had held the haughty claimed by intelligent Mohammedan leaders that Romans at bay for more than two centuries; the Christian faith and practice are being forced upon same empire, under the Sassanidre, was forced to them. give place to the conquering Arabs. Afterwards, when this famous empire of the East became Mo- There is now no longer a Caliph in Islam, since hammedan, much of its culture and prestige sur- the Sultan of Turkey was compelled by his own vived to adorn the courts of the new rulers. Noble people to abdicate in order to open the way for the Persian families, some of them Zoroastrian and Turkish Republic. Of the entire Mohammedan some of them Christian, furnished viziers and population of the world, about 240 millions, there treasurers for the Caliphs, and scholars and trans- are nearly one hundred millions who are living lators for the libraries. under the authority and protection of the British crown and forty millions ruled by the Netherlands It is customary to ascribe the failure of the Cru- in the Dutch East Indies. Of the remaining 100 sades to a lack of effective cooperation among the millions, there are about thirty-two millions in the leaders of the Christian nations. No doubt real French colonies and protectorates, sixteen milunity in Christendom during the tenth, eleventh lions under the iron hand of the Soviet Republic, and twelfth centuries would have produced a dif- fifteen millions in China, and some four millions ferent situation. As a matter of fact unity of ac- in the Philippine Islands, in Japanese possessions, tion among the Mohammedans was but sporadic and in Europe. There remain to be accounted for and short-lived; they too had repeated failures only about thirty-three millions, who live in the that were primarily due to dissensions among five self-governing Mohammedan countries, twelve themselves. Time after time a new attack from millions in Turkey, eight millions in Iran (Perthe Christians would serve to bring them together. sia), three millions in Iraq, six millions in Af- In the course of the Crusades, each generation ghanistan, and four millions in Arabia. seemed to feel that the East and the West were, through some necessity, fighting again. On each H. R. H. Amir Saoud, the son of King Abdul side religion was part of the war propaganda. Aziz, remarked recently that "it is not easy for Now that many hundred years have passed, we independent countries to enter into a thorough look back upon those long continued conflicts and federation with countries that are only partially see how they served but one fatal purpose in world independent." When he was asked about his opinhistory. Their one abiding result was to hand ion in regalld to the suggested Middle Eastern bloc down to succeeding generations a heritage of between Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, he hatred, suspicion and fanaticism. In their atti- said that "this would be a welcome development tude towards each other East anq West, for the and would certainly receive our blessing," (Great most part, have shared this heritage. Britain and the East, July 8,1937).* While today there is no longer a great Moham- In any effort to classify and describe the vast medan EmpI·re, as l·n th.e day.s of the Crusades when the actual dominion of the Caliph extended • counAtriceosncmisaey sbtaetefmouenndt oinf tWhe. Def.foSrctsheorfmCerhhroisrtnia'sn rmeciesnsitonbsooikn, t"hTehsee from the Indus to the Atlantic, yet Mohammedan CsthimriSutliaatningMisssuiorvne. yinotfhethJefodwehronleWporrolbdl"em(choafptmeris1si0on);s atondMaohmaoms-t medans is given in Dr. S. M. Zwemer's "Across the World of Islam." civilization has continued to prevail in vast areas Attention should also be called to an article in the July number of The Moslem World, which publishes "A Statistical Survey," by that have come under the political and military Carlo Gasbarri. This article has been translated from the Italian authority of Western peoples. In order to help by Phlllip T. Blackwood and it is probably the most up to date ~~fli~!S ;~r~~ question of the distribution of Mohammedans through- [455 ]
group of mankind that make up the Mohammedan with pious cant and hypocrisy, that boy may come world, divided as they are into many sects and to regard as genuine the open honesty and fairscattered in many countries, it is easy to make play that he sees in some Christian college. In serious mistakes. Aside from the fact that ac- such a case there is much for which to be thankful. curate census reports are not to be had in some of The lad acquires the habit of the conscientious these countries, a numerical survey of the adher- quest of truth for its own sake. But something ents to any religion is apt to be misleading. There further is needed. New eagerness to learn what are millions of Mohammedans whom the puritani- is true mus,t be directed into the spiritual realm as cal Wahabis in Arabia and Iraq would not recog- well, and this must be done by those whose ways nize as true believers. Likewise the self-satisfied of living he has come to admire. Here is an op- Shi'ites of Iran and India can see little hope for portunity for the possible coordination of the boy's those who rejected and dishonored their Imams. new life with the direct evangelistic work of the The modern reformers in India have suffered mission, or better still, with the agencies of the agony of soul when they realized the ignorance indigenous Church. and superstition of thousands upon thousands of their own religious community, whose systematic Another young man may show more interest veneration of fetishes and saints they regard as and ability in social life rather than as a scholar. sheer idolatry. And orthodox groups in Egypt, He may attend a Christian wedding in a beautiful who adhere to the Koran ,and the Traditions as garden in India. There he will see Christian interpreted by the four recognized schools of law, young ladies moving about modestly but graare indignant at the man-made movements of the ciously, animated with gay hospitality, and talking Moslem "modernists." From any of these varie- freely with both ladies and gentlemen. When he ties of believers you may easily find a friend who returns to his dormitory room he may voice a prowill assure you, "In these modern times it is hard test, as I once heard such a man do, against the to say who is a Mohammedan." unreasonable restrictions of Mohammedan so- ciety, and ask, "How long will it be until we can Objections to Christianity have the same clean and natural and loyal family life the Christians have?" Notwithstanding these inherent difficulties, whether a missionary go to Cairo or to Constan- Here also is a point of contact for some discerntinople, to Beirut or to Teheran, to Baghdad or to ing Christian friend to show him, in the right way Lucknow, he will hear certain uniform objections and time and place, that it is not what comes from to Christianity for example, that it has three gods, the West but what comes from Jesus Christ that or that the true Gospel that Jesus brought down makes the big difference. This, however, will not from Heaven is no longer extant. These objec- be accomplished by mere assertion. A careful tions are usually met best indirectly, in the course study together of the pre-Christian social standof calm and patient teaching and explanation of ards of some of the modern Christian peoples may the New Testament. But almost everywhere we be necessary. The missionary's objective is not to discover also that Westernization, in the form of suggest that one social culture be abandoned for secularism and nationalism, is making serious in- another, but rather that the culture of every naroads on Islam. And if we read again the opinion tion be submitted to the transforming power of of one of our foremost American orientalists, Dr. the will of God as revealed by Jesus Christ. D. B. Macdonald, (Aspects of Islam, p. 12), we realize that what required discerning insight a In such circumstances a program of Westernizafew years ago is now written in the Islamic social tion only would be hazal'dous and inadequate. structure so that one who runs may read: And what has been said with reference to schools and colleges applies with equal force to mission Islam as a religion is not holding its own against the dispensaries and hospitals. In this field also getunbelief that is flooding in from the European civilization. ting somewhere from the Christian point of view Young men are growing up into crass and material forms means getting beyond mere Westernization. There of atheism; forms that the best intellectual life of Europe is something fine and noble in a Christian doctor's has itself thrown off. And as education spreads and attitude toward his patients that witnesses to the deepens, as history vindicates for itself its place, as the spirit of Christ. It is this that enables him to work moral feeling becomes more watchful and sensitive, so the with patience and sympathy with people who are legend of Muhammad will crumble and his character be often unreasonable and exasperating. He has seen in its true light. It is, then, for the Christian schools something else than the discipline of his profesand preachers to save these peoples, not only for Chris- sion, something that has for its purpose, not the tianity, but for any religion at all; to vindicate to them white man's supremacy, not national honor, not the claims upon their lives of religion in the broadest sense. personal distinction, but a deeply laid desire for the dominion of the healing love of God in the But Westernization cannot be depended upon to hearts and bodies of suffering mankind. produce Christians. When perchance a Mohammedan youth has a father who disgusts his son
THE MOSLEM WORLD TODAY
As we think of many famous cities in the Islamic ary epistles in the New Testament, in their salutaworld where missionaries are now working pa- tions, exhortations and farewells. tiently and devotedly as true knights of the Cross, it is a sobering thought to realize over what a These national Christians also work with the wide area they are scattered. We rejoice also in missionaries in adapting Christian teaching to the strategic advantages they now have in this meet what has been called "the new Moslem apolgreat crusade for the peaceful penetration of the ogetic and polemic." In their candid social and love of God in Jesus Christ. Important and fa- intellectual relations with Mohammedans of the miliar cities in which they are witnessing, cities present day, missionaries find that many are not of more than 100,000 population according to the as dogmatic as they used to be. Things have been last issue of The Statesm.,an's Yearbook, may well happening to give them a broader background. be mentioned: They are inquisitive and receptive in the fields of history, of science, and of philosophy; and their Calcutta ………………………….. 1,485,582 opposition to Christianity is apt to be less bitter Constantinople ……………………… 740,805 and fanatical. Bombay …………………………… Cairo …………………………….. 1,161,383 On the other hand, if Moslems are irritated into Madras …………………………… 1,064,567 explosively proclaiming their objections to Chris- Hyderabad ………….. ,"""",',…. tianity, they may say things that are palpably Alexandria …………… ,………….. 647,230 specious and superficial. They may maint;:tin that Teheran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466,894 the Christian Scriptures teach that the blind and Lucknow ………………………….. 573,063 leprous are impure and that Solomon was an Rangoon ………………… , …. '….. 360,000 idolater. As the Mohammedan takes for granted Damascus …………………………. 274,659 the dogma that the prophets were sinless, they will Delhi …………………………….. 400,415 insist that the Bible is in gross error in saying Lahore …………… , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193,912 that David became a prey to temptations and that Smyrna ………………… , ……… ,. 447,442 Aaron joined in the worship of the calf because of Cawnpore …………………………. 429,747 fear of the people of Israel. Like the Jews of old Agra …………………………….. 170,546 Moslems still exclaim that it is blasphemy to say Ahmadaoad .'……………………… 243,755 that Jesus is the Son of God, that it is directly Tabriz ……………………………. 229,764 contrary to the Koran to say that one person can Allahabad …………………………. 313,789 bear the sin of others, that it is immoral and fool- Tunis …………………………….. 219,000 ish to say that "the Law is a curse," and naively Amritsar … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183,914 anthropomorphic to speak of God as being "tired" Howrah …………………………… 202,405 or "repentant." Poona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264,840 Soerabaya ….. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224,873 To counteract the considerable influence of Baghdad ………………………….. 250,187 Christian teaching among the students in the Diwaniya ………… '……………… 146,944 schools and colleges of India, the Ahmadi sect Fez ……………………. " . . . . . . . . . . . 353,840 make such allegations as these against Jesus: Patna ……….. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341,068 Aleppo ……………………………. 106,838 That He was given to drunkenness. Karachi ……. ,……………………. 159,690 That He exceeded all bounds in vulgar abuse of the Jews. Meshed …………………………… 177,313 That He was a coward and afraid to face death. Beirut ……………………………. ' 263,565 That He was disrespectful to His mother. Ankara …………………………… 139,000 That He was friendly with women of questionable char- Isfahan …………………………… 134,655 123,699 acter. 100,000 That His teachings were too idealistic and impracticable. That He grew angry and lost His temper. Some of the most gratifying work for Christ is That He was provincial, and that His message was only done in towns and rural districts that lie across the plains or in the mountain valleys beyond the for the Jews. cities. It is from these regions that hundreds and That He was weak and helpless. hundreds of patients come to mission hospitals; That His mission was a failure. and country boys and girls come to attend mission That Jesus did not die on the Cross, and that there was schools. National Christians, sometimes accompanied by missionaries, go out and tour from town no Resurrection. to town, or from village to village, having their part in modern apostolic witnessing. The fellow- But as a rule Mohammedan readers put a disship of believers is beautifully shown when these tinction between the Gospels and Chri.stian propamen and women, often themselves converts from ganda literature. Many of them are able and Islam, are able to be in the same little place for a ready to refute superficial and hostile objections while with some isolated Christian family, or to to the character of Jesus. They feel too much of have a series of meetings with some struggling the significance of His life and teaching to let His little group of new Christians. And when letters character be smirched "by the pen of an enemy." are exchanged afterwards, it is interesting to see that they write after the manner of the mission- "It cannot be," as Dr. Murray T. Titus has ob- served in his book on Indian Islam, "that honest
truth-seeking Moslems will continue indefinitely ulation, with sharp differences between the varito refuse to face all the facts, and pursue a policy of evasion of the real issues of history and life, ous region; in the Northeast they reach 82%, in even though such investigation leads to the questioning and study of the very sources of revelation the East 8 %, in the West 32 %, in the center 470, itself. . . . The sum of it all is, that the highest revelation of God to man is through a living per- and in the South only 2%. sonality. That the modern Moslem apologist is becoming more and more conscious of the funda- Percentage mental importance of this truth is revealed in the Moslems of population fact that he is emphasizing the personality and character of Mohammed as the means by which Morocco ………………. 5,215,000 97 God's grace was shed upon the world, and as the fact of central importance in Islam. The problem, Algeria ……………….. 5,174,872 82 therefore, for the Moslem as for the Christian investigator, is to apply the same honest and fear- Tunisia ……………….. 1,932,184 93 less critical methods to the study of Mohammed and his revelation as have been applied to Jesus Egypt ………………… 11,658,148 91 and the Bible," ("Indian Islam," Murray T. Titus, 1930). . Libya …………………. 1,205,000 94 For missionaries among Mohammedans, as for Anglo-Egyptian Sudan …… 2,800,000 66 their supporters in the homeland, and for their colleagues from the national Christians in Moslem Mauritania …………….. 254,000 99 countries, the issue is clearly drawn; our purpose is "to ,give the light of the knowledge of the glory Senegal ……………….. 915,000 75 of God in the face of Jesus Christ." French Sudan ………….. 1,061,000 42 Eritrea ……………….. 225,000 56 French Somaliland ………. 210,000 100 British Somaliland ………. 300,000 100 Italian Somaliland ………. 1,500,000 99 Ethiopia ………………. 2,500,000 37 French Guinea …………. 1,045,000 66 North Nigeria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,889,000 64 South Nigeria …………. 1,940,0000 25 Chad …………………. 925,000 72 Cameroons …………….. 500,000 25 Nyasaland …………….. 160,000 10 Kenya ………………… 1,000,000 40 Uganda ……………….. 600,000 20 Tanganyika ……………. 400,000 10 A STATISTICAL SURVEY OF ISLAM* By far the largest Islamic country in Africa is Egypt where, as in West Africa, the Moslem prob- Every good Moslem is, and in fact must be, a lems are of particular interest.
"missionary." In 1900 the Moslem world had at Since 1930 Moslem missionaries from the el-Azhar University in Cairo have been diffusing its disposal two hundred printing presses; today culture and orthodox doctrine among the Moslems of various countries. An American observes that it has eight hundred and eighty. Out of a world the "Christians are talking about converting Af- rica, and the Moslems are doing it." Roman Cathpopulation of 2,053,600,000, we can accept 240,- olic missionaries state that the Moslems succeed in making propagandists among their converts, 000,000 as a figure for Islam. while the Catholics cannot succeed even in in- structing their catechumens. Moslems in A'sia are most numerous and in- Islam constitutes about two one-hundreths of clude 17.970 of the population. one per cent of the population of North America, and one-eighth of one per cent of South and Cen- Percentage tral America, with a total of scarcely 135,583 Moslems of plYpulation members.
Turkey ……………….. 12,600,000 92 In Europe and Soviet Russia Moslems represent 2% of the total population. They include 584,000 Syria …………………. 2,159,259 77 in Albania, 1,337,000 in Jugoslavia, 690,000 in Bulgaria, and 2,400,000 in Russia. Palestine ………… . . . . . . . 557,649 70 There are no general organizations for all Islam Transjordania ………….. 2,850,000 92 with a purely missionary scope, and the attempt to create an Association for the Defense of Islam Arabia ………………… 4,000,000 100 is a failure. The only organization of the kind, which will perhaps soon become international Iraq ………………….. 2,640,700 96 through increasing growth, is the Association of Moslem Youth, with headquarters in Cairo. An Iran ………………….. 8,830,000 95 international movement has developed from heret- ical Moslem sects, principally from the Ahma- Siberia, Kirghiztan, etc. ….. 16,462,442 80 diyah of Qadian and Lahore (British India), and from the Bahai sect, of Persian origin. Afghanistan …………… 6,380,500 100 British India …………… 78,000,000 21 French Indies ………….. 15,000 5 British East Indies ……… 2,025,000 47 Dutch East Indies ………. 43,000,000 86 Philippine Islands ………. 443,037 4 China …. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,000,000 5 Chinese Turkestan ………. 1,200,000 48 The leading Moslem country in Asia is India. Moslems in Africa number about 37% of the pop- *eondensed from The Moslem World (July, 1937), New York; translated from an article by Carlo Casfarri in Il Pensiero Mis- sionwrw (Rome), December, 1936, by Philip T. Blackwood of Princeton, N. J.
Trends in the Moslem
By EDWARD M. DODD, M.D., New York Author of "To Mecca and Beyond"; Formerly a Missionary of the Presbyterian Church in Iran A GENERATION ago the world of Islam was As one surveys the wide reaches of the Moslem still predominantly a unit. Though living scene, and ponders the changes taking place, there under diverse national and political condi- appear to be four fairly well defined trends of the tions, Moslems had a strong sense of their solidar- day. This observation applies chiefly to leaders, ity. Except for certain well established heresies to urban centers and to youth. The vast rural or minor offshoots, and allowing for the begin- bulk of Islam is still conservative, orthodox and nings of revised and modernized thinking which relatively little changed. But where the city goes affected a relatively small group of intelligentsia, now the village will go presently, especially with there were no outstanding .divergencies in the the radio and the automobile and the printed page Moslem road, or deep rifts in the Moslem front. arriving everywhere. We are here concerned with In the main the religious road of Sunnis in India, these lead-trends to the future.
Turkey or North Africa, for example, ran parallel, 1. In the first place we have the conservative or rather they loyally converged on Mecca. The status quo plus the "Puritan" revival in Arabia. Sultan-Caliph was still on the Constantinople Externally or mechanically Arabia is being gradthrone; and the faithful from Morocco to the ually modernized but religiously it remains ortho- Philippines, and from Bokhara to CapeTown, dox, with the re-emphasis of the Wahabi Moverecognized and revered him as their head. It ment. The tale which at once illustrates the point, was still not wholly fantastic to talk of a general as well as the consummate skill of Ibn Saoud, has Mohammedan Holy war; indeed Turkey made an been told more than once. When it was proposed abortive attempt at this as late as the closing year to install a telephone system in Riadh, the desert of the World War. Moslems had not yet trans- capital of Saoudi Arabia, the conservative relilated the Koran out of Arabic. The veiled and re- gious leaders protested. The thing was not of the pressed status of women was still universal. Even Koran and therefore not lawful. Ibn Saoud put in heretical Shiite Persia the Old Order was not the matter to the religious test. He suggested visibly disturbed. that a Mullah read the Koran into the telephone at one end of an experimental line and another But what have we now? Shocks from without Mullah listen at the other end. If the apparatus and revolutionary transformations from within, conveyed the sacred words, surely the thing was accentuated by the WorId War but largely repre- of Allah and lawful. How could one object to that? senting the influx of the modern age, have shaken Needless to say, Riadh now has telephones. Yet and confused the House of Islam. Turkey has the ecclesiastical hierarchy is intact. One wongone secular and modern, while Arabia is Puritan ders how long this intellectual straddle can hold Wahabi. The Caliphate has been summarily abol- up, for Islam tends to give way or to be revised ished, and there are no significant efforts afoot to as it is exposed to the modern impact. re-establish it. Egypt has developed theological modernism; and Azhar University, the intellec- North Africa, west of Egypt, shares with tual nerve-center of Islam, has been made over on Arabia the characteristic of Mohammedan conmodernized lines. The Koran has been translated servatism, even though in the social externals of for the use of Moslems into Turkish and is being life it is also becoming Europeanized. translated into other languages. The veil has been largely discarded in Turkey and is officially banned In Central Asia we have the complicated situain Iran. The Turkish National Assembly has now tion of conservative religious leadership, assaulted a number of women delegates; Egypt has a vig- by the socially radical and religiously atheistic orous feminist movement. Turkey and Iran are Soviet government and also facing a considerable busily harking back to their Turanian and Iranian feminist movement. The prospects are that the origins, and are turning away from the Arabic- religious old order will be overpowered by the Islamic culture. In the Near East generally, ex- social new order. A real battle is on. cept for Arabia, there is considerable disintegration in Islam. 2. There is another group which we might call the reform or revision states, conspicuously illus- [459 ]
trated by India and Egypt, each in its own way. be called the drifters. The drifting away from They are formulating definite philosophies, which Islam is a part of what is going on all over the have been developing and spreading for a number world-the drift away from all religion. In these of years, and which are changing and diversifying Moslem countries the dominant interest is political the religious picture. The outstanding contribu- and nationalistic. Nationalism is becoming the tion of India is the Ahmadiya movement. The net new religion rather than Islam: the ardors of result in India, according to Mr. Murray Titus is loyalty, the mass demonstrations, the allegiances reinvigoration. He concludes that in spite of di- of youth-these are now channelled largely into visions and weaknesses, "Islam in India today is nationalism. There is a wholesale drift of youth better organized, better educated, more progres- away from the old religion. Outward observances sive, more reasonable and tolerant toward its may still be maintained, though many of these are neighbors than ever before in its history. Of weakening, but the inner conviction is crumbling Egyptian thought, Dr. Charles C. Adams of the away. The movie theatre is found to be much American Mission says: more exciting than the Mosque; the radio broad- "Mohammedan modernism in Egypt may be cast is more intriguing to the younger generation said to have taken form as a definite movement than the call to prayer. Inert fatalism, the resig- during the last quarter of the preceding century, nation of Islam, has a hard time surviving the under the leadership of the late Grand Mufti of automobile and modern medicine.
Egypt, Sheikh Myhammad Abduh, who died in . The Iranian Shah has made it unmistakably and 1905. It constitutes an attempt to free the reli- dramatically clear fuat progressive nationalism, gion of Islam from the shackles of a too rigid embodied in himself, rules, and not Islam. But orthodoxy, and to accomplish reforms which will there has been no official disestablishment of the render it adaptable to the complex demands of latter. The youth of Iraq says that Mohammed modern life. Its prevailing character is that of was well enough for his day, but that he is now a religious reform; it is inspired and dominated back-number; let the religious hierarchy die in chiefly by theological considerations. It differs in peace; they no longer count. But no official overt this respect from the reforms instituted by the change has been made. Syria's consuming na- Indian group of nationalist reformers, who aim tional interest is in the new political situation cre- primarily at a cultural movement, and the adjust- ated by the transition from French mandate to ment of Islam to the conditions of modern Euro- independence. The races and religions in this pean civilization. The fundamental assumption, polyglot country increasingly unite on the basis of however, that Islam is a world religion, suitable Arab nationalism, which tends more and more to for all peoples, all times, and all cultural condi- transcend religious and racial lines.
tions, is common to both movements." Similarly in far~off Java, one of the largest In both countries there are strong social move- Moslem units of the world, there is a well-devel- ments among women, which are attacking prob- oped movement to return to the pre-Islamic Na- lems of health and well-being, of polygamy, di- tional culture. There is a strong nationalistic vorce and prostitution. All of this is within the movement, which is of far more vital interest to frame-work of the established religion. the younger generation than any religion. With These two groups, the orthodox and the revised, them Islam is increasingly under criticism and in give no evidence of breaking away from Islam. the discard.
They are making their social and theological adap- 4. Finally there is the radical state, Turkey, tations from within. The state or the community which alone has turned squarely away from Islam is still a "church" state or a "church" community. as an official institution. It has not turned against ("Church" is of course used as the nearest intel- Islam, nor is it antireligious in general, but it has ligible counterpart – not because Islam has a decided that, in order to become a modern and pro- church in the Christian sense.) gressive country, it cannot brook the inhibitions, Both of these groups are strongly missionary. interference, and frustrations of the old Moslem The Ahmadiya movement is very active and the order. Kemal Ataturk has therefore set up a sec- Azhar is still a powerful propaganda center, with, ular state which, in itself, is a repudiation of basic Africa as its chief missionary field. In India the Mohammedanism, because the Mohammedan sys- new situation created by the Outcast movement tem has hitherto claimed the whole stage. A away from Hinduism, and the Ambedkar an- typical indepenuent Moslem country was ipso nouncement of their readiness to consider some facto a religious government – a "church" state; other religion, appeals tremendously to this funda- the only law was the Moslem law; there was no mental missionary urge of Islam, as well as hav- concept of a separate civil law.
ing its important political hearings. This radical national departure, coming from 3. Other predominantly Moslem lands, like the country which had so long been the seat of the Iraq, Iran, and Syria, as well as Malaysia, might Caliphate, the spear-head of the whole Moslem
INFLUENCE OF MOSLEM SUPERSTITIONS
World, struck a body blow at world Islam. India hardly be water-tight compartments. There is and Egypt and the far isles of the Pacific rever- bound to be mingling and overflowing in this day berated with the shock. Turkey was branded as a of interchange and questioning and remolding. renegade and apostate, but the fulminations were It is an intriguing question as to which if anyone futile. Turkey went serenely and successfully on of these trends will prevail to any general extent. her way, and nothing has come of the scattered efforts to revive the Caliphate. It is, of course, incumbent upon the Christian enterprise to understand these trends, and the The course which Turkey has pursued has also varied fronts which they present. It is one thing had its admirers in other lands. Iran, for ex- to deal with a zealous, intolerant Wahabi Bedouin ample, is very apt to follow the same patterns as of the far desert reaches and another thing to talk her neighbor on her western boundary. There are with an indifferent, agreeable, irreligious young not wanting those, among the younger generation government clerk in Iran, or Syria; it is still anelsewhere, who think that Turkey has really other thing to sympathize with an active woman shown the way to do the thing. social reformer of Egypt, who also presents the new Moslem apologetic; and again another thing The patterns of national development, though to be a strictly inhibited missionary in Turkey. distinctively represented by national units, can Influence of Moslem Superstitions By DAVIDA M. FINNEY, Ramleh, Egypt II ~. – Missionary of the United Presbyterian Church '~==========================~I O NE of my earliest recollections as a child is Nurses and mothers frighten their erring children of a Moslem sheikh who came to call upon with, "Be good or the bu' bu' will catch you." my father. He sat alone in our drawing- room, waiting for father's return. I did not know Only about ten years ago I was dining with a he was there, and was wandering, rather discon- number of Egyptian college students about to re- . solately, down the hall when suddenly I was star- ceive the baccalaureate certificate. Turning to the tled by a flurry of robes, quick breathing, and one on my right, I asked: looked up to see the sheikh in full flight from the drawing-room door. When he saw me, he stopped "What did you think the bu' bu' was when you precipitately, and muttered, were a child?"
"An afreet! He blew down the chimney!" Then "A negro giant," he told me, "with flashing eyes he continued more calmly, "Let me, if you please, and a red mouth." sit outside here in the hall." At once the group around us was adding detail I remember glancing into the room, astonished upon detail. A discussion of afreet followed. Made at his fright and yet wondering if after all my a little uneasy by the vividness of descriptions mother might be wrong about afreet, and my na- given, I finally remarked: tive nurse right, and that I might now catch a glimpse of one. The sunny room lay silent and "Isn't it a fine thing that today we need no empty, however. No grinning afreet perched any- longer fear the bu' bu' and the afreetl" where, not even on the little iron stove. Faith in my mother returning in a comforting wave, I There was instant silence, and then the man on murmured loftily: my right said, "Pray be seated." "But you are a Westerner. We of the East know." This incident was my first introduction to the fact that learned men as well as my nurse were "But have you ever seen'an afreet?" I asked in- afraid of spirits. credulously.
In conversation with many Egyptians, I have To my amazement he nodded. found one word an open sesame to a common "One day," he said, "I was walking across a bit ground of experience, and eventually to a feeling of waste land. Suddenly I saw an afreet approach- of intimate friendliness. We discuss the bu' bu'. ing, very tall, clothed all in white. I looked to right and left, hunting for a place of concealment, but there was none. So I cowered down and hid my face until he had passed. One must always do that with an afreet; it is death to oppose him. Once a friend of mine, who happened to be armed,
met an a/reet and in his fright fired at it. The weaned her child. Women threatened with harm a/reet disappeared, but in a short time my friend may protect themselves by wearing a bit of palm was dead. If you oppose an a/reet, within a year stalk (gareeda). you die." No bride should be approached by a person just Over and over again in conversation with all circumcized. A woman who has just lost a child sorts of Egyptians one is reminded .of the fact that or a qati/ should not enter a house where there even today, for the mass of the population, ginn is a weaning child or one with sore eyes. If she and a/reet are real, a daily concern, terrifying. does, it will become blind. My friend, Mr. Khaleel Modern education, the radio, the cinema, closer Armanios, the blind evangelist of Alexandria, has contacts with Europe, a constantly increasing use often been asked if he was blinded by a qati/. of newspapers, these factors and many others are rapidly modifying superstiti.ous beliefs. Yet in Just after shaving a man must not approach a fairness one must remember that these educative bride, a pregnant, nursing .or weaning mother, if influences reach .only the minority in any country he has not previously met them, lest they become where literacy is low. Even in educated folk, barren or lose their milk. Evil consequences may brought up by superstitious parents, such belief be avoided if the WDman enters the room of meetis instinctive and dies hard. ing and walks around the man seven times. On the .other hand, if he shaves in his own house with A few years ago the editor of a fairly well- the woman close beside him no harm is done. Or known daily, then being published in Cairo, de- the woman may take the razor used, soak it in scribed to me his visit to an old convent. water, and .on a Friday when she bathes, pour the water over her body. Should her well-being be "I went alone," he told me, "although the place threatened by a qati/, or some other woman, she was full of a/reet. But," with quiet pride he con- may escape harm by securing some blood from the tinued, "J was not afraid." other WDman and placing it in her bath on Friday.
It is the modern educated youth who more Mr. Khaleel told me of a family of his acquaintnearly achieve freedom from fear. I am not writ- ance who had a bitter quarrel with a neighboring ing of Christians and well-traveled and well-read family. One of the women had weaned a child Moslems who for years have been unconsciDus of but had not yet seen the new moon. Forgetting such fear. I write rather of the general mass, not this fact, when her neighbor gave birth to a son the small group. she went to call upon the rejoicing mother. In a short time the child died, and, even worse, at the The women and girls with whom we come much end of a year the mother was still barren. After in contact are dominated by fear of el Mushohira much consultation and thought, the neighbor's (literally, to be monthed), the Ain (the Evil Eye) visit was remembered. She was apprDached and magic, and spirits. These spirits may be El Zar agreed to do what she could to repair the damage. (the Visitor), El Ginn, or El A/reet. The masses They took some blood from her hand, and the believe in certain charms to be said or used to mother placed it in her bath on Friday. No good counteract these evil influences. They think that resulting, again the neighbor was approached and .one must be quick to observe, and punctilious in again gave blood, this time from her foot. Still performing such rites, if one wishes to avoid no good resulting, .once more she was approached, injury. and asked to contribute blood from some other part of her body. This she indignantly refused t.o The Mushohira gets its name, as far as I am do, claiming that if she were the cause of the curse, able to discover its root, from shahr, month. The blood from one part of her body would be as effiidea in its use is that escape from harm depends caci.ous as from any other. Rapidly the quarrel on seeing the new moon. The evil effects of the grew, and for three years neither family has Mushohira fall upon certain groups of people and spoken t.o the other. are brought about by certain people. Those most commonly recognized Mushohira, bringing evil, There are other unlucky deeds by which one perare: a mother weaning her child, called El Qati/; son may bring evil upon another. If one crosses a a man who has just shaved; a person just cir- river in boat or train and then at .once enters cumcized; one who is ill or with sore eyes; and a where there is a bride, a sick person, a pregnant bride when she meets another bride. Those who or weaning mot!ler, injury will result. To avoid suffer from such individuals are brides, pregnant bringing injury, this person should remain in anwomen or mothers weaning a child, and the sick. other room until the woman enters where the new- The Mushohira is caused by other means, but less comer is and circles him seven times. Mr. Khaleel frequently. called recently in the home of a woman who once was visited by s.omeone just after crossing the If a Qati/ approaches a bride ora pregnant river. In a few days the woman became blind. woman, she becomes barren; if she approaches To remove the curse, her br.other took her in a another Qati/, the milk will be stopped. To rid herself of this baneful power, the Qati/ must see the new moon as soon as she has completely
boat to cross and recross the river. He was told not speak to or interfere with them. If a person that at once her eyesight was restored. Constantly accidentally stumbles or falls to the ground there one comes across the effects of the Mushohira. is grave danger that he has injured some of these spirits. The only way to appease them is to The Ain is injury brought about by admiring sprinkle the spot with salt, water, or even sugar something not your own. This admiration is prob- and bread. Last week a woman stumbled in ably envious and therefore brings evil conse- alighting from a street-car. She hastened to a quences. It is considered much more proper and friend's house, borrowed salt, sugar and water, considerate not to praise at all, but if impelled to returned to the spot and silently sprinkled it. To do so one should preface the remark with "Yikhzi maintain silence is essential if the rite is to be el Ain" (May God put the eye to shame), or "Aini efficacious. aleykum barda" (My eye is cold upon you). People are especially liable to be possessed by One man may say to another, "Aini barda, but spirits at certain times; at marriages, perhaps you seem to be in excellent health." Then all is because at that time they are concerned about well. It is difficult to remember this instinctive their appearance and frequently look in a mirror; shrinking from praise of anything a man holds when bathing, because they may inadvertantly addear. Nor is it easy to hold a baby in your arms mire their bodies; when sleeping alone, as spirits and make no admiring comment. If your eyes are always infest a solitary place; when going to bed blue, better far not even to look your pleasure. in a worried or angry frame of mind, as the spirits find access easy at that time. To be freed from the evil consequences of the Ain, it is thought necessary to secure a piece of Should one become possessed by a spirit one garment worn by the envious one, or some dregs must appease him and remove the cause of his from his coffee cup. No offense must be given, so anger. This is done by the holding of a Zar. one must not let him know that he is suspected of There are special women thought able to reconcile having done injury. If it is impossible to secure the spirits. The one possessed gives such a woman a bit of his clothing surreptitiously, often it is an article of her wearing apparel. She places it possible to secure a bit through a bribed servant beneath her pillow; during the night the offended or a sympathetic friend. Sometimes people are spirit tells her the cause of his anger and also startled to find a small piece gone from some val- what gift will satisfy him. Next morning the ued garment. This snippet is burned and the woman tells the possessed person what the spirit smoke passed over the child. Coffee dregs are wants – jewelry, a sheep, a new dress, or some boiled and the steam is passed over the child. piece of furniture. Many women take advantage of this custom to secure for themselves things they As for vengeful spirits, the ginn and zar are cannot otherwise obtain. considered always present. The ginn live usually in kitchens and bathrooms or in lofts where sup- The Sarukh (the cry), is brought about through plies are kept. The loft of a house in which Mr. an unnatural death. If a man is murdered, the Khaleel once lived was infested with rats. Neigh- spirits which live in his blood, continue to cry bors visiting in the house heard scurryings and aloud for vengeance from the spot where his blood squeakings and were firmly convinced that ginn was shed. There is no fear of evil consequences to the house if he dies away from home, otherwise it haunted the house. becomes infested with his afreet. In the case of A little Mohammedan girl once stayed in our any violent or accidental death, the spot where death occurs remains a place of danger to all home for some time. One day she went into the passers-by. kitchen to get some water but came out hastily without it. When asked what was the matter, she These are some of the superstitions with which one comes in contact day by day in schools, homes, said, and in one's travels. Many sheikhs studying in "There's an afreet in the pot on the stove." the Azhar University are today electing the course Looking in, I saw the lid of the tea-kettle rat- in modern education, similar to that given by the Ministry of Education. Such men will not fly pretling furiously as the water boiled. When taking cipitately from a room when the wind blows down a bath, if suddenly startled or frightened, one may the chimney. A new day has dawned in Egypt, a be sure that a ginn has taken possession of one's fact which is being felt even in EI Azhar Univer- sity. Yet those who visit in homes aU over the body. country, who deal intimately with men, women, Besides the ginn, the earth is believed to be in- and children, are forced to realize more and more clearly each year how great is the hold that superhabited by other spirits. These are divided into stition still has upon masses of the population in three main divisions; El Sitt (the woman), El any Mohammedan country. Seed (the master), and El Abd (the slave). They are found everywhere, but especially in any open or waste piece of land. Here they busy themselves with their own affairs. If one is forced to cross such a piece of land alone, one may see and hear them. To avoid injury by them, one should
Preach Christ to Moslems?
By the REV. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, D.D., F.R.G.S., –..g{ Princeton, New Jersey }Sc-.- Editor of "The Moslem World"
"IF YOU will only organize Christian missions lidity and necessity of Christian missions to to the heathen in my province, instead of at- Moslems? tempting to convert Mohammedans, I will do 1. If ,the Gospel of Christ in its simplest form everything in my power to further and support (which is also its deepest mystery) includes the them, but I cannot approve or allow, at any rate Incarnation, the Atonement and the Resurrection at present, the opening of a mission to the Mo- then the world of Islam certainly needs our meshammedans." So said the governor of Nigeria, sage for it is news and offers Good News to every about thirty years ago. This policy was that of Moslem. Islam is not a Christian sect or a Chris- Lord Kitchener in the Sudan, of the British in the tian heresy. It is an eclipse of the Christ as re- Malay States, and is not yet abandoned every- vealed in the Gospel. It is an Arabian palimpsest where. superinscribed over the message of Jesus by an- The validity and the necessity of carrying the other hand. Its categorical denial of the deity of Gospel message to Mohammedans have been ques- Christ, of the crucifixion, of the finality of Jesus tioned in times past and are being questioned Christ as God's messenger and of His way of life today! The late Professor G. Kampffmeyer of through regeneration is evident from the Koran the University of Berlin in "Whither Islam?" itself.
deals with the subject in the same attitude; his The analogy of Paul's attitude toward Jew and conclusion is that missions in the Near East among Gentile holds today as regards missions to Mos- Moslems are as dangerous as they are futile and, lems and to other non-Christians. It was because for the good"of humanity, should be discontinued. the Jew had so much that was true and noble and yet needed the Gospel that Paul preached every- Dr. Hugh Vernon White, a secretary of the where to the Jew first. Their theism, their knowl- American Board, in the magazine called Chris- edge of the Old Testament, their zeal for God, tendom, plainly states that "Christian efforts to their passion for the Law did not invalidate their evangelize the Moslem have met with signal and need of the Gospel but emphasized it. This imconsistent failure. The response to such efforts plication would hold also for those Moslems of today is negligible and there is little likelihood of China, Africa and India who live in the midst of any marked change in the near future. . . . The paganism or polytheistic ethnic faiths. Christian Church ought to quit trying to make proselytes of Mohammedans. It should bring the In the Near East and North Africa, we have an best works of Christian service to the Moslem additional argument. There we are not merely world in a spirit of ecclesiastical and theological trying to lead Moslems to Christ, but rather to disinterestedness. " lead them back to Christ. Here we have the argu- ment of church history; the inspiration of the Father T. Bennerth, writing in a Roman Cath- cloud of witnesses, the apostles and martyrs of the olic missionary magazine for April 1930 says: faith; and the very stones of ruined churches and "As the conversion of the great bloc of Islamic monasteries would cry out if we were silent. nations to the Christian faith is not to be expected in our century " . . it is of the highest value that The Great Unoccupied Moslem Fields Islam at least maintains the belief in God in puri- fied forms. If this refuge of belief in God should 2. The missionary forces have hitherto moved vanish, then Western Christianity will be threat- across or around this great Moslem bloc. The fol- ened by a new seat of danger." lowing areas, or. countries in which the popula- When we compare these statements with the tion is wholly or predominantly Moslem, are still verdict of the Roman Catholic Conference, held in practically unoccupied. The missionary confer- Louvain in 1930, we find that ,there also the entire ences of Cairo, Edinburgh, Lucknow, and Jeruworld of Islam is labeled "le bloc inconvertisable." salem successively laid them all before the Church, In view of such opinions and statements, what but with little result-Afghanistan; the provinces satisfactory reasons can be advanced for the va- of Hejaz, Asir, Nejd, and Hadramaut in Arabia; [464 ] Russian Turkestan; parts of Siberia, Bokhara; blasted. The Moslem World Conference held at the eastern part of the Malay Peninsula; Socotra Mecca, and afterwards in Europe, proved a failand the Moslem populations of Madagascar, Rus- ure; none of the resolutions was carried out. sia in Europe, British and French Somali-land, Tripoli in North Africa, the French Sudan; the The Dutch Orientalist, Dr. Van der Meulen, who Great Aures Mountains, the Saharan Atlas spent many years in the diplomatic service at ranges, the central populous mountain regions of Jiddah, asks, "Are we standing at the eve of a re- Morocco, and the vast Sahara itself. These un- vival, a renaissance of Islam? No, the phenomena occupied fields have a total population of approxi- do not point this way. Except for the Wahhabi mately thirty-six million. How can we speak or movement in Central Arabia, it has all been a sing of evangelizing the whole world and leave all question of self-defense and resistance," (Moslem this outside of the program of occupation for World, October, 1936). Christ? Regarding the enormous area and population of Disintegration and Decay of Islam Indonesia, Professor C. C. Berg speaks of "de- structive forces that are at work against Islam all 3. A religion that once was the hope and glory over the world." Of the favorable factors he says of millions shows signs of breaking up. Old sanc- that they "might possibly result only in the long tions are disappearing. Their anchor-ground has run in a decrease in the rate of decay," ("Whither proved insufficient in the rising tide of material- Islam?" pp. 306-311). ism and atheism. Some tell us that there are signs of a resurgent Islam and of revival of faith in The geographical expansion of Islam in Africa Mohammed. But all signs point in the opposite has often been exaggerated. The latest statistical direction. This years report of the Board of For- survey shows a smaller proportion of Moslems in eign Missions of the Presbyterian Church states: nearly every area in North-central Africa (Mos- "There is now abundant evidence that the religion lern World, April, 1936). Dr. Deaville Walker of Islam is slowly disintegrating." wrote a few years ago: The collapse of the caliphate, and the failure of Within a comparatively short time, we pictured great all attempts to revive it, would lead to the conclu- pagan populations being rapidly Islamised. I am consion that Pan-Islamism is dead. The policy of the vinced that the position is wholly different today. Careful new government in Turkey and the complete sec- personal investigation in Sierra Leone and Mendeland, ularization of that republic points in the same the Gold Coast and Ashanti, Nigeria, and in the French direction. The Turkish press utters severe judg- colonies and protectorates of Dahomey, Togo, and the ment on Islam and its Prophet, while one by one Ivory Coast,· have made it very clear to me that the adthe old sanctions and customs of religion are pub- vance of Islam is being definitely checked, and that today licly discarded. A few years ago a British official we are winning far more Africans to the faith of Christ of high standing actually wrote to me: "Islam as than the Moslems are winning for their Prophet. Startling we once knew it is dead in Turkey; it is dying in as this may sound, I believe it to be absolutely true. Persia; it has ceClJ8ed to carry real weight in Egypt; it may survive some generations in What elements in Islam are today resurgent? Arabia; but the basic truths of Christianity will Does the old Mohammedan law or jurisprudence in the long run even there prevail." Such judg- any longer prevail under the new nationalism and ment is undoubtedly somewhat premature but it the new state? Or has the purely -Islamic-govis prophetic. erned state disappeared even in Arabia and Afghanistan? Islam faces a crisis in the lands where once it was dominant. Its efforts at propagandism in Has the social structure of Islam withstood the India and Africa "remind one of those sparse feminist movement and female education anygreen twigs sometimes still appearing at the ex- where? Can we seriously speak of "resurgent treme ends of half-dried-up boughs in trees whose forces" as regards polygamy, slavery, concubicore has for long been decaying from old age." nage, and the seclusion of womanhood? Was the Islam suffers because it feels itself under the suppression of the age-old Moharram celebrations tutelage of the West. In Turkey it suffers by be- in Persia a sign of vitality in Islam? Is the reli'- ing violated in its own bosom; in Russia from gion of Islam showing a new vitality when three Soviet persecution; and in Persia from a revolt of its "five pillars" are crumbling? The daily against the Arabic language and tradition. Mus- prayers are no longer observed as they were ten tapha Kemal Ataturk of Turkey raised great ex- years ago. The number of pilgrims to Mecca, in pectations, but he has turned out a bitter disap- spite of new facilities by motorbus and steampointment for all Moslems. The disenchantment ships, has dwindled from 250,000 to 80,000. was cruel but complete. The high hopes fixed on Mecca is losing its importance. Are the uniting Ibn Saood of Arabia to revive the caliphate were forces that remain, the Arabic language and cul- ture, the sense of brotherhood, the press and Al Azhar of Egypt-are these forces strong enough to counteract the disintegrating factors? Or will the progressive secularization of Moslem life rob
all life from the religion of Islam? Will the wan- Hospital in Northwest China, reports that Moslem ing of the Dervish orders and their suppression, as in Turkey, continue? patients crowd the doors, kiss the feet of the The fact is that Islam has been severely Christian physicians, listen eagerly to the meswounded in the house of its friends. The younger Egyptian modernists, instead of building care- sage, and that some at least find new life in Christ. fully on the foundations of reform laid by Jamalal-Dinal Afghani and the great Mohammed'Abdu, More and more thousands of Moslem youth are have ruthlessly undermined what remained intact. Mansur Fahmi, in his doctor's thesis, proved that sitting at the feet of Christian teachers in every Islam was progressively responsible for the degradation of womanhood. Dr. Taha Housain raised land. Day schools, boarding schools, colleges, and a storm of hostility by a book proving that much of early Islamic literature was a forgery, ·fabri- universities tell of an increasing number of Moscated to prop up the Koran and tradition. "The story of Abraham and Ishmael building the Kaaba lem pupils and of the leavening power of Chrisis all fiction." Ali Abd al Razik went even further, and in his book, "Islam and the Fundamentals of tian education that reaches far beyond the cur- Authority," advocated the abolition of the caliphate, "which has always been a misfortune." riculum and the campus area. Everyone should Moreover, he proposed the complete separation of Church and State, and the abandonment of the know that the emancipation of Moslem girlhood vast body of canon law. (Adams, "Islam and Modernism in Egypt," pp. 254-265.) and womanhood began in mission schools. It is When the best thinkers in Islam accept an hon- not only unkind but ungrateful and unhistoric to est historical research of all her spiritual property, it will mean a revelation of bankruptcy. trace these modern movements to hybrid sources. When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? Only the real gold, the theistic Christ alone removes the veil because He demands spiritual values of Islam, will be able to withstand the heat of this inevitable furnace. A careful and imparts purity of heart. Moslems themselves study of the whole question leads to the conclusion that as a cultural and even as a political force have testified to this fact. there is yet a future for Islam, but as a religious force the future does not look promising-except The great Christian literature societies and comin Christ and His Gospel for Moslems. mittees in Cairo, Constantinople, Teheran, Shang- The Response to the Gospel Message hai, across India, and in the Dutch East Indies are 4. This great response, as we see it today, should not surprise those who believe God's prom- producing and distributing ten times as much litises and who have experienced the final fruitage that follows the "patience of unanswered prayer." erature as they did a decade ago. Illiteracy is de- Others have labored, since the days of Henry Martyn, and now we are entered into their labors. creasing. Education is becoming compulsory. Others have knocked long and loud and waited patiently before locked doors-now those very doors The stigma of disapproval now rests on old superare nailed open. Eastern Arabia, Hadhramaut, and the cities of Meshed, Iran, and Riadh in Cen- stitions that once had religious sanction. tral Arabia, are outstanding examples. There are public baptisms in places where for- The Bible has been translated into all the great languages of the world of Islam. It is the best merly the "law of apostasy" would have adminprinted of all books and has an ever-increasing circulation. One has only to read the annual re- istered public ostracism or private vengeance. In ports of the two great Bible societies to realize the miracles of grace accomplished every year by the Java alone there are 75,000 Moslem converts gathprinted Word. ered into Christian churches. In North India Every hospital and dispensary across the map from Tangier, Morocco, to the Borden Memorial there are other thousands and in Persia we can truly speak of an indigenous church-weak still in numbers, but strong in the spirit of sacrifice and boldness of witness.
Those who challenge the validity and success of work among Moslems need to remember the lines of Arthur H. Clough: .
For while the tired waves, vainly breaking, Seem here no painful inch to gain, Far back through creeks and inlets making, Comes silent, flooding in, the main.
For not iJy eastern windows only When daylight comes, comes in the light; In front the sun climbs slow, how slowly! But westward, look, the land is bright.
While for years Christians have been battering against an impregnable position in North Africa, Islam has been steadily sweeping south and pagan tribes have become followers of the Prophet and have been lost to Christ. Suppose the Church had concentrated its efforts on these tribes in the rear of the Moslem position, and had flung a barrier of Christian churches across Africa, would Islam have made the progress it has southward? Might not the Church have found in Christian Africans, the allies who would have won far greater success than white foreigners can hope to achieve?
A. S. McNAIRN.
Christian Approach to
By PREBENDERY W. WILSON CASH, London I Secretary of the Church Missionary Society I~ ~==============================~ H AS Christianity anything to offer Islam? disappointed, goes forward with undimmed faith In answer to this question, one group of and courage, proclaiming Christ and Him cruci- people fall back upon the threadbare argu- fied as the only Hope of the world.
ment that "Islam is good enough for the Arabs." This difficult situation makes us pause and study They do not think, however, that is good enough afresh the task before us. First of all, nothing in for themselves. this past hundred years in any way invalidates the The question is sometimes put in a different way Gospel of Christ. Men of many nations and races -What is there in Christianity that is not found have found a new eternal and abounding life in Islam? through Christ, the living Saviour. The experi- The Moslem himself approaches the issue from ence of men converted in evangelistic campaigns a very different angle. He is certain that Islam in Europe or America is duplicated in the lives has much to offer to the Christian world, and par- of Africans, Indians, Chinese, and many others. ticularly just now when international affairs are Revival sweeps through parts of India and Africa so tangled and difficult. and tens of thousands find peace with God. But The missionary meets the point by a bold and the Moslem world still stands like some impreg- frank presentation of the Gospel of Christ as the nable rock, almost unshaken, and as a rule undis- only adequate religion for all the world. turbed by missionary witness. The reasons for A missionary recruit, going out to a Moslem this are many; some of them must be briefly field for the first time, is shocked to find that the stated. When the Moslem armies invaded the Moslem is just as eager to convert him to Islam countries from Syria to the Sudan and North as he is to win the Moslem for Christ. This is Africa they found a responsive body of nominally only the first of a series of shocks. As he settles Christian men ready to join their ranks and to to his work he discovers for himself what he had fight for them. The armies of the prophet were always heard, that the Moslem is about the most increased daily by many who saw in Mohammed a difficult man in all the world to bring under the deliverer from the hated Byzantine rule. The Em- influence of the Gospel. peror used the Church as an imperial tool, and in A survey of the past hundred years of mission- the minds of most people Church and State were ary work among Moslems does not reveal appre- one.
ciable progress in most areas. In one or two coun- There were alsothe divisions within the Church tries there have been remarkable results, notably and the disruptive elements in its own ranks. The in the Dutch East Indies; but against this suc- Roman and the Greek churches were separated cess must be set the inroads of Islam into the and the Greek and the Coptic churches were no Christian Church in the Near East. In Egypt it is longer in communion with each other. The ornate estimated that from 500 to 800 Copts annually ritual of the Eastern churches was contrasted become Moslems. The history of Islam is one of with the simple forms of mosque worship. The ceaseless encroachments on'Christendom, until pictures and images in churches gave the impres- now we speak of Bible lands, which were once sion of polytheism, and the abstruse theological Christian, as Moslem lands. The large propor- controversies still further weakened the spiritual tion of the peoples of Syria, Palestine and Egypt life of the Church. The fact is that the Christian are Moslems today. The Christian Church of faith was so badly misrepresented by the Church North Africa has been blotted out. The formerly of the day that people could not see Christ through Christian areas of the Sudan are now solidly Mos- the maze of ritual and ceremonial, the selfish am- lem. And still the Church sends missionaries to bitions of prelates and the secular encroachments Moslems and many are willing to give their lives upon the community. Race superiority was re- to Moslem evangelization, in an effort to remove sponsible for a good deal. The Roman or Greek the reproach which lies at the door of the Church. pattern was stamped upon the churches every- And still the missionary, though often baffled and where. There seems to have been nothing in- [467 ]
digenous in the Church of North Africa; and in into a new environment, utterly foreign to him.
Arabia there does not appear to have been any The strain of this social upheaval upon a young translation into the vernacular, either of the convert is so great that it develops any idiosyn- Scriptures or the Christian liturgies. In Rome cracies and oddities in him and in the end drives people worshipped in Latin and, therefore, they him back to his old surroundings.
had to worship in Latin in all North Africa; sim- The history of Christian expansion down the ilarly, because in Constantinople the liturgical centuries does not show that the nineteenth censervices were all in Greek, they had to be in Greek tury policy was adopted in other periods. In also in the Arabic-speaking world. Any approach earlier days people moved towards the Christian to Islam by the Christian must take account of faith by communities, by families, and tribes. In such facts. They are not dead matters of history doing so they became Christian without having but living issues today, and a study of them will had to suffer a catastrophic upheaval in their sohelp us in our evangelistic work. cial life. Instead of being uprooted from their The Gospel, it is true, needs no vindication. natural environment their social heritage was Once it is given a chance in the lives of men it Christianized, while they lived in the same homes proves itself, and its validity is recognized, but as before, carried on the same occupations, and the method of presentng the Gospel is a very dif- met much the same people, yet things were differ- ferent matter; after the experience of the past ent. The homes were transformed, they worked hundred years it is surely evident that we must from different motives, and their relationships to all face anew how we are to preach the Gospel in others were new; a different standard of life came Moslem lands. into the community through the coming of Christ.
The Nineteenth Century missionary expansion While such people found by personal conversion was marked by a strong emphasis on individual- the way to God, yet they moved together, families ism. Personal conversion was the note struck; were baptized, and communities received into the evangelistic missions sought to pluck men as faith.
brands from the burning. No one who knows This contrast requires careful and detailed in- Christ as his Saviour and Lord would' wish to vestigation. Is the cause of unsatisfactory con- weaken the appeal for personal conversion, but it verts in Moslem lands due to the break up of their must be admitted that there are other factors to be social environment? If so, may it not be equally considered. Moslem converts in many cases have true that a wrong method has hindered the whole proved to be utterly unsatisfactory. Curiously progress of the Gospel. Some years ago in a vil- enough a normal Moslem often became an eccen- lage in the Near East a large number of Moslem tric Christian. Missionaries labored to win that . families asked for baptism. When I met them it convert and when he was baptized disillusionment was obvious that some were thinking of Chris- set in. Instead of fitting into his new surround- tianity in terms of "loaves and fishes," but others ings, often he proved to be restless and required seemed to be genuinely sincere. Once the news a great deal of nursing. When discipline was even leaked out great pressure was brought to bear by mildly applied he would fling off in a temper, re- the Moslems to prevent these men from becoming nounce Christianity and go back to Islam. Most Christians. Large bribes were offered if they missionaries in the Near East have had this ex- would remain Moslems. In the end .some went perience; but they have pegged away through back to Islam, but others accepted Christ. Now heart-breaking disappointments always hoping the point of this is that while the missionaries did that things would change and that a better type emphasize personal conversion the converts came of convert would appear, as in fact he did from forward as families. They lived on as before in time to time. their own village and tilled their land. They were The problem is not due to any failure of the sufficiently numerous to remain as a community Gospel, nor indeed to lack of faithfulness in the in the village. Instead of being driven from house missionaries. The Message has been honestly pre- and hQme, ostracized and disinherited, they con- tinued in their old homes which now became sented to Moslems. A certain number have be- Christian. Here the difficulties experienced so come Christians but many were failures. These often, of abnormal converts, did not appear beare the facts. What is the answer? A survey of cause in becoming Christian they still preserved the Moslem world shows that in the Dutch East Indies, and to a certain extent in Persia, this un- their social heritage.
satisfactory result does not obtain. If we examine This line of argument raises several still bigger the social environment of the converts, I believe issues. The old method of missionary work was that we shall find that, through the process of con- mainly an attack upon Islam as wrong and on the version, we have uprooted the Moslem, torn him prophet as false in his claims, and by comparison from hi'! QWn. ~pciftl Jif~ aIld transplanted him a pre~~nt~tioJl Qf Chri~t as th~ only true Saviour,
THE CHRISTIAN APPROACH TO MOSLEMS
The second half of this is all right. We believe similar experiences that Moslems claim to have. Christ to be the only Saviour, but by contrasting This may be illustrated frQm the eighth century Mohammed with Christ missionaries have created in Khurasan, where a young prince had a remarkin Moslem minds an antagonism to Christ. Instead able vision. He was out hunting one day when he of a Moslem agreeing that Christ was superior he heard a heavenly voice calling him from the purrather felt a kind of suppressed grievance against suit of pleasure to the service of God. This vision Him. Thus a wrong impression was created and came to him three times and at the third appeara missionary found himself in the prejudiced at- ance he fell to the ground and gave his life to mosphere, which frequently led to a heated debate. God's service. He then walked across to a shep- As the situation hardened the controversial herd near by and exchanged his clothes and horse method became a very common 'One in missionary for the shepherd's woolen garments; without propaganda. Argument led to counter argument, funds or material resources he set out on pilgrimand attack to counter attack, until the atmosphere age to Mecca. was so strained that it was impossible to sit down quietly and to explain the Christian message with- Missionaries need to study more the meaning out at once being involved in a bitter wrangle. of Islam because the root idea of complete sur- render to God contains a truth no Christian can lIo~ VVin nlosleDls? afford to neglect. Moslem mystics glory in the will of God and the strength of their position is How can I approach the Moslem without an- this acceptance of whatever God sends as right. tagonizing him? First, I must understand his Too often we have used the Koran simply for purpoint of view, his spiritual aspirations, and what poses of controversy, forgetting that it does conreligion means to him. We often hear it said that tain the spiritual pilgrimage of one who started Moslem prayers are a matter of words and for- with undoubted sincerity and who wrought a refmula because certain prayers are memorized and ormation in his own land such as no one either repeated five times a day. If therefore, as a Chris- before or since has ever been able to accomplish. tian, I talk about prayer to a Moslem and at the The strength of Mohammed was not merely milisame time believe that he has no real prayer life, tary prowess. He hammered out in the desert a I start from a prejudice and an assumption which conception of God that carried the Arabs to will make fellowship with Moslems impossible. I heights previously unattained, as he described God have heard Moslems pray extemporaneously, with as the Eternal, the Great, the Glorious. He drew no set form, with every evidence of intensity and men to religion by saying, "Whichever way ye reality. Here is what one Moslem lays down as a turn there is the face of God." He said: "All on rule about prayer: earth shall pass away, but the face of thy God shall abide resplendent with majesty and glory." Before the time of prayer comes the servant must be in a state of meditation and recollection, free from wander- Whatever may be our attitude toward Islam, we ing thoughts and considerations, and the remembrance of cannot help a Moslem unless we are really honest aught save God alone. Those who enter thus upon prayer in our approach. If we trade upon his ignorance from the heart, intent only upon God, will proceed from of either his or our faith, if we fail to see the eleprayer to prayer in that same state of recollection, and ments of truth and reality in his religion, if we will remain therein long after they have ceased to pray. condemn him and his faith when we do not know it enough to pass judgment upon it, we are not There is here a depth of insight into the meaning of prayer that could at once form common honest. ground between Christians and Moslems for a There is a Christian way of approach to the sharing of mutual experiences in prayer. Why should not our approach to the Moslem be by the Moslem which is noncontroversial, where we value road of prayer, by beginning with quiet and medi- all that is good in his faith and appreciate the tation, by a remembrance of the name of God, so spiritual values it contains. We need not give up that there may be between us a spiritual affinity any Christian convictions, nor need we deny our which would make discussion easy. own faith to recognize a value in his. We can well begin by learning from the Moslems, by shar- Again can we not appreciate more the teaching ing our spiritual experiences with them in such a of Islam on spiritual things? The Sufis have much way as to enable them to share their experiences in their writings that is curiously like parts of the with us. We may find much common ground in New Testament. One writer says, "The Sufi is our prayer lives, in our worship and in our conone whose heart is pure toward God"; another ceptions of God. How surprised many of us misaffirms that "Sufism is enmity to the world and sionaries would be if, when preaching about the love to the Lord." indwelling of Christ in our hearts, we heard some- one say, "I gazed into my own heart. There I As Christians we rightly place great importance saw Him. He was nowhere else." upon the need of a personal spiritual experience of God. It would help us to study more carefully Yet this comes from a Moslem. Often when we
get closer to the mystic we find a religious toler- earnest Moslems let us not forget that the witness ance that puts some Christians to shame. There of the Spirit ultimately always leads to Christ.
is a saying: "0 Lord, none but Thyself can No man can say, "Jesus Christ is Lord," but by fathom Thee; yet every mosque and church doth the Spirit. If we depend more upon the Spirit, harbour Thee." and realize that God is at work in the Moslem Where 9.oes all this lead us? Not to any form world, we shall see our task in new proportions.
of syncretism, but to a new sense of the values of We shall be content to let our lives be as living all truth, even where that is found in another seed. ,We shall not fret if converts are few at the . faith. It leads us ultimately to Christ who, in the moment. We shall not worry if men call Mo- end, must be the Crown of Islam. We lose nothing hammed, prophet. We shall see Christ supreme by recognizing broken lights of Him who is the and alive, seeking to break through in spiritual Light of the World. We do not diminish Christ's revelation and power into the lives of men. As glory when we see how God illumines every man the living truth works in the hearts, we shall see coming into the world. It is true, as St. Paul hasl men and women discovering a new meaning to said, "God has not left Himself without witness." life, as they learn that Islam must involve not only If we see evidence of the witness of the Spirit in surrender to God, but to God revealed in Jesus some of the teaching of Islam and in the lives of Christ.
A FEW FAOTS ABOUT ISLAM Islam, more than most religions, reflects the personality of its founder, Mohammed. He was born in Mecca, near the western coast of Arabia, about 570 A. D. When he was about forty years of age, he had a series of experiences which he interpreted as visions from God.
These ordered him to attack the idolatry and worldliness of his fellow citizens, and to proclaim one supreme God and a day of judgment. Converts at first gathered slowly, and they were subject to persecution.
In 622 A. D., the Hijrah, or Flight to Medina, took place, from which the Moslem calendar came to be reckoned. In Medina, Mohammed soon became head of the community and ruler as well as prophet. At the time of his death, in 632 A. D., not only Medina, but Mecca and practically the whole of Arabia, had accepted his doctrines.
The sayings of Mohammed, which are believed to have been dictated word for word to him by the Angel Gabriel, were later gathered together and they constitute the Koran. This scrIp- ture is divided into Suras, or chapters, arranged roughly according to length rather than in any chronological order. The Koran is the Bible of Islam, considered verbally infallible. Since it is often obscure, and since it failed to prescribe conduct or attitudes to be observed in subse- quent situations that arose, it was early supplemented by Traditions as to what Mohammed said or did under various circumstances. These rules of conduct were, in time, codified into legal systems.
The five principal observances of Islam are: (1) the recitation of the creed-"There is no God but God, and Mohammed is his Prophet"; (2) worship, the set forms of prayer which are to be performed five times a day; (3) alms, a certain proportion of the income being pre- scribed from those of means for the benefit of the poor; (4) fasting from sunrise to sunset during the Ramadan; (5) malting the Haj, or pilgrimage, to Mecca once in a lifetime by those who are able.
Among various prohibitions are intoxicants, usury, making of images, and games of chance. On the other hand, Mohammed's relations with women led him to permit four legal wives as well as concubines, and to recommend the seclusion of women. The Jihad, or war against countries controlled by unbelievers, has always been considered a duty. As in other religions, these observances have been much relaxed in practice.
In the first century of its existence Islam split into two principal sects, the Sunni, which is in the majority in most Moslem countries, and the Shia, containing the bulk of Persians, about half of Iraq, and smaller communities in other lands. In addition to these, there have been many other sects. _ Moslem theology has emphasized the unity and power of God, and has been especially severe on anything that seemed like polytheism or idolatry. At the same time saint worship has been quite general; there is also much superstition, together with mystical or emotional exercises.-Quoted from "The Moslem Faces the Future," by T. H. P. Sailer.
Reactions to the
By JAMES HALDANE, Mazagan, Morocco -.•~ Southern Morocco Mission; Author of "Missionary Romance in Morocco," "Morocco in Mufti," etc.
W HEN we present the Gospel of Christ to tion and have the means at their disposal to carry individual Moslems we find them reacting the effort to a climax.
to our message in a variety of attitudes Jeremiah, and other Hebrew prophets, acted and tempers. When the reaction is born of fa- sometimes in' strange manner with a view to exnaticism the man allows you the utterance of only citing their audience into a listening mood, and a few sentences, after which there is a manifesta- employed what we might call a sanctified guile to tion of petulence, rising to passion and finding its grip hearts which could not be reached by ordiclimax in vociferation and whirling gestures. The man's mind is infested with vitiated religious sentiments which, when stirred by an element that opposes them, make the body a medium for their manifestation and produce a condition akin to madness. In the presence of such a man the missionary is confronted with the question of what means he must employ to exercise these exorbitant religious notions from the mind where they are lodged.
Let it be said with emphasis that, whatever A MOSLEM "HOLY MAN'S" HABITATION IN MOROCCO attitude we take towards the fanatic, whatever means we employ to deal with such malady, it nary means. Let me give an instance – one of must be based on sympathy. A display of irrita- many used in my work among Moors-to illustrate tion, an exhibition of caustic temper or rancor, the method. far from mitigating the evil, will aggravate it. A movement from the basis of sympathy to attack I was dealing with a small group of men while religious enormities and delusions, as manifested a number of others, who were merely spectators, by the fanatic, does not imply an unsteady tread sat beside us. There was a wild scene in which suggestive of fear and helplessness. It means reason was caged and rowdyism became rampant. that we are approaching with love and under- I tried everything within the range of ordinary standing a victim who has been born and reared methods used to calm them into a listening attiunder the glare of superstition and religious in- tude but all in vain. I was faced with the alternafatuations, one who has come under the impact of tive of doing something unusual to overcome this a single idea which drives him past all other con- devastating display of fanaticism, or abandoning siderations. these men as hopeless material. I decided to imi- In deaJing with such men it may be necessary to adopt an attitude of silence, at least until some of their fierceness has subsided. In some instances one may detect, seeping through the crevices of a disordered mind, an occasional show of intelligence which casts a passing gleam upon the countenance. Just at that moment one may be able to shoot in a word like an arrow that will find its mark, touch the reason and stimulate it to accept the challenge of a new line of thought. And on occasion fanaticism may be countered by cajolery. But this experiment should not be tried by any but those who, through long contact with the peopIe among whom they labor, understand the situa- [471 ]
tate the Hebrew prophets. Taking off my boot, as if he were afraid that the usual tone of voice ignoring my audience as if it did not exist, I filled would be an interruption. With this show of init with stones. These I shook inside the boot, tense earnestness he lures the preacher on, and emptied them out and filled the boot again. With just at the moment when we are ready to urge his a show of much earnestness this process was kept surrender to Christ he riSes up, draws his fingers up for sometime. Their interest was directed into through his beard, shakes the dust from his gara new channel; they could not understand what I ments, exclaims in a loud voice, "There is no God was doing and were astonished that I had so easily but Allah and Mohammed is His prophet," and tripped away from a serious theological discus- strides away with an air of triumph. sion into the trivial business of shaking stones inside a boot. Their curiosity mounted until it could In some of our meetings, within doors and in no longer be curbed: the open, we have an audience that has come to- gether by consent to extract some pleasurable ex- "Whatever are you doing?" they asked. citement by engaging the foreign preacher in argument. On one occasion a number of young A VISIT TO MOSLEM BEDOUIN fellows came tumbling into my meeting for this purpose. As clearly as if the words had been "You are all acting like madmen and I deter- chiselled on their foreheads I read, "Weare here mined to help you ollt,~' T replied. for fun." I put away my Bible, erected the black- board, put down a sum in addition and invited This had the desired effect for it suddenly struck anyone in the company to come forward, take the them that their vociferation and whirling move- chalk and do the sum. Several came forward and ments were, in the circumstances, as foolish and attempted to add the figures but no one added futile as shaking stones in a boot. Then at my them correctly. invitation they squatted on the ground and together we examined calmly the message of Jesus. "If ever you are to rise above being water car- riers and laborers you must learn to count," I said. Another type we meet is the man who reacts to our message with a cunning camouflage, whose So we continued the exercise until they became aim is to humiliate the missionary. He makes a greatly interested and some could add up figures show of much earnestness and on occasion will before we finished. I invited them to return the sway his body to emphasize his concern for his following week to learn subtraction. soul. At the mention of forgiveness through Jesus Christ he will stare with the surprise of one who "This is the way into an office and a good job," has just made a great discovery. And as the I heard them say as they talked among themselves. story unfolds he will say in a whisper, "Proceed," They were so pleased with their progress that they all shook hands with me before taking their de- parture.
The following week they walked into my meet- ing, some of them with copy books and pencils. We put simple subtraction problems on the board. Interest reached a climax when some of the more intelligent ones were able to find the solution to what I had put down. At this juncture I wrote on the board: ADD TOGETHER: FORMAL PRAYERS, FASTS, LUST, LOVE OF THE WORLD.
SUBTRACT: DEATH.
RESULT: NOTHING.
What a discovery this was! Addition and sub- traction could be applied to theology.
Again this problem: ADD TOGETHER: SIN AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
SUBTRACT: – THE REDEMPTION OF JESUS'
CHRIST.
RESULT: FORGIVENESS AND ETERNAL LIFE.
This proved to be the beginning of an interest- ing work among those young fellows, some of
MOSLEM REACTIONS TO THE GOSPEL
whom continued· to attend my Bible class for that, if he gives Christianity a trial and it does not years. fulfil expectations, he may find the doors of the Then there is the polite man, the person who fold he has left barred against him. He wants to wishes to be courteous and who would treat an make an experiment with a new faith, for he is outburst of antagonism from any religious quar- deeply conscious of the inadequacy of Islam to ter as an outrage against good manners. When provide the assurance of pardon that he seeks.
we introduce our Gospel to this type there is no He is like a man who, dissatisfied with the job he display of opposition and almost no evidence of interest. He simply allows you to talk on, and says, "Yes," to everything. He is like a man who, busy with his own thoughts, will occasionally make a remark to the child that chatters by his side just to show that he is not displeased at its interrup- tions, although he finds nothing in its chatter to be cherished as valuable information. When we have given our Message and ask this man what he thinks of it, and what attitude he is going to take towards Jesus, he skirts the issue by inviting us to drink tea, or by diverting attention in some way calculated to close the subject.
What are we to do with that sort of man? Va- rious methods may be employed in an effort to awaken real interest in him. I give one example: "Well, let's go inside and drink tea now," said my Moslem friend after I had made a serious en- deavor to point him to Christ. We sat down to sip tea and I put this question to him: "I'm interested in Islam; what steps would I be required to take if I decided to become a Mos- lem ?"
The question gripped him and he began to teach me with much solemnity. He had gone far when I injected extraneous matter.
"Are your shoes made of leather or cloth?" I inquired.
He talked on and every now and then I inter- jected some trivial question and gazed around me indifferently. He became annoyed and said: "You are not listening."
"It doesn't matter, just go on," I replied. There was a spell of silence and then I asked: "Do you consider me a bad listener?"
"You certainly are," came the quiet reply.
"Do you know who taught me to listen badly?"
"Say who?"
"The gentleman who sat with me outside the A MOSLEM FANATIC IN MOROCCO door a little time ago." has, would fain go out and search for another, but "So you are taking revenge?" he said with a is afraid that should his quest fail his present em- ployer might not take him back. grin. "N0, only trying to teach you a lesson."
A more interesting, as well as more hopeful, In dealing with this type, which is common type is the man who has a real interest in spiritual enough, rush tactics do not succeed. In exalting matters and who is willing to make some real sac- the capital doctrine of the agency of the Holy rifice to reach the assurance that there is a way Spirit in dealing with such men we must not over- to obtain God's forgiveness, an offer of Eternal look the means of patience and instruction from Life. But there are difficulties in the way. The the missionary's side. To expect such a man, man is encumbered by an imaginative ignorance whose mind is sodden with superstition and that dogs his steps the moment he steps out to cramped from bold thinking by ignorance, to take meet Christ. He is embarrassed with the fear one long stride towards the objective we place be-
fore him is rather too much. He states his need, types enumerated above, gathered in a meeting shows interest in the Gospel message, but shies at where the Gospel is to be preached with a view to the suggestion that he should pass immediately their conversion. Our aim is to gain a hearing over the chasm that separates Islam and Chris- from them all. It would simplify matters if one tianity. Every time the man is forced forward could separate them according to their class, and he reacts with caution. present the Gospel in a manner calculated to meet the particular needs of each section, but this is HIGHIDR CLASS MOSLIDMS OF MOROCCO rarely possible. We must take the audience as we find it. In an effort to arouse the indifferent from their torpor we may say something that will un- sheath the passions of the fanatic and so have a tumult before the meeting is well begun. Or if we stress the finality of the cross of Christ as a means of taking away sin we are likely to hear the muffled rumblings of some who consider it is their duty to counter this teaching by repetitions of Islam's creed. These cross-currents will in turn disturb the polite section of our meeting whose only desire is to conduct themselves in a proper manner, and who would probably rise up and go out if there was any sign of rowdyism.
To place such a meeting in the hands of an in- experienced missionary is to do an injustice to our cause. Some will say: "Preach the Gospel and leave it at that. Let them all have the pure Gospel: there our responsibility ends."
The fact is one considers the Gospel to be such a blessed thing, and such consequences hang upon its presentation, that it is felt to be a kind of sacrilege to offer it to a rabble.
In a meeting of the type I am describing there are two factors which determine what results will be produced. In the first place there is the factor of atmosphere; the missionary's first business is to create one that will harmonize with the exalted theme he desires to present. This cannot be One more type is the man who meets all our – approaches with deadly indifference. In extreme cases we are almost made to feel that we are A HILARIOUS GROUP INTERVIEWING A MISSIONARY speaking to a corpse! The man can be turned from one position to another, rolled over from achieved by a process of shouting and pounding. one doctrine to another, without showing interest What means, then, must we use to create an ator resistance. There was a half silly man who mosphere worthy of a serious undertaking such as lived in our village in the days of my boyhood. presenting the issues of life and death as con- We used to tease him. He had enough sense to tained in the message of the New Testament? look after a cow but little more.
"Ah, Geordi," we would say, "did you give the cow a drink?" "Yes," he replied. Of course there would not be any water in the pail. We would continue. "No," he would reply naively. That silly teasing comes back to my mind almost every time I meet the Moslem type I am now dealing with. He answers "yes" and "no," according as we suggest, no matter how contradictory the replies may be.
Now think of fifty Moslems, a mixture of the
The answer is: a vigorous and proper use of The second factor is, motive. I have not space the native tongue of one's audience. There is no to develop this point. The most ignorant audience, substitute for this. Accent is not a serious handi- not to speak of those on a higher level, is concerned cap, but to flounder about in a sea of foreign words with the motive of the preacher. This concern is is simply to tickle or irritate an audience accord- born, not of analysis but of instinct. There is an ing to its mood. An easy flow of language, studied instinctive feeling of enquiry in every audience and correct, has a tremendous effect. If one can we face as to the motive of our preaching. That is prove to the listeners that he has not only an easy why many missionaries will not develop any phase flow of their language, but also an understanding of work where money comes into play. Mercenary of its underlying significance and subtleties, the motives may easily be attributed, by primitive chances are in his favor for getting a good hear- people, to money transactions accompanying Gos-' ing. Sale points out in his introduction to the pel services. (See the New Testament on this Koran that the success of that book is due in no subject.) small measure to the jingle of its words. The opening chapter of the Koran, when well read, My aim here is to show that natives are consounds like the jingling of bells. If, then, we find stantly watching our motives, and unless we can the atmosphere in a meeting unsuited to our mes- convince them that all our work springs from the sage, we must not imagine that we are false to our motive of love, we labor in vain. That is why a mission if we introduce some extraneous matter warning about sin and its consequences, a referfor the purpose of getting the proper conditions ence to the futility of Islam or an exposure of its established. Here is a method I have employed contradictions should never be carried out with times without number when faced with a meeting any show of triumph, lest we give the impression difficult to handle: that our aim is to score points. Even when en- gaged in disputation, as must sometimes happen, The audience is a mixed multitude-antagon- our words should be the breathing of love. Livism, hilarity, indifference and suspicion surge ingstone's achievements among primitive Afrithrough the atmosphere, and one detects an effort cans were due, almost solely, to this fact: he conon the part of some to scuttle the meeting. To in- vinced them, not merely that he was an honest troduce Jesus Christ in this atmosphere would be man or a good man, but that he loved Africa and to give them the very opportunity they desire to its people intensely. wreck the meeting, for it would present the object for attack. Much to their surprise the preacher With these two factors-a suitable atmosphere, claims only that there is one God and He has no and divine love in our hearts to supply the impetus partners. The next step is to show that all the for all our work-we may say, even when statistics good things we receive in this life are from His deny their support, the faithful missionary of hand. A sense of reverence asserts itself, for this Christ "shall doubtless come again rejoicing is what they all believe. The next step is to show bringing his sheaves with him." that many of the boons that reach us, coming from God, do so through the medium of our own DISTRIBUTION OF MOSLEMS labors, as for instance when we plough. "That," we say, "is why it is a good thing to have a trade." By GOVERNMENTS We then introduce lines from one of their own poets. This creates interest. There is now an Total Moslems in the world-about ……. . 240,000,000 atmosphere of reverence and interest. We quote Moslems under British rule (including Egypt) 94,000,000 the lines again and again: Moslems under other Western Governments ., 94,000,000 Moslems under MQslem Governments ……. . 38,000,000 Mal jiddeen A parent's legacy Moslems under other Eastern Governments ., 14,400,000 Yiteem; Will finish hastily; DISTRIBUTION-BY CONTINENTS Ma yibka All will fade Khir snaa Except the trade America-North and South …………… . 130,000 Australia and Islands ……………….. . 1,030,000 Yideen. You handle daily. Europe and Soviet Russia …………….. . 12,000,000 Africa ……………………………. . 53,000,000 It may be said that there is no Gospel in this. Asia and Malaysia ………………….. . 154,000,000 True; and there is no Gospel in a banner, a bell or a band. Yet these are constantly in use in INTERESTING HISTORICAL DATA Christian work for the purpose of creating interest and a proper atmosphere preliminary to intro- Birth of Mohammed, 570 A. D. Death of Mohammed, ducing the Gospel. I have a whole collection of 632 A.D. Moslem poems, proverbs and stories which I use almost daily in my meetings, for the same purpose Hejira (Mohammed's flight from Mecca), 622 A. D. as I use low gear in my automobile; that is, to get Battle of Tours (defeat in West Europe), 732 A. D. Moslems driven from Spain (by Ferdinand II), 1492. a start. Capture of Constantinople by the Turks-1453 A. D. Young Turks proclaim new Constitution-1908 A. D. End Qf the Caliphate (Turkey), 1924 A. D. Religious freedom in Iran (Persia), 1925 A. D.
Moslems for
By REV. JOHN VAN ESS, D.D., Basrah, Iraq Missionary of the Reformed Church in America THE objective of missionary work is to bring With this as my creed, I go back tomorrow to Moslems to a saving knowledge of Christ. my school. It is the last week of my twenty-fifth But what is "a saving knowledge"? Is bap- year as a teacher of Arabs. For twenty years this tism of converts the criterion of success? Christian school was on the crest of a wave of popularity. Being the first in this region, it has Salvation is assuredly not merely a "ticket into educated or at least vitally touched about three the ark," so to speak. To "accept Christ" is not thousand young Arabs. Each of these has met merely to assent to the formula "Christ died for Cl).rist or heard His message in the vernacular my sins." Our Lord's constant emphasis on the from my own lips, months and years on end, in Kingdom implies a King and an organization, with systematic and progressive Bible study. Hundreds laws, implied strife and victory. This Kingdom of these young men have been absorbed into the begins on earth but will be an eternal Kingdom as political and economic life of the land, and you its King is eternal. When a man is saved, there- can count on the fingers of two hands those who fore, he is saved not so much "from" as "unto"- have definitely gone bad. I can explain it only on unto Life, unto obedience, to fruitfulness, to har- the assumption that the light of Christ has somemony, to eventual and complete adjustment to how produced a change on the film of their heart God. The Cross is not merely a tragic drama on and thought life. Calvary on a Friday afternoon in a city in Palestine. We read of the "Lamb slain from the foun- And now has come nationalism. The Iraq Govdation of the world," of the Word that was in the ernment, in its youthful exuberance, is establishbeginning with God, that was God. The Cross was ing schools of all grades everywhere. They are eternally in the heart of God; Calvary was its good schools, well equipped and staffed. They tragic demonstration in time. The Atonement has have behind them all the prestige and resources of a gigantic sweep, far wider than the salvation of the Government. There are many respects in a confessed minority. The Atonement is a process which, pedagogically speaking, I do not agree with of divine dimensions, a process that began with the system. But the Government has the right to God's eternal purpose of good, reached its supreme decide its own objective and to formulate its own demonstration on Golgotha, and was consummated method. In a missionary school I cannot compete on Easter morning. "If Christ be not raised, ye with the Government on its own ground, nor are yet in your sins." should 1. Two summers ago, driving along a coun- try road in Michigan, I asked a farmer, "Where So I do not visualize myself as standing on a does this road go?" He replied, "Stranger, if you dock with a boat-hook, desperately grasping at follow it long enough, this road will lead you to the souls that come rushing by. According to my the cemetery." As Christians we are often in Lord's precept and example I work for individuals, danger of going up the road to a mental cemetery, but all the time I am conscious that those whom I where lie the dead bones of dead controversies. may miss do not "drift beyond His love and care." As missionaries we are in danger of going up the Above the din and clatter of my clumsy efforts I road to a cemetery of method, if not of message. hear Christ say "I have overcome the world"- The famous Dr. Abraham Kuyper of Amsterdam the cosmos. And so I visualize the world, the said, "The fault of the Church is not that she made whole cosmic order, the whole social, economic, creeds, but that she stopped making creeds." political, as well as the religious set-up, as being brought into obedience unto Him. Anything else As a missionary educator, I am closing a chap- is defeatism and defeatism is treason. Pro rege is ter of twenty-five years, with no regrets, and with. the device on my banner. pleasantest memories, grateful that it has been my privilege to be a pathfinder, and looking around Physical death, then, can no longer be a cri- for new fields to enter and new paths to open. I terion of anything either to me or the Moslem. am deliberately cutting out the top of my tree, so My missionary work is only a beginning, and in- to speak, gradually eliminating the high school deed will never stop. Christ promised a Life that grades, and concentrating on the depressed classes now is and spoke of death that ceases to be.
[476 ] who comprise about two-thirds of the population. outside of myself, illuminating the whole and shed- They do not come within the perimeter of the offi- ding its power over myself and my pupils. But cial vision, and will not do so for a generation. there is the phenomenon. They are desperately poor but they are desperately in earnest. Their economic condition does not For years and years I had tried to present allow them to remain in school more than six years Christ to the Arab boys: His life, His Cross, His at the most, after which they must return to their salvation. A young American, fresh from college, villages or to their former economic plane, equip- with the light of heaven in his eye and the smile ped, we trust, to lift up that plane to a higher level. of God on his face, came to join me for a short Any higher education I leave to the government term. For fifteen months he taught the boys, lived schools which admittedly qualify only for govern- with them, played with them, brothered them. ment jobs and already have reached the point of Then, by an accident, God took him. The boys besupersaturation. Out of the morass of this little' gan to come to me and say, "Sir, now we underproblem I leave the government to struggle as best stand what you have been trying to teach us about it may. God; how He made Himself visible, and lived among us, and suffered with us, and died for us. And so, after a quarter of a century, I stand We have seen it in Mr. Raymond. That is what again where I stood at the beginning. I am again God did." I awoke to the fact that we cannot teaching small boys in simple subjects, and am make men hear the Atonement; we must make back in the daily irritations of discipline and routine. One of my former colleagues, a man of wide men see it. reputation, said to me: "Van Ess, I thought you had it in you to put up a college in Iraq." To I am quite unruffled by government competition which I replied, "I am really prouder of the fact and by decreased appropriations. Indeed, the dethat I had it in me not to put up a college in Iraq." With the rise of nationalism, missionary colleges pression and the consequent cuts have made me are being forced to the wall. India may be an ex- cut out a lot of underbrush, so that I can now see ception, though in the new constitution lurk the path more plainly. Even the casual remarks ominous obstacles. That they have done a splen- of well-meaning friends that the school seems to did service is undoubtedly true but how much be going backward, does not sting anymore. As room there remains for them is a serious question. But there remains a great deal of room at the a matter of fact, there is a far greater percentage bottom. This to my mind is the great challenge of Moslems in the school than ever before, and all to missionary educators today. The greatest con- available space is filled. "Why are most of your tribution we missionary educators can make is not boys barefoot?" asked a government inspector. in the doing of big things in a comparatively small "Why do all the barefoot boys come to me 7" I way, but in the doing of little things in a big way. answered. For that task we need all the mentality, and all the education and all the experience, and all the Where now does all this fit into my pretentious manhood, and all the linguistic ability, and all the creed? Next door to my house is an electric powerhumility, and all the spiritual equipment we can station. Into one end is fed the crude oil; out of command. When the world's proletariat awakes, the other end comes that strange, invisible, potent within the next generation, as it inevitably must, fluid called electricity. The cause is not at all will men, by that time, be familiar with us and commensurate with the result. The only function our message and our Lord, or will they, as in of the crude oil has been to be consumed. Some- Russia, revolt against Christianity that has cham- where along the line, in the dynamo in fact, it has pioned the rights of the privileged classes? If been transformed into energy. It is carried miles one great truth of the Cross of Christ is, in Jesus' away to the wharves where it raises heavy burown words, "I have power to lay down my life dens and lights dark streets and houses. I cannot, and I have power to take it again," surely we dis- and we cannot by education or any other method, ciples can best preach that Cross in our own daily change the world. But we can be consumed, willhumiliation. I, for one, wish to bear witness to ingly, humbly, gladly, for our efforts are made dythe compensation that comes from a humble effort namic in the Cross. "I fill up on my part that in that direction. which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh." During the past year I have had a daily experience, which you may explain as you like but which Anyone who knew Turkey before the World is, none-the-Iess, intensely real. As I teach the War knows that there was not one ray of light Gospel lessons to class after class, lessons which I on the horizon of missionary work among Moshave taught literally hundreds of times, a shaft of lems. In five short years, what happened? The light seems to come from somewhere, certainly Caliphate was abrogated, the Sultan was expelled, and a republic was established; Islam was dis- established, womanhood was emancipated, suf- frage was made universal. The Turkish revolution came like a bolt from the blue. I have heard
famous professors of international affairs confess innovations, which seemed impossible a decade or their inability to explain it. It seems plain to me, two ago, are rapidly being realized. however. For eighty years the American missionaries had been working in Turkey, and prayers, Another innovation, the lawfulness of which the tears, the sighs, the labors, the gifts of God's has been hotly contested, is the translation of the people were consumed for Turkey. They were Koran into English. After a lengthy debate in the made dynamic in the eternal Cross of Christ; the secular press, the Government and the leaders of energy was banked up behind the barrage of God's reform have gotten round the difficulty by affirmpurpose until in His own time He let it loose on ing that while the Koran can never be translated Turkey, and something more had to happen. into any other language, what is now being at- tempted is to translate the teaching of the Book A couple of generations ago a young Chinese especially for the benefit of the English-speaking lad named Sun Yat Sen learned in a mission school peoples. The large increase of religious articles in Honolulu the three uniquely Christian prin- and debates in the secular press, both Arabic and ciples: Liberty, Democracy, Social Justice; today English, is another noticeable development, and if China is in the throes of a new birth. And so it to this we add the broadcasting of the chanting of is in India, and I believe in Russia. To me the the Koran several times a day, while Christians great and humiliating fact about Russia is that the are not allowed to broadcast even a reading of the Church has let Communism steal her thunder of Scripture, we get an idea of the strength of the demanding social justice. propaganda that is being daily carried on.
From the segment of a circle we can tell from The remarkable growth in Egypt of Moslem rethe degree of curvature, not only how big the ligious societies to further the teaching of Islam circle is but where the center is. And everywhere from every aspect impresses itself upon Christian in the round world today we can see the segments residents. The most active of these is the Young being filled in, all centering in Christ, a gigantic Men's Moslem Association. It is a regular centre sweep, a stupendous Kingdom of Divine dimen- of political and religious intrigue. The same sions. spread is also noticeable in the Islamic periodicals and magazines, which are distributed far· and So I go back to my little school tomorrow, con- wide, even in the remotest villages. This new fident of contributing a small but none the less a movement has even reached the neglected southern real part to one segment, and overwhelmed by a European Moslems, and very recently these held sense of unutterable privilege. How many bap- a Moslem conference in Geneva, so that they tisms? A greater missionary than any of us said: should not be left behind in the reforms. Needless "Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach." to say, Islam is being interpreted now-a-days in terms of Christian doctrine. MODERN REFORMS IN ISLAM The agitation of the Feminist Movement against The disintegration of Islam is true only in a plurality of marriage, the prevalence of divorce very qualified sense. The old and primitive type (at present 47 per cent), and the neglect of chilof Islam is giving way to a new form of teaching dren is but like a voice crying in the wilderness, and to an interpretation in line with modern which soon dies in the arid air of Islam. The Western ideas and philosophy. This new move- greatest hindrance to Arab advance and the ment carries with it the vitality and momentum of spread of Islam has been hitherto the wide diveryouth, accompanied with the zeal, if not fanati- gence of views and the animosities among the difcism, of the old Islam, so that, in a very real sense, ferent states, but the Alliance recently signed there is revival in Islam. among all the Arab states and with Egypt joining them, presents a united Islamic front. This revival is most in evidence in Egypt, which is taking the lead among Moslem countries. It Islam is essentially a primitive religion, a fact has actually carried along with it the great centre of which all the leaders boast -and emphasize on of Islamic learning, the Azhar University, that all occasions; no wonder if we see it breaking immobile institution which has for the last thou- down under the demands of modern progress and sand years defied any scheme of reform. The cur- civilization; they are trying to reconstruct it riculum of the University now demands the study along modern lines. It will remain to be seen of science along European lines, and of modern whether such external reforms will prove the relanguages. Promising students have even been vival or the death of Islam.–Condensed from an sent to European universities, and other startling article by an Egyptian Christian in Egypt, "Gen- eral M-vssion News," 1936.
PATIENTS AT A WAYSIDE DISPENSARY IN
A Christian Doctor Among Moslems By PAUL HARRISON, M.D., Muscat, Arabia Missionary of the Reformed Church in America ~~N0. ' I DO NOT believe in forcing religion with God. I have never met a missionary who was down people's throats. I believe in med- foolish enough to suppose that a man could be ical missions though." forced into Christian faith, nor wicked enough to More mistakes it would be hard to put into two attempt it.
sentences. Ordinary missionaries force religion And if any have illusions as to the redemptive upon the sensitive innocence of the unprotected, capacity of Atebrin pills, and Elastoplast band- whereas the medical missionary who has re- ages, and Davis and Geck sutures, the medical mis- nounced the Devil and all his works, redeems them sionary has none. Men with their hernias skill- with pills, plasters, and catgut sutures. fully repaired, stab their neighbors just as fero- Neither the minister nor his medical colleague ciously in the bazaar, and marry their fourth wife, is so foolish. None of us try to force anything on a baby of twelve, with just as animal a glitter in anybody. Those who are willing, we introduce to their eyes, as they did before. None watch the Jesus Christ, with as deep and discriminating an dreadful pageant of human ignorance, and sin and introduction as desire anct background make pos- suffering, with quite so deep and terrible an under- sible. Christ's contact with them depends even standing as the doctor, none know so well as he, more on the depth of our surrender to Him, and that the wages of sin is death, and before it is the radiance of our daily walk in His company. death, it is disease.
In the affairs of the spirit coercion is poison. Be- And so the medical missionary thanks God with fore us always is the beauty of Christ's example, all his heart that he is as other men are; i. e., an as He led free men into a redeeming fellowship evangelist whose life object is to bring Christ to 479
those who need Him. Ignorance has crippled the afternoon, in the hospital courtyard, and on weekmen whom Mohammed captured so many years day evenings they saw Christ on the Cross through ago. Sin has overcome them. Their diseases the stereopticon. Smooth sailing? Not always. come from sin. So does their poverty which is A month ago our outlying dispensary in Nuchl, 75 almost worse than disease in these terrible areas. miles from Muscat, was summarily closed, and we So, also, that emptiness of soul which makes the ejected. But the people there want us to return, inner poverty of the rich, worse many times, than and it will be only a short time probably, before the outer poverty of the poor. If only Christ can we are back. fill some of these souls with the radiance of His Eternal life, they will be a light for the entire There are many areas in the world where the community, just as He promised. Yes,. and in medical missionary is still a pioneer in the simplest sense of that word. No missionary except he. can AN ARAB CHIEF, WITH DR. HARRISON WHOM HE INVITED enter. Central Arabia is such an area. Sois TO VISIT HIS TRIBES IN INLAND ARABIA Afghanistan, and Tibet, and parts of Northwest China. Often even he can go only by special invithat radiant group, Christ Himself will find the tation, and very infrequently. Sometimes he can one joy and happiness that men are capable of take his evangelistic colleague with him. On~e I giving Him. heard of a consecrated music teacher finding an entrance when even the Doctor was shut out. But What part have the medical missionaries played the brunt of this campaign is carried by the docin the great Eternal enterprise of carrying Christ tors. They visit such places on medical tours, to the Mohammedans? A genuine part and an treat those who need medical help, present Christ honorable one. We go where no one else can. to those who will listen, make many friends. Harold Storm made a trip two years ago which included pretty well the whole southern coast of On occasion theYl;re driven out, but they re~ Arabia. With trifling exceptions, that whole sec- turn.. and eventually tlieMission is invited to come tion can be reached only by the medical mission- in and establish a permanent station. Such a staary. And can the Gospel be preached on such a tion may begin with only the medical missionary tour? It can. Last year in Sur, a wild and fanati- in residence. Eventually he is joined by his evancal place, men listened to the Gospel every Sunday gelistic colleague.
It is a great step in advance when a permanent mission station is established. Then the impact of Christian family life is felt, and that is by far the heaviest piece of artillery that we have. The difference between the Christian and the Moham- medan family is an apologetic which admits of no answer. But in this station too, the active medical work of the mission hospital has a great part to play. Dozens and scores and hundreds come to the dispensary. They do not become Christians, but they do become friends. And in the hospital itself men listen to the Christian message with a more friendly ear than elsewhere, and during their days of comfortable convalescence, the same mes- sage can be repeated many times, until some de- gree of comprehension is reached. Christ walks up and down the aisles of these primitive mission- ary hospitals, and the doctor succeeds in making Him visible to some of those who are his guests.
Abdullah was such a patient. He came with the largest ulcer of the year, and we have many ulcers by no means small. His measured six by four inches. Only the swollen condition of the foot made such dimensions possible. After three months he is nearly healed. Abdullah is one of' those fine, sincere, gentle souls, who show that Christ is indeed the light that lighteth every man. The Gospel story was water to his thirsty soul. Abdullah is one of the fortunate few who can read. For weeks he was a hospital fixture, with his leg
A CHRISTIAN DOCTOR AMONG MOSLEMS
stretched out so it could lie in the sun, while he emerging medical profession in these new states earnestly studied the New Testament. He follows can reach full growth. In the meantime the med- Christ now, with deep sincerity, and just ahead is ical missionary can take under his wing these newthe realization that Christ and Mohammed do not fledged doctors, and to their science add ethics, walk the same road. Abdullah returned home two and to their ethics compassion, and to their comweeks ago. May God keep him. passion, freedom from the love of money, and if when he has finished with some of them, these Young men of the community make up the hos- things be in them and abound, he will have made pital staff. They are chosen after much elimina- a very great contribution indeed. And the most tion of inferior material, because they have unusual deftness of hand, and kindliness of soul. PATIElNTS AT THE MISSION HOSPITAL They are not Christians when they enter the hospital service. No such material is available. But important members of this group which he trains, some of these boys come to see Christ as He walks will be the Christian doctors who become under beside them, ministering to men and women who his hands, pillars in the church, and ornaments of suffer. Mobarrek is such a convert. The whole the Kingdom of God. town of Muttreh has been lit up by the beauty and simplicity of his Christian confession. Two of his The medical missionary is a member of the comrades in the hospital have already followed his great eternal succession, through which from example, and the Sultan himself has listened to Abraham to Hudson Taylor, God has unfolded His his testimony. program of Divine power and salvation. The Church of Christ has been set up in the Moham- The medical missionary is a missionary in his medan world. In Iran she has reached the magown right. He is also a member of a mission sta- nificent virility of youth. Even in Arabia the intion where team work is very important. The fant church has been born. Thus does the last evangelistic impact of such a team can be very citadel of human error and sin slowly open to the great. Only a small part of the preaching can be love of Christ. The medical missionary's heart done by the doctor. Proclaiming the truth of is filled with gratitude that in this great adventure Christ is the evangelist's task, illustrating the of the Divine Will, he has been permitted to have grace of Christ is the doctor's (though to be sure a share, and at times to carry the flag. the evangelist does that too). The intelligent and effective mercy of the hospital is a Christian les- ISLAM AS A RELIGION son of the first order. It is the hospital which makes the Christian Gospel intelligible. Moreover Moslem Creed: "There is no God but God and Mohammed there are Christian lessons of no mean order in is the prophet of God." Includes pantheism and scientific medicine per se. Truth is one thing, and animism. error something else. Noone who assists at surgical operations doubts that for very long. The Jesus is regarded as a human prophet inferior to Mopatients believe it too. Ignorance is one thing and hammed. discriminating knowledge something else, and no one knows that quite so wen as the patient to Materialistic and sensual Paradise. whom an accurate diagnosis brings relief after Five supreme duties-witnessing, saying prayers (five many disappointments. Cleanliness is different times a day), almsgiving, the Fast of Ramadhan, pilfrom filth, a rule that holds in the realm of the grimage to Mecca. (Also Holy War.) spirit as well as in the world of bacteria. There Weakness or Islwm-formalism, fatalism, militarism, senis no antidote to superstition like the microscope. sualism, stagnation, polygamy, slavery, blind adher- A louse there, looks far more dangerous than the ence to tradition. evil eye itself. St?'ength of Islamr-belief in one supreme imnipotent God, loyalty to their faith, people of one sacred book, ag- The function of the medical missionary is a tem- gressive in witnessing, courageous. porary function. He understands that. We do not send medical missionaries to Japan. Medical schools are making their appearance in nearly all of the Moslem countries. There is such a school in Teheran, Iran. There is another in Baghdad. They will give first class medical training. In such a country the medical missionary faces a new problem, and new problems mean new opportunities, if only we can see them with God's eyes. The place and the need for the medical missionary are passing away, but it will be years before the
Power of the Printed
By MABEL H. ERDMAN, Beirut, Syria i Missionary of the Presbyterian Church, U. s. A. 1Jie– I .l"". "/ LITTLE old man with greying beard and than all else I was impressed by the beauty and kindly, smiling hazel eyes sits in a wheel the purity of Christ's teaching and character. chair on the veranda of a Home for the "Suddenly I was covered with confusion. This Aged in a near East city. His face is lined, but thing which I considered beautiful, this story the Tines are those of a thinker. He is talking to which was written in my own sacred tongue, was his Moslem neighbor – a thin, time-scarred old a despised Christian thing, a false book which they gentleman whose bed has been pulled out on the dared to set up in comparison with the holy balcony. The first old man is telling something Koran! Hastily I hid it lest I be detected.
of his early life. A missionary friend listens while "Days slipped by, during which I condemned the tale is told. myself on the one hand and indulged my curiosity "Years ago I lived in the Holy City where I was on the other. Finally I decided that there was no a keeper in a large mosque. I was a devout Mos- harm in carrying the book about with me. After lem, wearing the green turban to which I was en- all, my devotion to Islam could not be questioned.
titled as a direct descendant of the Prophet. Five I managed to read all of the Gospel of Mark, and times a day when the muezzin called, I prayed then, still firm in my own faith, I made bold to with the faithful. One of my duties was to clean visit the foreign lady again and ask for other and fill the many ornate lamps which hung in that books of the same sort. I do not know what im- mosque. I was also expected to collect the rents pression I made upon her, but she received me due from houses owned by the mosque. In these kindly and without question gave me three other houses lived all manner of people, the better apart- Gospels.
ments being let to foreigners from whom we could "In a short time I had read all four Gospels and demand a high rental. One of these tenants was then I secured the Book of Acts. It was not long a lady who lived alone. I wondered why she had then before I had to acknowledge that Jesus the left her far-away home to live among strangers, Christ had won me as he had Paul of Tarsus, who, to judge by myself, loved her little. though my own conversion was much less dra- "One day, quite accidentally, I learned why she matico I was filled with a great longing to serve had come. When she gave me her rent money she my Saviour and Friend, who had revealed God to handed me a small book. I suspected at once that me in a new light-as a loving Father to whom I it must be an accursed book of the Christians, and was precious.
had it not been for the precious money and the "So strong was my new faith, so compelling His courtesy due a tenant of the holy mosque, I should plea to leave all and follow Him, that I knew I have dropped the hated thing which seemed to must make open declaration. The great mosque burn into my hand. As soon as possible I bowed became an intolerable place; the copies of the politely and left the foreign lady. sacred Koran, the shining lamps, the very rugs "There were other collections to be made that leered at me.
day, and lacking opportunity" to do otherwise, I "I knew that I must turn my back on all this.
slipped the small book into my pocket. I forgot My parents would disown me and disinherit me; about it until later in the day when I sat alone in a my friends would seek to destroy me; my wife shadowed corn~r of the great mosque. Curiosity would have to do as her parents and mine decreed, overcame my fear and I opened the book sur- and I should have to leave her and the children.
reptitiously. "Weeks and months slipped by as I hesitated.
"Many years have gone by now, but never shall My life was comfortable, even luxurious. I was I forget my first impression of the beauty of that loved, respected, trusted. In giving up Islam I '
story. It was the Gospel according to Saint Mark, should be giving up all security and respectability and as by some outer force I was impelled 'to read as I knew them. But while I debated about this through the verses which described John the Bap- other Prophet and compared His life with that of tist, Christ's Baptism, His temptation and the Mohammed, I knew what I must do; and at last calling of some of the disciples. Perhaps more I did it.
[482 ] "The result was all that I had anticipated, but Dark tales were whispered over backgammon though my suffering was great, I felt no sorrow boards and between sips of thick, sweet coffee- nor regret. There were many new friends now tales of clever thefts, of quick, sure fingers on to replace the old, whom I loved with a greater knife and trigger, of amazing feats of horseman- love than ever and forgave wholeheartedly when ship and of unbelievable endurance.
they persecuted me. Penniless, I left my home city J-'s quiet, pale Armenian wife, whom he had with all of its dear associations, and traveled taken from a refugee camp just after the World northward. Everywhere Christians who had War, had borne him a son and a daughter; but for heard of me welcomed me, but whenever I encoun- him there was no united family life; it had never tered those of myoId faith, they reviled me merci- occurred to him that such was necessary or de- lessly. I was refused shelter in every Moslem sirable. His own mother had often sent him as a home; I was shamefully cursed and ejected from boy to carry supplies of money and food, to her restaurants and all public places where I was father's home, against the inevitable day when her known. husband should tire of her. Many a day on the "For a time doubt assailed me. I wondered road he had met other boys, his friends, going on whether God had forgotten me. Things were the same sort of secret errand. Home for J – strange as I traveled away from home; I did not meant shelter from rain and cold, even from ene- slip easily into the new customs and religious mies to some extent, but little else.
practices. I missed my loved ones, particularly It happened one day that J-, natty in his well- my sons, who would now grow up considering fitting uniform, passed a meeting house in the their father a renegade, an infidel, a betrayer of center of his home town and saw a crowd of peo- the faith. Perhaps these were the hardest hours ple assembled. Curious, he looked in and saw his of my life. wife and children there. Upon questioning some "But when my sorrow was deepest, when the bystanders he learned that an evangelist had come outlook seemed blackest, God made Himself known from the far west to help the harassed Armenian to me, and I was able to rise up and follow Him refugees to return to their ancient faith in God with renewed strength and vision. and His Prophet Jesus Christ. J- was amused, "Now after all these years I can testify that and leaning against the rear wall of the building, He has never forsaken me at any time and that listened while the foreigner read a story which He is worthy of every sacrifice made for His sake. seemed to be all about a new way of Life. The I would not go back to the old IHe, with all of its preacher then talked simply about repentance and security and material comfort, for all that the salvation. It was all so easy to understand, so world has to offer. I have tried to witness to straightforward, that J – was amazed. The meet": Him, to tell others of His love and beauty, and as ings continued for several days, and J- attended life's shadows lengthen around me, I realize that all of them, hearing little more than the simple I must work harder that no time be lost." Gospel story told in none-too-perfect Turkish.
Thus the fascinating tale came to a close. When- That story was enough to change his life. From ever he can do so, this truly converted believer that time on J – knew that his old ways were not reads from his "Beautiful Book" to his compan- in keeping with God's will. To his astounded asions, and if we were there to see, we should note sociates he declared his new faith as openly as he that many a face is softened, that new light comes had boasted of his heinous deeds. He resigned his into hard, cold eyes which have seen much bitter- position with the gendarmerie, and rearranged his ness and disappointment, for the Prince of Peace whole life. There was little he could do to earn an hovers near. honest living, but he did what his hands could find to do, often enough working as a day laborer. *** After their first amusement at J-'s new A few years ago a gay young man rode daily "stunt," his former friends and associates began through the crowded streets of the northern towns to persecu~e him. Finding that he paid little heed of Syria, cursing and jostling the shepherds and to them, they spat upon him, kicked and reviled other traders who came in from the desert to sell him; caused him to be thrown into prison. They their produce. His bright, dark eyes sparkled as were humbled and astounded the more when he he drew rein, for he knew his power and his repu- turned the other cheek. He who had once been so tation for cruel justice. His uniform indicated quick to retaliate now bore the harshest treatment that he was one of the gendarmerie, and well was without reproach. His former powerful char- he known in village and town and out in the far- acteristics were changed and beautified. His rest- away places of the desert. No danger was too less energy led him on to greater and greater tasks great for him to face, no journey too distant for and sacrifices; his splendid physique enabled him his strength. Bold, winsome, rash, J – was at to endure great suffering and deprivation without once the terror and the pride of his associates. apparent harm.
In quiet moments J- sadly counted the years of Before long a crowd gathered, and J- took his life which had been spent in wickedness and occasion to tell his story of Jesus and to distribute riotous living, the blood-stained deeds of his im- tracts. The Sheikh listened as attentively as the petuous youth, and he longed to recall them and others, and when J- had finished he stood up and dedicate them to God. told an amazing story himself. J-Iater recounted this story to us in detail. Some years have passed during which -he has grown steadily in grace. He is tireless in his task About three years ago the Sheikh went to the of spreading the Gospel, his journeyings covering dyeing establishment of an Armenian Christian. the breadth and the length of his native land. On the table in the small shop lay an open book. The bitterest of his enemies are being won over, one by one, for the old charm of J – coupled with "What book is that?" asked the Sheikh, using this new, compelling love, is irresistible. Now and Turkish as readily as his native tongue, Arabic. then there is one who still distrusts, even persecutes him, but to no avail. Into prisons, among "A Bible,!' answered the Armenian. castaways of all faiths, he takes Bibles and Gos- "Is it the good book of which the Koran pel portions and religious tracts. At the doors of speaks?" mosques, in the homes of rich and powerful "Yes," answered the Armenian, a bit on his sheikhs he preaches Christ and distributes lit- guard with so staunch a Moslem leader. The Arerature. menian, though fearless in his faith, had experi- enced something from the fanaticism of Moslems. Recently he was visiting some of the scattered "Tell me about it," persisted the Sheikh with hamlets on the edge of the north Syria desert genuine interest. when he met a man whom he had not seen for "Let me read from it," answered the dyer; "it some years. At sight of that man J- thanked tells its own story better than I can." God and said, He picked up the Book and read some chapters in Genesis. As he read the Sheikh received a new "Brother, do you remember me?" vision of the greatness and the power and the majesty of God as compared with the sinfulness "Yes, indeed," responded the lean shepherd, his of man. The Armenian saw that the effect was keen eyes narrowed in his weather-beaten face, real and read on. "you used to be in the gendarmerie. I have not Later his customer returned and begged to borseen you lately, but I remember you well." row the Book. The dyer volunteered to secure for him an Arabic version, and with this copy in his "Do you remember that once a goat was stolen hands the Sheikh began at the first chapter of from you?" Genesis and read through all of the books of the Old and New Testaments. When he reached the "Ap, my friend," laughed the shepherd, "a goat last verse of Revelation he began again and read is often stolen from a shepherd in these parts. as before. What can I do? The poor have no rights." After that second reading he was convinced that "I stole a goat from you once,and I thought I the only way of salvation is through Jesus Christ. was clever to do it without being caught. My Then one night he dreamed that his city was being friends and I had a fine feast." destroyed because of the wickedness of the people, as Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. Great "You?" grinned the shepherd in mock surprise. was his grief and helplessness when he turned "I cannot believe it." away from the awful scene-and there he beheld Jesus upon the cross. He dreamed that he rose "But yes, I did," averred J- in all seriousness. up, threw his arms about the bleeding feet and "And now I wish to pay for that goat, and to ask wept for his sins and those of his people. your forgiveness. Here is the money." So it happened that when J- came to this town Overcome, the poor man who seldom sees even the Sheikh took courage openly to declare himself paper money, for he trades in kind and is always a Christian. "Do not call me 'Sheikh' any more; in debt to the money-lenders, exclaimed, "Is it I am a Chris-tian, a follower of Jesus Christ," he possible that one steals a goat, is not caught, and declared to the crowd. then comes back to pay for it?" The Word of God is living and active, and sharper than "Yes; it is possible," responded his companion, any two-edged sword. Hebrews 4: 12. "if one steals while he is in darkness and sin and then learns to know Jesus Christ." My Word shall not return unto Me void. Isaiah 55: 11.
What better sermon could have been preached Surely the Word of God is a powerful witness to that poor, ignorant Bedouin of the desert? to Christ and can be used to achieve great results if we can but put it into the hands of men and Leaving the desert, J- went to one of the larger women everywhere. towns and was invited to meet the head man who owns more than three-fourths of the town's land and houses. He bears the important title of Sheikh and is a man of great influence.
Experience with
By REV. FRANK LAUBACH, Ph.D., Mindanao, Philippines Missionary of the American Board C. F. M.
FOR four centuries the Moros of Mindanao pealed to the supreme court, entering a plea of fought the same relentless war with the Span- self-defense. Our case was so well prepared that iards and Filipino Christians that the Moros Pambaya was ~cquitte!i. He is now my/fast friend (Moors) of Africa had fought in Spain during the and will be yours if I introduce him to you." five centuries before Columbus discovered America. The annual war in the Philippines would So this man .]?ambaya, who so nearly spent commence as soon as the winds were favorable for twenty years in,i'Irrison, became my friend, taught the Moro vintas to sail northward, or for the me the .Maranaw language, and has been our Spanish galleons to sail southward. strongesfhulw3;rk ever since. He has toiled with us for cOU)ltless. hours in building up a Maranaw When the United States took over the Philip- dictionary, haS'-helped in the translation of the Old pines in 1898, we inherited this endless war with Testament stories and the Gospel of Luke, and has the Moros. American soldiers, with their greatly ~ided in the preparation of many other books.
.superior weapons, broke the power of the Moros But his chief function is to keep his ear to the and instilled in them a sense of fear and respect, ground for signs of opposition and to make friends though outlaws have hidden in the forests and Qut of potential enemies. No missionary in a performed exploits of murder and robbery every Moslem country can get on very well without some year up to the present day. man of that type.
In the year 1915 my wife and I visited Lanao for the first time, hoping to establish a mission for the Moros. We found the air tense, the nerves of the officials taut, the Moros sullen, and rumors of impending attacks being whispered from ear to ear. We were told plainly that no Christian missionary effort would be tolerated as it would certainly add to the fanatical fury of the Moros.
We left Lanao to work in other parts of the Philip- pines, awaiting a more propitious day.
It was not until 1929 that we felt the time had arrived. A large percentage of the trouble makers had been imprisoned or killed, and the Province had become comparatively quiet. Because there MORO GI1,;LS'l'H:tNK;iTH:EY WILL DIE U' THEIR PICTURE· IS was no school suitable for the education of our 'l'AJ(;EN,BUT 'fHEY Tf.:KE A CHANCE TO son, and also because we were not sure how safe pLlllASE THE; MISSIONARy Lanao would be for women and children of missionaries, I left my wife and son in· the northern Tclie first :rno.n~~,be:fo.:re I had found Pambaya, wer¢, among the hardest Of my life. I did not seem part of the Philippines, and entered Lanao alone. to be able to get the right beginning. I climbed The officials still expressed misgivings about any Signal Hill, back of my cottage, night after night, religious work being attempted, and permitted me with no companion but my dog Tip, and remained to begin my work on the understanding that it until long ·after dark while the finger of God would be educational and social, and not contro- painted marvelous colors against the western sky.
versial. I was a missionary of Christ, with my I recall the heartaches and the yearnings with lips practically sealed~ which my eyes roved around the lake below me, I asked a big-hearted American, Lieutenant where the Moros had their villages. The deepest Cramer, whether he knew a Moro whom I could spiritual experiences are born of pain, if one lets trust. Cramer replied: that pain drive him to God. Out of the loneliness "There is a Moro who was convicted of murder of Lanao came some of the most precious soul ex- and sentenced to serve for twenty years. Feeling periences of my whole life. During one of these that this sentence was too heavy, some of us ap- sunset trysts I was telling God aloud that He must [485 ]
guide my pathway, for the obstacles were like a sinless man to be crucified. That would not be mountains. I spoke aloud, for nobody could hear justice." He snatched Jesus out of Gethsemane, me but God and Tip. Then my lips began to sp.eak and then changed Judas into the appearance of to myself, voicing a new light which had come Jesus, and allowed the Jews to crucify Judas, as into my mind: he deserved. The Koran teaches that Jesus now sits on the right hand of God interceding for men If you want these Moros to be fair to your religion, be -more kindlihearted than the Moslem God. In fair to theirs. Study their Koran with them. Medina there are four graves: that of Mo- hammed; that of Fatima his daughter; that of I told some of the Mohammedan priests that I Omar, the greatest Moslem missionary, and an wanted to study the Koran, and the next day my empty grave. Tradition says that Jesus will re- turn, will reign a thousand years, will die, and MORO POET WHO WON A CONTEST will be buried in that fourth grave.
house was full of priests and hadjis with their What broke down the wans between the Moros Korans, all of them bent upon making a Moham- and myself more than anything else was a pammedan out of me. We found to our delight that phlet published by the Moslem Propaganda Society there was much in common in our religions. Islam of India. This pamphlet was brought to me to has about seventy-two prophets, of whom we show me how to become a good Moslem. To my found the names of sixty in our Bible. delight I was able to translate into Moro, before all the priests in my house, these important facts: Those who do not know the Koran will be surprised to find how it exalts Jesus. He was born of Islam has four holy books: a virgin, according to Moslem tradition, but he (1) Torah, or the books of Moses; was not crucified. In the Garden of Gethsemane, (2) Jabur, Qr the Psalms of David; so the tradition goes, God said: "I will not permit (3) Kita.J Injil, or the Life of Jesus; (4) The Koran of Mohammed.
"I have studied these first three sacred books many years," I told my Moslem friends, "and will tell you all I know, while you tell me all you know about the Koran."
Two or three of the men studying the Koran knew English and so acted as interpreters for the others and for me. They began to ask for a class to teach them to read English.
"Our constant warfare with the Christians has left us far· behind the rest of the Islands," they told me, "and we want to catch up."
The Moros had burned down fifty school build- ings in the years just preceding my arrival, and were for the most part unfriendly to the schools. Yet they began to realize that they were harming themselves and nobody else by this attitude. I knew that for these adults the mastery of English would be a very long process, so I said: "Suppose you learn to read your own language first with English letters. Then it will be easier to learn to read English."
This sounded reasonable, so we began to pre- pare lessons in the Maranaw language with Eng- lish letters.. Nothing had ever been printed in their language up to that time. We had to decide upon an alphabet. Fortunately the Philippine languages have adopted perfectly phonetic alpha- bets, and we followed these in all but one letter. We needed but sixteen letters in all.
At first we used the ordinary sentence method of teaching, but this seemed unnecessarily long for learning sixteen simple letters; so the Moros joined me in seeking a method better adapted to their own language. Month after month they
MY EXPERIENCE WITH MOSLEMS
toiled with me, making positively exciting prog- are you going to get· your money back? Our ress. As the course became easier the numbers imams will not teach us the Koran unless we pay who desired to learn increased, until at last hun- them in advance." dreds came to the large old building we had purchased. Thus began the first of those literacy This gives us our opportunity to tell the religion campaigns based on the principle of "each one which under other circumstances they would be teach five more" which have since spread to many unwilling to consider: parts of Malaysia, India, Africa, and Latin America. "I have studied the wonderful life of Nabi Isa. From the time he awoke in the morning until he The second year the highest Chieftain in south- closed his eyes at night he spent every minute of ern Lanao asked me to attend a three-day feast the day helping people. He was always teaching which he was holding in celebration of the opening of his school for adults. He had moved out of DOCTOR LAUBACH AND PAMBAYA, A MORO FRIEND his largest house and turned it into a school building. The day I arrived was Friday. Kakai Daga- or encouraging, or defending or healing or saving langit, for this was the chieftain's name, asked me somebody. That is a wonderful way to live. If to accompany him to the mosque, and I accepted. everybody in Lanao lived like that we would have I washed my hands and feet as is the Moro cus- a paradise. The climate is perfect, but the people tom, and followed the chief into his mosque. He hate and fight and defraud one another. Because took me to the front prayer rug, placed a black I see everybody must help everybody else, I am hat-far too small for me-on my head, and said trying to teach all I can. And I have discovered I was a "Christian pandita." By this brilliant the secret of happiness! When I was looking for name he hoped that Islam and Christianity might happiness I could not find it. It escapes like the be reconciled. He returned my courtesy by at- rainbow. And when I harm people I feel mean tending our Christian church, dressed in a magnificent shining satin coat and trousers. Since inside. But when i spend my day teaching peothat time I have accepted the invitations of many of the highest chieftains to attend their mosques. ple, my heart sings. Go out and teach others and do not take a cent for it, and see how your heart Kakai Dagalangit has one of the most brilliant will sing!" minds I have ever met. He asked me endless searching questions and told me the populations of all the principal countries of Europe – some army captain had told him what they are. This chieftain also made a contribution to education which may have very far-reaching effects.
When the depression came I had to call all my teachers and the leading chieftains of Lanao together and announce that the little money I had left would permit me to retain only three out of nineteen teachers. Kakai Dagalangit arose and said, with his usual brevity: "This campaign is the most important thing that ever came to Lanao. It shall not stop. Every person who learns must teach five others. I will see that they do."
This is how it happened that we began the "each one teach five" idea, which proved a great success in Lanao, and has proven a cheap and effective method of reaching adults in their homes throughout the Philippines and indeed in every country I have since visited.
A literacy campaign along these lines has proven to be a very fine way to make friends. If you sit beside an illiterate and teach him with patience and real love in your heart, he grows more and more surprised at this new experience, and at last interrupts the lesson to ask: "Why are you teaching me without pay? When
Thus we introduce Jesus at the point where He so tenderly, so perfectly as in the face of Jesus. is most irresistable-His great burning heart and Until men have known Jesus they have not known His loving service. We help people to act like the best fact about God, that He is, that any being, Christians long before they think of becoming even God, can be as good as Jesus! Christian in name. Arabs are poor slipshod business men. Jews There was equal eagerness on the part of stu- and Christians can beat them in business with the dents from Irak studying in the American Univer- utmost ease-:-and do! Mohammed· met Christians sity in Beirut, and Iraneans whom we met in who told him wonderful stories about the lovely Turkey. Now as I write from Dar es Salaam in Jesus-and then proceeded to take advantage of East Africa, I am having one of the most thrilling him in their business transactions. The result experiences of my whole life preparing lessons was that Mohammed, one of the supreme religious and teaching Moslem men every morning, and geniuses of all time, loved Christ and hated Christeaching Moslem illiterate women every afternoon. tians! If Christians had lived what Christ taught A leading African Mohammedan imam is collect- and lived, Mohammed might have become the ing the illiterates. With the memories of thou- greatest Christian since Paul. So ten thousand sands of Mohammedans who have looked at me times over this planet one runs across instances and held my hand in loving appreciation, I feel deeply as well as believe profoundly, that the day TEACHING MORO ADULTS IN THE MARKET PLACE for embittering controversy is past.. For centuries it was the fashion for the two religions to expose of the fact that Christ's chief enemies are Christhe worst features they could find or imagine about tians who betray Christ in their lives and their one another. The time has come to call a truce to business relations. this, and for these two religionS to appreciate one another. We ought to be fair to Islam, for we need to ask mercy in judging Christianity. We have failed so There is much Christians may learn from Islam tragically that we are asking the world to believe if they will look for it. For example a good Mos- that "Christianity has never yet really been tried." lem prays five times a day. Of course Christians We ask others to begin to try it, though Christian are supposed to pray oftener than that-but how nations have never tried it themselves. many of us do? For Moslems the one overwhelming fact is the will of God. We who have come I often hear Christians in Asia and Africa say: into contact with Islam have been reminded that "You can't trust any of them." I dare not tell the one imperative duty of a Christian is to find that Moslem what I think of him, but I will tell and carry out the full will of God in every detail you. What he means to say is: "You cannot trust -,-but how many of us do? Every Moslem is sup- any of them to allow you to despise them, outwit posed to regard every other Moslem as a brother, them, underpay them, ostracize them, and browregardless of race, nationality, wealth, or social beat them." No,he is right, you cannot. Moslems , condition. Moslems do not need to be introduced are mirrors, giving back love for love, hatred for in order to speak to one another! The Arabs inter- hatred, suspicion for suspicion, trust for trust. marry with the Africans and thus make Moslems But so are all the people of the world-mirrors! of them. Christian whites compel Africans to And the majority of ~very nation are responsible live in segregated sections of the African cities. if one treats them decently. The Christian teaching is exactly like the Moslem teaching on the point of brotherhood-but how Nobody can appreciate how valuable it is for many Christians practice it? On the other hand Christians and Moslems to cooperate in some such the Moslems are in tragic need of a vital contact campaign as this, unless he has gone through the with the Christ whom they hold in high esteem, experience. Our experience in Lanao while seekbut about whom they know so little. The more ing the best method of teaching Maranaw, was generously we appreciate their merits the more particularly fortunate. Letters began to reach us readily they will accept the Christian experience of Christ. In a very real sense therefore, we can speak of sharing with Islam.
Some people fear that words like these will paralyze missionary giving. But any person who stops giving for this reason does not need to read more ugly pictures about other religions; what he needs isa fresh experience of Christ. Those of us who have touched other religions know that never in any religion have men seen God so winsomely,
MOSLEM VIEWS OF "THOSE NAZARENES"
fromaH parts of the world inquiring about our Only by some such sharing can one discover campaign. These letters were read to the Moros, what wonderful and zealous friends the Moslems who boasted inordinately about showing the world can be, and how "Christian" many of them are in how to become literate. Some of the young men spirit. Whenever we told Mohammedans about prepared a large map of the world, and ran green our Lanao friends they worked with tireless enlines out to the countries from which letters were thusiasm in preparing lessons in other languages. received. When three years ago we announced A dozen young Moslems and two missionaries our plan of visiting other countries, all Lanao worked almost night and day preparing Malay wanted to go along! Hundreds of datos came down charts in Malacca. In VeIlore India, the Printo the seacoast, a distance of twenty-five miles, to cipal of the Mohammedan Government School and bid us farewell. They crowded the deck of the his faculty struggled and toiled and sometimes steamer, making highly exaggerated but wholly nearly fought over the difficult Urdu. The Presisincere speeches. Then they selected the leading dent of the Arabic College in Madras gathered the imam to pray while they held out their hands great lights of Urdu in a most inspiring meeting, turning their palms alternately upward and down- staged a successful demonstration, put fragrant ward as they responded to the prayer. Mingling flowers around my neck and made such speeches Maranaw with Arabic the imam asked that this as I have not heard, no, not in all ChristenQom. American friend, who had cooperated with them in making the easiest lessons in the world, should When the students of the Lahore Government have the blessing of Allah as he introduced their Training College heard the story of the Lanao method to other countries. They kissed me fare- Moslems, several Mohammedan students followed well, with their long Arab whiskers, and the me home and would not permit me to eat my lunch imams said: before taking the train. One of them wept as he begged me to change my program and visit Jind "We will pray for you in every mosque in this State at once! Two others hung on me resolutely province, while you carry our method to the until I promised to go to Afghanistan. They said world." they would write at once for the government to issue an invitation. I was as excited as they, for Then the Mohammedans stood in silent rever- few foreigners and no missionaries enter Afghanence while the Christians prayed and sang: "God istan. be with you till we meet again."
Moslem Views of "Those N azarenes"
By J. LOWRIE ANDERSON United Presbyterian Missionary in the Egyptian Sudan W HAT a member of one religious sect thinks a man here know or care about the elections in of those of a different faith depends upon America? I thought.) the prejudices in which he grew up, on his temperament and critical faculties, on his second- "But why?" I asked. hand knowledge, and on the members of the other "Because Hoover was against liquor, and the group with whom he is acquainted. other fellow is for it. I am sorry that America turned its back on Hoover and prohibition." (In- The average Moslem knows little or nothing toxicants are prohibited by Moslem law.) about the Christians of America. Only once did I In the French consulate in London, awaiting a find interest in a moral issue in America, and that, viise to our passport, we met a young Turk who strangely enough, in a small city where no Euro- had been a student in Paris and London, and was pean or American lived. We were on an evan- returning to his native land. He was interested gelistic journey in 1934 and visited a town three that we were going for the first time as missiondays' journey from the nearest railroad. Discov- aries to a Moslem land. ering that some in the party were from America, "In recent years," he said, "Moslem countries a stranger sought us out to question us about our have retrogressed. That is because Islam, our country. In the conversation he said, faith, has been weakened. Our great days of power were the great days of faith. When Mos- "I am sorry that America rejected Hoover and lems closely adhered to their religion they were took this other fellow." (What in the world does
the leaders of the world. When faith decayed, so The man of the street in the Sudan has become did their political power and intellectual leader- interested in one report that has reached him, ship. namely, that Islam is spreading in Europe and America. Where the report started I know not, "In Christianity it is just the opposite. It is but in every corner of the Moslem Sudan it has the nations who have abandoned the attempt to gained credence. In many different cities I have follow their religion that are at the forefront. been asked if I knew that all Germany had aban- France and England pay only lip service to their doned Christianity and gone over bodily to Islam. religion. They do not follow the ideals of Jesus. This is probably how the news of the rise of Nazi- And because they have left these out, they have ism and the Neo-pagan Movement in Germany has become great. This is always true." finally filtered into the broadcasting agencies of these simple people. I was at a loss to account In the Sudan, years later, I heard a strange for the origin of the report that in the United variant to that same theme. The spokesman was States five millions have declared themselves Mosnot a graduate student, as the first had been, one lem. Any attempt to deny the statement would be who had traveled in Europe and was learned in useless. Perhaps the Sudanese had heard about the branches of Western science. He was a poor the recent movement among the Negroes in Amer- Sudanese black, who had traveled little if any out- ica to claim that they are not Negroes, but Moors, side hi!,! native region, and who knew how to read with a history not of slavery, but of conquest. Arabic, but no other language. Our colporteur When such Negroes dress in Arab costume and pointed him out, sitting in the shade by the side wear fezzes, worship Allah, and go through forms of the road, and said: of worship, these things have no relation to Islam. But when we realize that they have done this to "That man I believe to be a Christian. He has get away from the stigma white Christians have read the New Testament many times, and he has put upon their race and color, we need to be bought some other books. He knows about Chris- ashamed. Jesus quoted with approval the saying, tianity, although he will not confess Christ." "My house shall be called a hous!'! of prayer for all peoples." But it is hard to find a church in Amer- We walked over and sat down on the log beside ica without the color bar. No wonder Negroes the black man. After introductions were over, the prefer to be considered "Moors" and to profess old man turned to me and said: Islam, rather than Christianity.
"You Christians are the queerest people in the Although the Moslem in the Sudan knows and world?" cares little about the Christians of the West, he has known his Christian neighbors. In Greece, "Why do you say that, Uncle?" Syria and Egypt the ancient Eastern churches "I have read your books. I have read the Gos- still exist and their members can be found in every pel through many times. I find that Jesus section of the Sudan. From these Christians the preaches peace. He tells his followers if they are Sudanese buy their sugar and cotton cloth, and to smitten on one cheek to turn the other. He com- them they often sell cattle or dates. mands that when a man asks for your coat you shall give your cloak too. He says to forgive each "Drunk as a Christian" is a metaphor that was other, and to love your enemies, and to pray for not coined from imagination. The great Christian them. Is that not true?" festivals of Christmas and Easter have too often "Very true, Uncle." been largely drunken orgies in the East. A Mos- "Before you Christians came to the Sudan, we lem funeral is marked with dignity and solemnity. thought we knew something about fighting. All "This is Allah's will," the mourners say, "and as our men le~rned how to use the sword and the His creatures we submit to it." But shrieking and spear and the javelin. Some of them knew also wailing, cursing God for having taken the loved how to shoot a rifle. But that was nothing to what one, and every sign of grief and desolation mark you Christians have shown us how to do. You the death of a Christian. No (me would ever befight with machine guns that kill people, not one lieve that they are followers of One who is the at a time, but by the scores. You bombard towns Resurrection and the Life. Often for years the with cannons fired from many miles away. You Christians display the outward marks of grief and fight not only on land, but on the water, and under priests fatten on the superstitions of the people. the water, and under the land. Nowadays you He alone can intercede effectively for the sins of even fight from the air. Yet you claim to be fol- the people, and only when his palm is crossed. lowers of Jesus, who preached love to all men." The keys of the future life are in his hand, and only gold will give him strength to turn that key. Acknowledging inconsistency of professing This the Moslem knows, and thanks Allah that he Christians, I tried to show the man my own conviction that nothing of Western civilization built on force will endure but that the teachings of Jesus are the only sure foundations for abiding life, in the East or in the West.
needs no intercessor as he comes to God. For this the Gospel in the Apostolic Era. Moslems who reason he further despises the Christian. have become acquainted with them have a better conception of what Christians are like than if they Moreover, the Moslem usually knows little about did not know any Christians. the religIon of the Christian, and what little he knows usually repels. Religious pictures, and the Conversation with Moslem converts has concandles that burn before them, leads him to think firmed my own observation. A convert who had the Christian little better than an idolator. Many learned to hate Christians, found those he met in Moslems believe that the Trinity consists of God school to be little different from Moslem boys, exthe Father, Mary the Mother, and Jesus the Son. cept that they had a better spirit of mutual coop- They reject this suggestion as vile and puerile. eration. Eighty years ago in the Sudan, Arab All are sure that the doctrine at least betrays mud- slave raiders attacked a native village and took dled thinking. Nor has the witness of Christians the women and children as slaves. Among the to their own faith usually been strong. In the group was the son of the chieftain, a twelve-year- Sudan, because they are in the minority few have old naked savage, brighter than the rest. The been willing even to discuss with Moslems the Arabs called him Ibrahim. He attributes his conthings they believe. Thousands of Moslems would version to Christ to a conversation he had while die for their religion, and in the days of the Mahdi still a slave with an untutored Copt in a small vilproved it by courting martyrdom. But when the lage in upper Egypt. In half an hour the Copt same Mahdi ordered all Christians to turn Mos- explained to the inquiring black youth the myslems on pain of death, they scurried like fright- teries of the Incarnation and the Trinity. The ened rabbits into the folds of Islam. Many re- young man's heart went out to Christ who became mained Christians secretly, and when the power flesh and tabernacled among men. His conversion of the Mahdi's sway was broken, confessed it was real, as is proved by Ibrahim's years of faithopenly again. It is the blood of martyrs, not the ful service as a colporteur and evangelist in Egypt saving of life by apostasy, that is the seed of the and the Sudan. Church. Sudanese hold to their faith so strongly, and count death so lightly, that they have no re- In recent years there has grown up a small Protspect for people who change their religion as they estant community in the Sudan. Their interest in do their cloak, when they meet the fierce wind of evangelism has thrown them into contact with the persecution. But the influence of the Eastern Moslem majority and their emphasis on the ap- Christian churches on Islam is not all negative or plication of the teachings and spirit of Christ to detrimental to Christian progress. My experience daily life has not only given them a higher standin the Sudan has caused me to moderate my own ing with the Moslems, but has influenced the memviews on this subject. The presence of the Chris- bers of the older Eastern churches. Moslems of tian in the Sudan, though he be worldly, is a the Sudan are thus having the opportunity to constant reminder to the Sudanese of the presence judge Christianity on its real merits more than of this other faith. Moreover he sees the Chris- ever before, as they see persons who seek to lead tian, not as the vile and wicked monster some- the Christ-life in their daily conduct. times portrayed in their tales, but as a man in many ways similar to himself – with the same "Never have I had a superior like this one," needs and aspirations, the same passions and said a Moslem doorman at the Government office temptations, much the same likes and dislikes, where a Prot,;)stant held a high position. "He is hope and fears. Moreover, he knows Christians always polite, always considerate, and I believe to be people of "The Book," and that interests him that he takes a personal interest in me." more in the religion of Christ. Very uncertainly at times, but on the whole effectively, the Chris- "The best loved in all Wad Medani is Mr. tian has raised the standard of monogamy in the Toobia," said a Moslem to me concerning our Sudan, which many Moslems are coming to recog- Christian pastor. He is probably the most unnize as superior to their own polygamy and easy selfish man in all the district-a man whose face divorce. Christians have many faults and the and life are stamped with the marks of the Lord Christianity they profess is often a caricature of Jesus. the real thing. That their standard of. religion and morals is far from that of the apostolic days. The Church Mission hospital in Omdurman, The Moslem of the street despises them, and not where Christian doctors give freely of time and without cause, yet, all in all they have been an strength and of their own souls to serve their Mosasset to the Gospel, and their scattering through- lem brothers,.has given many a new conception of out the cities and towns of the Moslem Sudan is a what true Christians are. Perhaps the day is not preparation for the Gospel, even as the Dispersion far distant when the Moslem will say not that a of the despised Jews was a help to the spread of certain Christian "is good enough to be a Moslem" -their highest compliment today – but that un- selfishness in a Moslem is one of the marks of a Christian. S~irit-filled Christians can bring that change about.
and Moslem
By ELEANOR T. CALVERLEY, M.D., Hartford, Conn.
Formerly a Missionary in Arabia A MEENA rocks her baby in an Arab cradle baby of her own. The Saviour Divine to whom .r-.. made of date~sticks just as the Moslem her faith looked up during those days and nights of danger and suffering at the beginning of her mother in the next mat hut rocks her little widowhood is the One of whom her neighbors hear one. Next door the mother chants softly to put her sing. Yes, Ameena means the words. Christ her child to sleep. is her saviour in a very real and tangible way. She knows from what He has saved her and she "La ilah il allah knows from what He has saved her tiny daughter La ilah il allah." who sleeps so peacefully without benefit of Mos- lem charm or amulet. Her little one is perhaps Over and over again from the first day of his life the only native child in the whole town and for the Arab child hears these sacred words of the many hundreds of miles around who will enjoy Moslem creed. "There is no god but Allah." For all Islam no other lullaby could compare with this the advantages of a Christian home. in beauty or in soothing power.
The song which Ameena sings as she rocks her little daughter is a Christian hymn. Her neighbors are beginning to learn the words which they have heard so often.
My faith looks up to Thee Thou Lamb of Calvary Saviour Divine.
Does Ameena think of the meaning of those words? Does her faith really look up as she sings to her baby girl? Does her faith lift her above the level of the sordid life with its filth and misery and wickedness which is all about her little home? THREE ARAB BOYS AND A GIRL IN KUWAIT Does it make her home different; more lovely and more happy than the homes of her Moslem neigh- Few towns in Arabia have the example of a bors? Is Christ her saviour in a really practical home like that of Ameena. She and her husband sense? If so from what has he saved Ameena? are of slave descent, and for that reason are more independent than members of Arab families. Eight years ago Ameena's first husband died. Under the prevalent patriarchal system it would It was he who had taught the young wife to become with him a follower of Christ. Gently and with great patience year after year as he and Ameena lived together among neighbors who thought them traitors and infidels because they were no longer Moslems the husband shared with be. difficult for the son of a family with social his wife the knowledge which meant so much to standing in a Moslem town to become a Christian. him. She was very shy and slow to learn but Even though a young man might be willing to live when her husband died she proved that his teach- as simply as does the husband of Ameena, for him ing had not been in vain. Although the whole to take a wife of his own choice and establish an Moslem community seemed determined to force independent home where his bride could enjoy the her to return to her former religion and accept a privilege!'! of Christian womanhood would seem to husband of their choice, Ameena stood her ground. most Arabs an impossibility. For this reason, in ' Even when death threatened, with back to the wall Arabia at least, the only Christian homes with she persisted, never wavering in her witness for which most Moslems can compare their own are.
Christ her Saviour. the homes of foreigners.
Years have passed and Ameena has another In Kuwait on the eastern coast of Arabia where Christian husband now. At last hftr arms hold a it was our good fortune to make our home for [492 ] eighteen years, the missionary family was always uttering three times the words, "You are dian object of much interest and curiosity to the vorced." His wife however has no similar right. women of the town. For two years we lived in Concubinage is taken for granted; slaves are both rented houses. These were built like other native Negroes and white women from countries farther houses with blank outside walls designed to pro- north. Women who live in the town, when in pubtect women occupants from the gaze of men. The lic must cover the entire face with a layer of black rooms surrounded a central courtyard which was cheese-cloth through which they can see dimly open to the sky. When our new home was built although their features are not visible to others. with outside windows admitting sunshine and A black cloak called an "aba" envelops their whole fresh air to every room many women visitors came to see the house whose arrangement seemed to ARAB WOMAN AT EN'ImANCE TO AN ARABIAN TOWN them so strange. person from crown of head to feet, when on the "Which is your room?" they asked the mission- street, excepting only one cheese-cloth-covered eye. ary mother, thinking that she like themselves would have but one room to call her own. Few Arab women can read and fewer still are permitted to learn to write. Fatalism restrains "The rooms are all mine; you see the family any desire for progress or for change. What is shares them all. This where we now are is the "written" on one's forehead must be endured. living room where we sit together and visit with Marriage and motherhood, especially the motherour friends." hood of sons are practically the only aim of exist- ence for these women. "You mean the reception room for men." "No, for both men and women." It is not fair to generalize about the home life "Surely you don't mean that men and women of all Islam from conditions in a backward sit together in the room!" country like Arabia. Great changes are tak- "Certainly they do." ing place in many Moslem lands. In Turkey, for "And this," continued the hostess, leading her instance, almost overnight through the adoption friends into the dining room, "is where we eat. With us, the mother sits at one end of the table and the father at the other end while the children sit at the sides." "You cannot mean that you and your husband eat together!" "Yes we do." That was hard for the guests to accept, for in their homes the men are served first and the women have their meal afterward. "They tell us," persevered the callers, "that your children are all girls. Is that true?" "Yes it is true." "Won't your husband divorce you because you have no son?" "No, he will not divorce me."
"Well then, won't he take another wife on your head?"
"No, in our country a man would be arrested for having two wives at a time. But I am thankful to say my husband does not even wish to take another wife."
"Oh! how fortunate you are!" exclaimed the visitors; and then, more wistfully, "How we wish that we were like you!"
Eas,tern Arabia is very conservative and is little affected by Western ways. The laws formulated in the Koran are still the rule for life. Polygamy is usual for those who can afford more than one wife and is also practiced by many who are poor. Early marriage of girls, not infrequently at the age of nine but more often between the ages of twelve and fourteen, is the established custom.
A man may divorce bis wife at will by simply
of the Swiss code and the separation of Church sionaries' home in order that they may become and State Turkish women were released, in theory accustomed to the association of men and women at least, from many of the restrictions we have in social intercourse and may learn to feel at ease mentioned. Legally, polygamy, the veil and un- in acting as hostess in their own homes.
equal divorce laws have all disappeared. As a Surprisingly enough the most violent opposition Turkish woman discussing modern social prob- to changes proposed by feminists in the status of lems said,* "What was moral in my grandmother's women in the home often comes from women day is now taboo, for instance polygamy; whereas themselves, especially from women of the older the perfectly normal social relations of young peo- generation. There is something not only indecent ple today would have formerly been considered but traitorous they feel in the new-fangled ideas immoral." of their sons. Virtuous women of Islam through In Egypt, Syria and India groups less radical all the centuries since Mohammed have gloried in than the Nationalists who are in power in Turkey submission to what they felt was Allah's will.
"We know the 'kind of life you Westerners live,"
said some Arab women returning from a visit in India, to a fellow passenger who talked with them on the ship. "We have seen life in your country pictured in the movies at Bombay." Then they described indecorous behavior of men and women together as they had seen it pictured on the screen.
That sort of thing would be to their minds the inevitable result of discarding the veil and giving to women a position similar to that enjoyed by men.
That freedom has its perils cannot be denied.
BAHREIN GIRLS' SCHOOL MADE OF DATE' STICKS When the veil is taken from the face of women a veil of character to shield the heart becomes imare endeavoring to secure social justice for women perative. Western civilization, nationalism and by reinterpreting Islam. Laws set down in the feminism must all have their part in bringing so- Koran to meet seventh century conditions need cial justice into Moslem homes; but all of these not be followed literally in the twentieth century together could not do for Ameena and her home they believe. And so, although more slowly than what Christ has done-that Saviour of whom she in Turkey, the status of women is beginning to be sings. raised in many Moslem countries.
In speaking of the effect of Islam on home life THE OHALLENGE OF ISLAM it is usual to consider principally the injustices imposed upon women. Educated Moslems are be- To win Moslems for Christ is a task of supreme ginning to realize that in the system of polygamy difficulty and many Christians regard it as one and in seclusion and lack of education for women, from which practically no results are to be exmen also suffer loss. In the face of opposition from pected. his superstitious and hysterical women-folk a man is helpless to apply the discoveries of modern Let it be admitted that it is the Evil-one's counscience to the care of his children. After losing terblast to the Gospel in the Eastern world. These child after chUd, in Arabia.where the infant mor- very facts make the conversion of a Moslem to tality is appalling, I have heard Moslem fathers Christ one of the most signal illustrations of the exclaim in despair, "What can I do? The women power and grace of God. In Moslem lands there are like cows!" Moreover, when men become edu- are today many men who once recited, five times cated in the Western sense as is happening more a day, with passionate conviction, the Moslem and more frequently in Iraq, for instance, they creed, but who now, with equal sincerity, are desire wives with whom they can enjoy compan- preaching Christ. In Morocco alone there are ionship. Sons frequently refuse to accept their little assemblies of believing and baptized natives, parents' choice of uneducated girls to be their who manifest the gifts and graces of the Spirit. brides. This fact perhaps more than any other Such instances are a clearer proof of the triinduces fathers to send their girls to school. umphant POWel' of the Gospel than the conver-· sion of hundreds of those, who, for various pre- Men students in Iran, I was told by the wife of disposing causes, are eagerly stretching out their an American professor in that country, are begin- hands for the Word of Life.-Condensed from a ning to bring their young wives to call in the mis- letter by Rev. E. J. Poole-Connor of the "North Africa Mission," printed in "The Christian" * Quoted from "Moslem Women Enter a New World," by Wood- (London).
small.
Ways of
'Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home s. EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO "New Roads in Ancient Islam" but rather mentioned as they ap- "The People of the Mosque," by L. pear in the outlines for work and Bevan Jones-a scholarly and detailed "To the majority of our church study sent in to this Department study of Islam and a challenge to members, the Moslem World is an un- by various denominations. In Christianity (cloth, $2.00). known sphere and therefore holds little this no discriminations have interest. To us as leaders is given been made. Leaders in any com- "Voices from the Near East"-writthe opportunity of opening up this munion have only to submit their ten by Christian nationals (50¢ and fascinating and most challenging prob- materials for the Editor's exam- 25¢) . lem facing the world mission of the ination, whereupon they will be Christian Church today." given attention and publicity in "Young Islam on Trek," by Basil the interests of the common Mathews (25¢). "Glimpses of the Moslem World good. show us that change is the order of "Islam Awakens," by Herrick B. the day. Whether it be a surge of The Source Material Young – a course for senior high nationalism here, a welling up of re- school groups (25¢). ligious fervor there, a zigzag course The main study book is, of of progress and reaction elsewhere, or course, "Mecca and Beyond," by "Masoud the Bedouin," by Alfreda just an unheralded drift from the old Dr. and Mrs. Edward M. Dodd, Post Carharlr-stories of Bedouin life moorings, there is something going on priced at 50¢ and $1.00. One of (25¢) . which is unprecedented in extent and the most excellent "How to Use" scope in all the thirteen centuries booklets (15¢) the writer has "Tales from Moslem Lands," edited since Mohammed. Modern civilization ever seen furnishes the plans for by William W. Reid (50¢). is flooding un on the world of Islam young folks and adults, men and and changing the face of that world. women alike. In addition to pro- "Christian Adventures in Moslem . . . The great question is, 'Whither, gram outlines of the subject mat- Lands," by Winifred Hulberlr-a study Islam?'" (From "How to Use," ter, complete worship services, for intermediate groups (25¢). Mecca and Beyond.) poems and the like, there are suggestions for invitations in- "Doorways," by Mary Entwistle- Our foreign mission theme is clusive of 0 utI in e picture stories for juniors (75¢ and 50¢). so rich in subject matter, so col- sketches, two complete dramaorful in plans for pres.entation, tizations and plans for a variety "Musa: a Son of Egypt," by Perkso dynamic in possibilities that of others, plans for use of life ins and Entwistle-a primary course it would be wasteful to give stories taken from the book, im- (25¢). space to prefatory remarks. personations, imaginary broad- Sampling the main study book casts, airplane trips, etc., a rib- "The Story of Musa," by Entwistle or any of its supplementary vol- bon demonstration, a candle (25¢) . umes, or of the articles in the lighting service, a "convers'abody of this magazine, may well tion" between a Moslem and a "Esa: a Little Boy of Nazareth," be trusted to win students with- Christian, a "pageant of antiq- by E. Mildred Neville-for beginners out explanatory "sales talk." uity," a new "Riddle of the (25¢) . The potentialities bound up in Sphinx," matching and other the theme, "The Moslem World," "tests," an "impersonation of the A variety of others may be readi.ly are explosive enough to rend pyramids," questions for prac- located from the listings of Boards of Christendom, or powerful enough tical discussions and many other Missionary Education, or denominato furnish motive power for devices for making topics attrac- tional publishing houses. building the King's Highway tive and forceful. "Effective Ways of Working" through the Orient. So whether Supplementary books: with the Study Topics making this an entire unit of study or merely incorporating it "What Is This Moslem World?" by The Central Committee on into some addresses and pro- Charles R. Watson ($1.00 and 60¢). United Study of Foreign Misgrams, our readers cannot afford sions, 186 Massachusetts Ave., to turn it down because not rep- "The Young Moslem Looks at Life," Boston, MMS.: resenting a field of endeavor in by Murray T. Titus ($1.00 and 60¢). their own denominational work. Miss M. H. Leavis, its secretary, "The Christian Approach to Mos- states that she has had great difficulty As in last month's citation of lems," by T. H. P. Sailer – a study in securing the illustrative curios helps for the home theme, ma- with teaching aids for adults (25¢). such as enlivened our study of Africa terials are not all listed under last year, receiving either nothing or their many publication sources, [495 ] novelties in too small quantities to be because of our space limitations, advertised, but that she is ready to furnish the following aids, in mim- eographed form: Life stories of the authors of "Mecca and Beyond"-Dr. and Mrs. Dodd ………………. 5¢ Story-"He Sent the Comforter" (to be read and questioned upon) ……..•…………. 51/'
Poem-"Desert Thirst," by Mary W. Vassar (Moslem woman's dream of God) ………….. 31/'
Poem – "Our Moslem Sisters" (communion story on "Has Any One Been Missed?") ……… 3¢
Poem-"The Tapestry Weavers". 3¢ saw. She asks, "What if we could The United Christian Mission- Plays- see all around the world through win- ary Society, Missions Bldg., 222 dows in all countries? Would you like "My Baby Is Sick," by Mary to try it? Which countries would you Downey Ave., Indianapolis, Ind.: Vassar – two women and a like to see? Can you think of any doll. . . …. . . . . . . .. . . . … .. 5¢ friends you would like to meet?" A Has no work in Mpslem lan_ds but game is then played in which the chil- "Yesterday – Today," by M;ary dren in the circle represent different expects to devote two months to the Vassar – mother and daugh- nations and the child in the center study topics and will use materials ter dialogue …………… 5¢ chooses from whatever nation she pre- to be mentioned later in the year. fers, the old tune, "Go in and out the Their catalogue mentions "Moslem "Persian Proverbs and Wise Say- Windows" to be used with words be- Children"-pictures at 50¢ per set, ings" •…………………. 3¢ ginning, "Go round and round the and a "Cut-out Sheet of Moslem "The Experiences of a Moham- nations." Types" at 15¢. medan in Christian America," "What We See First through Open by Mrs. F. G. Platt. . . . . . . . . . 3¢ Baptist Board of Missionary Windows" shows a picture of Christ Place cards – picture of "Mecca and the children of all races. Leader Education, 152 Madison Ave., and Beyond" on green card with directs conversation to the idea of N. Y.: . space for name ………. each 1¢ God's garden with differently colored flowers, these being the children of all The graded missionary materials ar- A Window Transparency-the lands. "Weare going to visit this ranged by this board are for use in camels and the star (directions garden and enjoy these flowers." A Sunday schools or organized groups of for making) ……………. 3¢ song, "His Garden," is then sung. It corresponding age interests. In order- is suggested that Friendship Paper ing the publications listed, note that "The Mecca Certificate"-a beauti- Dolls be used in this connection (four all materials marked (*) should come ful reproduction in a series of four dolls eight inches high, like real chil- from the board headquarters as cited plates (9x22in.) of the certificate dren of various oriental countries, above, but books and other helps (ingiven to every Mohammedan who price 25¢ a set). clusive of publications of other demakes the pilgrimage to Mecca. The nominations) are to be obtained from art work is fine and intricate. Ex- Succeeding lessons emphasize the the American Baptist Publication Soplanation and translation accompanies needs we see through open windows, ciety, 1701 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, certificate. 10¢. ourselves through open window, "The Pa., or its various bookstores. World Looks through Our Windows- Cash must accompany all orders for And What Does It See?" etc. Beginners: the foregoing materials. Auxiliary materials suggested and "Esa: a Little Boy of Nazareth" Women's Missionary Society which may be ordered through the furnishes the main story material. of United Lutheran Church, 723 For visualizations, use "Friends in Muhlenberg Bldg., Philadelphia, Lutheran headquarters are: Everyland"-12 pictures with story Pa.: on back of each, including "A Moslem Picture Sheets in "Child Life of Friend in India" and "A Friend in "Zahia" – dialogue between Mo- the World" ………….. each 25¢ Turkey," 25¢ (listed elsewhere by its hammedan bride and school- publishers, the Women's Society of the mate ………….. 3¢ or 6 for 10¢ Lutheran Picture Sheets on Af- United Lutheran Church); "Posters rica, India and Japan …. each 5¢ of Moslem Children," 25¢; and hand- Special Program Helps to Use work such as "Arabian Village Cut- with "Open Windows" ……. 15¢ Picture Maps of Africa, India .. out"-eight cardboard sheets with di- ……………………. each 50¢ rections for coloring, 50¢; "Desert This pamphlet is especially helpful Life Panel Posters"-four brown sepia in presenting the book to children. Picture, "The Hope of the World" panels, 12×36, with colored cut-outs to Its keynote is in the opening para- (Christ and the children) …. be pasted on, 50¢; "Near East Paintgraph: "Through open windows that ………… postcard size, 5¢; ing Book"-seven pictures with colorlook out into the world, we see boys sepia, 35¢; large size in colors, 60¢ ing instructions, 10¢. Other stories and girls in China and India, in Af- recommended are "Just Like You" by rica and Egypt, in Japan and Borneo. Picture games – I n d i a, Africa, Lucy W. Peabody-a book of stories The stories of their lives and adven- China ………………. each 20¢ from many lands, 25¢; "A First Book tures are told so vividly that it is not of World Friendship," by the same hard to feel that we really see them Pictures through Magic Windows author-a collection of "Just Like You through the open windows. The leader -18 Bible pictures and verses Stories" in six little books, $1.50. may also reverse the idea so that the in attractive form ……….. 75¢ boys and girls realize that children of Primary: other countries are watching us also. "Friends in Everyland"-12 sto- The book contains ten stories. Each ries with large picture ……. 25¢ The stories are found in "Missionmay be told separately or some of the ary Stories to Tell," which contains material may be combined and used Teaching Pictures on Rural Life two short stories from Moslem lands. for six or more programs. The lead- around the World ………… 50¢ $1.00 and 50¢; "Our Little Friends of er's aim is to open the windows of a the Arabian Desert" (illustrated) child's heart and help him to make Presbyterian Board of Na- which takes us to visit the children of friends with all people who pass by." tional Missions, Central Distrib- a Bedouin sheik, $1.00; "The Story of uting Department, 156 Fifth Musa," by Entwistle-eight illustrated The ensuing pamphlet suggests Ave., N. Y. (Checks payable to narratives, 25¢; "Graded Foreign ways for leaders to carry out the fore- Central Distributing Department Mission Stories" (*), to be ready in going ideal, furnishes an outline guide December, 15¢. for each program, hymns, prayers, of the Mission Boards) : Scripture, a long list of excellent The visualizations and handwork group activities in the way of poster In addition to the study books listed are "Children from Manv Lands"- making, dramatizations and construc- previously, with their respective teach- portfolio posters of children of 10 tion work, outline illustrations of ing helps, "Fun and Festival from countries, llx14 in., in colors, with posters, directions for making an in- Moslem Lands" (25¢); "Primary Pic- verse for each picture, $1.00; "Life ternational house or village, map in Moslem Lands"-21 pictures with work, plans for scrap books, etc. ture Stories – M 0 s I e m Children" descriptive titles, 25¢, and all the ma- (25¢); and a moving picture, "Islam terials listed for the beginners. A sample of some of the preliminary in Egypt" are listed. Special attenplans will furnish an idea of the tion is called to this last valuable item, Juniors: method employed: which is a one-reel film taking ap- proximately 15 minutes to show. The The Stories are "Doorways," 75¢ Introducing the idea of theme, the rental price is $1.25 in 16mm. and $2.00 and 50¢; "Graded Foreign Mission leader has the children-individually in 35mm., plus transportation charges. or in groups-look through the largest ordering from Visual Aids Division of window near them, then tell what they The Westminster Press, 925 Wither- spoon Bldg., Philadelphia, Pa.
"Living Water" is a play taking 20 minutes, 13 women, 2 children (5¢).
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
Stories on Missions and World Peace" "Hostess Hints," covering menus Oriental music suitable for Moslem (*), 15¢; material from the primary and recipes for Arab cookery, 10¢. studies includes "Where My Caravan section. Has Rested," "Till the Sands of the "Traceaole Sketches" – outlines of Desert Grow Cold," "Bedouin Love Visualizations and handwork include flags, suggestions for place cards, Song" and "Kashmiri Song," with a picture map of the world-art map fruits, human figures, etc., which may other selections from collections of 30×50 in. with 23 small pictures to be readily be copied by tracing and used Oriental Music by Amy Woodfordepasted on, 50¢ "Cut-out Sheets of in a variety of social ways, 10¢. Finden. Inquire of any music dealer. Moslem Types"-20 outline sketches with directions for coloring, 10¢; "Islam," a dramatization with nar- The Religious Motion Picture "Friends of the Caravan Trails"- rator and 14 characters – outstand- Foundation has now merged its intersuggestions for handwork on pp. 21- ingly informing and worthful, 15¢. ests with those of another concern and 24, also sketches in insert sheet, 25¢; should now be addressed as Departmaterials listed under primary section. Sketches, "Mohammed" (4¢), and ment of Visualization, Harmon Founda- "Mohammedanism" (3¢). tion, 140 Nassau St., New York. It Intermediate and Young People: has a large number of religious and Story, "The Forgotten Words," 5¢. educational moving picture films in Story telling from "Tales from Leaflet (easily dramatized), "A stock, and each year additional ones Moslem Lands"-illustrated adventure Kabyle Wedding," 4¢. on the current study topics are prestories, 50¢; "M,asoud the Bedouin," Young women have a course on pared with the heln of an interde- 25¢; "The Beloved Physician of Te- "Highways and Skyways in Minaret nominational committee. heran," $1.00; "The Moslem World" Lands," including the textbook, for -a book of facts about foreign mis- 60¢. Some Rural Programs sions (*), 15rb. For Standard Bearers (of junior age), "Moslem Adventures on the By ANNYE ALLISON Visualizations and handwork include Magic Carpet of Imagination" con- "Christian Adventures in Moslem tains all necessary materials for a For primary pupils, make Lands" – suggestions for handwork, program of strong appeal to young 25¢ ; Set of Twelve Charts with folks, $1.00. poster headed "Win Rural Amergraphs for blackboard work or poster "Doorways" (50¢) and its "How to ica for Christ," showing church, making, 50¢ per set; Maps of the Use" (10¢) are recommended for the Sunday school, daily vacation Moslem World, to be colored and wired younger groups, along with materials Bible school, young people's for project purposes-wall map 30×46 listed elsewhere in this Department. meeting, hospital, orphanage, in., 60¢; large outline map, 28×32 in., 25¢; small outline map, llx14 in., 25¢ Woman's Board of Foreign colporteur, etc. Dramatize some per dozen; and some of the materials Missions, Reformed Church in features. Have group of chilfor the younger groups. America, 25 East 22d St., New dren pretending to fish or pick York: berries, and let lady enter and There is one stereopticon lecture on invite them to the D. V. B. S. the Moslem World, revised by Dr. "Camel Bells"-complete programs which is to begin the next day. Zwemer, entitled "The Spread of including semi-dramatic and easily When children arrive, seat them Islam." It rents for $2.00 and car- dramatized material, under the topics in circle with lady in center to riage both ways. Address the Vis- "Letters from a Saddle Bag," "Cara- tell a good religious story. Pass ualization Department, Council on van Trails," "Oases" and "Behind the paper and crayons and have chil- Finance and Promotion, 152 Madison Lattice," 10¢. dren draw pictures to illustrate Ave., N. Y. "God's Good Gifts" or "God's "Playmates in Mission Lands"-at- Beautiful World." Hymn, "Jesus Plays: "Black Tents" -life among tractive illustrated primer booklet on Loves the Little Children of the Bedouins in Syria; 4 boys, 3 girls, A, B, C plan, for very young children, World" ; the Lord's Prayer; 20 minutes, 25¢; "Tara Finds the and including Arabian features. simple Bible verse such as "God Door to Happiness"-life of Moslem is love," "Suffer the Little Chilwomen and girls in India; 2 women, "Under Many Flags," 5¢. dren," etc., following with the 7 girls, 2 boys, 30 minutes, 25¢. "Silhouettes," 5¢. circle talk and another hymn. "True-False Test on Arabia," 1¢ "The School of Missions"-a hand- each sheet. The brighter side of the hosbook of information on setting up a "Cross Word Puzzle on Arabia," 2¢ pital theme may be dramatized school, by William A. Hill, free (*). each sheet. by having a child who has been "Fun and Festival from Moslem cured waiting for his mother to Woman's Foreign Missionary Lands," 25¢. take him home. Nurse wearing Society, M ethodiJst Episcopal Wall Map of Moslem World (60¢) white dress, cap and apron and Church, 581 Boylston St., Bos- and Outline Maps of Moslem World arm band with red cross on it is ton, Mass.: (large size, 25¢; small, 25¢ per with him and teaches him a Bible dozen) . verse. Child presently runs to "Complete Program Outlines for "Spiritual Adventuring" is a very meet mother telling how good Auxiliaries" (woman's societies), giv- worthful manual of worship for mis- people have been to him, about ing suggestions and plans for a year's sionary societies, giving complete out- the cards, Bible verses, hymns, work, 25¢. This begins with a beau- lines, including poems and prayers, etc., which he will repeat when tiful installation service for the offi- for a year's meetings, 10¢. he gets home. At nurse's call the cers and continues through Moham- doctor enters and mother pours medan studies including "The Moslem Additional Helps and out her gratitude for a denomand His World," "North of the Sa- Suggestions inational hospital to which counhara," "Christmas and the Christ's try people with very little money Land," "Behind the Bourka," "The Further missionary dramatics, ob- can send their sick children. Sword of the Moslem." Additional tainable from sources whose addresses programs of universal application have already been given herein are: [CONTINUED IN NOVEMBER.] (omitting one specific to Methodist "An Afternoon in Arabia"-10 young plans) are on "Christian College Stu- women and girls, taking about 10 dents around the World," "World minutes-5¢ (W. B. F. M. of Reformed Citizenship," and "On the Road to Church) . Hangchow." May be used by groups in any denomination. "Christ or Mahomet – Which?" 4 scenes, 12 characters, 15 minutes-10¢ Excellent coordinated materials are: (W. F. M. S. of M. E. Church).
"Go Ye," a year's devotional out- "Kasim"-modern life in Persia, 5 lines, 15¢. men, 5 women, 1 hour-25¢ (Mission- ary Education Movement, 150 Fifth Ave., N. Y.). The Council of Women for Home Missions EDITH E. LOWRY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK Over half of the population of the United States is rural. Under what conditions do they live? What are their problems? What groups have special needs?
How should they be met? Is the church meeting the needs of Rural America? What must we do to Rebuild Rural America that it may be a part of a great Christian nation of which we can be proud? What lessons can Rural America teach us today? The contribution of Rural Amer- ica to urban life and the develop- fllent of the nation has been great, as has been its contribu- tion to the Christian Church, which has its roots in rural life.
CHARLOTTE M. BURNHAM.
STUDY BOOKS For Adulbs Rebuilding Rural America, by Mark A. Dawber.
A PRAYER THE CHURCH AND RURAL Dr. Dawber has for years trav- eled the whole United States as Teach me, Father how to go AMERICA a leader in rural church work. Softly as the grasses grow; He reports graphically what is Hush my soul to meet the shock This is the month when many happening to,rural America, and Of the wild world as a rock; of the women's societies will take describes rural people and con- But my spirit, propt with power, up their studies of the home mis- structive enterprises that the Make as simple as a flower. sions theme for 1937-38. The churches are undertaking. A books this year are not only in- chapter is given to groups with Let the dry heart fill its cup, tensely interesting and challeng- special needs as the Migratory Like a poppy looking up; ing, but are vitally related to our Worker, the Southern High- Let life lightly wear her crown national life and the critical pe- lander, and the American In- Like a poppy looking down, riod in which we are living. As dian. Cloth, $1.00.. paper, 60 When its heart is filled with dew many of the speakers at the Mis- cent8. And its life begins anew. sions Institutes this summer have pointed out, we can no longer The Church and American Rural Our Father, help us to root expect to hide our own family Life, by Benson Y. Landis. our lives as deeply as Thy trees, skeletons from the world, and which grow so grandly; to rise unchristian conditions in our- A leader's guide based on Restraight and true as Thy grasses, own country, and unchristian building Rural America, conwhich grow so simply; to make behavior toward other countries, taining many helpful suggestions the results of our living as-beaU- prove a stumbling block to the for study groups for city and tiful as Thy flowers. Amen. foreign missionary as well to rural churches. Paper, 25 cent8. those at home who are trying to "Sorvices fr>r th.e Open." spread the Gospel of Jesus. Migrant Laborers. They Starve T hat We May Eat.
Two million migratory workers ' on the road, in the fields and at the canneries; a challenging problem in the rural field with a description of a challenging program of action for the church. . This composite study has been written by authorities in the church and secular field [498 ]
BULLETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
and edited by Edith E. Lowry, joyed to learn that I was to go School Methods, Adult Educa- Executive Secretary and na- to Lisle, New York, for a set- tion Methods, Round-Table Dis- tional Director of Migrant ting-up conference. cussions on Work with Young Work. Paper, 35 cents. People, Handicraft, Health Pro- Nearly fifty migrant workers gram, Infant Care, Nutrition, For Young People who are to serve in the Eastern Methods in Work with Children, Migrant camps this summer ar- Methods in Recreation, First Aid Highland Heritage, by Edwin E. rived in Lisle, a typical, peace- and Camp Sanitation, and a dis- White. ful, happy, country community, cussion on our relationship to and were welcomed most gra- the community, the employer The book has literary charm and ciously by our host and hostess, and the migrant. the task of the churches in rural Dr. and Mrs. Richard Edwards. America is vividly illustrated by [This little community has a By the third day, many doubts what is happening as new high- population of three hundred and had come to my mind. Can I do ways and power lines are driven our conference, plus a young all that these other people have through the isolated valleys of people's conference, swelled the done before me and can I put in the "horseback country." Cloth, number to four hundred. You these long hours each day? $1.00; paper, 60 cents. may well see that we overflowed the Inn, the conference rooms For the last vesper service on Rural America Challenges Chris- and the village homes.] Saturday evening, we climbed up to the highest point in this local- tian Youth, by Edwin E. White. PICNIC LUNCH AT A MIGRANT CENTER ity where we seemed to be on the top of the world. I felt, almost A leader's guide based on High- The first evening we met for instantly, a great sense of peace land Heritage containing sug- vespers on a near-by hillside steal over me. My doubts seemed gestions. for youth groups as an looking out over the valley be- to vanish during this vesper approach to the study of the low. This experience instilled service and I felt a sense of re- church in rural America. Paper, in me a sense of quiet and in- newed strength to carryon in 25 cents. spired courage for the many this chosen work. "May I prove hard days ahead. Later that my mettle and may I bring these For Children evening, former migrant work- people the ideals and under- ers gave us a bird's-eye view of standing that will enable them Missionary Stories to Tell. the work and their experiences to come to a greater feeling of in the migrant centers. These fellowship with God and an Thirty-eight of the best mission- girls had worked very hard, had understanding of the meaning of ary stories to tell to primary and experienced many hard, long Christian fellowship that will junior children. Cloth, $1.00; hours that must be put in in any lead them into a more meaning- paper, 50 cents. center, and still were ready and fullife"-this was my prayer. happy to go forward into another Lifting Today Above Its Past, by year. How cheering this was One thing that Dr. Eric Grace McGavran. for me! Thomsen said in one of his talks with us shall always remain with An interesting and challenging Along about the second day a me. "If you suffer without suc- course on life in the country suspicion came into my mind ceeding, then some one after you places of America. This unit of that, perhaps, Miss Lowry was will succeed without suffering work for intermediate groups breaking us into this migrant and if you succeed without suf- contains selected oackground ma- work here at Lisle. We arose at fering, then some one before you terial and can be given without 6: 30 in order to arrive in time has suffered without succeed- additional sources, although use- for breakfast at 7: 30 and were ing." This seems to sum up in ful references are cited. Paper, kept busy each and every minute my mind our work. Will we suc- 35 cents. until 10: 30 at night. During ceed now in our endeavors with these hours, we had the oppor- these people, or will we pave the Ship East-Ship West, by Eliza:- tunity of a varied program way for some one after us to beth Miller Lobingier. which included staff conferences, courses in R u r a I Sociology, succeed? This first volume of a new series Kindergarten Methods, Nursery I cannot stop here without of source books for primary chil- dren introduces them to the sub- saying that I arrived at Whites- ject of world peace through bog, New Jersey, twelve days stories and simple facts. Mrs. ago and have worked as I have Lobingier is a skilled teacher never before for such a long and the author of Stories of stretch of time, seven days every Shepherd Life and other vol- week. I find these people to be umes. Illustrated. Cloth, $1.00; a happy, friendly, courageous, paper, 50 cents. hard-working race who seem as little children in so many ways For Reading List refer to the June number and who need our guidance and of THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD, understanding. pages 334-335. HARRIET CLOSTER. THE SETTING-UP CON- FERENCE AT LISLE, NEW YORK July 23 to July 27, 1937 After making my decision to devote my summer to working among the Migrants, the feeling came over me many times that I was going into this man-sized job with little knowledge of previous conditions, methods or results and was, therefore, over-
AND SIAM to save that which is lost." In India launched on its first voyage
dedicated for its work of minis- Toward Greater Efficiency Christianity is everything to the De- try. It is chiefly to the workers At Montgomerywala in the pressed Classes, It is with them in in the rice lands that this float- Punjab, a church committee is ing dispensary is sent, and their forming itself into small groups, their work, in their homes, in their need is great indeed, as they are each of which will tackle some entirely without medical help. particular need. For instance, fields. It has "found" them. Then Many of their homes are quite three or four members are to form a hygiene committee to see Christianity has found the criminal inaccessible except by boat, and that the village is kept clean and during the monsoon flood time to teach the people to realize the tribes-men who were regarded as alneed of sufficient light and air in thousands more are cut off; even their houses; another committee most lower than the beasts, men who food must be brought from great i's to find out special cases of pov- distances by boat. During two erty resulting from illness or were guilty of unheard-of evil. I saw months of the monsoon no work some other cause, and to report them to the church committee; these same men giving all their power can be done in the rice fields, and and a third group will teach the people the privilege of giving, to help each other. I heard them sing, which few have learned. and saw men whom I had been told The women are also assuming more responsibility. A Zenana would never work, working for the Committee, some· of them quite illiterate, take care of a weekly sheer joy of doing that which was usemeeting, where one leads the devotionals, another reads the les- ful. – The Chru.stw' n. son, and a third gives a talk. Once a month there is a witness A Practical Experiment meeting, when any who have received special help witness to In the Punjab a different cen- the people of the backwaters are what God has done for them. faced with terrible want. No ter is chosen each month, and all work means no money and no -C. M. S. Outlook. the congregations of the C. M. S. food. They borrow-and pledge Mission, within a radius of eight The Salvation Army away the whole of the next har- miles, assemble. The men and vest to keep themselves alive till Lord Willingdon, former vice- boys form a procession which roy of India, pays tribute to the marches around the village sing- that harvest can be sown. work of the Salvation Army in that part of the Empire. He says ing psalms and hymns. Mean- The voyage of the new boat is he has watched this work for 16 years, and declares there is not while the women and girls gath- carefully planned. There are a public official who would not er in the courtyard and sing. three "ports of call" to be visited express gratitude for such as- Then they are seated in an open each month. The boat is tied up, sistance as the Army is giving in space outside the village, which the stores and medicines are prohumanizing, Christianizing and duced and patients begin to arcivilizing those who are thought is decorated with colored paper rive. A clinic under the trees is to be beyond the reach of good flags, texts and mottoes such as: influence. "Do not get into debt," "Learn held each day for ten days, then Speaking of her visit to India. General Evangeline Booth says': to read," "Be sober." By this the boat is moved to another I never knew until I undertook this time the congregation has been place, not to return for a year. journey the meaning of the words, "The Son of man is come to seek and swelled by a good number of Thousands of people, for whom non-Christians. There is more medical help is available only singing, an opening address ex- from the two floating dispensa- plaining the obj ect of the meet- ries, are ministered to for less ing, and touching on the broth- than a month, then have to erhood of mankind through the be left "as sheep having no Fatherhood of God, addresses by shepherd."
two or three of the manads on -C. M. S. Outlook.
the causes, effects and remedies of debts, illiteracy, poverty, and Festival of Lights a closing address, giving the defi- While there are many unlove- nite Christian message. -C. M. S. Outlook. ly features attached to India's popular festivals, some of them Travancore's Floating _ have beauty and value. At Das- Dispensary ahara time children may be seen· in the evening going about car- Early this year the second rying various colored lights floating dispensary which is to which from a distance have the ply up and down the backwaters appearance of being lanterns so of Travancore, bringing help arranged as throw out light and relief to so many, was through odd openings. An inves- [500 ]
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
tigation discloses the contriv- Bangkok Christian College CHINA ance to be simple enough. A Bangkok Christian College is The Challenge in China small earthen vessel has been looking forward to the day when their plant will be moved to the made wIth openings cut in the new site. Ten years ago new Dr. Charles T. Leber and Dr. property was purchased between side in fanciful designs. Over Bangkok and Paknam at a loca- J. L. Dodds, new secretaries of tion that seemed very remote. this is pasted colored paper and Today, with government high- the Presbyterian Board of For- way improvement, the new site the little oil lamp placed on the is only fifteen minutes distant eign Missions, recently com- from Bangkok, by motor car. inside turns this crude lantern pleted a tour of the mission The staff now includes sixteen into something quite fantastic. Siamese and three foreign teach- fields. Of China, Dr. Leber says: ers on duty, with a few others It is the custom for" children, es- on furlough. "The country is magnificent pecially of the servant class, to When the Educational Com- in its possibilities and presents mittee of the Siam Mission put go with these lights to the houses on a Teachers' Institute at the a tremendous challenge to Chris- beginning of the year, seventy of their masters and others from Christian teachers from mission tianity. The lives of Christian schools of three denominations whom they expect gifts at Das- were in attendance. faith and sacrifice that have ahara time. These children run- Nearly four hundred boys are been put into this land are bear- ning about from house to house ing fruit. The whole nation is in the darkness with these lights progressing but I have been es- make a very striking feature of pecially impressed with the rise the Dasahara festival. The chil- of Christianity. . . . It is in- dren themselves greatly enjoy spiring to see how the Chinese the part which they play, and leaders are re~ching out into the even aside from the gifts which areas of evangelism, Christian they receive, think the occasion education, young people's work one of great importance. Why and social welfare. . .. – not? -Indian Witness. "Mr. Arthur Rugh, formerly Begging for the Gospel in enrolled this year and classes are with the Y. M. C. A., but now Ceylon overcrowded. The government working independently among curriculum for the lower grades the students at Yenching, made does not permit the teaching of A Five-Year Plan of Evan- a survey of student thinking at gelism is being carried out in Bible in the regular schedule, so Yenching. He held personal in- C e y lon, all the Protestant Churches cooperating. Recent- that subject is now taught be- terviews with two hundred of ly, a long closed door unex- the students and is amazed at pectedly opened in Eheliyagoda. fore the opening of the official the thinking they are doing along A man came there from another district, bringing with him a Bi- day in the first six classes. In the lines of religion. They are ble and a very limited knowledge even asking why no greater pOSIof Christianity, but the little he the upper division there has knew he passed on. The people tive Christian approach has been been no need to make this made to them, though most of -Siam Outlook. them are not Christian. A list change. was made of 500 questions which Siam Cares for Lepers of Eheliyagoda are low caste, The Siamese Government has students are asking about reliand were at once attracted to a been watching with interest the gion. A group of educators are religion where all men are equal, chain of 23 leper clinics, laid out considering the possibilities of and were quick to see that Chris- by Dr. J. H. McKean, Presbyte- religious instruction being pertianity would bring them social rian missionary; and now pro- mitted in the schools. At a conuplift as well. So they asked to poses a plan to establish self- ference of' Christian middle be taught. One group of evan- supporting government colonies school principals in Shanghai gelists went from house to in several sections of the coun- the Mayor of Shanghai arose house; another held an open air try, with the same type of organ- and gave testimony as to his meeting. New Testaments were ization as now exists in mission Christian faith. He charged the eagerly bought. At these meet- clinics. The first step will be to principals that their duty as ings, which continued, there train government doctors and Christian principals was to make would be two or three simple assistants at the Chiengmai col- their schools Christian. One addresses, including one to the ony. Then a special leprosy of- trembles to realize what a tragchildren, who are always present ficer and committee will be ap- edy it will be if the Christian in large numbers. Between ad- pointed to make a survey, do forces do not unite and do not dresses the people would ask propaganda work among the move forward to meet the chalquestions or explain their diffi- people, and establish, as the first lenge of this present opportuculties. At the end, the village of the series, a large farm col- nity." headman would select points ony with up-to-date treatment. from the various addresses and If this plan renders mission War Against Opium compare them with Buddhist clinics unnecessary, they will at China seems determined to doctrines, pointing out the ad- least have served to stimulate wipe out the opium curse. On vantages of Christianity. the government to recognize and the eve of the New Year, before -L. M. S. Chronicle. accept its own responsibility. a large crowd at the famous Con-
fucius temple in Nanking, huge ciety," interdenominational, is JAPAN-CHOSEN quantities of opium, and para- putting into operation a plan to phernalia of opium addicts were send forth evangelistic bands of Church Worship burned. Long before this meet- trained men and women to the ing, placards were distributed market towns, let them locate Church service in Japan has and posted on the doors of every there for about two weeks and so me interesting differences house and shop, and slogans from that as a center, visit every from American customs. The written on white streamers home in all the surrounding vil- tray for offerings is always were displayed everywhere an- lages, and freely give the people passed to the minister as well as nouncing: the Word of God. They will also to the congregation. If the ush- do personal work and preach on er fails to do this, the minister 1. Beginning Jan. 1, 1937, hopeless the streets of every village. They will walk from the pulpit and narcotic addicts will be executed. will return to the market towns deposit his money. The sexes arc in the evening, where special separated in all church services: 2. Beginning Jan. 1, 1937, first-time meetings are held in halls, tel!l- men on one side and women on opium smokers will be heavily pun- pIes, schools or homes. the other. This was the custom ished; after being arrested three in America a hundred years ago. times, they will be shot. These bands have already For thirty years Japanese Chris- gone to sixty-four market towns tians have used a common hym- 3. Narcotic addicts who desire to and, as they have worked out nal. Methodists, Presbyterians, escape these penalties should surren- from those centers, 3,482 villages Baptists and Congregationalists der themselves to the city clinics for have been finished. In these vil- all use the same songs of wortreatment on or before Dec. 31, 1936. lages there have been 390,049 ship. -Missionary Herald. homes with a population of near- Parades, depicting opium addicts be- ly two million people. In the Pastors Discuss Religious ing dragged to the g;:tllows with the 3,947 meetings held there have Topics wailing families trailing behind, were been some 691,657 people who also witnessed in the cities. heard the Gospel, besides having The Church of Christ in Ja- received 571,123 tracts and Gos- pan held a Pastors' Conference The regulation, control, pur- pels. As a direct result of this at its theological seminary in chase and sale of narcotic drugs work, 12,906 of those who were Tokyo August 30 to September for legitimate purposes in the dealt and prayed with, sought 4 as a part of the celebration of country were placed in charge Christ as their Saviour. the fiftieth anniversary of the of Division of Narcotics, newly church. Leading pastors and created bureau. Immediately -0. M. S. Standard. teachers lectured on the followthe following measures were put ing subjects: into effect: (1) It restricted the Bible Exhibit issuance of certificates for the The Creed of the Church of Christ importation of narcotic drugs; An exhibition of Bibles in in Japan. (2) it prepared an estimate of Peiping this year evidenced kinds and quantities of narcotic China's interest in the Christian The History of the Church During drugs for the nation's medical Scriptures. There were 300 en- the Meiji Era. and scientific use for 1936; and tries, representing 69 languages (3) it drafted measures for the and dialects, of which 17 were Protestant Credal Views of the Bicontrol of sales of narcotic Chinese. Among the Bibles were ble. drugs. some of a costly character, and others of priceless historical val- The Differences Between Catholi- In order to check recultivation ue. The volumes were lent by cism and Protestantism as a Means of of poppy in areas where poppy libraries, universities, individ- Understanding the Gospel. cultivation existed before but uals and various mission groups. has now been absolutely prohib- The British and Foreign Bible The Main Currents and Problems of ited, the "Measures for General Society lent the famous Morri- Contemporary Theology. Detection and Suppression of son Bible of 1823 and the Morri- Poppy Cultivation" were issued. son New Testament of that same The Thought of the Old Testament date, printed from wooden Prophets. -China Weekly Review. blocks made 10 years earlier. There was also the first Protes- The Church and Culture. Market Town Campaign tant Chinese version to be pub- The Fundamental Principles of the lished. Protestant Reformation. Generally speaking, China's vas t population is grouped No V'olume, however, attracted_ Open discussions were conaround market towns. It is esti- as much attention as the Manda- ducted on The Pulpit and the mated that there are some 40,- rin Bible loaned by Generalis- Church; The Sunday School 000 market towns in China, and simo Chiang Kai-shek-the one and the Church; The Pastor and that an average of about twenty- he used during his imprisonment His Readings, and The Church five surrounding villages are fed at the time of the Sian revolt in and Society. by each market town. On mar- December, 1936. ket days, held every third day, -Translated from Fukuin the people of these villages flock -Monday Morning. Shimpo. to the market towns to do theIr buying, selling and "neighbor- Kagawa Fellowship ing." The Kagawa Fellowship in Ja- The "Oriental Missionary So- pan is an informal organization of about 150 Occidental friends of Dr. Kagawa living in Japan, whose purpose is to share with
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Kagawa in the rich experience missionaries were sent to the Manchuria, and helping to send that God has given him; to study Chinese in East Shantung, them to China and elsewhere. his program for the extension of China. This work has been the Kingdom of God, and as far maintained for 25 years and the The Australian Mission as possible to cooperate with him Korean missionaries there are in achieving this program. The ministering to 25 churches and South Kyengsang, in which fellowship assists Dr. Kagawa in groups in which are enrolled the Australian Presbyterian the translation of his writings 1,500 professing Chinese Chris- Mission has work, is the third into English, gives information tians. smallest of the thirteen provabroad and in Japan about his inces of Korea. It is the most work, and endeavors to get The Korean churches are in- densely populated, the nearest whatever financial support for digenous, self-propagating, self- to Japan and according to stahis program it can. supporting, but need more mis- tistics it consumes per capita sionaries to help in the evangel- the largest amount of beer. Effort is being made to obtain ization of 22,000,000 Koreans in These three circumstances presupport for the promising Medi- Korea, a million in Manchukuo sent their own problems. cal Cooperative Society in To- and 500,000 in Japan proper. kyo, an interesting pro j e c t In 1914, when the mission of started by Kagawa. More than -Korea Mission Field. the Presbyterian Church, U. S. seven thousand people are mem- A., handed over this province to bers of it. The society has a hos- Protestant Christian the Australian mission there pital with fifty-one beds as well were 101 churches, 1887 bapas conducting a clinic, dispen- Membership tized members and 3,816 adhersary and visiting nurse service. ents. Just now money is being raised Of 410,000 enrolled Protesto erect a residence for the tant Christians in Korea, 78 per Comparing these statistics nurses; the building will be cent are Presbyterians, 14 per with those of 1936, we find that called the Nitobe Memorial in cent Methodists and eight per now there are: churches 313, remembrance of Dr. Inazo Ni- cent of other denominations. Of baptized members 7,941, adhertobe. -Christian Observer. the total number 210,000 are ents 26,955. either baptized or members on "God Shelf" for Kitchens probation. The remaining 200,- Each of the five stations has 000 are enrolled as professing some form of institutional work. One of the large department Christians and are regular at- The Harper Memorial High stores of Kyoto is displaying a tendants. School for Girls, near Fusanmod e 1 Japanese kit c hen, chin, trains Christian leaders equipped with electric icebox, With 3,880 churches and for church and school. The Vogas stove, kitchen cabinet, and groups, the average sized con- cational Farm School for Womso on. On the walls hang an gregation numbers about 100. en seeks and saves those in morelectric clock, a thermometer, The largest congregation in Ko- al danger and destitution, and and a small, but complete "god- rea is in the city of Sin Euiju the Paton Memorial Hospital ill shelf" for the spirit of the deity with 4,000 adherents. The Sun- Chinju cares for the sick, espethat presides over kitchens. The day school enrolment of 316,000 cially the sick poor. There are shelf is complete and up-to-date in the Presbyterian and Method- also Men's and Women's Lower with miniature lanterns and ist churches in Korea is about Bible Schools. dishes for the food offerings. the same as the total number of professing Christians. Method- -Korea Mission Field. -Living Church. ist and Presbyterian mission- aries in Korea number a little ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC Korean Christianity more than 400. Many mission lands have a less number of mis- About the Philippines Of the first seven Koreans to sionaries in proportion to the be ordained to the ministry in population, but none h a v e Did you know that there are the Presbyterian Church, one yielded a better return for the three classes of people on the was sent as a home missionary expenditure of time and money. islands, each of a different colto the island of Quelpart. That or? That the Chinese have been church is now supporting 500 -Presbyterian Banner. coming to the island for years, evangelists to unevangelized dis- thus solving the employment tricts in Korea and to Koreans On Their Own problem, since a Filipino will in Manchukuo, Peiping, Shang- not work until the money he has hai and Japan proper. The A Presbyterian church in on hand is all gone? That 10,000 Methodist Church is also carry- Wiju, Korea, has a membership converts were received within ing on an extensive home mis- of 3,000. Not a cent of Ameri- ten years? That there are nine sion work among Koreans in can money has gone into the flourishing mission stations now Manchukuo. When the Korean work of that district for 20 in operation? That there are Presbyterian General Assembly years; no missionary lives witn- 7,000 Americans on the islands? was organized in 1912, three in 20 miles of it. The people That before American occupa- have erected and financed their tion funeral arrangements were own church and are sending mis- always made before calling in a sionaries across the border into physician? That only one and
one-eighth per cent of the popu- ments. In ten years they have and the imminent consummation lation are classed as Frotestant not only banded themselves into of union with the Methodist Christians? effective intelligent groups for Church of France. Nearer home, -Monday Morning. mutual improvement, but they the Alliance welcomed a new have transformed their village member in the Evangelical and Club Women in Polynesia life.-London Chronicle. Reformed Church. The Re- formed Church of the U. S. A., The Polynesians have been NORTH AMERICA recently united with the Evan- evangelized by Samoan Chris- Coordinated Missions gelical Church, was already a tians, who themselves received member.
the Gospel a hundred years ago. The International Foreign The International Women's Mission Association of North Council of Women's Missionary While the men folk have fishing America (composed of inde- Societies was recognized as the for excitement, the women have pendent undenominational mis- women's section of the Alliance, no activities which give interest sions) brings together for coun- with a provision that a certain and variety to island life. Miss E. sel sixteen mission enterprises, quota of del ega t e s shall be A. Downs, principal of the Girls'
School at Puapua, Samoa, sug- under which some 2,231 mis- chosen from the women, with au- sionaries are sent out. They ad- thority to hold sessions during gested that they form Women's the meeting of the council. Sim- Clubs, and that they should work minister over a million dollars ilar action was taken with retogether for the general uplift of annually, and go into many of gard to a youth section of those under 30 years of age, the deletheir village life, for the applica- the out-of-the-way corners of the gates of this group being authortion of simple laws of health and world. The doctrinal basis of hygiene, for mothercraft and in- all these missions is: (1) The fant welfare work, for the pres- plenary inspiration and divine ized to bring to the notice of council matters of deep concern ervation of native arts and authority of the Scripture; (2) to youth. crafts, for social intercourse and the Trinity, including the deity religious expression. They de- of Christ and the personality of -The Christian Century.
cided to call their club "The the Holy Spirit; (3) the fall of Women's Committee," and on man, his moral depravity, and Lutheran Church Leaguers each island the pastor's wife was his need of regeneration; (4) Interest in the education of made the leader. the atonement through the sub- youth tow a r d international Returning to visit the islands, stitutionary death of Christ; peace and continued support of Miss Downs found the women no (5) justification by faith in mission work through a special longer apathetic, but eager to Christ, apart from works; (6) project were the outstanding show what they were trying to the bodily resurrection of Christ, features of the twenty-first bien- do. In Nanumea they had re.- and also of the saved and the un- nial convention of the Luther vived their art of making beauti- saved; (7) the unending life of League of America at Spring- ful fans decorated with seabirds' the saved and the unending pun- field, Ohio, in July. The sessions feathers; in Nui the women were ishment of the unsaved; (8) the brought together between six making mats with patterns of personal, bodily and visible re- and seven hundred young people secret native dyes. In Nanu- turn of Christ. and leaders from the United maga there was a new taro plan- Lutheran churches throughout tation w h i c h their Women's Presbyterians in World the United States and Canada.
Committee had made in the face Council Climaxing the mISSIOnary of a good deal of jeering from Last June Montreal, most project for the past biennium the men; the women had grown Catholic of any large city in this much-valued food product North America, entertained the with a gift of more than $11,000 by dividing the swamp into General Council of the "Re- for a community center building workable sections with walls of formed Churches throughout the at T'ai Tung Chen in the foreign coral from the reef, and in them World Holding the Presbyterian mission field in Chi n a, the making soil from rubbish and System." The central theme Luther League of Arne ric a rotting vegetation; Nanumaga was "The Church in Modern adopted another $10,000 project had in the past been one of the Life." for the coming biennium. This poorest islands,. and liable to time the objective will be the famine, but here was a source of An advance was made in the complete furnishing of a medical prosperity. The women of Niu- unification of Reformed Chris- center established at Konnarock, tao were especially interested in tians. The Reformed Church of Virginia, for southern mounmaking soap from caustic soda. Denmark was admitted to mem- _taineers. bership in the Alliance, now Last year, the triennial church comprehending more than two The Convention of 1939 will conference saw women delegates hundred church groups through- be held at Long Beach, Cali- fornia.
for the first time, eager to ex- out the world. The Reformed Bible Teaching in Kansas change ideas and report achieve- Church of France announced the ments, and to draw up a list of completion of union among all Kansas City, Kansas, has comproposals for future develop- Reformed Churches in France, pleted thirteen years of religious
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
education of its school children. many new people have been seek- sacrifices, without ever obtain- The Council of Religious Educa- ing association with the church ing healing for my poor chiltion, representing all denomina- during recent months that he dren. When my second child betions, sponsors this work. The has been completely "snowed came dangerously ill, I went to Jews are interested but as yet under." Throughout the spring consult a witch doctor and asked not participating. and early summer season every him if he could heal my child. service has been conducted in a He assured me that he could, There are 74 church schools, packed church, and with the provided that I would give him enrolling 91 per cent of public coming of fall the pastor believes thirty dollars. I offered him scholil pupils. The courses are it may become necessary to con- twenty dollars, which he acplanned to correlate with the duct two morning services. cepted. I paid him half the sum work of each grade in public on the spot. But on my way school from October to the end LATIN AMERICA back to get the balance of the of April. Classroom work in- money, a messenger came to tell cludes Bible memorizing, Bible Liquor Ban in Mexico me that the child was dead. I reading, Biblical and character- saw that I was being deceived by building stories and dramatiza- Within ten years statesmen the devil. As a respected antion, notebook and expressional below the Rio Grande, led by cestor of my family was a Chriswork. President Cardenas, hope to tian, I had often heard him speak complete the prohibition of alco- of God, so I told my wife I was -Women's Missionary holic beverages. Governors of going to Port-de-Paix to find out Magazine. all states have helped by order- about Him. ing municipalities to cease issu- Texas Wars on Evil ing licenses for saloons, to cut At a service held by the Hai- down the production of alcohol tian Gospel Mission at Port-de- Texas legislators are out to gradually but none the less Paix I first heard the Gospel. "clean up." In special session surely, and to trim the sales they have outlawed pari-mutuel through higher and higher taxes. After attending services for gambling on horse races, pro- The governor of Coahuila has some time, one Sunday my wife hibited the operation of bookies, gone even farther. He has acted said to me, "Wait for me, I am abolished dog races and insti- to stop the vending of liquor on going also." Since then, not only tuted such an anti-gambling cru- all trains passing through tl}e has God in His mercy saved my sade as has seldom been seen state. The main line of the Na- wife and myself, but He has also anywhere in the whole country. tional Railways of Mexico, healed my child who was para- The Texas supreme court has carrying many passengers be- lyzed from birth. definitely ruled out lotteries. tween Laredo, Tex., and Mexico The Dallas News, the Houston City, is affected, for the route -Haitian Gospel News. Post, and other leading dailies for many miles lies through have ceased the publication of Coahuila, with a stop at Saltillo, Religious Census in Venezuela racing results. In nearly all of the capital of the state. The govthe several counties voting by ernor gives this explanation for The Government of Venezuela local option recently, liquor has his order: vendors from pass- is making a survey and census been outlawed. Anti-vice squads ing trains have sold intoxicants of all religious work and workare also being called into action. to the villagers along the way, ers in the country, collecting full checking the good work that was data regarding the work of both -Christian Century. being accomplished by means of Catholics and Evangelicals. The prohibition in the country towns. purpose is to decide on some "Church of the Lighted Since the government now con- policy regarding the admission Window" trols the railways, this order of foreign religious workers. should be easy to enforce. No disposition to oppose the The Lutheran Church of the work is indicated, but it is pro- Redeemer in Atlanta, Ga., is -Christian Advocate. posed to fix the number of those gaining state-wide recognition who may be admitted, and when as "The Church of the Lighted From Darkness to Light that n u m b e r is established, Window." It is the custom each others will be admitted only night to light up the large color- A convert from heathenism in when some of those at present in ful front window. The effect of Haiti gave the following testi- the country leave for furlough the window is so unusual that it mony on the occasion of his bap- or other reasons. has attracted the attention of tism: "From my earliest life I people throughout that section. put myself under the protection In view of the tremendous A recent monthly publication of of demons. I built a small house, need, it is hoped that new misthe Georgia Power Company, and furnished it expressly for sionaries may be admitted, espewhich lights the window, car- their reception. I had two sick cially those who are accepted ried front-cover pictures of the children one of which had never and waiting to enter. church with particular reference walked from birth. I spent to its beauty and the unique cus- everything I possessed in pay- -Moody Institute Monthly. tom of lighting the window. ment to the witch doctor and in "Voice of the Andes" The pastor reports that so Senor Manuel Aldama was born in the Basque Province of
Spain, trained for the priest- then asked, "Will you read the they can understand, they are hood, became Professor in the University of Santander, was book if I give to to you?" surprised by songs of deliver- converted to evangelical Chris- tianity in 1925, and after in- "Gladly," said the gentleman, as ance, victory and blessed assur- struction in the Bible Training Institute, Glasgow, was accepted he rose to leave the bus. ance ; they are moved by the by the Evangelical Union of South America, for work in When he had gone, the work- words of sympathy expressed by Lima, Peru. Here he took up the ing man said, "It is a funny the pastor, and cannot believe editorial work of the Mission thing, but that text was my their eyes when they see him press and the translation of the mother's favorite, too. I have mourn with the bereaved fam- Sunday school lessons. His gone a long way on the wrong ily. Thus it is that a Protestant mastery of Spanish and his fa- funeral service conducted in a miliarity with Romanism en- road since those days." The Roman Catholic country is a abled him to contribute largely woman gave him a Gospel of St. great opportunity to put the to the development of the Evan- John, which he promised to read, truth of the Gospel before the gelical Church of Peru. and went on her way praying people.
Recently, a call has come to that both might be touched by About 2,000 people assembled him to full-time cooperation in the Word that giveth Light." the only Evangelical broadcast- ing station in South America, La -Life of Faith. for the funeral of a young Voz de los Andes (The Voice of mother, whose last words were, the Andes). This Voice of the Andes operates from Qui t 0, The Gospel in Spain "Whether I die or live, I am the Ecuador, and was established Lord's." The Mayor, the Town some five years ago by an inde- Opinion is divided as to the Council, the teaching staff of the pendent worker from Chicago. religious outlook in Spain. Some high school with their 400 chil- believe that opportunity for Gos- dren, and many notables had The Board of the Evangelical pel teaching will be assured if gathered to pay homage to the Union of South America is set- the government wins, while deceased. The first meeting be- ting Sr. Aldama free for this others are convinced that the gan at the home; another meet- special service. He will combine government is not only anti- ing followed at the Mission Hall, with this ministry some service clerical, but anti-Christian. Rep- and the last one took place in for the British and Foreign resentatives of Anglican and Bible Society throughout the Re- Free Churches of Great Britain the cemetery. At each place the public of Ecuador. went to Spain recently to gain Gospel was listened to by thou- first-hand information. They sands who had followed the pro- -The Christian. were given full liberty of move- ceedings from half-past one till ment, and upon returning to five o'clock in the afternoon. As EUROPE England reported as follows: a result, the evangelist had many requests for interviews. . "The Entrance of Thy Word" We found no evidence of an organ- -Belgian Gospel Mission. A member of the Pocket Tes- ized "Godless" propaganda such as tament League was riding in an exists in Soviet Russia. We were un- Paul's Speech on Mars Hill English bus with two other pas- able on inquiry to hear of any carica- sengers – an elderly business Unlike the ancients, tourists man and a working man. The tures of God, of Christ, or of the who go to Athens are not search- business man leaned across the Virgin and Saints, such as have been ing for "some new thing," but bus and asked the woman, features of "anti-God" propaganda in for things associated with the "Would you like to read my other countries. On the other hand, past. With this in view, one of paper?" "Thank you," she said. members of our party found copies of Mr. Rockefeller's projects has "Would you like to read my the Scriptures offered freely for sale been the restoration of the Par- book," holding out the New Tes- on street bookstalls. The situation in thenon; and because it is fitting tament. He took it, and after regard to religion in Spain was that something far more signifi- glancing at the page said, "Why summed up to us by a very acute cant than the friezes of Praxit- did you give me this?" "Why English observer of dispassionate eles should be remembered, Mrs. did you give me the paper?" she views, one who knows Spain well and Josephine Demas, daughter of countered. "Because the news is is himself a practicing Catholic, in the one of the most famous archi- interesting this morning," he following terms :-"There is a strong said. "My book is interesting anti-clerical movement but no anti- every morning." He looked God movement in Spain." again at the book. "This is my mother's favorite text, John -The Christian. 5: 24. It is years since I have read it." The P. T. L. member Evangelizing at Funerals tects in Athens, has urged upon the municipality the enshrining Great is the astonishment of of Paul's speech in the rock of Catholics in Belgium when they Mars Hill. T~e press an~ a attend their first Protestant number of emment Athemans funeral. They are familiar with – have. backed the proposal ~nd the pomp and ceremonies of the dIrector of.the A~cheologlCal their own funerals, the mo- Bureau has gIven hIS endorse- notonous recital of the Latin ment. He says that £350 to £400 liturgy, the gestures of the offi- is ne.e~ed,. and h.e hopes .that t~e ciating priest and his apparent ~umc}pahtr ~Il~ prOVIde ~~IS indifference to grief. At a Prot- relatIvely mSIgmficant sum.
estant funeral they hear things -Christian Advocate.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Paid Persecutors in Galicia Church has extended its serv- while Pravda laments the inac- ice and the social side of the tivity of the "Godless League." The National Lutheran Coun- Church as a colony center has cil is authority for the report not been neglected. Spiritually, This new life is particularly that agitators in Poland are be- there are the regular services noticeable in the country. Heads ing paid approximately 120 zloty the Church Festival6bservances' of collective farms even conduct per month to persecute members and th?se on national holidays; Church Councils, and other colof the Lutheran Church and MemOrIal Day, Fourth of July lective farms permit Bible readcompel them to return to the Thanksgiving Day and the like: ing, ch?ir singing, and evening Catholic Church from which The names of Ambassador W. entertam~nts. It is also anthey originally came. In a re- E. Dodd and Consul-General nounced that the number of cent legal process it was re- General Jenkins are on the members of the Militant Godless vealed that one such agitator Church Council roll. League has decreased from was offered a bonus of 50 zloty 5,000,000 in 1933 to less than for every person he succeeded in -Lutheran News. 2,000,000. Five anti-religious intimidating to return. But even though there are constant Religious Freedom in Russia museums in the provinces have difficulties and hardships the been closed. A correspondent Ukrainian peasants are firmly The much-heralded religious in another paper notes that the steadfast, and manifest an ever- freedom promised by the new jeering at religion has largely increasing interest in the Gospel constitution of Soviet Russia gone. turns out to be a disappointof Jesus Christ. ment. Four conditions must be AFRICA Christian Convention in Italy a~op:pvrocvleosd~d,be.if~oorepenaendy. Tchheurpcoh~ Student Alliance in Alexandria The Director of Spezia Mis- htIcal rehabIlIty of the petition- as Young Emgaytpetriiaanlissttiucdaenndtsiarrree~ ers "must be above suspicion." a rule, sion writes: "Those who can go The church must be more than 15 minutes' walk from a school ligious; their education is of the freely to Christian conferences the condition of the building must be above criticism, there sort to make them vain, shallow, and share the fellowship of kin- must be no protest from the local organization of the godless. selfish. For this reason Chrisdred minds know little of the tian work among them advances According to official Soviet grave difficulties to be sur- figures, 14,000 churches and slowly. But a young men's club chapels were closed in 1935 and mounted, the severe testing of 3,700 priests, preachers' and known as the "Christian Alliance other servers of the churches of Young Men," reports some faith, the patience, and the condemned, twenty-nine of them to death. prayers involved in accomplish- progress. On the other hand a renewal mg such a gathering in Italy. of spiritual life is appearing. In Two Bible classes and other the province of Swerdlovsk the prayer – meetings are h e I d But God worked what seemed to population have requested that at~eist propaganda be stopped. us miracles indeed, in breaking ThIS movement began in the in- weekly; Copts, Moslems and dustrial districts, where almost Jews sing hymns together and down obstacles." the whole population consisted of factory workers. Collections Representatives cam e from are held among the workers to study God's Word; the numbers restore the churches and rebuild far and near, and the organizers them. A Czech correspondent are increasing. Two young men wr!tes that !Ie found a newly !Iad their hands full, in arrang- bUIlt church m almost every vil- have been converted recently lage in the neighborhood of Mosmg for the accommodation and cow. In some of the collective one a Copt, one a Greek. ' farms, club buildings are being the meals for those to whom they set up to get the church free The members of this Alliance once more. gave so warm a welcome. are asked to sign a basis stating Religious Interest in Russia T~e supreme point of the Con- that they are uniting with other It seems unquestioned that reventIOn was the service in the ligion is reviving in Russia to a young men who know the Lord degree disturhing to commu- Church of Casa Alberto, which nists. W 0 r l d Evangelization as Saviour, and desire to bring mentions a town of 4,500 which was crowded,-a long and won- has 30 religious organizations, others into the Kingdom. Twelve derful service. It included the baptism of groups of those who members have signed. -Life of Faith. at La Spezia and at Leghorn'
had recently tfhoeuncdelCebhrraitsit~nanodf Medical Service to Felahe'en ended with Dr. Harpur of the Church the Lord's Supper. Missionary Society founded a hospital in Old Cairo 48 years -Life of Faith. ago which is still known 'to Egyptians, especially the fela- American Church in Berlin heen, as "Harmel," a corruption of Dr. Harpur's name. The Despite the fact that the felaheen are a lovable and Ame~ICan Colony in Berlin is friendly people, though ignorant and superstitious; it is from growmg. smaller, the American this class that the majority of Church m that city is growing the patients are drawn. They ~tronger both financially and in are almost overcome by the mfluence. Truly American is strangeness of being put into the "Ladies Aid Society" in the form ?f an active Sewing Guild. The hbrary connected with the
beds with sheets and blankets, favor the Westernization of the ing developments, avoiding un- instead of lying in a dark and country. There is a movement necessary risk and exposure of dirty corner, surrounded with in the Egyptian University to missionaries, and at the same noise and clatter, the talking of introduce compulsory Moslem time gradually reducing ex- relatives and neighbors, and the religious equcation and to abol- penditures in view of the uncer- noise of animals and chickens. ish coeducation. The Dean of tainties of the future.
Arabic texts are painted in red Arts in the University thinks The Italian Minister of For- on the white walls, giving a there is nothing in the Koran eign Affairs has informed the touch of brightness t~ the whole; against coeducation, while the American Ambassador at Rome instead of being thought too Rector of EI-Azhar University is that "The Italian Government much bother to be looked after, against it. has decided not to entrust to for- the patients are treated kindly The Westernizing faction ig- eigners whatever may be the re- by the Egyptian staff of nurses. nores the Ramazan Fast, neg- ligion they profess, the work of Biblewomen and evangelists lects the study of the Koran, establishing schools in terri- have prayers for half an hour in seldom prays in the Masjids and tories of Ethiopia." The com- the mornings in the out-patient encourages their women to dis- munication also states: "Should departments; for those in the card the veil. An article in a pro- foreign missionaries wish to con- wards prayers twice each day. Moslem paper declares that tinue their other humanitarian Recently some of the Egyptian "Most Egyptian households, es- and philanthropic activities, out- men nurses have been singing pecially those in high life, have side the field of education, their hymns and giving a talk on Sun- no prayer-carpet, and no copy requests for permission will be day evenings to the patients in of the Koran, and do not know considered in due time and after the men's hospital. what these are." de jure recognition of the Italian -Life of Faith. -World Dominion Press. empire is an accomplished fact."
Missionaries can scarcely see Faith and Freedom Times of Trial how evangelistic and medical The February number of Protestant missions are rapid- work can be carried on success- Faith and Freedom calls atten- fully without at least some type tion to the new constitution of ly disappearing from Ethiopia. of educational institution. the Soviet Union, in which many Mussolini's own paper, the Gior'- nale d' ltalia, has carried a front -United Presbyterian.
have seen the end of the struggle page story predicting the end of Liberia's Hinterland against church and worship; Protestant work. The Swedish for protection of religious con- missionaries and three Ameri- The native population of Liviction is expressly guaranteed can independent mlSSlOnaries beria, divided into many tribes, in the new project. This in no have been expelled, and the prop- is about 1,000,000 of good, virile erty of the Sudan Interior Mis- stock. The Liberians, who are sense means that a change has sion has been requisitioned. the descendants of liberated Necome about in the attitude of offi- groes brought to Africa by the cial circles towards church and The pastor of the Swedish United States and Great Britain religion, or that the time of per- church in Addis Ababa, Kes Ba- about 120 years ago, now numsecution is past. The Soviet at- dima, has grown old and gray ber about 12,000, and are the titude remains the same. The in the service of his Lord, and ruling group of the country. new policy means that those re- knows what it is to be chained sponsible must carryon with the and driven from place to place The Methodist C h u r c h of eradication of church and reli- for his faith. His son was killed America has been active in gious life, though they must not during the riots. He spoke often spreading the Christian mesthereby injure too greatly the of the keeping power of God, sage, and churches now number religious conviction of the peo- and of his longing for the day 102. The great need is to peneple. Stalin has said, "Why when his earthly pilgrimage trate the thick bush country of should one be actively unmerci- would be ended. He told count- the interior, where live most of ful? One must explain the harm- less people how God had judged the natives who have been pracfulness of religion to the young Ethiopia, and warned the-:n tically unreached with the Goswith patience, and supply them against the final judgment. He pel. A pioneer mission penewith propaganda for a material- encouraged those who were trated for 200 miles to Ganta istic outlook as the only scientific weak, gave liberally to the poor, and there organized a station a one !" Communist patience will and not even the great slaughter few years ago, and a road for 80 in future be set against Chris- of February shook his faith in miles of this distance has been tian and religious patience; but the least. -Alliance Weekly. _ made. For three years a doctor the extirpation of church and and his wife have labored here, religion is still the purpose. Ethiopian Situation then sleeping sickness claimed them and forced them back to The V nit e d Presbyterian Modernism in Islam Board has not been willing to the States. A similar effort by abandon established work in another doctor and his wife was A conflict is going on in Egypt made three years ago to reach between those who would revive Ethiopia unless obliged to do so. the tribes in the hinterland of interest in Islam and those who They have been watchfully wait- Barclayville, sit u ate d in the
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
southeastern corner of Liberia. ble and Prayer Circle, a move- 'the blood of martyrs is the seed Sickness again defeated a fine ment which has grown out of of the Church," for not long aftwork, and the workers have been the evangelistic ministry of Mr. er Rasalama's execution church compelled to return to the States. G. A. Gush, a colporteur-evan- membership increased tenfold, gelist who was at one time a and the adherents twentyfold. The Firestone Rubber Com- farmer, and who was converted pany have cleared 70,000 acres during a mission conducted by -The Chronicle. of jungle and planted it with Gipsy Smith in South Africa, rubber trees, 15,000 acres of about thirty-three years ago. Call for Protestant Unity which are now bearing. This has Those who found Christ through greatly increased prosperity in Mr. Gush are to be found all Dr. Daniel A. Poling, inter- Liberia. over South Africa today; and national president of Christian there are hundreds, especially Endeavor, told a group of hear- -World Dominion Press. among the European population ers in Grand Rapids, Mich., re- of the eastern Cape Province, cently that Protestant Christian- Angola Leper Work where the Prayer Circle has been ity, instead of being in a posi- the result of a hunger for deep- tion to conduct a successful of- A large part of the work con- er spiritual life. fensive against the powerful nected with the Camundong~ forces opposing the Church, Leper Colony, Angola, South Af- The Prayer Circle is an unde- might be unable to maintain its rica, is undertaken by the lepers nominational body made up of own position. Among these opthemselves. It was considered many praying bands in cities, posing forces he cited militant impracticable to send nurses or towns and villages. The differ- Shintoism in Japan; a united orderlies from the station to the ent bands meet on different eve- Hinduism in India, Burma and villages; the more intelligent nings~ and each has its own Siam; a united, world Bud- Christian lepers were therefore method and procedure; but dhism; Mohammedanism, shaktaught to use the hypodermic twice a year there is a large ing off its age-old superstitions; syringe, and to administer chaul- gathering in a central place. the German Neo-pagan movemoogra oil treatment. Only ment, and Communism. Christians, and those who can -Life of Faith. read the Bible and preach the Under the slogan "Christ for Gospel, are sent out. Dlalagasy Centenary the Crisis," Christian Endeavor has adopted a program of ob- Christian lepers have also en- Among this year's centenaries jectives that have to do with gaged in evangelistic work. Re- is that of the martyrdom of Ras- world peace, cooperation in the cently a party, many of them alama, Malagasy Christian, in enactment and enforcement of advanced cases, set out on a the reign of Ranavalona I, "ty- law support for Christian mismission of testimony, traveling rant queen of Madagascar." sions at home and abroad, the from village to village, telling During her reign of thirty-three furtherance of economic justice what had been done for them, years from sixty to eighty pro- and racial good will, and the and preaching the Gospel. This fessing Christians were publicly fight against alcohol and narcombined medical and evangel- put to death; s 0 m e were cotics. istic work is meeting with great speared, others burnt, and many response. -Life of Faith. stoned. Later, 500 died from -Presbyterian Tribune. the poison ordeal. Of those who Congo Prayers voluntarily confessed the i r Interesting Documents Christian faith, 400 officers were A missionary has w r itt e n reduced in rank and 2,000 were The Life of Faith reports that down some of the prayers of fined, while an unknown number half a million private journals men and women in the Congo. suffered privation and under- and letters sent home by mis- Here are two of them. mined health as they hid away sionaries in Africa, India, China in mountain fastnesses, or up and the West Indies, during the We have two hands each full of to their necks in rice bogs. last 140 years are to be reclassiseeds, seeds of goodness and seeds of fied by experts and preserved in evil. Day by day we scatter thfs8 Rasalama, 39 years of age, fireproof rooms at Livingstone seeds. Father in lieaven, help us to sang cheerfully most of the way House, Westminster, England. fill both hands with good seeds. Daily to her execution, and when This task will take two years. I seem to scatter evil seeds, and as reaching the spot where she was The documents include letters yet I am not worthy to go and tdi to be martyred, she asked per- from the first missionaries to others of Jesus. mission to kneel in prayer, and reach Tahiti, in 1797; from Dr. in that posture she was speared John Philip, who defended the * ** to death. rights of the Kaffirs in South Africa; Robert Moffat, during As the charcoal burns in the fire of Today, Rasalama's cottage his pioneer days in Southern the village smithy, and is consumed as still stands as she left it. There Rhodesia; David Livingstone; it makes the iron hot, so let me burn is a strong church here under Robert Morrison, the first transout in Thy service, 0 God, my King the London Missionary Society, lator of the Bible in Chinese; and Lord. and Christians can worship W. G. Lawes and James Chal- without fear of consequences. mers, of Papua; and from many -Wonderlands. It has been literally true that others.
Young People's Prayer Circle Between 500 and 600 people attended the fifteenth rally of the United Young People's Bi-
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Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information I ~i==============–=-=~ TWENTY-FIVE "BEST BOOKS" IN THE STUDY OF MISSIONS TO MOSLEMS PREPARED BY THE REV. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, D.D.
Editor of "The Moslem World"; author of "Arabia, the Cradle of Islam," etc., etc.
Shortly after the World War 3. The Origin of Islam in Its signon's Annuaire du Monde a German scholar, Gus t a v Christian Environment. By Musulman. Paris. 1934. Pfannmuller compiled a Hand- Richard Bell. $3.50. Macbook of Literature on Islam and Millan, New York. 1926. 8. Christendom and IrSlam. By missions to Moslems. It com- W. W. Cash. $2.00. Harpprised over four hundred pages The writer gives the back- ers, New York. 1937. and over two thousand titles. ground of the new religion in Since that survey appeared, in- Arabia and indicates the sources A succinct account of the conterest in Islam as a world prob- of its strength and vigor. . tacts between Christendom and lem, and in missions, has not de- Islam and the influence for good creased. For one who has him- 4. Islam: Beliefs and Institu- and ill mutually exerted by Cruself written more than twenty- tions. By H. Lammens. sades and conquests. five books on Islam and Missions 8's. 6d. Methuen, London. to be asked to select twenty-five 1929. 9. An Eastern Palimpsest. By "best" books is therefore some- O. Wyon. 2s. 6d. World what an embarrassing task. A careful analysis of the creed Dominion Press, New York. New books (like new art, new and practice in Islam. Full of 1928. wine, or new violins) are not information and accurate in all always better than the old. Yet its statements. A brief account of missions in the latest view may be the only the Near East with maps and true picture of a scene that has *5. The Legacy of Islam. By statistics. witnessed kaleidoscopic changes. Sir Thomas Arnold and We have therefore selected some Others. Oxford. 1931. *10. Moslem Women Enter a new and some old volumes, while New World. By Ruth scores of others here omitted are A compendium of what the F ran c e s Woodsmall. "best" in their own field. The West owes to Islam in literature, $3.00. R 0 u n d Table titles marked with an asterisk art, architecture, science, phi- Press, New York. 1936. are popular and suitable for losophy and culture. No other younger readers also. book contains such fascinating The most recent book on the material on the "glory of Islam." subject and gives the brighter r. MOHAMMED AND ISLAM: side of the picture. Needs to be 6. The Koran (translated). By supplemented by present-day re- 1. Mohammed the Man and His E. H. Palmer. 80 cents. ports of women – missionaries Faith. By Tor Andrae. Pocket edition. Oxford Uni- who live close to the illiterate Scribners, New Y 0 r k. versity Press, New York. masses. 19.36. 1929. 11. The Moslem World of To- The latest attempt to evaluate The most idiomatic transla- day. Edited by John R. Mohammed's character. It is tion of the Koran with valuable Mott. $2.50. Doran, New fair and discriminating. Shows introduction and good index. York. 1926. how much Mohammed owed to Nestorian Christianity. II. EXTENT AND CHARACTER OF This consists of a series of monographs by missionaries and THE MOSLEM WORLD: orientalists on present-day as- pects of the problem, education, *7. Across the World of Islam. the press, medical work, etc. By S. M. Zwemer. $3.00.
2. Mohammed and the Rise of Revell & Co., New York. III. MISSIONS TO MOSLEMS: Islam. By D. S. Margo- 1929. liouth. $2.50. Putnam, THEIR VALIDITY, HIS- New York. 1905. A statistical and political sur- vey of the Moslem world and its TORY AND CHARACTER. The best brief life story of the missionary opportunity. Lacks Prophet; fully documented from a clJ,apter on the Near East and *12. Henry Martyn, Confessor original sources. should be supplemented by Mas- of the Faith. By Con- stance E. Padwick. S. C. M., London. 1922.
Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the R~IllW publishers on receipt of price.
[510 ]
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
The best life of the first mod- it deserves special mention. Full They teach a lesson without the ern missionary to Islam. of inspiration. necessity of pointing a moral. Children, parents and teachers 13. Modern Movements Among 21. The Arab at Home. By Paul will find these tales delightful Moslems. By S. G. Wil- and helpful. son. $1.50. Revell, New W. H a r r i son. $3.50. York. 1916. Africa and Christianity. By Diedrich Crowell, New York. 1924. Westermann. 221 pp. $2.25. Ox- Excellent, especially on Iran, ford University Press. New York. but not quite up-to-date. One of the best books for the 1937.
*14. The Persian Journey of the study of the Arab mind and soul Dr. Westermann of Berlin, Rev. Ash ley Wishard, the author of "Africa Today," is etc. By Elgin Grosclose. by one who has lived close to this one of the best-informed and $2.50. Bobbs – Merrill, people and loves them. . most interesting writers on Af- Indianapolis. 1937. rica from a Christian point of *22. The Expansion of Islam. view. He is professor of African A novel full of missionary ap- By W. W. Cash. 38.6d. languages at the University of peal and interest. Edinburgh House Press, Berlin and the material here London. 1929. presented was given in the Duff 15. History of the Arabian Mis- Lectures in Scotland in 1935. sion. By Mason & Barney, An excellent, popular general The author dwells on aspects of 25 East 22d Street, New survey. missionary work in Africa and York. the change this work is bringing 23. The Eclipse of Christianity about in the character, culture An account of thirty years' in Asia. By L. E. Browne. and condition of the people. He pioneer effort in the hardest of $3.50. Cambridge Uni- shows the old and new standards Moslem lands. versity Pre s s, London. and ideals in family and commu- 1935. nity life; the influence of Euro- 16. Vital Forces of Christianity pean commerce and control; the and Islam. 3s. 6d. Oli- Here is the history of Islam's changes in religious faith and phant, Anderson & Fer- penetration and spiritual con- practice-from superstition, ig- rier, London. 1915. quest of those lands in Asia norance, fear, to belief in God as where the Crescent has super- presented by missionaries. Dr. Six studies by missionaries to seded the Cross. Scholarly yet Westermann includes a chapter Moslems on Method of approach most interestingly written. on Christianity vs. Competition to the Moslem heart. with sects, with Islam and with 24. The Crescent in Northwest secularism-not c h e e r i n g to 17. Indian Islam. By Murray China. By G. Findley An- read; the growth of the Church; T. Titus. 12s. 6d. Ox- drews. China Inland Mis- and the production of Christian ford Press, New York. sion, London. 1922. literature. He does not hesitate 1930. to criticize missions construc- Sketch of Missions in North- tively as a friend. A scholarly survey of the his- west China. tory, character and peculiarities The information is general of Islam in India, its distribu- 25. A Desert Journal. By Evan- rather than specific for Africa is tion, and its present-day in- geline French & Mildred too large a continent to be sucfluence. Cable. $3.00. China In- cessfully dealt with in one short land Mis s ion, German- volume. For a general view, 18. Temple Gairdner of Cairo. town. 1934. however, this volume is highly By Constance E. Padwick. commended. It shows the prob- $3.00. Macmillan, New This book is a type of many lems and the progress noted in York. 1929. that tell of the daily life of Mos- two centuries of modern mis- lems and their attitude toward sions in Africa; also the forces The life of a versatile, schol- Christians in the great unoccu- for and against Christ and the arly and devoted missionary by pied areas. Church, forces that must largely one who is herself doing work determine the future of this for Moslems in all lands through OTHER RECENT BOOKS great continent. Christian literature. Stocking Tales. A Book of Stories Ablaze for God. By Mary W. Dunn 19. The Reproach of Islam. By for Children. By J. T. Stocking. Pattison. 317 pp. 38. 6d. Japan Temple Gairdner. C. M. Illustrated by Winifred Bromhall. Evangelistic Band, London. 1937. S., London. 119 pp. $1.25. Pilgrim Press. Boston. 1937. This is the biography of Paget There is no better textbook for Wilkes written by his sister. all who desire to know Islam as Dr. Stocking is a prince of Wilkes was born in Suffolk in it is and Christianity as it ought story-tellers, with lit era r y 1871, was educated at Oxford to be in witnessing for Christ. charm, a truly Christlike spirit, with Temple Gairdner, J. H. Not a lukewarm book, but full of imagination and a love for chilfire. dren. He fascinates adults and young people as well. His death *20. Young Islam on Trek. By has brought a great loss as his Basil Mathews. 25 cents. life was a great blessing to Friendship Press, New many. These stories are a mix- York. 1926. ture of fairy tale and parable.
This earlier textbook for mission study is so well written that
Oldham and Stuart Holden and the Plan of Union between Pres- meet are not so ready to be led." went to Japan to work with Bar- byterianism and Congregational- Doubtless Dr. Wilson has also clay Brocton in 1897. Later he ism and the controversy growing met many utterly indifferent to became the leader of the Japan out of it. the Word of God, who needed to Evangelistic Band, an undenom- be a wakened to a sense of sin. inational movement which em- Part Two is made up of docu- This is probably a selection of phasized direct evangelism and ments illustrating the frontier certain experience.'3 that show the "Second blessing." He was work of the Pre s b y t e ria n the great truth to be presented a man of great ability and of churches-an immense wealth of in Bible words to sinners, namepure devotion, whose motto source material. It is of course ly the way of justification and might well have been Henry ·only a fraction of what is avail- peace through the atoning death Martyn's "Now let me burn out able and a vast deal is of neces- of Christ. These true sketches for God." He mastered the Jap- sity omitted, many times as are very informing because they anese language and he inspired much as could be included; one show how thousands of people his associates, both Japanese and would rather have some of the who have gone to church and foreign, with his own zeal, and omitted material than that which have read the Bible for years, his consecration and sacrifice is included, some, for example, have never really understood the were a stimulus to many in the from the records of the old Penn- Gospel that Christ died for the missions of the British and sylvania presbyteries and from remission of sin, and that we American churches. At home, the period and area covered in are not saved by our own goodin England or in Canada or in Waddell's "Annals of Augusta ness, but by faith in Jesus South Africa, he conducted mis- County, Virginia, from 1726 to Christ. That is the one thing sions for the conversion of non- 1871." But we are grateful for that stands out in this book. We Christians and for the deeper the mass of old documents which must add this also that readers life of Christians. He was a Dr. Sweet has presented. They will be convinced that most Church of England evangelical enable us to enter intelligently Christians do not sufficiently and was a notable illustration of into the religious atmosphere of recognize the sinfulness of sin, the great body of British Chris- our country a century, and a cen- and the necessity of the shedding tians who move out on their own tury and a half ago, to realize of Jesus' blood; therefore they lines beyond the bounds of de- the social and cultural conditions do not feel impelled to seek the nominational action. He had the of that early time and, by such salvation of others. Finally, this Keswick mind, with a turn of a term of comparison, to see how book shows that Christians his own, and he served his Mas- far on we have come in true re- ought to know their Bibles and ter with his whole heart and ligion and Christian charity. be able to diagnose a soul's need mind and soul and strength. T9 and offer the remedy. We should read such a life is to have one's ROBERT E. SPEER. definitely study the book with own lethargy and reticence :r:e- this in mind. We may well note buked and to feel the glow of the The Romance of a Doctor's Visits. the Scripture passages used. New Testament discipleship at By Dr. Walter L. Wilson. 128 pp. Dull is the conscience of the work amid the conditions of our Is. Pickering & In~lis. London. Christian, either at home or on own day. 1937. the mission field, that will not be moved to personal work by read- Religion on the American Frontier. This small, easy-reading vol- ing this book. Vol. II, The Presbyterians, 1783- ume is one of the "World-Wide 1840. By William Warren Sweet. Library of Famous G 0 s pel FRANK LUKENS. 939 pp. $3.50. Harper & Brothers, Books." The author is a physi- New York and London. 1936. cian of some years' experience Consider Him. By Vance Havner. who but devotes much of his $1.00. American Bible Conference This volume by Dr. Sweet of time to Christian ministry. For Association. Philadelphia, Pa. 1937. the University of Chicago is the a number of years he regularly broadcast the morning Bible les- For those that like a "stimsecond in a series dealing with son over the radio station of the ulus" in Bible study and meditathe different denominations on Kansas City Star, and was said tion and desire a greater fellow- to have an audience of a million ship with the Spirit of God, this the early American frontier. people. book will be of great help. In it we find one hundred medita- The first volume dealt with the Here are twenty-eight short tions on some of the great pas- Baptists and the third is to deal pen-pictures of different persons sages of the Bible. These mediwit h the Congregationalists. seeking salvation whom he led tations were gathered by a Part One (125 pages of this to assured faith by use of Bible pastor from his everyday "walk volume) deals generally with passages. The cases represent and talk" with the Master and American Presbyterianism at all sorts and conditions of life, with his people in the parish. the close of the Revolution, the but the need and the solution In a book form they will inspire Presbyterians and Westward are practically the same in all. a much greater parish. To min- Expansion, the cultural and edu- The first impression on the read- isters they will serve as seeds of cational influence of the Presby- er is that everyone of these peo- thoughts for sermons. terians in the Early West, re- ple were seekers, conscious of vivalism and Presbyterian con- their sin, and wanting peace. A. H. PERPETUO. troversy, and the operation of Some may say, "The people I
Books Obituary Notes The
Across Africa in a Lorry. W. B. Red- (Concluded from page 449.) A weekly religious newspaper in mayne. 128 pp. $1.40. Zondervan. Grand Rapids. Dr. Edward M. Poteat, prominent its lo6th year of continuous pub- in Baptist work both North and South Books for the Traveler or Sojourner for two generations, died June 26, at Iication under the same name. in China. Harriet Hardison Rob- Raleigh, N. C. After a period of son. 24 pp. 25 cents. American years as preacher, college president, It is conservative and evangel- Council, Institute of Pacific Rela- and denominational worker, he went tions. New York. to China to be a professor in Shang- ical, gets its news by telegraph hai College. His son, Gordon Poteat, is Burmese Brothers. Story Lessons professor in Shanghai College; an- and keeps abreast of the times. for Little Children. Eleanor Mar- other son, Edwin M. Poteat, Jr., is a tin. 42 pp. 6d. S. P. G. London. prominent pastor in Raleigh. It goes into every state of the Union, the District of Columbia, Fun, Fear and Faith. The Story of *** the Church in Burma. Ruth Hen- and U. S. possessions. rich. 91 pp. 18. S. P. G. London. Dr. Danjo Ebina, Professor Emer- itus of Doshisha University, died in It goes to Asia and AFrica, South Cycle of Prayer and Praise, 19'37-38. Tokyo, on May 22. He first learned 100 pp. 68. S. P. G. London. about Christ from Gapt. L. L. Janes, America, Canada and New Zealand and afterwards was a member of the Christ of the Countryside. Malcolm first graduating class of Doshisha in and into twelve countries of Eu- Dana. 128 pp. $1.00. Cokesbury. 1879. He founded the Hongo Congre- Nashville. gational Church in Tokyo, was its rope. pastor until 1920 when he became Communism. John Horsch. 30 pp. university president. He was the Subscription Price, – 15 cents. B. I. C. Assn. Chicago. author of many books on Christianity. Ministerial Rate, The Land of Umbrellas. Lessons on *** the Church in Burma. Ruth Hen- 50c. extra—Canadian postage rich. 92 pp. Is. S. P. G. London. Emile Doumergue, for 66 years the leader of the French conservative $1.00 extra—foreign postage Flaming Milestone. Report of the theological group, died recently in World's Conference of the World France at the age of ninety-three. He THE PRESBYTERIAN Alliance of the Y. M. C. A.'s. 115 was the author of the Life of Calvin pp. World's Committee, Y. M. C. A. in seven volumes, and contributed 1217 Mark..t: Str….t, Philad..lphia, Pa. Geneva. editorially to the leading journal of Protestantism in France. He was not ciety, and president of the Bible Highland Heritage. Edwin E. White. in favor of church union for the sake League of North America. 196 pp. $1.00, cloth; 60 cents, of union. His was the phrase: "Fu- paper. Friendship Press. New sion without proper evangelical basis *** York. is nothing but confusion." Sir J. Charles Clegg, president of Is Not This a Brand? Percy Rush. *** the British Temperance League for 96 pp. Is. Pickering & Inglis. sixty-three years, died at Sheffield, London. Mrs. Elizabeth Murdoch Poage England, June 26. His most recent entered into rest at her home in Co- efforts in the cause of temperance was An Introduction to the New Testa- lusa, California, on July 4, at the age the preparation of a booklet, "Out to ment. Edgar J. Goodspeed. 362 of sixty–one. For forty years Mrs. Win." pp. $2.50. University of Chicago Poage had been an officer of the Press. Chicago. Sacramento Presbyterial and for nine *** years was president. The loss of her Little Talks to Little Folks. Charles service is keenly felt for she had been John T. Underwood, founder of the A. Puncker. 92 pp. Is. Pickering faithful in the performance of re- Underwood Typewriter Co., and & Inglis. London. sponsibilities both little and great. brother of Dr. Horace G. Underwood of Korea, died July 2. Mr. Under- Lessons in Soul Winning. Will H. Dr. Frederick H'" . W* ri*ght, who ren- wood was a former member of the Houghton. 23 pp. Free. Moody Presbyterian Board of Foreign Mis- Bible Institute. Chicago. dered effective service in both the sions, president of the Buckhorn As- heme and foreign work of the Metho- sociation of Kentucky, and a generous Medical Missions at Work. H. P. dit<: Episcopal Church, died June 11 supporter of work in Korea. Thompson. 82 pp. Is. S. P. G. in Ocean Grove, N. J., aged seventy- London. eight. He served as past)!· of the Gifts during his lifetime were con- Methodist Church in Rome from 1899 tinued in numerous bequests, among More Sources of Power in Famous to 1905. Some years later he becama them: $50,000 each to the Buckhorn Lives. Walter C. Erdman. 160 superintendent of the Italian Mission Association and to Chosen Christian pp. $1.00. Cokesbury Press. Nash- Conference under the Board of Home College; $20,000 to the Orphan ville. Missions and Church Extension. Asylum Society of Brooklyn; $10,000 each to the Lafayette Avenue Presby- Work of the Chaplain in the Civilian Mrs. Thomas *E. * Ba*rber, former terian Church of Brooklyn, the Pres- Conversation Corps. Col. Alva J. byterian Board of Foreign Missions, Brasted. 48 pp. Command & Gen- missionary in the Columbia Mission, the Brooklyn Bureau of Charities and eral Staff School Press. Ft. Leaven- Presbvterian, U. S. A., died in the the Brooklyn Museum. worth, Kansas. Pasad"ena Hospital, Pasadena, Cali- fornia on June 2. Most of Mrs. Bar- *** Women of the New Testament. ber's time during her 25 years on the Abraham Kuyper. $1.00, cloth; 65 field was spent in educational and Rev. Wilhelm Zoellner, D.D., for- cents, paper. 95 pp. Zondervan evangelistic work at Barranquilla, Bo- mer head of the Church Affairs De- Pub. Co. Grand Rapids. gota and Medellin. partment of the Nazi government and one-time leader in the ecumenical The West Indies. H. P. Thompson. *** movements of Stockholm and Lau- 70 pp. 18. S. P. G. London. sanne, died at Duesseldorf, July 17. Mr. William Philips Hall, for 26 The World, the Church and You. years president of the American Tract When, in December, 1936, Hitler Outlines for Group Study. 34 pp. Society, died on August 14 at Walling- ,rarned Nazi leaders to cease their at- 3d. Edinburgh House Press. Lon- ford, Conn., in his seventy-third year. tacks upon Christianity, part of the don. Mr. Hall was born at Stamford, credit was given to Dr. Zoellner, who Conn., on February 1, 1864. He was was reported to have warned the gov- Yahrbuch Der Ostasien Mission. 96 the founder and for many years the ernment that its anti-Church program pp. Allgemeiner Evangelische-Pro- president of the Hall Signal Co., vice- had gone too far. tantische Missionsverein. Berlin, president of the American Bible So- Germany.
The Man that Changed the World. Frederick B. Fisher. 208 pp. $2.00. Cokesbury Press. Nashville.
~o Noi MU4 A DAILY USE
THE •.. Cbt lIPPtf Room (America's Leading Devotional Guide) MOSLEM Will Lift the CONTENTS OF THE WORLD Level of the OCTOBER-NOVEMBER- Sfiritual Life A Christian Quarterly Review of o Any Church DECEMBER ISSUE Current Events, Literature and and Its Homes Thought Among Mohammedans Inte,.pretation of COf)er Picture, "Christ amont the Lowl," Editor: SAMUEL M. ZWEMER October 1-9 SOME ARTICLES IN THE The Christian and His Home OCTOBER NUMBER October 10·20 Herbert Udny Weitbrecht Stanton The Christian and His God By Samuel M. Zwemer Octobe,. 21-21 Missionary Adventure in the Sahara The Christian and the Christ By Dugald Campbell Octobe,. 28-31 Northern Nigerian Opportunity The Christian and the Holy Spirit By H. G. Farrant NOf)ember 1-6 Islam in India The Christian and Social Responsi. bility By James W. Sweetman NOf)ember 1-13 Moslem Women of North Africa Foundations for a Stable and Peace. By Frances E. Roberds ful Society The Joy of Preaching to Moslems N of)ember 14-20 By Stephen Khoobyar The Kingdom of God and the So· cial Order The Political Fortunes of Islam By G. L. Schanzlin NOf)embe,. 21-21 The Spirit of Thanksgiving and Hitti's History of the Arabs the Social Order By Nabih A. Faris NOf)ember 28-30 Also Book Reviews, Current Top. Working Together with God ics, Survey· of Periodicals, and the Index for the Year. December 1-11 The Christian and His Attitudes SUBSCRIBE NOW December 12-18 50 Cents a Copy. $2.00 a Year (postpaid) The Christian and His Daily Walk THE MOSLEM WORLD December 19-25 156 Fifth Ave., New York City "Unto Us a Saviour Is Born"
IN COMBINATION WITH December 26·31 The Christian and His Victories THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD THE OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER ISSUE OF THE UPPER ROOM NOW READY FOR DISTRIBUTION $3.50 a Year. (Foreign Postage, 50 Cents) First Printing This Issue 800,000 Copies BrioUh Ase"" : MARSHALL. MORGAN & SCOTT, 12 Patem.olter Buildings, London. E. C. Use One of the Order Forms Below Price in Great Britain, Eight: Shillings a Year, net ••• •• …,… . ~ ~;N~;;N·:E~~·~;;E~··· ~I~;~~~~~ ;~;s~;;;;;:.··· Issue for October, November, December I THE UPPBR ROOM, (For use of Pastor or Groul' Leader. I Doctors' Building. Order ten or more COPl••• ) I N••hville, Tean. I Gentlemen: THE UI'PBR ROOM, I am inclolintl herewith tbirty cents Doctors' Building.
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The Missionary Review of the World — September 1937
1937
Beaten But Unconquered……in China James P. Leynse The Use of Chinese Gospel Posters R. w. Porteous Experiences in the Papuan Bush Russell W. Abel Work in Ethiopia and the Sudan Tom Lambie The Conquering Power of Christ Julius Richter Women's Work in the Country Church Mrs. James D. Wyker An Arab Consults a Missionary Doctor A Monologue by James Cantine 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember Reda;m;ng an abandoned church in cenlralIllinois
September 13-1S-C 0 n fer en c e on Those Abandoned Churches • • • Presbyterian Church and the Jew. Princeton Theological Seminary. that dot the hillsides and valleys of rural YOU ARE PRIVILEGED America to-day-more than ten thousand of to sponsor this marvellous October 2-6 – Triennial Convention. them-are a challenge to Christian people of work "With Christ along Women's Missionary Society of the the Old Back Road." United Lutheran Church in Amer- all Evangelical denominations. Some are only evi- $12.50 annually maintains ica. Buffalo. dences of changed conditions. Many others mark the the work of one Sunday retreat of Christian forces. School Class. SUMMER CONFERENCES AND $25.00 annually maintains SCHOOLS OF MISSIONS The vast majority of Christian people living in cities the work of a Sunday School. and towns do not understand the serious rural need $50.00 annually maintains September 20-24-Southern California of the hour. Neither do they realize that in countless the work of an unreached (Los Angeles). Mrs. H. M. Horn, instances the A.S.S.U. has met and is meeting that community. 1955 Carmen Ave., Los Angeles, need. Old church bells are pealing again, calling $100.00 annually maintains Calif. young and old to thousands of Union Sunday Schools. the work in any given county. September 20-24 – Minnesota (Min- In a fine old brick church in a prosperous farming $1,200.00 annually fully neapolis-St. Paul). President, Mrs. section of east central Illinois, an A.S.S.U. Mission- supports a consecrated and Charles L. Grant, 610 Aurora Ave., ary recently organized a Sunday School. Thirty-six aggressive A. S. S. U. Mis- St. Paul, Minn. attended the first meeting. Three weeks later the sionary. attendance reached sixty. Now the people have pur- Will your Prayers and yout September 7 – October 1 – D a 11 a s, chased an electric lighting plant, and evening serv- support go with us to this Texas. Pres., Mrs. E. R. Alderson, ices are being conducted by a regular minister. In needy field? 561 Goodwin St., Dallas, Texas. scores of other instances, work reclaimed by our ministry has been turned back to the proper September 27 – October 1 – Houston, denomination. Texas. Dean, Mrs. A. B. Haynes, 618 Highland Ave., Houston, Texas. Evangelical in purpose, non-sectarian in method. and true to the Word of God, theA.S.S.U. is actively September 28-30-A n n u a 1 Interde- engaged in this national ministry of restoring wor- nominational Missionary Institute, ship to rural churches in forty States. Will YOU help? Woman's Interdenominational Union of Philadelphia and Vicinity. First Baptist Church, Philadelphia.
October 5-6-Warren, Ohio. Mrs. George Konold, 314 Scott St., N. E., Warren, Ohio.
October 21- Baltimore, Md. Mrs. David D. Baker, 410 N. Calhoun St., Baltimore, Md.
!In the £un~ ot gonuh un~ His qou'£~ Home Letters of AMERICAN DEPARTMENT OF MISSIONS, R8l7 MARGARET DEAN McDOWELL 1816 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sunday I wish to sponsor the work of the A. S. S. U. with the , She left a Chicago schoolroom to or- unreached millions of Rural America. ganize a cooperative laundry for refu- School Enclosed find $ ___ to be used for________ _ gees in Mesopotamia—and made it pay. Union ) Send your Quarterly Field Magazine – "The Sun- , She made friends with the sheikh of day School Missionary" a tribe of "devil-worshipers" who have an ancestral taboo against education- ( ) Mail your Booklet on Annuities. and he sent his children to her school. ( ) Send Sample Sunday School Literature. Name _____________ – – __ – ____ – , She met great ones of the earth-and in treeless Mosul spent hours creating Address _________ – _ – – – – – – – _ – – – a Christmas "tree" so that the children City ______________ State ______ _ should not be disappointed. 4 CHRIST ALONG THE OLD BACK ROAD , She began modern Christian educa- ESTABLISHED 1817 PIONEER SUNDAY SCHOOL ORGANIZATION OF THE USA tion for girls in Mosul-and many rise up and call her blessed. Personal Items one-half years of service as he says that he is "no longer able to recom- , Particularly valuable in connection The Rev. A. C. Snead, Foreign Sec- mend the Board as a Presbyterian with the coming year's study of Mos- retary of the Christian and Mission- missionary agency." Mr. Woodbridge lem lands. ary Alliance, sailed for a tour of was formerly a missionary in West South American mission fields on July Africa, representing the Presbyterian Price: cloth, $I .00; paper, 60 cents 27. He expects to visit Jamaica, Co- Church in the United States of Amer- lombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, The ica, from which he resigned in 1Q33. Order from Argentine and Puerto Rico, returning home on December 7. Mr. Snead ••• THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS OF earnestly requests the prayers of THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. U. S. A. Christian people for God's blessing on Dr. Ralph E. Diffendorfer, corre- his mission to these important fields sponding secretary of the Methodist 156 Fifth Avenue New York, N. Y. where the Christian and Missionary Episcopal Board of Foreign Missions, Alliance carries on work. sailed on Saturday, June 12, for Italy FOR SALE-28 new black poplin and Central Europe, where there are pleated choir gowns; academic style, • • • . Rev. Charles J. Woodbridge, Gen- pressing problems. Dr. Diffendorfer $3.75 each; Iblack mortarboard caps, $1.50 has announced an anonymous gift of each. M. R. W. LINDNER, 425 Seventh eral Secretary of the Independent 100,000 Reichmarks-approximately Ave., New York. Board for Presbyterian Foreign Mis- $25,000-for the work in Germany. It sions, has resigned after three and will be used chiefly for improvements (Concluded on page 448.)
MISSIONARY and value. It is devoted to the mis-
REVIEW OF THE WORLD sion study topic of the coming year- The Moslem World and the progress DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor of Christianity among Moslems. These articles are by missionaries who have VOL. LX SEPT., 1937 No.9 devoted their lives to the work and who know the conditions from expe- Publication and Business Olllce– rience. Some of the articles are by Third and Reily 8ts., Harrisburg, Pa. those who have come out of Islam and have confessed their faith in Christ Editorial and Executive Olllce– as their Lord and Master. The work 156 Firth Avenue, New York City. in Moslem lands is one of the most Entered as second-class matter at difficult in any field since the Moham- medans are militant in their propa- Post Omce, Harrisburg, Pa., under ganda and as a rule are very bitter Act of March 3, 1879. antagonists against those who pro- claim Christ as the Son of God and 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. only Saviour through His death on Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. the cross. A list of the articles pre- Published monthly, except August. pared for our special number will be All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1937. found on the fourth cover of this is- British agents – Marshall, Morgan sue. It is advisable to order copies of and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, the October REVIEW immediately. London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, 10 shillings a year. PARENTS ••• When the good work MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- In the Foreign Mission Field calls you East … saH LISHING CO., INC. Endorse Calvert School p&O BOARD OF DIRECTORS Home Study Courses ROBERT E. SPEER, President This year marks a full century of P & 0 A. L. WARNSHUIS, Vice-President for Children service to the lands beyond Suez! WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer Whenever you are called to the other DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary Calvert School, through its Home Iustruc- side of the world, choose this tradi- tion Department, will give your child a tional route. Cross to England by SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT superior elementary education … by mail, Cunard White Star •.• and there embark in a great liner of the P & 0 WILLIAM 1. CH..umEBL£IN regardless of where you may live. Mod- and British India fleets, led by the D. J. FANT ern, approved courses from this famous new 22,5oo-ton Strathnaver, Strath- school are being used by parents all over aird and Strathmore. Regular service MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD to Egypt, Sudan, Persian Gulf, India, WM. B. LIPPHARD the world with outstanding success. Burma, Ceylon, Straits Settlements, ERIC M. NORTH China, Japan, Australia" East and SAMUEL M. ZWEMER Give your children the advantages of these South Africa, Mauritius. Low rates.
Editorial Chat interesting lessons, carefully chosen books, Convenient through bookings can be arranged and attractive materials. Instruction is by your local travel agent or any office of The unusual situation in China is a under the personal guidance of teachers in very disturbing factor to missionaries, Calvert's prominent and successful private CUNARD WHITE STAR LINE the Chinese Christians and to all interested in the development of that day school in Baltimore. GENERAL AGENTS great land and people. What Christians can do most effectively is to t Write today for booklet of complete in- '25 Broadwayand638 Fifth Ave., New York pray for the afflicted people that all may witness a good confession, and formation. Costs are low. stand true to the highest Christian principles. The editorial "Topic of CALVERT SCHOOL the Times" and the articles in this 180 E. Tusc:any Road number by Mr. James P. Leynse, of Peiping, and Mr. Porteous will be Baltimore -0- Maryland read with deep interest.
*** The October number of THE RE- VIEW will be one of unusual interest The Minister's Social Primer Basic, Factual Articles Which Deal With New World Economics By WILLIAM L. LUDLOW Professor of Political Science and Sociology, Muskingum College SUBJECTS 1. Marxian Communism 4. German National Socialism 2. Soviet Russia 5. Democracy 3. Fascism 6. Trade Unionism in America 7. Labor Legislation.
The first chapter will appear in the October issue of CHURCH MANAGEMENT, to be published September 17th. Others will follow in order.
Send $1.50 for special seven-months' subscription to secure this social primer so necessary to men in public life. Single copy, 25c.
CHURCH MANAGEMENT Auditorium Building Cleveland, Ohio [401 ]
NATIVES IN THE ANGLO-EGYPTIAN
(See article on page 422.) REVIB ORLD VOLUME LX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 9 SEPTEMBER, 1937 Topics of the Times LEADERS OR FOLLOWERS? educated for better leadership; they are learning how to keep the mass of the people from drifting There is a loud call today for leadership–for or floundering.
wise leaders, honest leaders, unselfish leaders, It was said of a certain politician: "He would courageous leaders, experienced leaders.. They make a great leader, if only he could persuade are needed in world affairs, in politics and indus- anyone to follow him." There are two requisites: try, in business and philanthropy, in education a wise, strong leader and people intelligent and and religion. How many nations of the world are unselfish enough to follow good leadership. How in a turmoil for lack of proper leadership! In much both are needed today! The Apostle James Cuba, Mexico and many parts of Latin America says: "Be not many teachers-:-or leaders-know- there is almost continual civil war because one ing that we shall receive heavier judgment."
man after another seeks to lead the nation's des- (James 3: 1 R. V.). In many lands, and in many tiny. Europe offers many examples of strong and spheres of life, confusion and conflict arise beweak political leaders. Spain is torn with fratri- cause too many seek to be leaders rather than cidal strife and is drenched with blood because of show a willingness to be followers. We are in- the conflict between rivals who would be leaders clined to forget that "one who would command and rulers. In Germany, Italy and Russia we must first learn to obey."
have examples of headstrong rulers who are in When the late Sadhu Sundar Singh, that re- the saddle and are leading their nations-but markable Christian ascetic of India, was in whither? America, he was asked by one who heard him In Asia the struggle for leadership continues. speak: "Have you any followers in India-any Gandhi and others are striving by different meth- who follow your ideals of life and methods of ods to determine India's destiny. China is bene- service?"
fited by the influence of a strong and intelligent The Sadhu thought a moment and then replied: leader, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, but Japan, "No, I have no followers. I, myself, am a fol- under the control of the military party, is leading lower." In that answer lies the secret of leader- the country to a war that threatens all Asia and ship to meet the needs of the hour.
may involve the world. Jesus Christ did not call men to be leaders; He Similar struggles exist in America. The ques- called them to be followers. He called them to be tion of the type of leadership determines the po- "fishers of men," rather than rulers of men. He litical program in nation and city, spells failure or called them to serve men rather than to exercise success in the conflict between labor and capital, lordship over men. They were called first to be and will bring failure or success in the Christian disciples (learners), then apostles (missionaries).
Church. Who are the leaders? Why do they seek Is not this the great need in the world and in control and whither are they leading? the Church today? What might we expect if, in- Much emphasis is placed today on the training stead of setting up many "leadership conferences,"
of leaders in all departments of life. Leadership we promoted training classes to teach men, wom- training conferences are being held for political, en and children to be good followers? There is one educational and religious workers-and in many safe and sane leader, the Lord Jesus Christ. If of these conferences, men and women are being men and women would sit at His feet to learn of [403 ]
Him; if we would know how to appreciate His has resulted. The Arabs, who are traders and love and His sacrifice; if we could understand cattle-raising nomads rather than agriculturalists His wisdom and accept His standards-then the or industrial workers, have seen their prestige wrongs in our own personal lives, the mistakes in and control threatened. Their racial pride has the family, in the Church, in the State and the been hurt. They have been warlike since the days world might be set right. As we learn of Him of Esau, while Jews are non-militant. Riots and and are ready to follow Him, He has promised to bloodshed have resulted and all Great Britain's give us power to do His work as He gave power diplomacy and military strength "have been reto the early Disciples when the Holy Spirit came quired to maintain some semblance of peace. upon them. Finally a British Royal Commission was ap- The great need today is not more classes to pointed last year to visit Palestine and report on train leaders but more classes and conferences to the most feasible plan for developing the country. teach us to be true followers of Jesus Christ-as Their report shows careful study and a desire to humble Christians, as parents, as business men and solve the difficult problem-but it satisfies neither women, as workers in Church and State, as mis- Jews nor Arabs. The proposal is for a "major sionaries and as executives. In proportion as we operation," to divide the land into three sectionssucceed in learning in this school of Christ, we giving to the Jews about one-third-including the can say with the Apostle Paul to less privileged western border on the Mediterranean, from about disciples: "Be ye followers (imitators) of me twenty miles north of Gaza to Syria and the Lebaeven as I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11: 1). non Mountains; giving to the Arabs two-thirds- including the land south of Bethlehem, east of THE PARTITION OF PALESTINE the plains of Judea and across the Jordan River. The British are to retain a small "corridor" from Although almost insignificant in size – only Jerusalem to the sea at Jaffa, and a small circle about the size of New England- Palestine around Nazareth, and with a naval base at Haifa. has the most strategic position of any country in This would mean that the Jews will have the the world. It lies at the crossroads of Asia, Africa Shephelah and the lowlands of the Mediterranean and Europe. The natural wealth of the country, seacoast, where Tel-Aviv and other modern Jewas well as its command of the trade routes be- ish settlements are located; also Mt. Carmel and tween East and West, have made the land a de- practically all of Galilee. The Arabs will have sirable prize. It was this land, enlarged to reach Shechem (Nablus) and Samaria, the country "from the Euphrates to the River of Egypt," that around Hebron, J.ericho, and Beersheba and the God promised to Abraham and his descendants. lands of their ancestors-the Moabites, Ammon- It was many years before the Hebrews gained ites and Edomites. The British retain control of possession and then because of their disobedience, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and the railroad they were conquered and lost control of the coun- to the seaport of Jaffa (ancient Joppa). The try many times. From the earliest days of history Jews and Arabs are both offered independent this little country has been a battleground between states, with representatives in the League of Na- Philistines, Canaanites and Hittites; between tions. Syrians and Egyptians; between Assyrians, Babylonians, and Israelites; between Romans, The Arabs object to this division on three Greeks and Arabians; between Crusaders and grounds: (1) They say that they have possessed "Infidels" ; between the Allied armies in the the land by right of conquest and occupation for World War and the Turks. hundreds of years; (2) they are in a majority and now own most of the land so that it would be Today Palestine is again a scene of strife and a necessary to evacuate 225,000 Arabs from Jewish bone of contention between Arabs and Jews, be- territory; (3) the plan gives the Jews the most tween Christians, Hebrews and Moslems. As a fertile and desirable portions and most of the result of the World War, England was given a seacoast, while the Arabs are assigned to the mandate over Palestine and the Balfour Declara- more arid sections of the mountains and the semition promised the Jews an opportunity to develop wilderness beyond the Jordan. their ancient heritage and to make it a "National Home." The persecuted and ostracized Jews of The Jews find the plan inacceptable: (1) be- Europe have taken the opportunity to return in cause the whole land is theirs by right of divine large numbers. They have built cities, developed promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, by ancient farms, made good roads, established schools and inheritance and occupation, and by the Balfour universities, and have taken other steps to im- Declaration; (2) because, being driven out of prove the country and to increase prosperity. But Europe, they need Palestine as a National Home after seventeen years, and in spite of British ef- and they have shown the will and ability to develforts to maintain order, strife rather than peace op the country, which the Arabs have not; (3) because the Arabs are assigned the Jordan Valley
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
I .q z MPDI TER RA NeA N .:.' S£A 4 MEO/TERRA NEA"' .:,'.,'· o .seA " ,,~,_ -0— ,, ," . ,,,/ "oH.ebron ,t EGYPT -, ;<rBeerSheM r—–~~——–~ a ! Ie J' l ' I KEY ~EERSHE8A SU8- DISTRICT t EXTENDING roGUU' 01' AQABA _ Proposed boundaries ", Present boundari es CULTIVATION UNSURVEYEO /JO MIlFI _ Rai /ways —- Roads Courtesy ot "The New York Times"
with all the light and power plants, the Dead Sea material resources used to increase the prosperity and the mountains which are richest in chemicals, of the country. Both Jews and Arabs are so unminerals' and other natural resources. Both par- friendly to the British that they may yet unite ties want Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron and oth- against them, as the Pharisees and Herodians er sacred sites. It is as impossible to give both united against Christ. Jews and Arabs all they wish as it is to satisfy both labor and capital, or both communists and God's plan is not yet made clear for His "peim perialists. culiar people" and His chosen land. Any arrange- ment, such as is proposed by the Royal Commis- The plan offered is objected to by many British "sion, can at best be only temporary. God's promise and by people of other lands who take up cudgels to Abraham was: "I will give unto thee, and to for one side or the other. Dr. Chaim Weizmann, thy s~ed after thee, the land wherein thou art a President of the Zionist Movement, finds the pro- stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting posed partition unsatisfactory but thinks that it possession, and I will be their God" (Genesis offers the best solution of any plan suggested up 17: 8). to the present. Dr. Stephen Wise, President of the American Zionists, is utterly opposed to any ECUMENICAL CHRISTIANITY AT OXFORD such surrender of what he terms "Jewish rights." The World Conference on "Life and Work" that Christians as a whole have not entered into the met for two weeks in July at Oxford, England, to controversy, but many Syrian Christians in Pal- consider "The Church, State and Community," estine would prefer to see the Arabs in control brought together some eight hundred delegates because they find it more difficult to get along and associates from many different nations, Ori. with Jewish neighbors. Neither Jews nor Mos- ental churches and Protestant communi:bns. These lems are friendly to Christian mission work; included 100 young men and women from thirty neither one favors Christian or British control; countries, who constituted a special "Youth Secbut both are willing to see Christian ability and
tion" of the Conference; there were also many ments that threaten the efficiency, if not the very delegates from the younger churches of mission life, of the Church. la.nds. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Cosmo Gordon Lang, was president, and Dr. John R. 2. That the Church consider how to meet and Mott, well known American Methodist layman, overcome the evident purpose in many lands to was Chairman of the Business Committee. The elevate the State to a divine status, thus seeking Conference was much more widely representative to give human rulers more authority than that than that which met at Stockholm in 1925; but accorded Almighty God; also how to correct the there were no German delegates at Oxford, pass- tendency to racial discrimination, social injustice ports having been refused by the Nazi Govern- and the increase of immortality in personal and ment to members of the Confessional Synod. community life.
Many important topics were discussed by the 3. That greater emphasis be placed on the facts Conference in various sections, papers having been that God is the only supreme and ultimate auprepared in advance and "Findings" being pre- thority; that religious liberty is essential to husented for discussion at the general meetings be- man liberty, and that Christians are called of God fore approval. to use their resources to help raise the status of the underprivileged, the oppressed and unlight- Among the disturbing trends in the life of to- ened brothers and sisters of the human race. day were noted: the claim of the State-as in Germany, Italy, Russia and Turkey-to dominate The Conference closed with a united communion and control religion; the growth of secularism in service presided over by the Archbishop of Canall lands at the expense of religion, and the signs terbury, assisted by the Episcopal Bishop of Dorof moral anarchy which threatens the sanctity of nakaI, India. marriage and the home. THE CHINA-JAPAN CONFLICT The members of the Conference applauded those who advocated unity among Christians of all na- Since July 7, the world has been increasingly tions, races and sects; there was emphasized the concerned by another demonstration of the deneed for greater dependence on the guidance and termined military encroachment of one nation of power of God for the solution of all problems. the Far East upon the territory and the sover- Real progress was noted in the growth of friendly eignty of another at a time when other nations understanding between Eastern and Western are too busily occupied to intervene. So much is Churches and between members of French and clear to all the world, to which all further judg- German nationals. There was a call for a united ments may safely be left. And few will condemn Christian front to combat and overcome the in- the militarily weaker nation for deciding that pacrease of militant atheism and of pagan material- tient submission had ceased to be a virtue and for ism in all lands. risking all in self-defense. The infinite pity of the situation is that the blow should fall upon Perhaps the most striking proposal was for the China just at the time when her provinces and formation of a "World Council of Churches" to parties and leaders were heartily uniting in the include all non-Roman Christian churches that work of material and moral reconstruction which wish to join. This will be a world-wide organiza- had been so frequently interrupted during the tion planned and operated on lines similar to the quarter century of the republic. Inspired by the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America. courage, wisdom and unselfish patriotism of Gen- It is suggested that it function through an As- eralissimo and Madame Chiang and several likesembly of some two hundred members; its pur- minded associates and by the marvelous deliverpose will be to increase. the ecumenical conscious- ance of their leader from deadly peril in captivity, ness among all Evangelical Christians, and to confident hope of a great future for China had promote cooperation among churches of all na- been rekindled. The appointment of Dr. C. T. tions, races and denominations. This Assembly Wang as Ambassador to the United States and the would meet every year and might give informa- visit of the Minister of Finance, Dr. H. H. Kung, tion service through a World Council Journal; to America and many European countries, have it might also promote world-wide conferences, contributed to a mutually helpful international such as those held this summer at Oxford and friendship, but nothing has prevented the out- Edinburgh. It is hoped that this Council would break of a murderous "undeclared war." represent the "voice of united Christendom"- outside the Roman Catholic Church. The first stages of that war in the driving of provincial forces from the neighborhood of Tient- Among the Findings submitted and approved sin and Peiping, though it involved much slaughby the Conference were the following: ter J)f soldiers and civilians and destruction of valuable property such as the progressive Nankai 1. That the Christian Church meet the present University ~t Ti~Iltsin~ have been trifles as comchallenge of the serious economic situation in all Jands and the anti-religious and secularizing movepared with the terrific conflict which broke out on ning to open as usual. The same is presumably August 14 between rapidly gathering Chinese air true of the College of Chinese Studies (Language and military forces and the Japanese warships School) though the number of new missionaries lying at the Hongkew bund portion of Shanghai venturing into North China this autumn may not International Settlement, where they had no right be large. to be. Their position rendered accidents inevitable, and bombs intended for the warships It was intended to list here the missions at work dropped in the settlement, killing hundreds of in the war zone, but since the scope of the war civilian Chinese and several foreigners including increases daily that would be a hopeless and use- Dr. Frank J. Rawlinson, Editor of the Chinese less task. Recorder, and Dr. Robert Karl Reischauer of Princeton, son of the well-known missionary in In sharp contrast with this dismal picture of Tokyo. Since then by air and land and water, strife and hatred stand out the recent picture of Chinese and Japanese have hurled death and de- Dr. Toyohiko Kagawa of Japan, and Dr. C. Y. struction at each other, and attempts have been Cheng of China, smiling radiantly, with arms made and resisted to carry the war to the national about each other's necks. A later photograph capital, Nanking, and other centers of military shows two girl scout leaders-Chinese and Japaconcentration. nese-in a similar attitude. Let us hold fast to our hope that some day the love of Christ will Many are the predictions as to the outcome, constrain these two peoples, so nearly related, to but such prognostication is futile. If "God is al- love one another and engage heartily in mutual ways on the side of the strongest battalions," upbuilding for the service of the world. China will be once more humbled and crippled. There seems to be little or no prospect of a saving THE COMING GENERATION AND intervention by any or all of the other nations; MISSIONS but the new national spirit of the Chinese people, added to their traditional ability to "conquer by The youth of today sometimes criticize the misabsorption," may bring them safely through this sion boards on the ground that youth is ignored in most fiery trial of their recent history. the planning and direction of the work. They claim that the viewpoint of the younger generation is The outbreak having come in midsummer, ignored in religion, while it is sought in business, when many missionaries were absent on vacation, in politics and in social movements. when many had left on furlough and new missionaries had not arrived, the problem of protection All acknowledge that the future of mission work and evacuation has been comparatively small. is vitally linked with the rising generations. It Only a few who occupy key positions on the field is dependent on new life being constantly supare now being returned to China, though some plied, infinitely more than it is dependent on new who had sailed before the crisis became acute will money. probably be diverted to other opportunities for service until the way is open to the old field. The But are the young men and women of this commissions in the Philippines will gladly absorb a ing generation taking an interest in vital Christia'1 large number. At this writing evacuations of work as they are in politics, sport, economics and missionaries have been very few, but the Boards social reform? In how many churches are the and the field agencies are on the alert and pro- youth a strong factor? How much are young peovided with authority and funds to meet all needs. ple as a class willing to sacrifice for the Cause of Except as mentioned above, no missionary lives Christ? How many are ready to do personal work have been lost, or property seriously damaged. on spiritual lines? Are they trained to accept and practice fundamental Christian ideas and stand- It is well to remind ourselves that the situation ards? How many of the present generation of differs widely from that of the Boxer Outbreak students would sacrifice ambition and prospects in 1900. Then, all foreigners were the object of of business advancement to start and carry forannihilative attack by the "Boxers" and the Chi- ward a Student Volunteer Movement for Foreign nese imperial troops; now neither combatant will Missions or a Young People's Missionary Moveintentionally injure the citizens of any neutral ment? Have they the idealism, the courage, the nation. Apart, therefore, from the "accidents of ability, the faith to undertake such work, in face of discouragement and opposition? warfare," the ambassadors of Christ are not considered to be in serious peril. We believe that multitudes of the youth of to- day will respond to this challenge if it is rightly Latest reports from North China state that all presented. They must first be conscious of their is quiet in and near Peiping and that Yenching own debt to Christ and acknowledge His suprem- University northwest of the city and the North acy over their lives. They must realize the need China American School at Tungchow are plan- of the world and the ability of Christ to supply that need. When they see this as clearly as they of Nations. This is the missionary enterprise of the future. see the need for world peace, for social justice, One contributor takes exception to this view, for economic improvement and for better race re- and rightly if we are to be guided by Christ's ideals and objectives as they are presented in the lations, then they will respond as enthusiastically New Testament. This contributor says: and sacrificially to the call of Christ and man's In the early days of the Church there was no social justice. Palestine was seething with social injustice, naspiritual needs as they now do to the call of Marx tionalism, imperialism, absentee-landlordism, cruel taxa- tion, frequent rebellion-but was there not a spiritual life or Hitler or Mussolini for temporal and national in the midst of it? In my experience those who have been the greatest saints have often been those who suffered advancement. There is great encouragement to- most from social injustice. I do not think that the world as we know it will ever be rid of sin, and so I cannot see day in the spirit shown by Christian youth in a hope of our being rid of social injustice. I have not much hope of the coming of a cooperative Commonwealth many colleges and in summer conferences, in so- of Nations in the terms in which we see it today. We are in a time of tremendous chaos in which we cannot yet see cieties and in churches where they find true virile clearly the direction or tell the nature of the new order which will be born, though my own hopes lie in the d:recand spiritual leadership. tion indicated here. I do not, however, regard this as the "missionary enterprise of the future." Missions are con- The missionary cause must be presented wisely cerned primarily with the religious, not with the economic.
to appeal to the youth of today. What kind of a Let the coming generation be stirred to fight courageously against the present-day crime, inmissionary enterprise will students support? is justice, cruelty and selfishness, but the hope for a new and more fruitful day in Christian advance a question recently sent out to colleges by the Stu- is in a youth movement wholly loyal to Christ and led by the Spirit of God. f1ent Volunteer Movement. The Intercollegian and Far Horizons publishes the following answer which was among those received: .
Everywhere and for the most part increasingly, capitalism, communism, fascism and nationalism threaten the welfare of mankind. Nervous breakdowns, depressions, wars-these are all symptoms of a basic economic and moral sickness. Until social justice can be established, spiritual life is impossible. The great hope of the future lies in the development on a world scale of cooperatives and an increasing socializing of the means of production, pointing Ultimately toward a Cooperative Commonwealth RELIGIOUS BODIES AND GROUPS IN THE UNITED STATES IN A OOMPARISON OF THOSE REPORTING OVER 50,000 MEMBERS, 1935 AND 1936 Membership 1 Yr. Gain 10 Yr, Gain Membership 1 Yr. Gain 10 Yr, Gain 1936 1936·1935 1936-1926 1936 1936-1935 1936-1926 Baptists (19 Bodies) ….. 10,332,005 140,308 1,890,939 Polish Catholic Church … 186,000 36,000 124,426 Methodist (19 Bodies) .. , 9,109,359 41,798 1,038,740 Church of the Nazarene .. 133,516 5,867 69,958 Lutherans (17 Bodies) … 4,589,660 43,905 646,202 Mennonites (17 Bodies) .. 116,665 4,101 29,491 Jewish (Heads of Families) 4,081,242 Eastern Separate (2 Bodies) 107,675 78,087 Friends (4 Bodies) ….. . 105,917 dl,527 d4,505 Presbyterians (10 Bodies) 2,687,772 6,507 62,488 Protestant Episcopal …. . 1,918,329 21,193 52,243 Church of God (Indiana) . 82,893 364 44,644 Disciples of Christ ….. . 1,602,052 d6,700 224,457 Unitarians …………. . 98,600 38,026 38,448 East. Orthodox (9 Bodies) 1,092,349 94,262 832,955 Federated Churches ….. . 59,977 Congregational & Christian 1,010,776 d2,177 16,285 Scandinavian Ev. (3 Bodies) 55,237 385 6,452 Evangelical and Reformed 849,205 d71,384 173,401 Universalists ……….. . 51,159 68 d3,798 Roman Catholics (whole Lat.-Day Saints (2 Bodies) 777,695 12,981 171,134 Churches of Christ …… . 433,714 family) …………… 20,831,139 221,837 2,226,136 United Brethren (3 Bodies) 428,838 1,073 32,953 Total, Over 50,000 ….. 62,844,012 689,572 8,718,230 Reformed (3 Bodies) … . 366,583 81,958 110,318 Salvation Army …….. . 255,765 d3,336 180,997 Total, Under 50,000 649,024 147,832 271,636 Ch. of Four-Sq. Gospel .. . 257,635 5,255 257,635 Evangelical (2 Bodies) .. . 258,207 9,390 31,678 Church of Christ, Scientist 202,098 Grand Total ……….. 63,493,036 837,404 8,989,866 Population (July, 1936) .. 128,429,000 908,000 11,429,000 Church of God in Christ .. 200,470 170,207 -From The Christian Hemld. Breth. (Dunkers) (4 Bodies) 192,588 1,047 34,484 d Decrease. Adventists (5 Bodies) … . 195,553 5,435 49,376 Assemblies of God …… . 173,349 2,936 125,399
But Unconquered – in
By the REV. JAMES P. LEYNSE, Peiping, China Missionary of the Presbyterian Church, U. s. A.
W ITHOUT even so much as a knock at the "One day in the fall when the 'harvest of the door Mrs. Single Flower Liu, in a sky-blue five grains' was plentiful and people went merrily cotton garment, entered my study and told to their work, a student of the Truth Hall Mission me this story: School of Peiping came to our village elders. His words of new and strange things came freely out "Allow me to use some of your time, Shepherd- of his mouth. At the first watch of the night, teacher. Today, with the wind making many. a when all the people had supped, that young man whirling cloud of dust, there will be a few people would stand preaching in front of the village inn, gathering at the Hall of Glad Tidings. The saying that there is only one God of heaven and' heavens have turned yellow; the earth is almost earth; that the sun and moon belong to all the dark and the sun has only a dim light. Ai, this world; and that all men around the four seas are is truly a good room to come to on such a day; all brethren. It was truly a strange doctrine, but these books of foreign learning are a pleasure to that young man had his stomach full of good behold. I have come to you to speak about the learning and his heart was warm with sympathy. things of my heart. He knew how to speak words acceptably.
"Years ag<J, when through the goodness· of your "One evening when the moonlight was dim, I friends across the foreign sea, you invited me to went stealthily out of the family house and stood become a Christian evangelist, my joy rose to among:st the crowd like a man, so as to hear the Heaven and I determined that some day I should tell you the story of my conversion. Pray, do not student-preacher read ,from his Heavenly Book. weary of my account and do not regard it a hard- His preaching filled my heart with a peace unship to use your pen to write it down. I am but a speakable and I, humble young sister, cried out to humble woman of scanty learning and know how the Living God for help and guidance. In the to write only a few hundred characters of our lan- middle of the night my heart became so heavy guage; I am but nothing to compare with such an within me that I got up from the brick family bed one as you. and bowed myself to the ground before the great God and Creator for the first time in my life. "I was born in the village of the Deep Hill Waters. My ancestral home was favored by the "The next day when the sun had set and the gods with plenty of millet, rice, oil and salt. moon arose I went again to hear about the Way of Though the house was large I had but eight feet Life and to seek salvation. I was like one who of the family brick bed on which to sleep, just as had made her bow in the dark. While listening, everybody else. My highly esteemed grandfather my heart was mirrored before God, and I saw the was a chief priest of the Lotus Goddess and my blackness of my sin. I believed what the preacher uncles were leaders of Buddhist pilgrimages. Yea, said and knew that I was cleansed from my inthey even were active fighters in the great anti- iquity. At that time I was born again, a new Chdstian movement of 1900 when all over the woman, and my heart became settled in quietness land many missionaries and thousands of Chris- and peace. tians were killed. My honorable father was also an ardent Buddhist, who cared for the gods and "Afterwards that young man taught me to pray spent many pieces of good silver to help rebuild and to read the new…style writing. He put the our village temple. And my mother, though only Word of God into my hands and my faith grew a country woman of simple mind, knew all about until it became the most precious thing on the the gods and was a vegetarian for many years to earth to me. I witnessed to my relatives about it please Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Happiness. I but their temper rose hotly within them against myself desired from childhood on to serve the gods this new and strange doctrine. In their hardness of heaven, and with my very flesh and bones I of heart they vowed never to throw a single idol loved to do all that is good. Therefore I was set away nor to forsake the temple. aside to become a 'witch woman' of the group of the Lotus Spirit. "Years went by and my grandparents and par- ents all died, leaving me without proper care and protection. My uncles therefore took me in and [409 ]
filled my ears with many good promises if I only fore I could wean them. For this I bore a thouwould renew my faith in the old temple idols. sand bitternesses-but no more need to be said of They would have adopted me as their own daugh- such things. ter if I had but burned a little incense before the household idols; but I could not do such a thing "One morning, when the spring was young and and displease my Saviour. I was doing the housework, I sang a chorus 'Heaven is my Home.' My sister-in-law hearing "Then my relatives married me into the house- this cried out in great wrath: 'I surely will help hold of Hsu of the Village of the Seven Precious you to ascend to your Heaven.' I was ignorant Things, to a young man I had never seen before, of her intentions and did not in the least suspect nor even heard of. This is the custom of our coun- that she had put poison in the few mouthfuls of try of Central Glory. I was already twenty-two spinach I had with my millet. That night my years of age, and upon my arrival in my new body grew hot with fever and in the morning I home, I learned that my lord and master was but was stiff with cold. I could not utter any speech, a boy of fourteen years. From the first I saw that neither did my eyes see any light, and everybody the look on his face was sullen, yea, even when I said, 'She soon will die.' Hastily they bargained bowed myself three times before him, I knew that for a fiat cart drawn by mules to pull me to the he was a rude thing who did not know a whit of home of my uncles that I might die there. manners. And his relatives acted like him. I had brought with me a bride's box of sheepskin painted "At midday, when the sun was high in the skies red with beautiful trailing clouds. In it I had put and I was lying in the cart rolling hither and my garments of red and blue as a bride always thither on account of the many ruts in the road, has, but also my Bible and hymn book. I had I awoke a little and dreamed a beautiful dream. scarcely been in the house a few hours when the I thought I saw a big ladder reaching from heaven mother of my lord snatched the key out of my to earth and on it an angel came down carrying hand and looked hastily through the box. When medicine and food for my body. When the angel she found my Bible and hymn book, her heart be- was about to touch my heart and heal my body, I came course with anger. She cursed me fiercely cried out, 'Oh, most Gracious One, let there be a and, just as when a dog barks at something a hun- limit to my suffering and let me die in peace.' dred dogs start barking in chorus, all my relatives- Then that one answered saying, 'Not so; it is in-law joined her in reviling me. God's will that you shall live ; be of good courage.' I answered, 'If this truly must be so, grant me "Afterwards I learned that my uncles had sent three requests.' Then that one said, 'Is there anywords of warning about my Christian faith, say- thing too hard for the Lord to do?' I replied, 'See ing that by all means they should drive the evil to it that those to whom I belong allow me to folspirit out of my vitals. They stated that in doing low Christ. Arrange for me that I may study the so it would be considered only a small matter with Bible, and let those who are in authority over me them if they beat me to death. This was the rea- give me freedom to unbind my feet.' Touching my son that, though I was before my young husband forehead the angel replied saying, 'Your requests like a sampan that waits on a steamer, I did not are granted and so shall the Lord do to you.' find favor in his eyes, neither received any kind Straightway my stomach was cured of illness and words from his parents. It was my lord's busi- great peace was within my heart. ness to braid mats and to sell straw shoes but most of the time he was weary from idleness, and "When my uncles saw me entering their home, had much leisure in which to find fault with me. they said, 'How is this strange thing? This sick- ness is not unto death and how is it that her par- The affairs of that home were like the hills, with ents-in-Iaw give themselves the weariness of sendthe even places few and far between. On the day ing her here?' And all the neighbors looking at of my arrival they burned my Bible, hymn book, me said, 'Surely, she will not die and the wages of and tracts in the courtyard before a picture of the the cartman are but wasted.' Then I testified with gods of heaven and earth. But no shouting nor a power which was not my own but of the Holy beating with sticks could induce me to rise from Spirit and there was no one that dared to raise my knees when in the morning and evening I his voice against me because the Lord was at my knelt in prayer to my Saviour. side. In all the months I stayed in my uncle's house my life was as a road of heavenly peace. "Some years passed and to all of the people in The women and children gathered daily in my' the home of my parents-in-law I was like a mirror room to study the Word of God and many a man hung with the glass to the wall. I bore my master stood behind the street door curtain to listen. two children but the words he ever spoke to me were seldom heard. I was beaten so often that "Then one day, when the winds of autumn bemy bruises never disappeared. The measure of gan to blow, my husband stood at the gate and millet, left for me in the cauldron, was so small commanded me to follow him. As there was that my children were weak at birth and died be- nought to do but to walk behind him, I said fare-
BEATEN BUT UNCONQUERED IN CHINA
well to my relatives. All the weary way back to follow him any longer. Finally my relatives sucmy husband's home the tears blinded my eyes and ceeded in satisfying him. The law of our land one by one they dropped on the Bible I carried set me free and even gave me my son to rear, wrapped in my handkerchief. When I arrived though he was the only grandson of the family. within the enclosure of his home my husband Soon afterwards came the complete answer to my grabbed me, bound me with ropes and hung my prayer and I was permitted to study the things body from a beam in the house. Then he and his concerning the Bible in a special school for that mother used sticks and a big whip upon me in a purpose. Now, out of the goodness of your heart, long and fearful way. But I never as much as you have allowed me to be an evangelist to go cried out for mercy. I prayed to my Father in among my own Chinese people with the Gospel of heaven and did count the pain but joy. For many Salvation. Here I am, a lowly servant of Christ months that followed my husband and his brothers Jesus, taking my place in the fields of the harvest and their mother often used big sticks upon me, in this great country." but I always prayed as before and quietly praised my God in whispered songs. A DEAF LADY'S APPEAL TO THE GODDESS OF MERCY "One day they locked the gate of the house and again bound my body by a rope to a beam and By ROBERT B. EKVALL, B.A., F.R.G.S.* beat me until my breath came in gasps. Then my Christian and Missionary Alliance, Kansu mother-in-law urged her son to use a knife on me good and deep so as to cut the evil spirit out of Goddess of Mercy, the incense burns with framy body. In great confused hurry he hunted all grance sweet, over the house for the big kitchen knife, but the God of Heaven blinded his eyes so that he could But sweeter yet if I were not so poor; not find it. Then they all shouted and together The best that I could buy for I am poor. they beat my body with sticks. The pain became Ah, Goddess, hear my prayer. so fierce that I let my voice go out in loud screams. For you can hear. The neighbors heard it and one man climbed over Your ears are not dead stones that numb your head the roof into the courtyard and protested against As mine have been these past five years. their beating me to death. He bowed himself to Ah, Goddess, hear. the ground before my husband and my fatherin-law saying, 'If she has caused you loss of face But maybe now my tongue has lied on account of her disobedience I will repay for her And makes no sound. I wish I knew. sin with this bow. But let there be an end to this Perhaps my voice is dead-and after? thing. We, your neighbors, do not want our street The world is but a picture now; and if to be talked about and we most surely do not want Death dropped the veil, among the spirits the police to inquire about our affairs.' Then they Could a deaf old woman find the way? unbound me and locked me in a small room where No hope beyond, and half lost, stumbling now. frequently someone came in to beat me with a stick. But Christ Jesus strengthened me and was Goddess of Mercy, just one day that I with me in that little room so that I did not starve Might hear. For in the house across the street with the scanty food which was left for me. The foreign lady tells strange things. I know That they are strange, for Mei Nai Nai, "Some time later, on a night when the moon Who has not smiled for twenty years was misty and the clouds were heavy with rain, Till yesterday, cried, and then through tears a kind niece came into the house saying, 'Set forth She smiled, like summer's sun through falling rain. quickly, I have unfastened the gate, the road is Their lips are twisted by strange words; my eyes before you. Why tarry here any longer?' Pray- Are old! I cannot see. And even when ing to the Lord to protect me I ran as long as My son has mouthed the words he finds within the dim moonlight lasted. When the sun arose Their books, they seem so strange. I slept hidden in the fields with my Bible for a A story? But what story makes old hearts young? pillow. After suffering much from hunger and I watch his lips until he points above and says one weariness I safely reached the mission and friendly hands led me to the Industrial School for word. Women. A month later my son was born. As a Goddess of Mercy, let me hear but once that word means to earn something for food and clothing I That I may laugh through tears and feel at peace. gratefully took up making with my hands the colorful things which ladies in foreign lands like My incense ash has dusted all the floor; to put into their homes. The Goddess has not heard. The word-the word- "Boldly my husband came to claim me, threat- Five years too late. I cannot hear. ening to go to court about it when I refused to * Copyright From The Alliance WeeklY.
of Sin Bondage of Sin Allurement of
COLORED POSTIDR NUMBER 7- THE SIN PICTURES The Use of Chinese Gospel Posters I I~- Prepared by R. W. PORTEOUS, Nanchang, Kiangsi China Inland Mission Bible Training Institute SOME four or five years ago at a monthly mis- similar work might be done in all the military hos- sionary meeting, the writer happened to be pitals throughout the country. Instructions were sitting opposite Madame Chiang Kai-shek. immediately issued to all the military authorities She beckoned me to come over and asked if it to welcome Gospel workers in all such hospitals.
would be possible to get the various missionaries Weekly visits have been maintained in all kinds working in the city to unite in an effort to bring of weather and thousands of suffering men have the comfort of Christ's salvation to the wounded thus heard of Him who suffered, the just and the soldiers in the four large military hospitals in unjust, to bring them to God. As Madame Chiang N anchang. so aptly put it, "Be sure and tell them of the One Thus the work which, during the intervening who suffered more than they ever did!" Hundreds years, has been successfully carried on with the of these men have been brought to a definite ac- blessing of God, began with weekly visits to each ceptance of the message of life in Christ. Not a hospital. On receiving the fi~st annual report, few have died rejoicing in their new-found Sav- Madame Chiang wrote expressing the desire that iour. One or two hundred more have openly con- [412 ]
THE USE OF CHINESE GOSPEL POSTERS
fessed Christ as their Saviour before their offi- one, whose face beamed with happiness, said, "I cers, and several have taken a definite public stand am praying to God three times every day, in the for Him. Now the military prison is being visited morning, and at midday, and in the evening."
weekly by three groups of missionaries; through Here is another incident. On entering a small the generosity of the Bible Societies each of the ward, we found a very sick man, an officer, to' 600 to 700 prisoners have received cloth-bound whom we spoke a few words of co:r:nfort and help. pocket Testaments. Scores of these men are be- The following week we called in to see him again, ing brought to definite decision at the weekly Gos- and found his wife, who was a Christian, at his pel meetings held in the prison. bedside. The patient being slightly better, we Gospel and Wounded Soldiers* were able to have a longer conversation with him and, before we left, he said, "I will believe. Pray In addition to the United Gospel Service held weekly, which all attended who were able to be about, we also had the privilege of visiting the more serious cases in the wards. As we went our round amongst these poor sufferers, many showed great interest in the Gospel and, at times, as we bent over some sufferer, we would hear him say, "Yes, I am praying to Jesus." There were a num- ber of exceptionally bright cases of conversion and several died confessing Christ as their Sav- iour. One young man looked up into the face of the worker who enquired how he was, and said, "No, I do not want food. All I want is Jesus."
One poor fellow, lying on his bed in a state of extreme exhaustion was too far gone to speak, we were told. After several of the other sick ones in that ward had been spoken to, we sang a hymn, followed by a few words of explanation. Suddenly from one of the beds a man called out in quite a loud voice, "I believe on the Lord Jesus." Look- ing round, we found to our amazement that the words came from the lips of this dying man, whom we had been told was too ill to speak. Later on we had a conversation with him, and felt assured il~~.1that his faith was real.
Another case was that of a man who heard the Gospel before he had joined the army, but it was ~J.~J.' only during his stay in the hospital that he de- cided for Christ. As we were bending over a bed ………-., ~f&~~A·-t to speak to a sick man, a voice behind us said, "I …………. believe." Turning around, we found this man who was looking exceedingly weak and ill. He POSTER NO. I-THE DOUBLE FACE smiled and said, "I have read the books you gave me, and now I am trusting the Lord Jesus for salvation. I know He died on the Cross for my for me, and pray with me." On our next weekly sins." He went on to tell us much more, and we visit, as we entered the ward, the dear man's face were amazed at the understanding of the truth he beamed with joy as he said, "I do believe. I am had acquired in so short a time. trusting the Lord for salvation." After we had prayer with him, he himself prayed and gave We were standing in the ward when we saw a thanksgiving to God for all His mercy in saving man beckoning to us. He was very sick with his soul, and granting him remission of sins. His fever, and unable to speak coherently but after a words came feebly, for he was still suffering time we understood that he had attended one of greatly, but we know how well-pleasing to the our Gospel meetings, and now asked if we would Lord such a prayer must have been. A few days pray with him. A patient in the next bed re- later, as we paid our usual visit to the same hosmarked, "He knows how to pray himself. He has pital, we hurried in to see this friend, but instead always prayed before having his food I" Another • From The Chinese Recorder. of being met with his welcoming smile we saw
•..l -«- -itt A ~ ffJ h…, . ,f~ :~ 1 rt ~ 1 NUMBER 2-THE GRACE POSTE'R NUMBER 9-THE TRAIN POSTE'R that his bed was empty; and bedding and every- an excellent method of presenting the Gospel mes- thing else had been removed from it. On enquir- sage to old and young, especially to the illiterate ing from one of the patients near by, we heard in the unreached country districts. The Evan- that he had passed away two days previously. gelistic Bands, mostly supported by local Kiangsi churches, have found them just the thing they One of our workers who was looking around need to grip and hold the attention of those whom the ward, trying to find one of the patients he had they are seeking to interest in the Gospel message. spoken to previously, who had confessed to hav- ing received salvation, was addressed by one of The following is a description of posters pub- the soldiers who said to him, "You are looking for lished during the past six months: So-and-so, but he has gone. As he was dying, he knelt on his bed in prayer before us all." No. 1. The Smiling or Double Face. Showing the blessedness of the man whose sin is forgiven, A great help in this effective and intensive whose iniquity is covered. The face turned round evangelism has been the visualizing of the truths shows sadness. There is "no peace" to the wicked. of the Gospel by means of large, specially pre- pared, illustrated Gospel posters in various colors. No.2. The "Grace" Character. Showing the Christian workers elsewhere have expressed a de- word for "Grace," on the cross which stands at the sire to have these posters published, and over fork roads of life and death. The poster bears twenty have been put through the press; thou- the text: "We have all sinned and come short of sands of these are now in circulation throughout the glory of God." The question is asked, "Friend, China and most encouraging reports are reaching which road are you traveling." us from field workers of our own and other mis- sions. They tell of their usefulness in attracting No.3. The Joy Spring Poster. Showing a the crowds in the marketplaces and country vil- mountain scene with bamboo trees, some of which , lages, also in the city churches, Gospel halls and are cut down and used as water pipes to bring thE: streets. The revival poster was used to stir up fresh mountain spring water down to supply the the Christians in one district to pray for revival needs of the family. The text is: "Now may the and led to a time of real blessing. God of peace fill you with all joy and peace in be- lieving (the water pipe which keeps the Chris- Our student Preaching Bands, sent out from tian filled) that ye may abound in hope through Bible Training Institute in twenty to thirty groups the power of the Holy Ghost." during the past five years have found these posters
Foward Evangelism Posterst NUMBER 8-INVITATION: "COME"
No.4. Large Clock Poster. A clock hung on a large and will look up." Then the prayer in large characters, red cross with the hands pointing to God's hour; "Now "0 Lord revive Thy work and begin in me." is the accepted time." No. 12. True Happiness Poster. This poster is specially No.5. Tke Christian's Two Wings. A mountain scene, designed to take the place of the empty characters diswith one eagle flying, wings outspread, on which is shown played in the homes of the people at the New Year time. the Chinese characters for prayer and Bible study. The The large character which hangs on the Cross, bears the other eagle, perched on the ground trying to fly with only Gospel message in a nutshell. (John 3: 16.) At each one wing, on which is written "Prayer" in Chinese, show- corner there are in four characters, "He that believeth ing how both wings are necessary to become a (soaring) shall be saved." spiritual Christian. Special Offer. A sample copy of each of our local posters, 12 in No.6. The Fundamental Truths of the Gospel. Show- all, will be sent' post free in China only to any address on receipt ing a large "Fuh" (Happiness) character in front of the of $1.0(} either in stamps or C. 1. M. Note. cross, with descriptive sentences of the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension.
No.7. The Sin Pictures. Three pictures on one poster: The deceitfulness of sin-a spider's web with insects caught in it.
A prisoner behind the bar, showing the bondage of sin. A black horse galloping towards a precipice-the dan- ger of sin.
No.8. Large character posters (size, 30×22 inches). Price, 5 cents each.
The character for "Come," printed in three different colors, with suitable texts, "Come unto Me," etc.
The character for "Righteousness" in three different colors, with appropriate explanations.
Orders may be sent with stamps or cheque to the Secretary, Bible Training Institute, C. 1. M., Nauchang, Ki.
Sets of Children's Posters, prepared by Miss Florence Luton, size 30×22 inches. Price, 10 cents each; or $1.00 per set of 10 in four colors.
No.9. The Train PostM', showing a man bound to railway track-descriptive of the danger and binding power of sin. The train judgment is seen approaching.
No. 10. Tke Boiling Kettle Poster. Showing a steaming hot kettle with a glowing fire underneath. The locomotive originally came out of the kettle, but as in every country, so in every church, locomotives-outstanding preachersare none too numerous. There is need, however, for a boiling kettle-a red hot witness for Christ-in every home.
No. 11. A Revival Prwyer Poster. Showing a Christian at prayer with his open Bible before him; the clock above him is pointing to 5 a. m. A scroll by the clock bears the verse, "In the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee t Just published. New Gospel posters prepared by the Nanchang Bible Institute. C. 1. M.• Nanchang, Kiangsi; 42×30 inches; printed in three to four colors; ten cents each.
THE COLPORTEUR TO THE RESCUE Colporteur Lee Hiap Loong in Malaya reports that one day he met an old Hakka lady. He asked her to buy the Scriptures, but she gave no answer, scolding him instead, so he turned away. About a month later he visited the same place, and seeing four young chicks had fallen into the drain, he picked them out. They happened to belong to the old lady, who came out just at that moment and thanked him. She asked if he was still selling the Scriptures, and bought a Mandarin New Testament. Later she went to his house for interviews, and afterwards joined the Church, throwing her idols into the sea.-Fr01n the British and Foreign Bible Society Report.
in the Papuan
The Report of a Recent Trip Among Raw Heathen in the Abau District By RUSSELL W. ABEL, Kwato, Papua * Missionary of the Kwato Mission of Papua LTESS than two years ago (in November, 1935) ney from here on the way to Abau which we at Mr. Cecil Abel of the Kwato Mission, with a length reached on the third day. team of Papuan Christian evangelists visited After which a two and a half hours' journey the unevangelized villages of the Abau or Dore- round the beacons brought us finally to the man- vaidi district of Southeastern Papua. They found grove belt, in a clearing of which is tucked the the people steeped in murder, sorcery, warfare, little station Duram. Here the advance team that filth and many forms of sin. The response of .left Kwato ten days earlier and including Davida, some to the Gospel message was remarkable, espe- Merari, Alice and others, were awaiting us. They cially as these ignorant and degraded primitive had held camps at Segini-a group of villages of people saw and heard what Christ had done for "bush" people, about 700 in all, living up the Rob- their fellow Papuan members of the Christian inson River-and Ganai, a salt-water village of team. Five chiefs asked to return to Kwato with coastal Mailu-speakers. They had had a hard time Mr. Abel in order that they might see for them- at both places. At Segini the people simply took selves the results of the Gospel in the villages to to their heels at the approach of the campers.
the east. They came, they saw and were con- They camped away in their gardens and sent mes- quered by the evidences of the love and power of sages to say: Christ. (See September, 1936, REVIEW.) Then "We don't want missionaries. Weare ignorant they returned to their own villages to tell what Kunikas (bushmen). If you come you will doubt- they had seen and to try to win their people to the less make us wise. What then? Then the Gov- new Way of Life. ernment will say, 'These are not ignorant bush Here is the report of a subsequent trip made by people, they are mission people.' Then we shall Mr. Russell Abel and a Papuan team last May be made to pay taxes like the salt-water people."
when they visited the new district of Keveri and They had thought it all out. They reckoned it revisited the Dorevaidi villages. It is a story of was just a ruse, and they weren't having any!
modern wonders of the power of God to awaken (It should be explained that bush pepole, not hav- and transform ignorant savages through the work ing any means of making money, are exempt from of the Holy Spirit and the simple testimony of taxes.) Christian believers. What would be the results At Ganai it was the same. In the middle of the if such signs were always following those who be- village stands the dubu (temple) with its deeply lieve and follow Christ in America and other parts concave roof and almost vertically pointing gables.
of this disturbed and sin-stricken world! Mr. Within its dark recesses were incarcerated three Russell Abel reports: youths, initiates undergoing their period of seclu- Our team was a motley one, including Frank sion. These ceremonies are accompanied by Briggs (.a white visitor), Tiraka and a number feasts. It may be that the arrival of a team at of Kwato boys, village folk from different parts such an inopportune moment Was a cause of em- of Milne Bay and eleven young fellows from Bu- barrassment. However, the result was the same.
hutu Valley. Splendid workers the latter proved "We don't want you here," they said. "What to be-alert, disciplined, and experienced in per- good are you? Do you offer to pay our taxes for sonal work. Strangely enough a number of them us? No. Do you make our gardens grow any had never even been to Kwato, though they had better? No."- thoroughly assimilated all that Kwato stands for Nevertheless the guidance was for a week-end in the Christian life and testimony. We picked camp back at Ganai, which was held with very up the Buhutu contingent at Konemaiawa, the different results as will be seen.
nearest port of call for Buhutu, and a day's jour- We spent a day of preparation in Duram, dur- ing which the plan became clear to us-our vari- Ne•wThYeoArkm; erW icaanlteHreaMdqcuDaorutgerasll,ofTtrheiassumriesrs.ion is 156 Fifth Avenue, ous responsibilities allocated, and our swags and [416 ] provisions apportioned and packed in readiness. summit of a round-topped hill. A river bordered- One team was to make for Dorevaidi, and one for by trees wound in and out between the hills and Keveri. A third team, including the girls, was across the valley. From our height our boys to spend the week-end at Ganai, and then await eagerly speculated on suitable sites for football word from us before proceeding inland. We were grounds,! Some, really too modern for words, uncertain about what accommodation there would tried to decide upon the best place for a landing be. In fact we were entirely uncertain as to what ground for future aeroplanes! Papua, 1937. lay ahead, except that there was great opposition We returned~all tiredness gone, it is true-to to the Mission in Keveri, ;:tnd that heathen feasts the preparation of our evening meal. and dances (fertility rites) were in full swing in the district, which we learned at Abau, and which Some of the boys wandered up another track, made it still more unpropitious a time to be going which led to a tiny bush village. There were inland. A MUD BESMEARED WIDOW OF THE So we went! KEVERI DISTRICT Sunrise next morning found us aboard the K wato, rounding the beacons on the way to Abau, only two women at home, the rest of the inhabiand threading up the Babaguina River. We had tants having gone to a dance some distance away. morning tea on board, put the Ganai team ashore They told the women we were missionaries. at Ganai, half way up the river, and ourselves further up where the Keveri trail begins. By "Any white men with you?" 10 a. m. we were strung out in a long line, through "Yes." the Babaguina Plantation, and into the forest. "Who? Cecelo or Raso?" (Cecil and Russell We crossed a range of hills. Frank shot a young Abel.) wild boar, and at length we landed on a wide I was thrilled when I heard this, and from river bed (the Godoquina) on the other side of that moment felt no longer a stranger in a the range, at sundown, glad by then to call it a strange land. It was lovely to be known by day. We bathed in the icy, swift-flowing river, name, and in such unfamiliar surroundings. As cooked and demolished the pig, and parked our- we sat down to our meal we kept hearing furtive selvesl under the stars for the night. The next noises in the bush, a twig cracking, a faint rustle. morning, after a very helpful meeting together, We started calling, "Who is there? Is it a perwe set off again, and walked all day. son? Don't be afraid. We are Kwato mission- Two days tramp, boring further and further aries. If it is a person come out and see us." inland, up the stony bed of a rushing torrent, Presently a man cautiously emerged from the over another steep range (3,000 feet), and not a darkness into the light of our hurricane lantern. trace of humanity did we see. Just empty bush He was followed by two women, wrapped in country-miles of it. At sundown we called a bark-cloth blankets, peering over his shoulders. halt at a little clearing in the forest where a rough "barracks" had been erected. We threw ourselves upon the ground. Some started to light a fire and cook our rice. Two or three boys strolled off into the bush. In two minutes they were back, wild with excitement, and shouting, "Weare there! The open Keveri country is close to hand, miles of bare country." They begged us to come and see. "Oh, we are too tired," some of us said.
"Your tirednes,s will disappear when you see this wonderful sight. Ours did!"
We were carried away by their enthusiasm, and all jumped up and followed them up the hill. Suddenly the forest ended and miles of rolling, grassy country opened up to view. It was an exhilarating sight,and utterly unlike Papua. Our lads, never having seen anything but land heavily clothed in deep forest, found it breathtaking. The sun had set and delicious cool breezes swept up the hillsides, rippling the grass. In the distance was a little village perched on the
.One had an infant hoisted on her head. We Bolubaba. He is having a hard time. The peomade great friends with them, and eventually ple of his village have threatend his life and told pursuaded them to share our meal, which they him that if I, or Cecil, or anyone from Kwato appreciated. A shower ended our chat over a visits their village they will kill us. broad leaf piled with rice, and we scrambled into the rickety barracks, where we sang choruses We mounted a steep hill, on a shoulder of which and ended the day with a time of prayer and was perched the fenced village of Bolubaba. praise. There was Elebe, smiling welcome, and thrilled to recognize the members of the team he had met Early next morning we were strung out once at Kwato. Elebe had been led to believe that we more in a long line, crossing the grassy un- were coming and that he was to build a house in dulating Keveri plain. The road wound between readiness. Fortunately Elebe had acted on this conical hills. What villages we saw were perched guidance with the result that in the circle of dirty, on the summits of these hills. Our dinner guest crowded houses was wedged a nice, brand-new of the previous evening joined us as guide, and one, on high stilts, with a little balcony in frontmade himself quite one of the party (a -couple all ready for our occupation. The people were of days, later he was already embarked on the very friendly, and brought stacks of sugar cane Christian life). Women seeing us coming miles of the sweetest, juiciest variety. away, ran up the hills nearest the road, and called down to us as we passed: For the next three days we lived in this heathen village. The inhabitants, are continually sucking "Who are you? Where are you going? Who sugar cane, and throw the chewed refuse over the are the white men?" fence. This bred flies in millions and we could hear a constant hum in the background, like a dis- To this our guide responded: "Missionaries. tant organ. Everything in our little hut was Bolubaba. Raso and his friend. They say, 'Come crawling with flies. and see us at Bolubaba!' " The most curious feature of Keveri men is the On hearing we were missionaries they shouted, custom of wearing seven or eight smooth, horny "Agutoi!" (greetings) the Suau word which they tails from the backs of their heads. These are learned when Cecil and the first team came in- fixed on to the actual hair, permanently, and bound land and visited them eighteen months ago. Fur- tightly in leaf. The whole bunch of tails is then ther along two tall, well-built men, clad in the kept carefully covered with a wrapper that pulls scantiest scraps of bark-cloth, waylaid us and on backwards over the head. A little rattan halo seemed really glad to see us. One, an influential crowns the headdress, with tufts or sprays of casman and the heir of a village chief, said: sowary feathers· at the sides, and a fringe of stiff fibres frames the forehead. Over the fringe is "Cecil talked with me when he was here. He worn the shell homicidal ornament, which begins taught me how to pray to God and I have prayed at the right temple, crosses over the forehead like ever since." a bandeau, and hangs swinging down the left side to the knee. The cap or tail covering is tarred a (This, man is now converted and is coming to shiny black with a filthy mixture of wild syrupy Kwato for training.) honey and soot. And bodies are also shined up with a lacquering of sticky honey! This is in lieu This seems to have been a tactic of Cecil's, as of oil which, like salt, is a commodity entirely lackwe met several who told us this. Groping up- ing inland. The men are murderers. We looked wards toward God, through their ignorant into faces that appeared to be utterly bad. It prayers, had given the Holy Spirit His chance to would be hard to imagine a worse set of ruffians get into their hearts, and we found these marvel- than the male population of Balubaba, taken at lously ready. To others our words were unin- its face value. telligible, but in those, however heathen, who had prayed, there was a responsive chord. In Women seemed to be outnumbered by men, and some way prayer had meant something to them, we were pained to learn that tiny girls were alas they tried to tell us in limited, pidgin Motu, ready wives, and sadly enough wives of grisly old it had made them "feel sweet inside." They men; poor little drudges, cheated of childhood, wanted to know more. One man told me with and working like miniature old women at garden~ bated breath that he knew a little about God; he ing, carrying firewood, peeling and cooking. had been praying secretly, and it had made him strong. Now he is praying openly. Heathen though life in this village appeared, there was at the same time a bright and constant We were making for Bolubaba, Elebe's village. witness by Elebe and two men whom he has won. This man and a friend from further inland, spent These three let what light they had shine out. three months at Kwato, about six months ago, Every time strangers arrived they talked to or and returned, having been converted. Then silence engulfed them. The friend is entirely alone at a village about three days' walk from
EXPERIENCES IN THE PAPUAN BUSH
prayed with them. Often you would hear the "Why had we come?" murmur of prayer in some part of the village. Most important to all of them was the ques- Someone was being taught to look up. Women, tion, "Did we put a travatu–ban or taboo-on starting off for their gardens in the morning, their ceremonies, dances, headdress? If not, would first find one of these men and ask him to should they continue with the festivities that pray with them before they left. The women night? Would it be safe for them to do so?" seemed singularly ripe soil, poor souls. Chris- "Safe?" I queried, "What do you mean by tianity will be all gain to them. Morning and eve- that?" ning prayers were quite an institution in the vil- Well, they explained, if they went, in the face lage, although the antagonism of Mura, the chief, of our disapproval, would we make a prayer to made this difficult. Apart from the above three in- God and bring down His wrath upon them? quirers, there were a few people secretly intrigued There was great fear of this, and it was on this by the "New Way," but afraid of the others. that they really wanted our opinion. There seemed to be open disgust and impatience with the little handful of pioneers. Elebe is quite A KWATO TEAM WORKER AND A NEW CONused to unpopularity now. This was the situation VElRT FROM THE I NTERIOR OF PAPUA we seemed to find everywhere in Keveri. I replied that we had not come to make a lot of When Cecil Abel made his first brief tour of the taboos, or interfere with their affairs. We had district eighteen months ago the people had lis- brought a new kind of life altogether in which God tened attentively to all that the team had had to is our Master and we obeyed Him. They had not say. Many felt glad at the thought of an end of taken that step yet, and so were free to follow the old ways, and hoped the Mission would tame their own wishes. We said that God wanted them them and that killing would stop. But this respon- to turn to Him, not ignore Him. Probably when siveness was soon dispelled by wild reports cir- they changed they would not want many old cusculated as to the awful things it was alleged would toms any more, but in any case there was no happen if people started following the "New Way." "ban." These yarns eventually reached the Government ears and were attributed to distortions on the part This was the answer we felt led to give them, of converts from Dorevaidi (the adjacent inland but they were not quite satisfied. There were at district), misrepresenting what they had learned. least six men, three in Bolubaba, and three from I found no mystery whatever about the origin of other villages with whom some of the team had these stories, and traced them largely to three already had talks, and who were known by all to men, die-hards of the old Papua. They were all be openly "seekers." prominent in the feast and fertility rites that were taking place. Pr6bably the fear that the new "What about them?" the people asked. "Were ideas would upset the ancient traditions and cus- they coming to the feast?" "Well," I said, "I'm toms in which they were important personages, not stopping them. Ask them." made them kick all the more. Anyone, they said, who joined the "New Way" would die. Their gardens would not bear. If they decorated themselves, God would be angry and make the sun wax hot and scorch them to death. There were many other predictions, quite unrepeatable and descending to the ludicrous and the obscene. These primitive, superstitious people with their continual "touch wood" outlook on life, were frightened, and felt it safer to have nothing to do with the new missionary "medicine."
Many of them had very foggy ideas as to what we were. They seemed to regard the Mission as a kind of "government," unarmed, but in league with the unseen, which is far more terrifying to primitives than police, or a term in gaol. Without experiencing this, no one quite feels himself a complete man.
The first afteroon they all crowded round with straightforward questions, which I thought was a sign of intelligence.
One and all refused to go or let their wives go. wouldn't take all this trouble. And we are all too With regard to the latter there was no uncertainty occupied with our old customs even to come and whatever. Why? They said: listen to what you want to bring us."
"All that is darkness. We want you to show us I was quite taken back. The man's conscience light." was pricking; the Holy Spirit was working.
Elebe had thrown away all his sorcery para- The next morning nothing would induce him to phernalia. Some wanted to do likewise. The cere- go back to the long drawn-out festivities. The mony was full of sorcery, and other things for next evening he had given himself to Christ and which all the new converts lost their taste. was drinking in eagerly all we could teach him of the "New Way," and was himself taking part in .a By now the village was ,crowded and the din meeting. If you could have seen the contrast, the was great. There were children everywhere, and unlikelihood, humanly speaking, of such a thing women busy with cooking the evening meal in happening, you would be able to marvel, as we ingenious ovens of hot stones. Out came drums marveled, at the mighty power of God, who hears and headdresses, and conceited youths, eaten up and answers prayer. with pride in themselves, swanked about in their glory, danced, flaunted their feathers, and dis- The next day was the extra day we were led to charged their surplus energy on their drums. spend at Bolubaba. It coincided with the monthly Day of Prayer at Kwato. Many all over the world I asked a small boy, with a daub of red paint on were praying with us specially on that day. It his nose, whether he would like to come to Duram was a glorious day of witness and God gave us for a while and go to school. He swaggered up many opportunities on every hand to talk to peoand down among the crowd, looking comical with ple individually of Him and His way of life for bright red nose, shouting, "I'm going to Duram! them. We entered the people's houses freely, and I'm going to be a missionary!" although a few seemed impatient, most welcomed us and gave us the feeling that a great harvest Suddenly all decided it was time to clear off to was about to be reaped. That afternoon I was the scene of the night's revels, a little village privileged to be present at a little meeting of higher up the hill where food was displayed from Keveri converts – some could only just be called stands and trees, like a harvest thanksgiving. The that-and it was a joy to hear them sharing for drums accompanied a complete abandon to animal the first time their new experiences, and the thrillspirits all through the night. ing first steps that they were being guided to take.
The following day we spent in an empty village We had some good public meetings, in which I -that is to say empty except for the little handful refuted, or tried to, the wild rumors that had been who were occupied with higher things than the connected with our aims in coming among them. parade of world, flesh and devil that was going on The testimony of the Buhutu members of our team elsewhere. We had good talks with these few, but was a great help. They were able to tell a woncould not help feeling we had cornea long way to derful story of what had happened in their own visit a ring of empty houses. "bush" district, of communal life collapsing through fear of sorcery; of villages scattered We were convinced that we were to fight this through internal hatreds, and of the big change situation with prayer, and not accept defeat. We when individuals began letting God into their prayed for those dancers, asking God to bring hearts and lives; of the new, reconstructed life of them to an end of themselves, to satiation and to Buhutu with its flourishing, progressive villages stir them to some vision of the futility of the old controlled by God. They told the story well and degrading life. We prayed until we felt sure of made it personal as they told of their own inditwo things: first that we, that is the few of us vidual part in an this, their own surrender to who were passing through, should remain at Bolu- Christ. These converted "bush" lads were keen baba another day, and second, that all defeatism to do their part in the camp, and an important and any barriers in us had been surrendered and part it was. God's peace filled us instead. The end of this story has still to be told, as I The day wore on with its deserted, "Sunday-in- was only a member of a sort of "flying squad," Scotland" air, but that evening things began to making a hurried round. We set off from there, happen. We were settling down to our evening leaving the main team to carryon, to be reinmeal when a man returned from the feast caned forced later by Davida's team who were working me out. He wanted to apologize for his behavior, up towards Keveri from the Dorevaidi direction. and seemed most upset. We set our faces towards Dorevaidi, passing a filthy, dirt-strewn village where a feast had been "Why, what have you done?" I questioned. held, and later another village, Mukawala, where "Oh," he said, "this is the first time you have ever been to Keveri, and we all cleared out and left you. You have come all this way to teach us something. It must be something great, or you
festivities were in full swing. (They celebrated in The village and its inhabitants are clean; flower a different village each night.) This village too gardens are in front of the houses and a cleanwas in a filthy state, and the jaded crowd gath- swept air made us want to rub our eyes and make ered there looked worn out. They had been at it sure we were seeing straight. all night and looked fed up. Food lay about everywhere, and on a tall tripod where it had been dis- We were given a warm-hearted welcome. At played were still hanging gruesome-looking black- Keveri we had bought all our food from the nasmoked kangaroo-shrivelled and contorted, and tives, rather than have to carry supplies all the coils of smoked python. There were a lot of young way. At Bolubaba we had had a daily hoi-hoi fellows there, poor lads with evil faces, destined (market) when they had brought taitu (food) to for something far better. I compared them with be exchanged for salt. The food was poor, the some of the youth at Kwato, Sariba, Milne Bay good stuff having been devoted to feasting. Now and Bohutu. They were very cordial. We greeted at Ukoudi when women rolled up with net bags them all and hurried on our way as we had a long full of very excellent sweet potato and taro, as a march ahead. I prayed as I walked that God matter of course I opened the swag, and delved would capture the youth of Keveri, and show us for salt to pay them. how to train our own youth into an army of evangelists for the inland frontier. In response to my "Oh," they said reproachfully, "this isn't hoiprayer God gave me a distinct vision about this. hoi. This is our gift. We want you to feel that Three youths running after us asked me about this is your village too. All our food is yours." their dancing. From then onwards-and we stopped at Dore- "Why," they asked, "don't the 'changed ones' vaidi, Nebulu, Makaca and Kurondi and Domara join us?" -not once did we have to buy food. It was heaped upon us at each place and we did not know Elebe was with us so I asked him, "When you how to get through it. were at Kwato did anyone tell you not to dance?" I cannot describe the change, the difference, in "No," he replied. these villages. Dorevaidi is now like a well-run "Then why didn't you join last night? These mission station. The things one noticed first were boys want to know." cleanliness and discipline, and children playing- Elebe thought for a while, then smiled and a lovely sight that made one feel the Lover of chilpointed upwards. He added, "I have no wish to dren was there. We spent two nights at Dorego back to an that." (He would not leave his wife vaidi in a beautiful big house especially built for in that village for a moment-even in the day- the Mission, and had some great times with the time.) people. The reason why things are going ahead there is that the Christians are constantly on the I told them that God had a far better life for job, linking up with other villages further on. them and they were the ones to lead Keveri out of the old ruts and to take the "New Life" to new The farthest outpost is now Orodei, two days' districts. I said we didn't ban those things. journey beyond Dorevaidi, and we are expecting There was no need to. the first converts from Orodei to arrive at Kwato for training. "Wait till you are changed," I said, "you will have not time for such things then. Your lives Two men from Keveri came straight down to will be too full of real things. Like Elebe you the coast, to return to Kwato with us. One was will find, when you give yourselves to God, that the chief of Bolubaba, Mura, who has been a hot you won't care about an that. There is no ban opponent, and whom I was led to invite. To the for you. The only law we have who follow the amazement of all he consented to come. The 'New Way' is to obey God. That does not apply other man was a complete surprise, and the sequel to you yet." to our prayers for Mukawala. Apparently imme- diately after we had left that village the chief I reminded them that whether their tribes pro- leader of ceremonies also left. He announced that gressed, or remained chained to old things, de- he was sick of the whole business and was going pended on them, and prophesied that one day to Bolubaba to find something better. His friends they would open the way for God over those hills quarreled violently about this, but he said, inland. They looked wistful. "Why is it that people have come from every vil- Please pray that prophecy to its fulfilment. lage on the Keveri side for this feast and none We marched through the forest for two hours from Dorevaidi side? Because they are too busy and we emerged upon the village of Ukoudi. Here with new things while we are wasting our time a surprise awaited us. This is a new Christian with old rubbish." village that has recently been entirely rebuilt. The contrast with Mukawala we found a bit sudden! So he walked out on his own party and is now There are fine big houses, facing a lovely river. learning God's will for Mukawala at Kwato.
TO NEW FIELDS IN THE ANGLO-EGYPTIAN
Work in Ethiopia and the Sudan By TOM LAMBIE, M.D., Sc.D., F.R.G.S.
Missionary of the Sudan Interior Mission DECENT events in Ethiopia have emphasized A few months ago things in Ethiopia looked dis- ~ anew the unwillingness of the Roman Cath- couraging while recent reports are more prom- olic Church to countenance the presence of ising. We must be patient and see. In the mean- Protestant mISSIOnaries in countries dominated time there has been much disruption in Protestant by their influence. We can understand this feel- mission work. According to our latest reports ing although we do not sympathize with it. thirty-five of Sudan Interior missionaries are to be permitted to stay but these are less than half There seems to be some agreement between the Papal hierarchy and Fascist Rome; but there are of the force two years ago. This Mission, which also points of disagreement between them. The has united with the Abyssinian Frontiers Mission, desire to expel Protestant missionaries from cen- has decided to open a new work on the Anglo- tral Ethiopia may be inspired from the Vatican Egyptian Sudan side of the Abyssinian border in but Fascist Italy may also desire to have none but fulfilment of a former expectation. Italian subjects in Ethiopia, because they might interfere with a strict dictatorship. Mus'solini When Dr. Roland V. Bingham and the writer visited the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan last March the· would like to have things his own way without any Governor-General, Sir Steward Symes, in his first adverse comments from non-Italians. While such sentence remarked: "You do not need to convince an exclusive policy remains in force it makes me of the benefits of Christian missions. I have Protestant missionary work difficult if not impos- seen them at work and am convinced of their sible; even French and other non-Italian Catholic value."
missionaries have been expelled. Two weeks in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan was [422 ]
THE CONQUERING POWER OF CHRIST
much too brief a time for a real survey, but we the missionaries who are rendered homeless by were able to make a trip to the Blue Nile and the Italian occupation of Abyssinia. We hope to southern Fung area in a Ford V-8. South of open stations at once at Wisko and Kurmuk. The Khartoum we saw the Gezira irrigated area where latter town is on the Abyssinian border. Gedaref, thousands of acres are being cultivated to grow Kassala, Gallabat and other populous areas are some of the finest cotton in the world. This area on the Sudan Abyssinian border and are accessible was desert a few years ago. by train and motor car.
Wad Medami is a thriving city; farther south The whole area, from the Red Sea westward to are Singa and Sennaar; large villages, practi- Nigeria, is practically without Christian witness. cally all Mohammedan, dot the landscape. Still The United Presbyterians have missions at Kharfarther south, we traveled into the tropical forest toum and on the Sobat River; the Church Miswhere thorny trees are interspersed with enor- sionary Society workers are at Omdurman and in mous baobab trees, fantasic leafless giants which the far south; the Sudan United Mission workers are among the most curious trees in the world. are at Melut and .the Nuba Mountains. These are Still farther south, about seventy miles from only bright spots on an immense expanse of un- Roseires and only thirty or forty miles from Abys- evangelized territory. sinian border, are the Inghesana hills with curious rock formations like dolmans; here a range We flew from Khartoum to Kano, from the Nile of hills rises to a heighth of two thousand feet to the Niger, and until almost at the end of the above the flat Sudanese plain. journey, Maidukuri in Nigeria, a distance of nearly two thousand miles, we did not pass over On the sides of these hills and in the valley live any mission station. From Khartoum to Red Sea the Inghesana people from whom the hills take we would not have passed over any, excepting at their names. They are simple farm people who Khartoum itself. grow Kaffir corn in large quantities and have fine cattle. From the dom palm trees they gather What a privilege to have fellowship with our enormous quantities of dom nuts, the kernels of Lord in sacrificial service. This is not an easy which are intensely hard vegetable ivory. field, and we would urge no one to offer them- selves for service here unless they are prepared to These people are without any knowledge of sacrifice and endure hardships. Christ or in the ways of European civilization. If let alone they will soon become Islamized. To We covet your prayers and fellowship as we these people we are planning to go, with some of once more go forward in His Name.
The Conquering Power of Christ L _.o~ By PROFESSOR JULIUS RICHTER, Berlin, GermanYII~o,- O NCE more in our times there is an all-world in a few years or decades. They forget that none discussion of the greatest powers at dis- of these past empires have outlasted even a single posal of the human race. There are four generation; they were similar to Daniel's great different views. image, of imposing brightness yet with clay feet, and a single great stone cut out without hands, One group regards military armaments for smote the image upon his feet' of iron and clay land, sea and air as the greatest force; they lose and broke them to pieces. The iron, the clay, the sight of what has been so irrefutably proved by brass, the silver and the gold were broken to the Great War: that a sudden change of com- pieces and became like the chaff of the summer binations can cause such a transformation of the threshing floors! opposing fronts to emerge that all former calculations are void and futile. Others again think of money as the greatest power. Yet no country was ever able to amass Others think that if some great military genius, such riches of gold and silver and diamonds as like Alexander the Great or Julius Cresar or Na- Spain gathered to itself in the sixteenth century, poleon or Girgis Khan, emerges he will simply or the Inca Kingdom in Peru in the preceding sweep the globe and build up a world empire with-
century. Both of these countries were completely those curious mystery religions invading the Ro- impoverished within one short century and there man Empire from the East and for some centuries has been no recovery even after four or five cen- competing with each other, the balance for a cen- turies. Nothing is more perishable than material tury and a half being doubtful if Mithraism or wealth. Christianity at the very end would get the upper At present there appears to be a general over- hand. Christianity, to general surprise, turned valuation of the power of nationalism; it inspires out victorious, though an all-powerful army was people with a new vigor comparable to a mighty on the side of Mithraism. Yet that Mithraism was stimulant, with a gigantic explosive power, such a spent force to such extent that only the most as we see in Japan, for example. Yet in the his- modern research after fifteen hundred years has tory of the human race, which we know through rediscovered that a long long time ago it was conthe last six or seven thousand years, such national sidered a dangerous rival to Christianity. explosions are almost like the passing bubbles in Why has not Christ been forgotten? Why has a rushing stream; they change color or direction Christianity gone on victoriously? The next seven with the current for a short time, and then the or eight hundred years after Constantine were a wonderful age when all Keltic, Teutonic, Nordic, force is spent. and Slavic tribes exchanged their outworn tribal There is only one Power which through two religions for Christianity. Most of them, of their thousand years has never relaxed and which even own free will, preferred the new Christian relinow is showing no sign of evanescence, that is the gion and considered it the earnest of a new era in Spirit and power of Jesus Christ. Imagine that their national ascendency. you stood under the cross of Jesus in the time of Pontius Pilate and of Caiaphas, the High Priest. So it has gone on through the centuries; and it What would they have said? They would have is a fascinating history to follow, tracing the adpointed in scorn at the young man on the gibbet; vancing Christian faith across land and sea, from a poor artisan from an obscure corner of Galilee, continent to continent. The world missionary at the frontier of heathendom. They would have movement is the vanguard of the advancing power said that He had been parading for two years, like of the Spirit of Christ. some scores of other upstarts, as the promised Messiah, and that the faithful nation of Jews had Here is one point of orientation in our modern discarded him; the political power of Rome had world-wide campaign. We look back on two thoualso justly put him away as a rebel; the highest sand years of victorious advance, no world power ecclesiastical authority had also condemned him we know of has in any respect a comparable as a blasphemer. Of course they would have said record. We study the particular energies which that this Jesus was discredited and destroyed even Christianity has supplied at different times and more than any other previous upstart messiah. among different nations. We ,admire that won- Even the small group of his adherents had de- derful adaptability which could fit into the speserted him. He was ending in shame and despair, cial environment it was facing in different counfor they had heard his last words: "My God, why tries and races; we wonder how it could integrate hast thou forsaken me?" and develop to a higher perfection all spiritual and rational equipments; how it could become in- What would Pontius Pilate have said if you had digenous to such an extent that St. Mary is looked hinted to him that within three of four centuries upon as Polish in Poland and the Sainted Virgin the emperor of the Roman empire would bow his of Guadeloupe has become Aztec in Mexico. With knees before the name of this Jesus and, with the Greeks Christianity developed their philosognashing teeth, would confess: "Thou has con- phy; with the Romans this new faith promoted quered, 0 Galilean!" All types of historians have statecraft; with the Germans "the Holy Roman pondered over the victorious Power which in so Empire became of German nationality" as the short a time was pervading and recasting the earthly incarnation of the Kingdom of God; with mightiest empire the world had yet known. Many the British Christianity inspired their imperial reasons have been advanced but, whatever causes progress with religious responsibility. The relimay have contributed, there can be no doubt that gion of Jesus Christ is still proving its divine the one underlying spiritual Power has been the origin by its wonderful flexibility and power to Christ, himself, the Power of God and the Wis- become all things to all nations, to rejuvenate, dom of God. and purify and enrich all. Missionary-minded' Christians pause for a moment, we look around History did not end at the cross or with the con- and take up our spiritual armor and battle cry quest of the Roman empire. Someone might have anew: In hoc signo vincemus. "Under this ban- imagined that Christianity had been only one of ner we conquer."
Women's Work in a Country
By MRS. JAMES D. WYKER The Federated Church, North Jackson, Ohio "JUST what is woman's work in the country to church rolls and having contests to increase at- church?" I asked a little lady with snow- tendance. He was not a Presbyterian or a Bap- white hair who has been a life-long member tist or a Methodist seeking to sprinkle or immerse, but a Christian out to reveal God, change life and of one. save individuals. He insisted ona decent society "Why paying the preacher and keeping up the in which religious people might be more religious; He desired that the hungry might be fed. He had church building repairs," she answered. Then no fear and did not hesitate to condemn sin whershe hesitated and added, "And, of course, mission- ever he found it, even the corruption of the politiary giving. Women have always done that. Not cal system of his day. People believed Him not many, but a few of us alway.s send in our appor- only because of words He spoke but because they tionment to the Board." saw a radiant personality on fire with a divine message – a man who lived what He preached. "And for what is the missionary money used?" I inquired again. The country church today has the unique oppor- tunity of carrying on this same simple kind of re- "Preaching the Gospel," came back emphatically. "Saving souls."
I went next to an enthusiastic young minister's wife who, with her husband, has dedicated her ligion, unhampered by big church-building debts, life to the work of the rural church. set forms and ceremonies, large maintenance ex- pense. Because of the unique position of the coun- "What is woman's work in the country church?" try church, rural women have unusual oppor- I asked. tunities.
"Helping her church rethink its reason for In the first place, the farm home continues to existing," came the unhesitating reply, "urging it be something of a unit even in a complex, modern to place life ahead of creeds; showing that its world. There are chores to be done and responfield is THE COMMUNITY and that every unreached sibilities that need to be placed on young shoulperson is a responsibility of the church. All of this-with the belief that sharing the message of ders. The family shares many experiences, even Jesus Christ around the world is a task for the its social life, and the minister of the rural church entire church." ministers to the entire family. Woman's work in the country church is first of all to recognize this In her enthusiasm she had generalized, but as and try to preserve family unity, for it is a real I talked with her later I received specific answers in very definite terms. asset to church life.
As I talk with rural church women today, I find The rural woman in many communities today is many eagerly and earnestly agreeing with this faced with the fact that her children attend a fine, young minister's wife. well-equipped Consolidated School during the week The function of the rural church woman has and, on Sunday, must leave their friends and go (if they go) to a small, competitive, denominachanged today because the program of her church tional church. She realizes that though the docis changing. And is it surprising that her church trines of her church are important and she will program is changing to meet new needs? The probably continue to believe them, the emphasis heart of her work continues the same-the shar- of religion today should be, as in the ministry of ing of the teachings and message of a young, rural Jesus, on life. She realizes that if the rural church evangelist, Jesus Christ; but her method of work is to continue its ministry, Christians must learn is changing as she finds the experience of her children to be different from her own a genera- to work together and in cooperation with other tion ago. character building agencies. Small, competitive The religion of Jesus was very simple. Grow- churches, unable to support a resident minister, ing up in a country home, his school the country- will find it difficult to challenge other cooperating side, the beauty of the out-of-doors keeping him groups in the community and to do much about close to the heavenly Father, He grew to under- the large, unreached number of people within its stand and sympathize keenly with people and their boundaries. problems. Religion to Him was not adding names Another responsibility of the c.ountry woman [425 ]
today is to develop an interest in her church for petuation of the Woman's Missionary Society, as wholesome recreation, especially for young peo- such. They do not seem to care that the men are ple. It is unnecessary for rural youth to drive indifferent to the missionary program of the into the city for commercialized "wreck-reaction" church and that the majority of the children and when the country has so much to offer in recrea- young people are unreached. Again it is organ- tion activities. Rural recreational leaders, arti- ization, rather than life. If only our vision could sans in leading folk games and other forms of co- enlarge to see the whole, to know that most men operative play are being developed. Some rural and children and young people are interested once communities have the satisfaction of seeing their they know! Someone has facetiously said that for young pople interested in worthwhile social life, too long in our church work, men have sung: in which the majority participate, while the public Take my wife and let her be dance halls and the beer gardens move out of the Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
community. Most of us who have tried to interest our men "Camps for Mothers" are very valuable in many and boys, with the same fervor and intelligence rural communities. It seems unbelievable, but we have used in the women's missionary work, rural mothers are finding they can lay aside for a have found them responsive and interested. Just few days the responsibilities of home and family as the church should see that the religion of Christ and go off for recreation in the out-of-doors. permeates all groups and agencies in the commu- Many farm women discover unusual beauty at nity, so the Woman's Missionary Society should their very doorsteps. The busy, crowded days at see that the cause of missions is enthusiastically home and the fact that the sunrise, the moon, the trees, the stars "have always been there" has shared with all groups. I know a mother, a memkept many of these women from being conscious ber of a Woman's Missionary Society, who comes of these "aids to worship." home from the missionary meetings and usually says, as she sighs, "Well, that's over for another One rural parish in New York state has built its month" and then wonders why her husband and own cabin in a woods and each year the farm . daughter are not interested in missions! mothers look forward to the cherished days of Jesus had a high regard for womanhood. In rest and relaxation. A rural cooperative church the centuries following his death on the Cross, in Ohio has a camp of its own where each year, woman has achieved more freedom and education. along with other age groups, the rural women live I wonder sometimes, as He watches the Marys and together for a few days. These women look for- Marthas of our rural homes today, if He does not ward to the discussion periods each morning fol- wish we would follow Him more intelligently and lowing the nature hike when they consider such give more time and thought to His work. I wontopics as "Family Worship," "Personal and Home der if He watches eagerly for a Mary Magdalene Relationships," and "The Missionary Task of the as He sees us drag about our church work, giving Church." In the afternoon they read, sleep and only left-over time, attending the Ladies' Aid and rest, following the creative craft period, and then the preaching services because we think we go swimming. After the evening meal, they walk should, and giving to missions only after we have over the ravine and climb up Vesper Hill where, paid for new clothes and other things. away from all worry and burdensome responsi- A story is told of an old colored woman sitting bility, they "draw near to God." on the steps of a church during a Woman's Rights If rural women are to have new visions for meeting in Akron, Ohio, in 1851. She listened to work in the country church today, they must take the fiery speeches by the men for quite awhile, de- time from their labors for rebuilding and rethink- nouncing the idea that women should vote, deny- ing. Out in these well-planned camps (where ing her intelligence, etc. Finally, unable to stand there are no meals to cook and no dishes to wash) it any longer, the old woman walked to the front they find their physical bodies relaxing and rest- of the church, pointed her finger at the men and ing while, at the same time, their spiritual life is said, "If de fust woman God ever made turned quickened. Tired mothers go away more radiant, dis world upside down all by herself, dese women happy Christians. If only rural women would all togedder can set it right side up again and you look about them and discover the material avail- men better let 'em do it."
able for use! If only they would insist on having I pause to wonder what the future of the coun-, a minister trained for his task, knowing and lov- try church might be if rural women "all togedder"
ing rural folk, they would find material and re- would consecrate themselves to the building of sources at hand. . the New Rural Church, where Christians would There are many Woman's Missionary Societies put life ahead of dead dogma and where the coun- (and they are not all in the country) that seem tryside might again hear and share the message to believe that the ultimate goal in life is the per- of the rural teacher, J.esus of Nazareth.
Arab Consults a Missionary Doctor*
A Monolog Purporting to Giv~ the Reaction of an Arab Gentleman of Baghdad to the Christian. Message By the REV. JAMES CANTINE, D.D., Stone Ridge, New York One of the Founders of the Arabian Mission of the Reformed Church in America Persons: pital? Well you can go down and, if you see him, Abd el Kadir, a well-to-do Arab. ask him to come up. . . . Wait! Before you go Zarifa, one of his wives, very ill. open this door by my side and stretch a curtain Amina, his daughter, eight or nine years old, attend- across the doorway. Then tell the servants to bring Zarifa in that room and lay her down by ing mission school. the curtain." Ahmed, his son, fifteen or sixteen, attending Govern- (Servant goes out.) ment School of Engineering. Abdullah, his servant, probably of slave descent. The American missionary doctor.
Place: "I take refuge with God from a house full of women! I hope that doctor will not mind being Abd el Kadir's reception room, long and narrow, with asked to give medicine to a woman." (Turning to chairs and little tables down each side. Doors at curtain.) "Ha, Zarifa, now stop that crying! I each end. Just outside the entrance door Abdul- know it hurts, but it is God's will, is it not? Every- lah is stationed with a charcoal fire for keeping thing that happens is written in His book. Listen, the coffee hot. The door at the head of the room I have sent for the American doctor and, if God where Abd el Kadir is seated opens into another wills, he will give you ·some medicine. Only be room. quiet.
When Abdullah is called he enters and crouches down "Ah, here he comes." (Arises, steps forward before his master. The children kiss the hand of and touches the hand of the doctor.) their father and stand until bidden to be seated. "May God make your morning happy, 0 doc- Abd el Kadir is seated, fingering his beads. He listens, frowns and calbs out, "Abdullah !" tor. In the name of God be seated. If it pleases (The servant enters and Abd el Kadir speaks.) God you are well? Praise be to God I am very "Abdullah, what is this screaming about? well. "You say that Zarifa is very sick! Yes, I know. "Do you drink? smoke? No?" (Calls to Abdul- lah.) That slave woman has been here and has cauter- "Abdullah, coffee! …• ized her, has she not? They are paid according "I have had my servant ask you to come in, 0 to the number of burns they make so I suppose doctor, so that you might, if God wills, give medi- they have done a good job. cine to one of my women. It is scarcely worth "But you say that she gets no better, and that while taking your valuable time, but you were the other women object to her cries and say I passing by and- Yes, that is she whom you hear must do something. God deliver me from such moaning behind the curtain. You can ask her evil! What can I do about it? It is all as God any question you wish. She has been sick severa} wills. I could divorce her. That is easy; just to days and they say she is getting worse.
say three times 'I divorce you' . . . "Oh, no! You cannot see her, but I will let you "Yes, I know, her family is important and I feel her pulse. Zarifa, put your hand under the.
cannot send her away sick as she is. curtain. There doctor!
"What is that you say? . . . Why don't I send "Yes, I expect she is very ill.
for the American doctor? What do you know "You say that if you saw her you might help about him? her? But that is quite impossible. From the time "You hear he is clever and you think he has a I took her no man but myself has seen her face.
kindly face. And he passes by the door every "You say that she may die? That is as God morning about this time on his way to his hos- wills…. You are sorry that there is no woman • Copies of this monologue may be secured from The Woman's doctor here, and you hope that sometime you will Board of Foreign MiSSions, Reformed Church in America, 25 East have a woman doctor to work in your hospital?
22d Street, New York, for ten cents a CODY.
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As God wills! . But you can give her medicine "And how is my little daughter today? Sit to keep her quiet, can you not? I will send my servant to the hospital for it. down here on this cushion by your father's side.
"And your fee, 0 doctor? Your lips are cold, Amina, where have you been? "What, no regular fee? You say that I can give what I wish! Very well, I will send it to the hos- "You are just back from school? Tell me about pital by Abdullah. It will not be a very large fee, but if you get enough of them you will one day that school. It is the American school, is it not? be rich, will you not? "What is this you say? You do not keep these Do you like it? fees for yourself, but use them to buy medicines for the very poor! Ah, that is almsgiving. Alms- "You do! Why? .. You like the school begiving is one of the five pillars of our faith as given to us by our prophet Mohammed, upon cause the teacher is so kind? Is that all? whom be prayers and peace! "Pardon me, 0 doctor, but before you go will "You say that she talks so nice about God! you tell me how you live if you take no fees for yourself? We know your government does not What does she say about God? . . . That He pay you as some governments pay their doctors. "What! You say that the Christian people of loves you and that you must be a good girl and try America send you money enough for your expenses, because their religion tells them to help to please Him. And have you learned about the other people? I am surprised! I did not know the Christian religion was like that. holy prophets, Amina? Which one do you like "Just one more question. Will you tell me why you left America and came here? It seems you best? will not get rich in Baghdad; it is not a very healthy climate for foreigners and you are far "The prophet Jesus! And why do you like the away from your friends. "You say that you have come because you love prophet Jesus best? . . . You say because He the prophet Jesus and want to follow His example. . . . And now you want to ask me a question! took little children in his arms and talked so nicely That is only fair. "Do I know about the prophet Jesus? Oh, yes, to them. But has she not taught you about the the Holy Koran tells us that He was without sin and did many miracles like the other prophets. prophet Mohammed, upon whom be prayers and "Yes, there may be more about Him in your book, but you know that the prophet, Mohammed, peace? upon whom be prayerl and peace, is the seal of all the prophets and that is enough for us. "Nq! Well, Amina, I think it is time for you "You wish I would read more about the prophet Jesus? Well, 0 doctor, some time, if God wills it, to go to another school where you can learn all I will look for a book that tells more about him. "Will you be going now? I am obliged to you. about our holy religion of Islam. Go in the safety of God!" "What! You don't want to go! Now don't cry, (As the doctor goes out, Abd el Kadir continues.) my daughter, don't cry. Perhaps I will leave you "That doctor seems a good man and he does awhile longer in the American School. But tell have a kindly face. Perhaps some time I might be interested in knowing more about the prophet me what else you learn besides reading and Jesus. writing. "Abdullah! Did you take Zarifa to her room and shut the door so that her crying will not "Oh! To sew ? You make dresses for little annoy the other women. Here, take five rupees to the hospital and bring back some medicine for her. girls? But that is foolish; your father can buy Wait! Is Amina about the house? Send her in to me." all the clothes you need.
(Enters Amina and kisses her father's hand.) "You say that they are not for yourself, but for the poor little girls in the school who do not have good dresses! Well! Well! You can go now, 0 my daughter, go and play." (He soliloquizes.) "Now what shall I do? There is nothing to which I can object, but I am afraid of that Chris- tian school. But that reminds me!" (He calls.) "Abdullah! Tell Ahmed that his father wants to see him." (Ahmed enters and stands before his father.) "Ahmed, I am much displeased with you. Some- one saw you going into the house of the American preacher. Is that right? So? Sit down. How did you come to know him?
"He gave a lecture in your school about sanita- tion in America, did he? What does he know about sanitation?
"Oh, he was an engineer before he was a preacher, was he? Well, all that is the business of your principal. But why did you go to his house? _ "You say that he asked the boys to come and'
see some pictures he had brought from America?
Pictures? Why, Ahmed. Now I a.m angry! You know I have forbidden you to go and see those dreadful, disgraceful American pictures!
"But these were not cinema pictures? What then?
AN ARAB CONSULTS A MISSIONARY DOCTOR
"Pictures of bridges and public buildings in that knows me see you buy it. I would be dis- America and England and Russia 1 God curse the graced if it were known that I wanted a Christian Russians, they make it very hard for a good Mos- book. Be careful about that.
lem to live in Russia. But did he say anything "What 1 You have such a book. What does this about religion? . .. He did 1 What? mean? You a MOi>lem and my servant, having "That there is freedom for all religions in such a book 1 How did you get it?
America 1 But, Ahmed, you don't want to know "You say that you were going past a shop and about any other religion than Islam. . . . You you heard someone reading out of a little book do? Why? about the prophet Jesus, and it seemed such good "You will not feel educated -like the boys in words that you bought it.
other countries-unless you know about other re- "You have it here? Give it to me at once so ligions? (Abd el Kadirshakes his head in dis- that I can tear it up." (Abdullah takes a little sent.) And did he say anything about his reli- Gospel from unde~ his garment and gives it to his gion? master.) "So he talked about the prophet Jesus and His "Go away I" (Abdullah leave'S the room.) teaching 1 Well, you have heard enough about "Shall I tear it up? But it may have the name that, ·so do not go again. . . . But you want to of God written in it and I cannot harm that Holy go next Sunday with the other boys? What boys? Name. And this may be the book I wanted to "Well, if the judge and those other men let their buy. . . . I shall just see how it begins. (Turns sons go, I suppose I ought not to object. What is to the beginning-it would be the end of the book he going to talk about? to us-and reads.) 'In the beginning was the "Oh, yes 1 I did see a notice of it in the paper. Word.' The Word? Why that is the name the It says he is giving a series of lectures on the Holy Koran gives to the prophet Jesus. Can there prophet Jesus-His Teaching about Personal Hab- be truth in this book? . . .
its, and Family Life, and Government. Now see "Shall I see what is marked? (Turns pages and here, Ahmed, you go next Sunday and then come reads.) 'I am the way and the truth and the and tell me all about it so that I can correct what life.' The Way? Why we pray five times a day is wrong. . . . That is all, 0 my son I" (Ahmed and ask Allah to 'Lead us in the "right way.'" kisses his father'lS hand and retires, being careful Here is someone who says, 'I am the Way.' Who not to turn his back upon his father.) could say that (reads) 'Jesus Said.' I don't under- "Now, what shall I do about these, my children? stand. He is a holy prophet, but how could he Amina-it would break her heart if now I took say that He is the way to God? . . .
her away from the American School. And then "I will read in just one more place. (Turns I am told that she is a much better girl at home pages and reads.) 'Because I live ye shall live than she used to be-more obedient, kinder and also.' Did Jesus say that? Yes? Strange 1 Of does not use bad words. Shall I send her to an- all the prophets Jesus is the only one our Holy other school and have her become a good Moslem, Koran says did not die, but is now alive in heaven. or shall I let her remain where she is and have Can this be the ground for His saying that those her grow up to be a good woman? who believe in Him shall be with Him in paradise?
"And Ahmed 1 It seems that the young men of "What book is this? Why have I never seen it today want to see all things and decide for them- before? Is this the book I half promised the doc- selves; and they cannot be ruled as I was ruled tor I would read some day? Will it tell me about by my father. It will be better if I try to guide the Jesus that my little daughter loves? Are there Ahmed away from these Christian influences. here the teachings of Jesus that my son wants to Perhaps I ought, myself, to know more about the know about? Shall I, dare I, read it from begin- prophet Jesus. That doctor wants me to know ning to end?
more about His teaching. And I would like to "Surely I am a Moslem. (Recites the creed.) know why my little daughter loves Jesus more 'There is no God but God, and Mohammed is the than she loves Mohammed, upon whom be prayers prophet of God.' But Jesus is our prophet also.
and peace. If I find out the falseness of the teach- Who can forbid me knowing all I can about him?
ing of Jesus then I can correct Ahmed's wrong "If the story of Jesus can make a man like the impressions. doctor come out here just to follow His example; "But where can I get a book about the prophet if this story makes my little daughter love Jesus Jesus? I will ask Abdullah. whom she has never seen; and if it makes my son "Abdullah 1 Abdullah, is there a bookshop in want to know about His teaching, then I ought to the city where they sell books about the prophet read it. (Puts the book reverently on the table.) Jesus? . . . There is 1 Well, I want you to go And if here is the 'straight path' we pray that and buy me such a book. But don't let anyone we may follow, dare I walk therein? God Knows."
Unchanging Missionary
A Challenge and Appeal of Fifty Years Ago* By ARTHUR T. PIERSON Editor-in-Chief of the "Review" for Twenty-three Years. This Year Is the Centenary of His Birth THE argument and the appeal in behalf of These providential signals, and these gracious missions are unsurpassed for variety and signs, being once truly recognized and realized, cogency. . . . The very watchword of the make duty a delight; the work of missions be- Christian life is obedience, and our great Captain comes no longer the cold necessity of obedience, has left us His marching orders: "Go ye into all but the most inspiring, enrapturing privilege.
the world and preach the Gospel to every crea- Only some such exalted conception of this last ture." Such a plain command makes all other commission, and of the supreme blessedness of a motives comparatively unnecessary. . . . Where loving fidelity to our stewardship in the Gospel, there has been given a clear, divine word of au- can lift the Church of God to a higher plane of thority, immediate, implicit submission and com- praying and giving. Better than the conscience pliance will be yielded by every loyal, loving dis- that drives, is the love that draws to the work of ciple. Even to hesitate, for the sake of asking a missions. Once brought to the white-heat of pas- reason, savors of the essence of rebellion. sion for souls, we are henceforth "weary with When our great Commander left us this last forbearing and cannot stay" in apathetic idleness precept, however, He annexed to it a most inspir- and silence; the inward fire must have vent. It ing promise: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto is no longer hard to give, but hard to withhold; the end of the world." That promise has been and, better than the most princely gifts of money, conspicuously and marvellously fulfilled in con- we shall give ourselves "a living sacrifice." . . .
nection with missions; for Christ has been with One startling and comprehensive fact should us, both by His providence and by His grace. The be clearly kept before us-that all the stupendous argument and appeal, found in this providential movements and changes which we have to record, and gracious Presence, have not been properly or refer to, have taken place within less than a considered and appreciated. . . . century! . . . Within the nineteenth century what The providence of God is especially apparent in astounding changes have taken place! That bugle- missions, in the opening of doors, great and effec- call of William Carey has rallied all Christendom.
tual; in the removal or subsidence of barriers; God has opened the two-leaved gates, until the in the preparation of the field and the workmen; last of the hermit nations unbars the doors of ex- in the provision and protection of the la:borers; clusion and seclusion and welcomes to her ports and in the revealing and unfolding to the Church the messenger of Christ. Even the most enthu- of His set times, seasons, and measures for secur- siastic student of missions fails to apprehend and ing new advance and success. Such divine provi- appreciate the grandeur of such colossal move- dence becomes to God's people a glorious and in- ments. Wonderful, indeed, that a hundred open spiring signal both that He is always with them, doors, great and effectual, God should set before and that His pleasure shall prosper in their hands. His Church; but more wonderful the ways in The grace of God appears in missions, espe- which, by keys of His own, He has unlocked the cially in working mighty results and effects, such gates of hermit nations. When, in 1793, William as are plainly attributable only to the Divine Carey, that pious, learned cobbler, went forth as Spirit. These results are wrought not only in in- the first foreign missionary from English shores, dividuals, but sometimes in whole communities; the whole world was comparatively locked against there are some transformations that deserve to missionary enterprise; there was scarce one real be called transfigurations. In the workmen, also, opening into pagan, papal, or Moslem lands to whose consecration to such heroic labors develops preach the Gospel in its purity, or win converts, in them an exalted type of piety, and even in those without molestation and persecution both to the.
who earnestly pray and liberally give for the sup- missionary and the convert. Now the whole aspect port of the work, similar unmistakable fruits of of the world is changed, and there is scarce one this grace appear and abound. . . . closed door, or community where the preacher may not go with the open Bible, or where the convert • From the first chapter of "The Crisis of Missions," published may not, in publicly confessing allegiance to Jesus, In 1886, a great volume that aroused the Church to the claims of Foreign Missions. claim the protection of law.
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I Effective Ways of Working 'Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~~i==========================~ Shall We Study "The Church ing in towns and villages, un- moving pictures that are so ef- in Rural America"? duly small memberships (aver- fective in the assembly periods age of less than 100, with annual of mission study schools-all of There is a tendency in some per capita expenditure of $13.27 which indicates the trend toward as against $21.50 in cities), in- activating study rather than letquarters to answer in the nega- adequate ministry as to training, ting it pause with "information nonsupport, inability to give full- and inspiration"-which tend to tive in view of the absence of the time service, etc., lack of trained be static. lay leadership, denominational picturesque and dramatic in the competition and overlapping, BAPTIST BOARD OF MISSIONARY EDUtheme, and the apparent diffi- etc. Topping all these is a psy- chological difficulty in getting CATION, 152 MADISON AVE., NEW culty in concreting it sufficiently new standards and a broader outlook, with an unchanged in- YORK: for the younger folk. But no stitution in a changing world. reader of THE REVIEW can fail, Our best endeavors are called for Beginners- in "creating a new moral and after noting the contents of its spiritual top soil for Rural Handwork, visualizations, stories: June issue, to see that nothing America." "The Singing Farmer," 68 cents; of more practical nature or im- "The Friendly Farmers" – projmediate urgency has been offered From r e c e n t' contributions ects and activities included, 50 by the Central Committee for submitted by various denomina- cents; "Farm Life Panel Postour consideration if we are to tional boards of missionary edu- ers" – four brown sepia panels, give the 31,000,000 and more cation, the following materials 12×36 in., with colored cut-outs people (half the entire popula- are cited because they are good to be pasted on, 50 cents. (Order tion) who are tilling God's Gar- in quality and of a sufficiently these from The American Baptist den their opportunity for "the universal character to be used Publication Society, 1701 Chestabundant life." Nor does this with little adaptation by mem- nut St., Philadelphia, Pa.) ; concern dwellers in country and bers of any communion. No one "Farmers in Many Lands"-picsmall towns alone. It is our com- denomination can hope to be ture sheet of 12 pictures, four on mon problem in view of our in- sufficient for even a fraction of American rural life, from which terdependence and the complex the task. And it is only by picture books may be made as situation created by the two mi- friendly borrowings that we can handwork, 25 cents; "Rural Life grations – the exodus of farm- hope to attain all-round effi- Through Teaching Pictures" – 8 bred youths toward the city and ciency. Along with specifically pictures llx15 in., 50 cents. the recent reverse trend caused denominational offerings will be by economic conditions – this found materials from neutral Primarylatter throwing the responsibil- sources, belonging in the units ity for the early training of a merely because they have been Handwork and visualizations the large proportion of our citizen- selected and fitted in by the sev- iJame as for Beginners. Stories: ship upon country homes and eral missionary education boards "The World on a Farm" – illuschurches. The rural world is as best shaping up to their stand- trated narratives, 25 c en t s; confronted by new problems and ards for graded Sunday school aggravated old ones in which we and age-group study. These di- * "Over the Hills and Far Away" all have a common stake. The rect transcripts from the lists economic ones are at the very submitted save space otherwise -series of graded home mission storm center of our national life to be consumed in separate cita- stories, 15 cents. -child labor, the sharecropper tions of publishers, etc. Attensituation, inadequate educational tion is especially directed to the Juniorsfacilities, reforestation and wealth of devices for visualizaplowing of submarginal lands, tions and activations, particu- Handwork, projects and activisoil conservation, collapse of cot- larly to the stereopticon and ties: "Out in the Country," 50 ton tenancy, wage-and-time ad- cents; "Farm Life Panel Postjustments, racial antagonisms [431 ] ers" as listed above; "Picture and a score of others. The reli- Map of the U. S."-art map 30×50 gious ones are even more vexing in. with 18 sketches to be colored and far-reaching – over-church- and pasted on, 50 cents; "Rural Life Teaching Pictures" as pre- viously listed.
Stories: * "Friendship Tales from Far and Near Trails," 15 cents.
Intermediate and Young People- Handwork, etc.: Several of the sets listed above; "Willson's Gummed Paper Letters and Fig- ures"-27 sizes and styles – free from The Tablet and Ticket Co., 115 E. 23d St., N. Y.; "Velox
Transparent Water Color Stamps" and his sharecropper tenant; study abounds in fine story material; the -perforated stamps of 12 colors, of local rural schools; inquiry of four "ranges" rounding up the sub- to be dissolved in water, with librarians as to type of books avail- ject in the closing meeting in a way four brushes and instructions, able and expense thereof; steps to to incite to action. "The Migrant Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, supplement this by making more Map" is another program of a most N. Y., $1.00. Stories: "The Ad- reading matter available; study of practical character, fitting in with ventures of Mr. Friend," 25 cents; cooperative marketing with view to the general home mission theme. its establishment in the community; Outline, 20 cents. * "The Church of the Country- demonstration of social and cultural work in drama, art, music or recrea- The women's group offers as a three side" -10 graded home mission tion and investigation as to facili- months' inset to their booklet on stories, 15 cents. ties for these among your rural citi- "Journeys," a set of outstanding zens; s p e cia 1 investigation of programs on "Journeys Along Rural Visualizations: S t ere 0 p tic 0 n churches in the vicinity as to pas- Roads," in which full directions are slides with coordinated lectures- tors, salaries, equipment, Sunday given for a panel discussion, an "The Little White Church on the schools, type of service most needed; original chart study on "Forward Hill"; "On Lonely Trails with organization of local groups for co- Together for Better Service," and Colporter Missionaries"; "The operation in the Peace Movement. "Journeys Toward the New Day"- Colporter Country," $2.00 each impersonations of the seven groups and carriage both ways. PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF NATIONAL of rural folk listed in the textbook. MISSIONS, CENTRAL DISTRIBUTING While the program booklet inclusive WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE MIS S ION of the foregoing contains much UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH, 723 BOARDS, 156 FIFTH AVE., NEW other cleverly conceived program MUHLENBERG B LD G., PHILADEL- YORK: matter, it is all of such a nature PHIA, PA.: that its form and manner of pres- Adult course on "Rebuilding Rural entation are universal and usable "Teaching Pictures on Rural Life America," 25 cents; study book of by folk of any communion. Price, Around the World" – 8 large pic- that name, 60 cents and $1. 50 cents. tures of country folk of different lands, 50 cents; plays-"The Call Young People's and Senior's unit "Early Missionary Journeys" is a of the Hills," 5 cents; "At Devil's on "Highland Heritage"-breaking separate booklet containing a full Nose" (mountain m iss ion a r y down of isolation in Appalachian year's devotional studies in complete sketch), 15 cents; stories – "Ra- Life, 25 cents; book, 60 cents and outline. Price, 15 cents. channy of the Southern Mountains," $1. "Rosann," "Spunk," "Jest Gals," 2 A number of worthful sugges- cents each or 6 for 5 cents. Intermediate unit by Grace Mc- tions for programs on "Rural Gavran, 35 cents. America"-inclusive of a special THE UNITED CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY article on junior work, by Annye SOCIETY, MISSIONS BLDG., 222 Stereopticon slides and lecture on Allison – as well as excerpts DOWNEY A VE., INDIANAPOLIS, Rural Life – "The Book and the from summer conferences at- IND.: Plough," 30 slides; rentai, $1.00 tended by the Department Edi- plus two-way. postage. tor, have to be held over for lack A very complete study packet of of space and will appear as soon leaflets covering "Dwellers in the Moving pictures (16mm., 2 reels), as possible in a later issue. Ad- Countryside," 50 cents. "Hearthstones and Al tar s" -life ditional methods material suit- story of typical rural family; "Mid able for pastors, men's groups This includes instructions to pro- Purple Mountain Majesties" -fol- and children's organizations is gram committees, a "Calendar of lows a boy from his mountain com- especially solicited. Send direct Service"; "Things We Can Do" at munity. $2.00 per reel and two- to this department instead of the the successive meetings to translate way carriage for each of the fore- Magazine headquarters, to avoid them into life; a large variety of going. delay and extra postage. subject matter for the talks, papers, etc.; good dramatic sketches on Order from Distributing Depart- For older people, this topic "The Farmer's Wife," "Bringing ment in N. Y., or 8 So. Dearborn lends itself wonderfully to panel College to the Farmer," "Weari- St., Chicago, or 234 McAlister St., discussions, round tables or pro- ness," "They Went to Bethlehem"; San Francisco, Calif., according to gram conferences. For instance, a special Christmas program com- your location. make up the entire program ex- plete; a panel discussion for four cept for appropriate music inter- women on "Influences that Make for THE WOMAN'S HOME MISSION SOCIETY spersed, from the June number Peace or War"; a program on OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL of THE REVIEW, the leader im- "Blessed Are the Peacemakers"; CHURCH, 420 PLUM ST., CINCIN- pressing the importance of the and well-constructed studies on NATI, OHIO. LITERATURE DEPART- topic by using points from the these phases of the rural problem: MENT: editorial, "Rural America for Educational- "Sing B e h i n d the Christ," and being promptly sec- Plow"; "Bina Holben-Sharecrop- The Methodist women have clever onded and supported by another per"; "Pietro Lopez – Mexican"; series of programs worked out for participant summarizing "The, "M r s. W a 1ton – Mountaineer"; their girls (Queen Esthers) under Challenge of the Rural Commu- "Max Smith-Miner"; "Sarak Pe- the figure of "Building the Map of nity." On this background let toskey-Migrant"; "Susan Kepple U. S.," and for the women on the successive speakers, by prear- -Farm Woman"; "The Nat ion picturesque theme of "Modern Mis- ranged plan but with appearance Helps the Farmer" – a parable of sionary Journeys," an adequate ap- of spontaneity and in conversa- American rural life in Oklahoma; preciation of which will appear in tional style as if talking among "Social Influences Yesterday and a later issue, as only the rural themselves, give brief talks of Today"-a social science study. theme studies can be noted at this time. Among the workable suggestions listed are: An original study of For three months the girls study child labor statistics and condi- "Highland Heritage," with unique tions; a demonstration of the set- visualizations, a meeting in the form tlement between a plantation owner of the recitation of the geography class, "Head Range" and "Heart • The three sets of graded primary, junior Range" being considered; "Hand and intermediate stories listed above at 15 Range" and "Health Range" being cents each sell collectively at 35 cents. added in the following meeting that
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
not over five minutes each, selec- lines on "Discipleship" being for byterian Board of National Mistions of topics to be made from worship services and the remain- sions, 156 Fifth Ave., New the excellent articles following, ing six for worship and study York. ending with pointed presenta- combined. Their object is "to tion of things the group or their seek to make women conscious "If I Be His Disciple-How church can do. This is very im- of their responsibility as Chris- Shall I Follow Jesus Today" is portant. tian citizens for the solution of the title of a booklet prepared over a year ago by the Spiritual A more dramatic and impres- the social and economic problems Life Committee of the Presbysive program might be arranged of present-day society." terian Mission Boards. It confrom the same number by hav- sists of a ten-cent leader's ing a congress or conference of "In times like these the forces pamphlet and a set of leaflets persons impersonating-with or of religion should be exerting corresponding to the successive without costumes – the r u r a I topics and intended for use in pastor, the farmer's wife, the themselves to create a condition the audience. The subjects are: sharecropper, the case worker, out of which right motives for the colporter, etc. Again, close leadership can be generated. I Will Learn What the Bible Says to with practical planning, and a . . . There is only one motive Me devotional service of consecra- adequate to solve the problems tion to the task. Either one of and heal the ills of our stricken I Will Learn to Meditate these plans will make a most ef- civilization. That motive is the I Will Learn to Pray fective prayer meeting or eve- motive of the good neighbor. It I Will Learn to Serve ning service for the church at is clearly the business of religion I Will Learn to Share large, the meeting eventuating I Will Test My Life by Christ in organized activity. Time the to create mental and moral attiparts or the theme will be tudes to support and sustain and The leaflets sell for ten cents "talked to death." vitalize, as well as to call out per set. that motive. If religion does not Devotional Material call that motive into being, it A companion booklet recently will not come into being." (From issued is called, "If I Be His Dis- "In the beginning God created "Who Is My Neighbor?" by ciple I Will Grow." The topics . . . the earth. . . . And the are: Lord God formed man out of the Walter H. North.) dust of the earth and breathed I Will Grow into His Likeness into his nostrils the breath of The devotional outlines are on I Will Grow in Reflecting His Spirit life; and man became a living "God at Work in His Universe," soul. . . . And the Lord God "Great and Mighty. Things," Every Day planted a garden eastward in I Will Grow in Meeting Life's Crises Eden; and there He put the "Christ's Point of View" and I Will Grow More Sensitive to Human man whom He had formed. And "For Such a Time as This." out of the ground the Lord God The subjects of the programs Need made to grow every tree that is I Will Grow in Using My Life for pleasant to the sight and good for full meetings are: "We Look for food." God created an earth, at the Present Social Order," Him a man and a garden. The earth "The Bible and Social Values," was of basic importance then "The Christian Approach to So- This booklet also costs ten and must ever be. (From leaflet cial Problems," "The Church in cents, and the corresponding of the United Christian Mission- Action in National Missions," leaflets two cents each. These ary Society.) are invaluable helps for devo- "A Christian World Order" and tional leaders, giving Scripture, A service on this keynote may "A Plan for Social Education subject matter, prayers, ques~ well start the study of "Rural and Action in Your Commu- tions for meditation, material America," following later with nity." Only one of these-that for the group's use, hymns, devotionals keyed to Christ's na- poems and prayer suggestions ture parables – "The Sower," on National Missions-has any for the ensuing week. Suitable "The Tares," etc. denominational flair. The others for any young people's or adult will apply equally well among all group, or for prayer meetings. "Worship Services" based on evangelical groups. The Scrip- "Lord, Teach Us to Pray" may A VISTA IN JAPAN be had from the Presbyterians tural foundations are well laid, for five cents each. the citations to live, present-day books are excellent and the Under the title "C h u r c h theme studies worked out in a Women and a Christian World scholarly- though simple-way Community," a series of ten to challenge interest and thought programs has been i.ssued for in any intelligent group. In this use in any organized group of church women, the four first out- year when standard study themes include "The Church in Rural America," "World Peace" and "The Missionary Motive and Imperative," and when panel discussions are in the lead in presenting subject matter, the outlines are most timely. The price is 10 cents, at The Pres- The Council of Women for Home Missions EDITH E. LOWRY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK Committee – the Quaker organ- ization which has carried on re- lief and reconstruction work both abroad and at home-dur- ing and following the World War in several European coun- tries and more recently in the coal areas of the United States.
This Committee is again trying to save life while others destroy.
The work for children in Spain is strictly non-partisan and is approved by the Federal Coun- cil of Churches and by the Red Cross.
We quote from the special bul- letin on Spain issued at intervals by the A. F. S. C.
"There may be defeats today – victories tomorrow for the armies. For the hungry people there is little hope that anything can happen to repair their ruined homes or restock their devastated farms." "Out of the confusion and debatable issues of the war, arise certain uncon- trovertible facts. Authorities agree, for instance, that as long aQ"o as last February there were more than a million refugees in Loyalist territory. The Loyalist government then reported that 250,000 children were in refugee colonies. More r e c e n t 1y, a Quaker relief worker in Madrid World Wide Photos, Inc. stated that there were 116,000 Thou Shall Not be Afraid "We have not fully caught the children still in that city under mind of Christ until we realize 14 years of age, badly under- "Thou shall not be afraid for that the Kingdom of God on nourished and unable to be evacthe terror by night, nor for the earth is the cooperative task of uated for lack of places to put arrow that Rieth by day." God and men working together." them. The safer municipalities (Psalm 91: 5.) throughout Loyalist Spain are "Faith is the diametrical op- now so congested with refugees "God hath not given us a spir- posite of fear and the supreme that they are forced to refuse it of fear, but of love, and of cure for fear is faith." additional numbers except when power, and of discipline." (2 the food is guaranteed by out- Timothy 1: 7.) RUFUS JONES.
"Fear is the greatest single Spain Opens Door for Friendly- side agencies." "The A. F. S. C. hindrance to the advance of civ- has become a recognized im-· ilization today." Service partial channel for relief of the "We should leap forward to a new type of civilization and be (An opportunity to show the spirit Spanish people regardless of able to avert world disaster, if men were not chained to a dead of goodwill in a country clouded by where they may be—":"in Loyalist past by their fears." war.) or Nationalist territory." "All Doubtless our readers know shipments of goods or contribu- of the American Friends Service tions of money will be used [434 ]
BULLETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
strictly for the purposes desig- all over Spain and that is simple National Peace Conference Ma- nated by the donors . . . ." playthings for children such as terials "The refugees arrive in such balls and blocks and things that The National Peace Confer- terrible condition that their rags are not easily destroyed." ence publishes, through its Pubhave to be stripped off of them lic Affairs Committee, a series and burned. Children can be The need for playthings will of pamphlets on subjects conmade to smile by a bright col- be at least partly filled when the nected with world problems ored jumper or a pair of shoes." children of America send their which affect international rela- "Next to the full maintenance of suitcases to the refugee children. tions and peace, and which are the colonies, help with the food Detailed information on this of great value to those who wish supply is the most important project may be secured by writ- brief expositions on topics of imthing that can be done for refu- ing to the Committee on World mediate interest. The latest gee children; a problem every Friendship Among Children, 297 pamphlet is entitled "Colonies, day more acute. Shipments for Fourth Avenue, New York City. Trade and Prosperity," and is a this purpose come in duty free." Those who desire to contribute simple and condensed study of "One's first impression of the clothing or cash for food should the economic approach to the refugee situation is of terrible send it to the American Friends peace question. This pamphlet chaos and misery. The first day Service Committee, 20 South is excellent and very readable, in Murcia I went to the Pablo 12th Street, Philadelphia, Pa. and will be very valuable in con- Inglesias – a huge b u i I din g (In either case kindly mention nection with the campaign on economics and peace which is to where 4,000 are housed. The THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF be launched next fall by the Nabuilding is in reality an unfin- tional Peace Conference, and THE WORLD.) about which you will hear more ished block of flats about nine in detail in the fall. stories high. The floors have Materials on Peace Education not yet been divided into rooms, A packet of helps. for this and form vast corridors, swarm- Marathons pamphlet is being prepared and ing with men, wom(in and chil- will be ready for use in the fall. The subjects for the Marathon These National Peace Conferdren of all ages. There is no Round Tables for 1937-1938 are ence pamphlets sell for 35c each, furniture of any sort – only now at hand. There are two but can be ordered in quantity at Marathons this year-Plan A: a reduced rate. For further instraw mattresses. It must be Preparatory Marathon on the formation write to the National remembered that many of the subject "The U. S. and the Peace Conference, 8 West 40th World"; and Plan B: Advanced St., New York City. refugees have been in this build- Marathon under the title: "Adeing for two months. Nearly all quate National Defense. What World Day of Prayer in come from Malaga, and look is it?" Send to the National indescribably poor, dirty and Committee on the Cause and a Rural Village Cure of War, 1622 Grand Cenwretched. The municipality tral Terminal Building, New One step toward cooperation which complains of being one York, for copies of this folder in the work of the church has million pesetas in debt for its for distribution at fall meetings. come through the World Day of Let us try to have a large num- Prayer. Mrs. – – of – – sent refugees can afford to give only ber of Marathons among wom- in to the Council office $2.92, the one meal a day to this house, en in church groups during the offering from the observance of with the addition of a little milk coming year. to the children in the morning. The noise was terrific, babies New Headline Book crying, boys rushing madly from floor to floor, women shouting to them. A woman came up cry- ing bitterly, saying that she had The new Foreign Policy Asso- the World Day of Prayer. Her lost her two smallest children in ciation Headline Book: "Billions husband is pastor of a small the confusion of the flight and for Defense," is another study rural parish and this year for didn't know whether they were course on national defense. More the first time she inaugurated alive or dead. There is nothing popular in its plan than the ad- the World Day of Prayer in her for the children to do. Many vanced Marathon on the same country community. She said children begged us to take them subject, it is valuable for those the nearest church was 13 miles away to colonies or somewhere who desire an e Ie men tar y away. She contacted 13 differ- " course. It could be followed by ent churches over a wide area, Esther Farquhar, Quaker re- the Advanced Marathon if a they had four denominations lief worker in Spain, reports: group wished to pursue the sub- represented at their service, and "The conditions at Murcia are ject further. The kit of mate- there were 42 women present frightful. The infant mortality rials which is furnished for this which was "an excellent number has been as high as fifty per book is planned for a series of for this community. We found cent." Her work is largely with four meetings. Price of the the service extremely devotional infants. She has established a book: board cover, 35c; paper and I felt the women really clinic which she calls "a Drop cover, 25c. Discussion kit, 15c. prayed. Twenty – five of the of Milk." "There is one thing Foreign Policy Association, 8 group participated actively in that I have noticed the lack of West 40th St., New York City. one way or another."
World~wide
A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO 1.
~===============================~ JAPAN-CHOSEN In the minds of the average Jap- aminations at the John D. Wells anese, Christianity is still as- Christian Accord associated with Western civili- School, Seoul, Chosen. Some zation. Nevertheless, what has failed; some lost out on the The National Christian Coun- been called "disembodied Chris- physical examination; and some cils of Japan and China have re- tianity" (Christian ideals and couldn't stand up under the scrucently taken definite steps in an standards observed by those who tiny of their former school receffort to bring about a closer re- are not actual church members) ords. From 13 different .provlation between the two organiza- is a strong force in Japan. This tions and between the Christians is evidenced by the facts that inces, the successful boys rated of the two nations. Both Coun- courses in Bible and Christian B or above in every subject, had cils are eager for closer rela- history are offered in some non- goo d personal records, and tions in order to understand Christian universities; that the showed much promise. About each other and build a bond of Bible and the Union Christian Christian brotherhood between Hymnal have a wide circulation half came from Christian famthe two peoples. Recent events among non-Christians; and that in North China, however, are social work, formerly a monop- ilies. bringing about further separa- oly of Christians, is now con- A 20th century note is seen in tion, at least in external rela- ducted by many other agencies. tionships. the fact that very few people -Monday Morning. The nation-wide United Evan- looked at the bulletin board in gelistic Movement is quietly go- Memorial to Dr. Uemura front of the school to read the ing forward in Japan. In addi- list of successful applicants, the reason was that almost every one had heard the names over the radio.
-Monday Morning.
tion to a program of evangelism, The Japan Theological Semi- ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC bands of evangelists are being n a r y (Presbyterian-Reformed organized for work among the Church) has recently dedicated Strange Island of New Guinea churches, youth is being trained a new recitation hall in memory for Christ, and lay leadership of Rev. M. Uemura, outstanding Rev. R. R. Hanselmann went and stewardship are advocated. Japanese Christian who died ten to New Guinea in 1926 as a mis- Arrangements have been made years ago. This Seminary is the sionary under the American Luto send out ten evangelistic official school of the Church of theran Church. While at home teams to conduct meetings and Christ in Japan. It was estab- on furlough he has given nearly hold conferences in eight prov- lished in 1930 by a union of the 800 lectures about his experiinces. Other provinces will be theological department of Meiji ences in this island of headworked later. Gakuin and a seminary in Tokyo hunters and tree-dwellers. established by Dr. Uemura. With "Disembodied Christianity" the exception of one small semi- New Guinea is the second nary in Kobe, all theological edu- largest island in the world and According to latest figures, cation of the Church of Christ in is shaped like a monstrous bird. the Church of Christ in Japan is Japan is now out of the hands of If the southeastern point were made up of about 340 churches. the missions, and directly under placed on the tip of the Florida Slightly more than half of these the management of the Japanese peninsula the northwestern point are entirely self-supporting, Church. would reach to Colorado. Vegewhile others receive aid either tation of unsurpassed luxuriance from the mission or from the This Church has been cele- covers nearly the entire island. self-supporting churches. A typ- brating its 50th meeting of Syn- Among the light and dark green ical church is a city organization od with a series of evangelistic foliage are incessant flashes of with a membership of 123, and a meetings. gorgeously colored birds, and Sunday school of 71 with an surpassing all in beauty is the average of five teachers. Up -Presbyterian Banner. Bird of Paradise. A constant until 1930, membership was stream of scientists and museum rapidly increasing, but since Applicants for Wells School collectors arrive in New Guinea then, owing in some degree to in quest of biological s·pecimens. the intensified feeling of nation- There was room for only 106 alism, the rate has slowed down. new boys out of the 844 appli- Lately discovered mineral re- cants who had paid the registra- sources have brought white men tion fee to take the entrance ex- in hordes. Beneficent govern- [436 ] ment penetration and mISSIOn church membership by about cies of the Church, and he used organizations have b r 0 ugh t 4,000, but the results of Chris- his privilege with good sense about prophylactic measures, tian education carried on over a and definite loyalty to Christian making the life of Europeans long period of years can now be teaching. It was voted to make reasonably safe. Six hundred seen in the annual increase in the conference an annual event. plantations are under European the Christian population. control, cultivating cocoanuts, -The Living Church. The British Government consugar~ane,rubber,kapok,coffee tributed over $360,000 toward NORTH AMERICA these mission schools in 1936. Of and cocoa. Gold-mining is one the 18,000 children enrolled in Church Membership Gains of the chief industries. The various types of school, one in aerial transport has developed four is a Christian and of the Religious bodies of the United into the largest freight carrying 6,000 in g ran t-i n-a i d boys' States, as a whole, are growing, air service in the world. schools, one in six is a member according to statistics gathered of the Church. As a result of this by the late Dr. George Linn The natives as a whole are less mission policy, and government Kieffer. ill-natured than popular accounts sympathy and aid, a Church of imply. Their aversion to bath- educated persons is being built In 1936, the total membership ing is one of their most marked in Malaysia. of all religious bodies in the characteristics. To Christianize United States reached 63,493,- such a people usually requires -Christian Century. 036, as compared with 62,655,- from fifteen to eighteen years 632 in the previous year. This from the time contact is estab- Thankful for Leprosy! represents a gain in membership lished with a wild tribe until the for the year of 837,404. tribe is ready for baptism. The Leprosy is the last thing for life of the native Christian mis- which most people would be The Baptists continue to lead sionary, stationed in out-lying thankful, yet at the watch night all other Protestant bodies with districts, is so convincing to the service at Culion Leper Colony a total increase for the year of heathen people that slowly they the following testimony was 140,308. The Reformed Churchlay aside their former mode of given: "I thank God Almighty es, not a large denomination in sinful living. The race has a fu- for having made me a leper be- comparison with the Baptists ture. Various mission agencies cause in this place I have found and Methodists, come second, in New Guinea have a staff total- my Lord and my Redeemer. I with a gain of 81,958. The Luing over 500 white workers. had tried to find joy, peace, and therans, with 43,905, are third, contentment from what the and the Methodists fourth with -The Bond. world had to offer, but all ended a membership gain of 41,798. in bitter disappointment. In Other notable increases were Dyak Christians Jesus I have found my salvation made by the Unitarians, with and real contentment." 38,026; the Protestant Episco- During the past six years, palians, with 21,193; the Evanabout 12,000 Dyaks have been Igorot Young People's gelicals, with 9,390; the Presbybaptized as Christians. Thi~ terians, with 6,507; the Nazarepresents four distinct fields; Conference renes, with 5,867; the Advent- East Bornea, the districts of Ma- ists, with 5,435; the Mennonites, hakam, Boelongan and Sesajap, The first Young People's. Con- with 4,101; the International and West Borneo, the district of ference of the Philippine Epis- Church of the Foursquare Gos- Kapoeas. The Dyaks, though copal Mission went beyond the pel, with 5,225; the Moravians, uncivilized and uneducated, are most optimistic expectations in with 1,624; and the United by no means stupid. They gen- its attendance of 100 young men Brethren, with 1,073. erally learn readily, and have re- and women, most of them Igotentive memories. There is a rots-though delegates included -The Churchman. simplicity of heart which is re- one ex-Moslem girl from Zamsponsive to the Gospel message. boanga. A Bible Crusade About 200 native students are in various stages of preparation for The general topic was Chris- A new movement has been the ministry.-The Pioneer. tian religion in relation to both launched in Chicago called the the old traditional ways of the "Bible Evangelistic Crusade," Methodists in Malaysia mountain province and the sud- which has for its purpose the den incidence of modern prob- evangelization of neg Ie c ted The Methodist Church has lems. To keep the native group towns and villages and country built up a mission in Malaysia from backwardness in express- places in the United States and on an educational foundation. ing views, the foreign attend- Canada. It is reported that Last year nearly 18,000 children ance was restricted to two. there are 10,000 churchless and young people attended their towns in America and 30,000 grade and high schools, where The meetings proved remark- without a resident pastor. There 690 Asiatics and 53 European able for the frankness and inter- are 36,000,000 children and adoand Am e ric a n teachers in- est of the opinions expressed. lescents growing up without any structed them. The number in For the first time the Igorot religious training whatever. these schools exceeds the total Christian was showing himself vocal in helping shape the poli-
Over eighty Bible Institutes amend broadly the state Sunday Our Crime Peril and Christian training schools in the U. S. are turning out law was defeated; in Indiana a Recent reports of the Federal thousands of young people each Bureau of Investigation apparyear equipped for Ch~ist~an bill to open the saloons on Sun- ently confirm our unenviable disservice. This new organIZatIOn tinction of having the worst will assist such workers in being day was killed by a vote of three crime record of any of the sofurnished with trailers, tents called civilized peoples of earth. and other necessary equipment to toesne~'tteamnpdtsinto several other The reports indicate that "a larto reach the more difficult fields. sta bring in com- ceny occurs every 44 seconds in Pastoral workers will be di- the United States, a burglary rected to the most encouraging mercialized sports and amuse- every two minutes, an automoplaces to follow up the work that bile theft every two and one-half has been begun, and will be ments and other business were minutes, a robbery every ten given some assistance in getting minutes, a felonous assault every started. When further support frustrated. One of the greatest twelve minutes, and a criminal is needed by evangelistic groups attack on a woman every 67 and missionary pastors, the or- victories won in law enforce- minutes." ganization will try to interest churches or individuals in fur- ment was the abolition of 17 The Bureau's figures show nishing a regular monthly al- that our national crime bill anlowance. burlesque show theaters in New nually is $15,000,000,000. This is a daily cost of more than $41,- -Evangelical Christian. York City. The Lord's Day Al- 000 000. "Every time the clock tick,s off a second, the count ry's Testaments for Prisoners liance has been driving hard crime bill jumps $475." Most of the crimes are committed by The Pocket Testament League against such performances. persons 22 years of age. How has recently sent 500 Testa- can these figures be reduced to ments for work among the pris- -Monday Morning. the minimum? oners of San Quentin Prison, California. This is the distrib- The Exeter Experiment Goodwill in Tennessee uting center for other state p~ nal institutions-at TehachapI, "Weare trying to bring the The Tennessee Interracial Forsom and one under construc- Commission, organized 19 years tion near Los Angeles. The di- Good News." Thus the religious ago, was first known as the Law rector of religious work at San work director of Mount Holyoke and Order League. Its program Quentin, Alfred C. Schmitt,. in- College epitomizes an experi- was enlarged when its name was terviews all prisoners and gIves ment at Exeter, Maine, forty changed. Under its first name it Testaments to those desiring miles from Bangor. Four years confined itself to crime preventhem. The demand is so great ago this director, Mis~ Kathe- tion and crusaded against mob that the director has called for rine Grammer and MISS Mar- violence. The enlarged program another 500 copies immediately. garet Teague, secretary for ru- includes health, housing, sanita- He writes: "Some of the in- tion education, recreation, travmates become so attached to ral work of the diocese of Maine, eling accommodations on public their Pocket Testaments that asked themselves what could be carriers, child welfare and imthey request the privilege of done to meet the religious needs provement of rural conditions. taking them along with them of a b a c k woo d s generation. Its methods are (1) the promowhen they go out on paroIe." growing up without any real tion of mutual understanding of (Gifts to supply these Testa- viewpoints and needs; and (2) ments may be sent to the Pocket knowledge of Christ and His the cooperation of the two races Testament League, 156 Fifth Church. Instead of merely la- in securing the ends agreed upon Ave., New York.) menting facts, a vacation school in conferences, usually through was planned. For four w~eks the building of favorable public "Remember the Sabbath" eight students and a tramed sentiment. nurse afford the only regular op- All Christian citizens can re- portunity the children and even In the beginning, some of the joice in the increase of interest difficulties were: radical elein preserving the civil institu- the adults of that vicinity have ments in both races; indifference tion of the Sabbath. Of the 43 during the entire year for seri- to constructive efforts for betterstate legislative bodies in sessi?n ment· and a tendency to proin 1937, proposed adverse legIs- ous religious instruction, as well mote 'selfish ends. But in time lation has been defeated more notable results were achieved. than a score of times: In New as forthe teaching of recreational Much has been done in the cor- York State five such bills went rection of interracial injustices down to defeat; in Iowa a bill to values. Approximately 100 chil- and the betterment of conditions affecting Negroes. Oppressive mdarteen~iafrlowmit5h to 21, are the raw which the vacation school works. They are collected in beach wagons or make their own way to the farmhou~e and barn in which the school IS con- d u c ted. Classes, handicraft work and expert recreation make up the program of the morni~g.
A morning, and a sunset serVIce is conducted each day. More than 300 adults attend the Sun- day evening services. – Miss G ram mer and Miss Teague believe that they have at least paved the way toward de- veloping a technique which can be used in other rural areas.
-The Living Church.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
measures have been opposed. tious than a bottle of pills. The the island, but the large number Inconsiderate and brutal officers missionary supplied such relief of letters he receives from peo- have been called to account. Co- as he could to the suffering peo- ple not touched by churches is operation in community enter- ple with a few pills until in 1904 a witness to the value of this prises has been promoted. Ne- when the Presbyterians sent out s e r vic e. The First Baptist gro members have been privi- a medical missionary and built Church of Santiago has been leged to lay bare any inj ustices the first little hospital. helping a Spanish priest who which they feel their race is suf- The work rapidly outgrew its within the last year left the Ro- fering, assured of a courteous first quarters and today there man Catholic Church. For the and friendly hearing. stands a grade "A" hospital with present he is supporting himself Close contacts are maintained 110 beds; a children's ward; by teaching in the day school with church groups. Baptist, nurses' home; a training school of the First Church. The Bap- Methodist and Presbyterian of fifty-five nurses; and a 1936 tist Church in Palma Soriano, a denominations have indorsed the record of more than 32,000 pa- town of 20,000 inhabitants, has Tennessee interracial movement, tients. The hospital was placed outgrown its building which and many have accepted re- on the approved list of hospitals seats only 160. Its average at- sponsibility for leadership. for graduate study in tropical tendance in Sunday school is -Tennessean Magazine. medicine by the Council of Med- 230.
Pima Indian Evangelist ical Education of the American Brazil's Student Problem Medical Association. In the re- When a Pima Indian becomes motest country barrio and in the It has long been realized that crowded city it is known as "EI one of the serious missionary a Christian he is usually filled Presbiteriano." problems of the Latin world is with a desire to win others. Pima the approach to the student -Presbyterian Banner. class. The Student Union for churches regularly send teams Christian Service was organized of lay workers into areas where Religion in the West Indies twelve years ago, and at present there is no church or resident confines its activity to students minister. A group of 16 of these Charles S. Detweiler, Baptist in evangelical schools of higher lay workers recently returned Home Mission Secretary, reports education. With nearly 500 memfrom a 10-day itinerary in dif- observations on a recent trip to bers it already has a considerferent parts of the reservation, the West Indies. able effect upon the lives of its devoting their entire time to members, and the necessity for personal evangelism. In Port – au – Prince, Haiti, personal witness is impressed there are four Pro t est ant upon all who join. A Pima Indian Christian en- churches, the Episcopalian, the tered an exclusive shop in Pasa- Wesleyan, the African Method- -World Dominion Press. dena, California. Conversing ist Episcopal and the Baptist. with the saleslady, he said, "I The largest of these churches suppose you attend church ?" has the poorest building. There Echoes of Martyrdom When she replied that she did is real religious freedom in Haiti. not, he began then and there to In Puerto Rico, Protestant in- From the region along the tell her of the love of God for fluence in public life is growing. Amazon where the Messrs. Rob- His children, and how He sent For some time the head of the erts, Wright and Dawson, known Jesus down to earth to save us- Teachers College and the second as the "three Freds," disappreaching her a short sermon in rank in the University has peared in martyrdom, comes the right in the store, which was been a Puerto Rican Presbyte- report that 1,200 Kayapo Inacross from one of the largest rian, and now the Chancellor of dians had suddenly emerged churches in Pasadena. People the University is another Pres- from their forests and descended came to listen and the Indian byterian. The new Commission- on the little town of Nova carried on, proud that he could er of Education, recently ap- Olinda. Fear at first prevailed tell the story to one who hadn't pointed by President Roosevelt, that they had come to massacre; yet learned to love Him. Before is a Puerto Rican Presbyterian. but a strange thing had ocleaving he exacted a promise, A very outspoken Baptist, prom- curred. Wars in their home diswhich the woman seemed glad to inent in political life, is presi- tricts had driven them forth, and give, that from then on she dent of the Board of Commis- they were seeking safety and would attend church. -Monday Morning. sioners of the City of San Juan, food. The news was received by and also a member of the Public the field workers as an answer LATIN AMERICA Service Commission of the Is- to prayer, and steps were taken land. The pastor of the Second to meet the opportunity. Two Hospital in Puerto Rico Baptist Church of Santiago, missionaries soon were on their Cuba, broadcasts for one hour way up the Xingu, with a ton of The Presbyterian Hospital in his Sunday morning service, and farina.
San Juan, Puerto Rico, repre- every day from seven to seven- Contact with these Kayapos sents the steady growth of an thirty he is on the air with a was established, and to the de- idea projected nearly forty years devotional service. The station light of the missionaries they ago with nothing more preten- reaches only the eastern half of found that God had been prepar-
ing for this meeting for ten years French Protestant Church tants, yet each is profiting by the past, at which time the language struggle of the other. had been reduced to writing. The French Pro t est ant Dr. Charles S. Macfarland, The new settlement has brought Church, though weak numerithe Indians to a place where the cally and financially, is a true secretary emeritus of the Fed- Gospel can be preached to them. missionary Church. The Paris eral Council of Churches, has Already a few have accepted Missionary Society which has issued an open letter to Hitler, in Christ. which he condemns the official been carrying on its work for 113 German attitude toward religion The last letter received from years, is working in eight differ- on four counts: the band of three contained this ent fields, wherein labor 165 misappeal: "Brethren, pray and sionaries. The whole work is (1) Hitler has "seized control over supported by an annual budget the Church, arrested multitudes of its send others to continue what the of five million francs. French pastors, confined many of them, and Lord has begun." missionaries are also working in permitted not a few to be assaulted the Methodist Mission on the without open rebuke of their at- -Alliance Weekly. tackers."
EUROPE Ivory Coast, and the Norwegian (2) Despite his promise to unite Call to be "Up and Doing" Lutheran Mission in Madagas- car. The present membership of the Church he has "divided it between those who comply, those who are neu- tral, and those who courageously op- Church attendance in England the French Churches is about pose [his] domination." 700,000, divided among 1,038 (3) Despite his promise to regard is reported as declining. The the "confession" of the Church as Methodists say that 60,000 few- parishes under the direction of er pupils attend Sunday school; 1,097 pastors. sacred, Hitler has "endeavored to c h u r c h membership has de- crush out its basic doctrine of the -World Dominion Press. Fatherhood of God and the brother- creased by 3,000. The Baptists Religion at the Paris hood of mankind." report a decline of pupils by Exposition nearly 20,000, of church mem- (4) "Instead of doing justice to the bers by nearly 1,500. Causes are Visitors to the Paris exhibi- Jews you have permitted them to be harassed and despoiled, without :he slightest appearance of mercy."
suggested include week-end hab- tion may discover several fea- When Hitler came into power it of hiking; opening of cinemas tures of special interest. A mis- he asked that he be given four on Sunday; Sunday excursions; sion boat of the McAll Mission years before people should judge dropping of family prayers; in- his policy. The four years have fluence of radio sermons. The will be found between the Alma elapsed and the judgment must and Passy bridges. Here, daily be one of condemnation. Scots Church's General Assembly has serious things to report services will be held. On the -The Living Church. gangway of the pont d'Alma, is a about reduced incomes for work bookstall containing Bibles and abroad. The foreign missions religious publications. The Godless Union accounts revealed a deficit of An exhibition of Protestant over $250,000. Sabbath observ- Art is a special feature at the Vigorous efforts to increase ance was lost in the Great War. American Church (63, Quai d'- membership in the Godless Un- -R. BIRCH HOYLE. Orsay) . This will be on view ion are being made by Litvinoff, London's Mosque from June 18, although the Russian Commissioner for For- Church itself is open from the eign Affairs. All applicants for The Nizam of Hyderabad has beginning of the Exposition. A diplomatic posts abroad, likewise provided a s,ite in West Kensing- leaflet in English and French en- all members of the Diplomatic ton, London, for a Mohammedan titled "Souvenirs of French Prot- Service at present employed mosque. The foundation stone estantism," by Pastor Boss, is abroad, must be members of the was laid on 4th June by the being published by the National Godless Union, or face dismissal.
Prince of Berar, the son and Touring Center. A Welcome The decree is also extended to heir of the Nizam, surrounded Center for Women (47, Quai d'- com mer cia I representatives by a distinguished company of Orsay) is open from 9 a. m. until abroad. The Osservatore Ro- Moslem representatives from 9 p. m. -The Christian. mano says that during last year Egypt, Arabia, Turkey, Persia German Churches Firm membership of the Union greatand other countries. Like the ly increased, and its funds im- mosque at Woking, the London The Nazi's are not making proved by the payment by every mosque will be a miniature of much headway a g a ins t the member abroad of a special conthe Taj Mahal and is to be fin- Christian Church. Roman Cath- tribution. The new decree has ished at the end of the year. It olics have no intention of retreat- resulted in 6,700 new adhesions will hold about 1,000 people, ing or compromise; confessional- to the Union. The Komsomol quite large enough to accommo- Protestants have set up a secret has ordered Russian youth to' date the worshippers. The total council, to which pastors pledge imp r 0 v e their antireligious number of Moslems and those obedience, in defiance of the work, and to win between May 2 interested in Islam in the whole Reich. and August 2, 200,000 boys and of Great Britain is estimated at So far as known, there is girls as recruits. 2,000. nothing resembling a u nit e d Antireligious pro p a g and a -World Dominion Press. front of Catholics and Protes- abroad was stimulated by the
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
despatch of appropriate litera- Emirates in the Sudan are open- Britain has not full liberty to ture valued at 1,500,000 rubles, ing for the missionaries of the expel priests of Italian or any chiefly to Switzerland, Holland, Sudan United Mission. Many other nationality. The British France, Spain, England and followers of Islam are awaken- Government is, however, anx- Belgium. Sixty-five thousand ing to the deficiencies of their ious to show church circles that rubles only were received from system. The first conference of it is fighting with all the re- Kabyle converts was held re- sources of diplomacy behind the recipients. -World Dominion Press. cently, and on almost every sta- British missionaries who may be tion there are signs of the work- in trouble. This has been Brit- Protestantism in Austria ing of the Holy Spirit, and that ish policy whenever mission- Since February more than the seed sown through so many aries' lives or teaching activities 15,000 people in Austria have years will soon bear fruit. have been endangered in China entered the Protestant Church. or elsewhere, and the same pol- In Vienna alone about 10,000 -The Christian. icy is being carried out now. have taken this step. A great Moslem Stronghold Crumbling -New York Times.
many of these were formerly There is today throughout Bible Pictures to "Think Roman Catholic, but the major- Africa a mighty movement away Black" ity were without religious de- from Islam and paganism, sinomination. Many of them are multaneous with the movement An attempt to stress the need very poor and out of work, yet away from Hinduism in India. of "thinking black" in any ap- such is their desire for spiritual The Sudan Interior Mission sees proach of the white man to Afriteaching that they visit regular- new opportunities in the open- can children is the plan of the ly divine services and Bible ing up of the Moslem strongholds World's Sunday School Associaclasses which the Protestant of Northern Nigeria to the Gos- tion to present awards to native Church has organized for them. pel. The Nigerian Government African artists who produce il- Protestant churches are filled to is now willing to hand over the lustrations of the parables conoverflowing, and the few pastors leper camps in these provinces veying the fullest meaning to have so much to do that it will to the missionary society. native African children. The be necessary to employ new as- With the acceptance of the story of "the widow's mite" does sistants to impart religious in- challenge, the call has gone forth not make sense to the African. struction. The State authorities for a hundred new missionaries, How can she be the "poor widare very unfriendly towards this including doctors and nurses. ow" with her flowing dress is -Life of Faith. the incredulous reaction of the movement, and put every ob- stacle in the way of preventing Italy's Ethiopian Policy African native. The results of persons from leaving the Roman this venture will be marked by Catholic Church. Italy's action in forbidding an originality which s h 0 u I d From all parts of Austria ur- British, American and French prove refreshing. missionaries to carryon their' gent requests are pouring in for -W. S. S. A.
Bibles and New Testaments. A work in Ethiopia, gives point to Uplift for the Bantus pastor in Syria writes: "I come Foreign Secretary Ant h 0 n y from a little village in which twenty have entered the Prot- Eden's guarded reminder that Missionary work in the Portuestant Church, and they all request me to send them Bibles the British Government "must guese colony of Bantus is chiefly and Catechisms. This was not a political movement, because they reserve the right to consider" among nine recruits of the Transwanted nothing other than God's the expulsion of Italian mission- vaal. There can be no doubt of Word." -Bible Society Record. aries from Malta, Nigeria and the influence of the "East Coast other parts of the British Em- Boys" on the Christian villages pire. The expulsion of British which have grown up in Portu- missionaries has been the sub- guese East Africa. After work- ject of prolonged negotiation ing in the mines of the Trans- AFRICA which have not proven success- vaal, particularly on the Wit- ful. England's threat is not watersrand, they return home Is Islam Tottering? likely to be translated into ac- with ideas about a home which tion, but at least it calls atten- cannot tolerate the old heathen W. Cecil Collinson, Secretary tion to the injustice of Rome's customs, and either these have of the Egypt General Mission, policy. had to go or they have built a observes that large numbers of Italian priests and teachers group of huts in a new spot Moslems are tiring of the for- are to be found chiefly in Malta, away from their pagan relatives.
malities of Islam. Here are some Nigeria and Palestine. In MaTta These structures are finer than facts which go to prove that most of them already have been the pagan huts, influenced by there are signs of a real change replaced by Maltese; in Nigeria, homes they have seen of the in the situation. In every Mos- Italian missionaries are only a white people in the Transvaal.
lem community of over 50,000 handful com par e d with the In the midst of the new huts has inhabitants there is a nucleus of French, while Palestine is a been built the chapel with a bell, witness for Christ. Long-closed mandated territory in which where the leader calls the people
morning and evening to read the tegic importance of this educa- There has been a marked Scriptures, pray and sing hymns learned in the Transvaal. tional program is seen in the deepening of interest in the Gos- The Bantu thinks and works fact that the seven secondary pel m e s sag e among various in circles rather than straight lines. His house is circular, his schools in Palestine educate classes of people. Among the village is circular and his thinking follows a circuitous route. practically one-half the Arabs causes of this should be noted: Christianity widens his mental horizon and helps him to think receiving such training, and a first, a general consciousness and construct in terms of rows of superior huts with fruit and not inconsiderable number of the that we are in a most critical flowering trees between them, which provide ventilation, clean- Jews. period of the world's history; liness and improved sanitation. Many observers say despond- second, the results of seed pre- -World Dominion PreISs. ently that there is no solution of viously sown; and third, the Rhodes-Livingstone Institute the problem of Arab, Jew and prayers of friends. There is The year 1940 will mark not only the jubilee of the founda- Briton; others offer political or greater opportunity for reaching tion of the two Rhodesias in 1890 by Cecil Rhodes, but also diplomatic ways out, but the Moslems as more and more chilthe centenary of the departure for Africa in 1840 of David Liv- only workable plan is to make all dren take advantage of the ingstone. It is proposed that this double anniversary should be three Christian. schools. Approximately 100 boys commemorated in Nor t he r n -Spirit of Missions. and girls attend Sunday school. Rhodesia by the establishment of a Rhodes-Livingstone Insti- News from Syria These are divided into three tute of Central African Studies classes or groups with competent which will serve as a combined The Danish Mission to the teachers, each child being permemorial to these two men. Orient has opened a new Evan- mitted to enter the group of his The proposed institute is in- gelical Church at Hafar, Syria. own language. The pupils in one tended to further scientific study In five boys schools 69 % are class are all Moslem. of the impact of European civili- Moslems and in the girls' schools zation upon native African So- -Near East Christian Council. ciety. It will be located at Liv- 78 %. Students are more seriousingstone, the old capital of minded than those of ten years Northern Rhodesia, seven miles ago, and there has been in- INDIA-SIAM-MALAYIA from Victoria Falls. creased interest in the various Reaching the Multitudes WESTERN ASIA voluntary religious services. Financial difficulties h a v e The Methodist Church in Hy- Christian Schools in Palestine caused the Danish Mission to the derabad is responsible for a Armenians to close their clinic Christian community of 100,000 Christian schools are the only in Beirut, and a reduction of the persons. Those who have been places where Jew and Moslem, numbers in Birds' Nest, Jubeil; reached are eager to learn more, as well as Christians, meet to- but industrial work has sup- and there are some remarkable gether, study together, play on ported many needy women, and testimonies to changed lives and the same terms, and, in the children have been paid for in cleaner homes. Those who for spirit of Christian charity, learn schools. Bible-women are used generations have been in bondthat give and take which are so for evangelistic work in homes age to idol worship and the powimportant. Last year when the and meetings and conferences ers of darkness find it no easier feeling between Jews and Arabs have been held. The Swiss So- to walk in a path of true separarose to boiling point, and all ciety of Ghazir has given help to tion than do the followers of Arab schools, even those under Armenian village colonies by C h r i s t in more enlightened the government, went on strike, placing nurses among them, in lands, where Christianity has Christian schools still went on. addition to their work among been making its influence felt There was difficulty at times in the blind. In spite of the difficult for centuries. To the end that keeping Arab and Jew together, financial situation the Armenian converts may be strengthened, but it was done. Result: the churches have taken increased "refresher courses" are given. schools have been crowded as responsibility for carrying on These are attended by pastors, never before. Jews and Arabs their work, and have even evangelists, village teachers and say what they find there is started new work in three or young men and women from vil- "character training." The stra- lage congregations. On one oc- four centers. -Near East Christian Council. casion several village teachers gathered for a time of prayer In Iraq and meditation in connection "Iraq reports a steadily in- with their work, after which it creasing stream of tourists, and was estimated that in one week the missionaries are glad that 85,000 persons heard the Gospel.
many of them are sufficiently in– Rev. C. W. Posnett is leading· terested in missions to take time this work. Not long ago a vil- to see mission work. The most lage chief, who had continually noteworthy visitation recently persecuted the native Christian was in the form of a conference teacher, went to Mr. Posnett and in Baghdad of five officials of the said: "I used to persecute your British and Foreign, and the teacher; I pulled down the thatch American Bible Societies. from his shed, and tried to drive
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
him out, but I have come to tell five stations (Madras, Conjeev- plexes will be shed when one can you that I want his religion; eram, Chingleput, Arkonam and read his own Bible, subscribe to your teacher has saved and Sriperumbudur) together with his own paper, and form his changed my village, and he is 450 coworkers, eight Indian min- own opinions at first hand. now my friend." isters with 8,000 church mem- bers, give stalwart witness to the -United Church Review. -The Christian. growth and strength of this work. Dr. Laubach's Method "Temple Entry" Proclamation An outstanding feature of Dr. Frank C. Laubach says Caste Hindus in Travancore those early days was the baptism that teaching the people of Inhave issued a proclamation com- of two students, P. Rajahgopal dia to read is like trying to tear pelling the depressed class Chris- and A. Venkataramiah, which down the Himalayas. Only 8 tian converts to go to Hindu caused a furore, reduced the per cent of the 340,000,000 can temples. If they do not forsake school attendance from 400 to 70 read, and only 7 per cent of Christianity, they are not al- overnight, and brought on a those who can read can do it lowed to reap the harvest, and court case, through all of which well enough to understand what some are turned out of their the Christian leaders stood un- they are reading. Dr. Laubach poor dwellings. This restriction compromisingly for their faith, thinks he has the explanation. is being applied to London Mis- resulting in many conversions. There is in India a spoken lansion, Romon Catholic, Salvation guage and a written, in all the Army and Syrian converts in Madras Christian College, an large languages. These go by places like Avaneeswaram and outgrowth of the work of this the same name but have differ- Thalavoor. The matter has at- mission is celebrating the Cen- ent vocabularies. It is as if you tracted the attention of Mr. tenary by transfer to a new lo- were learning Greek, or Hebrew, Gandhi, who has promised to try cation covering 390 a'cres at and had to learn both a new voto better the situation. Tambaram, sixteen miles south cabulary and a new alphabet. -National Missionary Intelli- of Madras. It is worse than that for the il- literate, for he has never learned gencer. -United Church Review. any letters and does not know what to expect. Dr. Laubach is Santal Mission Anniversary Literacy by 1941 advocating that all illiterates be taught in their own dialects, This year marks the seven- The All-India Conference of learning to read in the spoken tieth anniversary of the found- India Christians has issued a language. Thus the other laning of the Santal Mission of challenge: "Every Christian guages will become dead. North India. Of the founders, able to read by 1941." Here are Hans Peter Borresen and Lars some of the reasons for expect- -Missionary Herald. Olsen Skrefsrud, the former was ing a literate Church of Christ a native of Denmark, the latter in India four years hence. First, Gospel Inn at Leh of Norway. The mission is now there are many evidences of a supported by Lutherans in Den- widespread interest in adult lit- The Christian tells us that at mark, Norway and America. eracy. Active committees are Leh, on the border of VVestern There are fifty missionaries in at work in every part of the Tibet where Moravian missionthe field, twenty from Norway, country in the study of the prob- aries have labored for many twenty from Denmark and ten lems involved, in the prepara- years without seeing much fruit, from America, and the field is tion of materials, in the encour- it is now proposed to erect a expanding. Scattered over a agement of voluntary teachers "Gosnel Inn," in an attempt to strip of territory 400 miles lon~ of the illiterate. Preliminary at- obtain closer contact with nilare small Santal churches with tempts have met with distinct grims on their wav to their holy their pastors, evangelists and success. Striking achievements city. This inn will afford shel- Bible women. There are village in other countries spur India to ter and rest for the pilgrims and schools, and, in the large cen- the attainment of literacy. Rus- give opportunity for the missionters, boarding schools both for sia raised her literary from 33 aries to minister to their spiritboys and girls. There are also to 90 per cent between 1921 and ual needs. orphan homes, hospitals, and at 1931. In China, Dr. Y. C. James Saldoha a colony for lepers. Yen, began a mass literacy Christian Villages in Siam movement in 1922 with 1,450 Madras Centenary students; and within seven years One of Siam's largest Chris- he had taught five million to tian groups consists of ten vil- Scottish missionaries in Ma- read and write. lages where work is being cardras and vicinity are rejoicing ried on by Siamese leaders. In in their hundred years of his- Recent research has shown the largest church in this area tory. In February of 1837, John that the adult can learn to read there are several active organ- Anderson, son of a blind farmer some five times as rapidly as a izations-a large primary Sunof southern Scotland, landed in child. Many are influenced in day school, a large day school, Madras and began a school with their interest in literacy by the and a Kings Daughters circle. a definite evangelistic aim. To- political franchise to be gained They have their own evangelists day, thirty-six missionaries in by the literate. Inferiority com- whom they send out to work in
neighboring villages. There is colleges are coming to positio~s reconsecrating themselves to a large group of people studying of influence in the State and III Christ and four applying for now to be received into the all the learned professions. In church membership. c h u r c h as soon as they are the last dozen years the number ready. These church members of enrolled students of the Chris- Rev. C. H. Wong, pastor of tithe, and their gifts are more tian colleges has increased from the East Shanghai B a p ti s t than enough to meet the ex- 2000 to over 7,000. There are Church, asks these questions of penses of the church and sup- 800 graduates going out of these candidates for church memberport their own pastor. They institutions every year to take ship: are now asking for an assistant up their careers of various pastor, since the one cannot do kinds." What does it mean to be a Chrisall the work that might be done. -Missionary Herald (London). tian? Why do you want to become a They are ready to assume the Christian? What is the difference besupport of the extra pastor as Radio Preaching tween a Christian and a non-Chrissoon as he can be obtained. tian? Are the members of you~ fam- One of the most encouraging ily Christian? . Does yo~r .famIly ob- Singapore Churches features of Christian work in ject to your bemg a ChrrstIan? What Shanghai today is the Christian would you do if some one should per- Churches in Singapore differ Broadcasting Station. The un- secute you for being a Christian? Why from those in America in that usual thing about the broadcasts do you wan~ to join the. church? Wh~t they are run by young people, is their popularity, since only is the meamng of oaptIsm, the Lord s for in the ordinary church there one person out of 300 is a Chris- Supper, prayer, etc.? Do you p.r3:Y and are more youths than adults. tian. The station was begun, read your Bible? Are you wIllmg to The explanation for this is found and is still financed by a Chris- help bring others to Christ? in the fact that the church con- tian Chinese business merchant, ducts primary and· secondary who probably gives not less than Sometimes candidates are schools in every section of the nine-tenths of his income to God, asked to wait for further study city. These mission schools meet and part of it meets the heavy of Christianity, or until they the government standards, and expenses connected with this have a deeper experience of teach religion during these form- broadcasting center. W hen Christ before they are presented ative years, so that religious some one suggested that perhaps to the church for membership. education is a part of the whole more money was being spent on process, and not merely a Sun- its maintenance than should be, -Watchman-Examiner. day morning project. he replied that instead of spend- ling less, he felt he ought to Fukien's Experiment Another difference is that the spend more, and would do so. congregations are interracial; Thus he is now proposing that Fukien Christian University, the Sunday school and worship Government stations in other with a dozen villages within an service may be in Chinese from provincial capitals be placed at hour's walk of its campus – a 8: 30 to 10: 30. English may be the service of Christian preach- campus fashioned out of seventy the language for the next two ers. By payment of a fixed sum acres of rice and potato fields, hours and Malay in the after- to the authorities in charge of is not unmindful of its obliganoon. The same minister may those stations, half-an-hour daily tion to solve its share of the Chihave two of these groups and can be allowed for the broad- nese rural problem. The unisometimes the third. Race does casting of the Gospel. This ra- versity believes that the r~con not matter-only language. dio service reaches "the war struction of the rural areas IS an lords and the politicians, the experiment, and therefore an ex- Six out of ten churches in farmers and the factory work- pert's task. Francis Chen, with Singapore are self-supporting. ers, the old and the young, the his Yale Ph.D., in rural econom- Those receiving mission help are pirates and the followers of ics has returned to China as exthe newly organized ones. Some Christ." -China's Millions. pe;imenter. A gift secured by of the Chinese laymen have Rev. E. H. Smith, of the AmerIstarted an anti-opium clinic Evangelism in Shanghai can Board in Ingtai, provides which they are supporting, and funds for a five-year period of reports show over 1,000 patients University experimenting; and the village with 1,400 on the waiting list. of Nieu Tien is the starting It is the custom at the Uni- point. . -RALPH A. FELTON. versity of Shanghai (Baptist), to have four evangelistic meet- Forty year'S of revolution have CHINA ings each year, each called "Re~ made the farmer their victim. ligious Emphasis Week." Per- He is the sufferer from the civil Christian Influence Expanding sonal work is done largely wars, exorbitant taxes, the cor- through fellowship groups. dur- rupt and bewildered gentry, not At a meeting in London of ing the year. The l~st serIes ~f to speak of bandits and commu- British Missionary Societies, meetings resulted III 14 decI- nists. The farmers constitute Rev. C. E. Wilson, Baptist For- sions, twenty-two desiring to four-fifths of the total popula-: eign Secretary, said: enter Bible classes, seventy-four tion. To save the farmer is, therefore, to save the nation. "It is one of the most remarkable features of modern China -Far Horizons. that the graduates of Christian Through Personal Contact Of 28 students and teachers baptized in one station in China
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
during the past year, 17 came ites" has learned a great deal of the Church of Christ in China. from non-Christian schools. A about the Chiang people of the Similar boards are being de- Presbyterian m iss ion a r y in western borderland of China. veloped at Kulangsu and Chuancharge of student work there They live between China proper chow. Outlying hospitals at says that these were not super- and Tibet. They bear such un- Changpu and Siokhe will be opficial or emotional decisions, but mistakable marks of being Is- erated as branches of the Changfollowed many months of care- raelitish that Mr. Torrance chow hospital center, and it is ful training in communicants' says: "Were they clad in foreign proposed that other outlying classes, and much personal dis- dress and set down in London or hospitals shall be designated as cussion with other Christians. New York, they would be taken branches of the Kulangsu and Most of these young people first at once for Jews." Chuanchow centers respectively. became interested in Christianity The description he gives of the Each of the three missions conthrough Christian stu den t s use of an altar in the sacred cerned have given approval to whom they knew. Said this mis- grove, and of the slaying of the the plan. sionary: "It is easier to get stu- sacrificial lamb by an appointed dents into a vital relationship priest, clad in special priestly GENERAL with God in their personal lives garments, is strangely reminis- Religion—'Not Philosophy than to lead them into the cent of the Old Testament sacri- Needed fices, and the likeness is further Church." -Monday Morning. borne out by the ritualistic use President Jam e s Rowland of a priestly rod bearing the im- Angell of Yale University insists age of a serpent, recalling the that religion, rather than phi- Leprosy Conferences ancient Nehustan. The similar- losophy must be relied on to Within a week after the tragic ities between Israelitish and change the human heart and shooting of sixty lepers at Chiang religious practices all solve our many problems. Said Yeungkong, two of the most shed fresh light on many an elu- he at the Bowdoin Institute of noted scientific bodies in China sive Bible allusion. The national Philosophy: were in session-the Chinese story of the Chiang people un- "Anything which gives any Medical Association and the doubtedly holds the answer to promise of restoring some meas- Third National Conference on many hitherto unanswered ques- ure of sobriety of outlook, some Leprosy. The national character tions of religion and history. common convictions a m 0 n g of these two organizations made Mr. Torrance's work of Bible thoughtful and honorable men, them loud-speakers of protest distribution in West China has is deserving of encouragement. against these executions. On the strictly intellectual side, brought many Chiang villages philosophy and science are alone The Me d i c a I Association likely to gain the necessary hearpassed the following resolution, into the Christian fold. ing from our thinking leaders, quickly seconded by the Leprosy -Bible Society Record.
Conference: Three Missions Unite Medical and perhaps by contagion some Work shreds of sanity may spread to That the Chinese Medical Association, in session at the Medical Center, Dr. Edward H. Hume sends common folk who have neither Shanghai, has heard with dismay of the mental power nor the train- the premeditated murder of lepers in an account of the federation of ing to think through basic probthe Yeungkong hospital leper settlement and the subsequent looting of three medical missions in China, lems for themselves. In the the settlement by soldiers; formerly maintained separately larger area of feeling and emo- by three denominations, to com- tion, to which appeal has finally That, apart from the natural ab- bine all medical work in South horrence of such cruelties, this and to be made before any social re- similar acts, in direct contravention Fukien into one unit. Late in sponse of significant magnitude of the orders of the Canton authorities, as expressed in their published 1936, a survey committee was can be hoped for, I think we injunctions strictly forbidding the appointed by the three missions molestation of lepers, do more than must look to essential religion. I involved – American Reformed, personally think that the most anything else to spread the disease by English Presbyterian and Eng- sophisticated can with intellectdriving every leper into hiding; lish Congregational – w h i c h ual assurance turn to the convic- And that immediate steps be taken by the officers of this conference to studied the entire area and tion that spiritual forces are inapproach the proper authorities in reached the conclusion that it digenous to ultimate reality, that they are in part reflected in such Nanking and Canton, urging that would be desirable to commence suitable penalties be imposed on the united activities at one center, conceptions as we have of jusmurderers, that steps be taken to protect the lepers, and especially to pre- while regarding the hospitals of tice and truth and beauty and the vent the molestation of those under- love of our fellow man." He going medical treatment. the entire area as essentially be- added that the task of turnin~ longing to a single plan. The -Without the Camp. Board of Managers of the hos- people as individuals from mal- pital at Changchow (London ice, cruelty, and selfish lust "is a The Chiangs of West China Mission) agreed to go out of ex- task which religion can most istence and a new board was cre- easily perform, and hardly any The author of "China's First ated, three of whose members other agency can make a real be- Missionaries – Ancient Israel- were designated by the Synod ginning."
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Our. Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information A Theology for Christian Missions. pear, as he recognizes! with t~e tain them. Meanwhile it is good By Hugh Vernon White. 220 pp. historic Catholic faIth. HIS Christology does not seem to be to have this thoughtful book $2. Willett, Clark & Co., New York the historic Chris~ology either of which goes so far and sets forth and Chicago. 1937. the Roman Catholic Church or so much truth as to life and of the theology of the Reformed thought and duty that one This book begins with a re- Churches. He reverences Jesus freshing note, at variance with wishes it would go further and the easy unrational and self-con- Christ as the historic revelation recover all of the great evan- of the character of God but says tradictory view of the past gen- little of the Risen Christ as a liv- gelical tradition which is as true eration which eschewed any in- ing supernatural person and today and will be as true tomorterest in the theological basis of foreign missions and advocated now as it ever was.
the adequacy of the ideal and R. E. SPEER. motive of human service. But presence and little of the mysti- cal element .of Christian experi- Two Missionary Voyages. By Thomas why were the ideal and motive ence. He saves a good deal of TPrhoommoptsionng. 8C7hprips.tiaIns. KSnoocwielteydfgoer. of human service adequate? the old but the movement of London. 1937.
Any attempt to answer this q?es- thought preserves the human- This little paper-bound book tion involved the answerer III a istic construction of the past few rescues from obscurity the name theology, a very thin and poor decades instead of entering into of a pioneer missionary who was theology perhaps, but still a the- the new currents which return sent out nearly two hundred ology which sooner or later had to God, rather than man, as the years ago (1745) by the Society to grapple with the meaning of the ideas of God and man and center and the constructive prin- for the Propogation of the Gos- ciple of Christian thought and pel of the Church of E,ngland to society. experience. The emphasis her2 work among the EnglIsh colon- Dr. White sees all this clearly is on man's service of his ists in New Jersey, and who, and states his view with unmis- brother, using the concepts of when his opportunity was closed takable plainness: God and of the teaching and ex- by the Revolution five years It is my strong conviction that the ample of the historic Jesus, later became the first Anglican Christian mission must have an ex- rather than on God in Christ, missionary to West Africa. His plicit theology to sustain it. These the Christ of history, the living interesting account of his adventlheecotuloregsi,cathl epreofionrteo, frevpireewseannt da dthefeinaitte- Christ, at wodrk u1sintg' manf Hfo' r turous voyages and varied extempt to ground evangelical Christian- the service an sa va Ion 0 IS periences were published by the children. The books cited are Society during his lifetime, but itv in beliefs about God, Christ, man .and the nature of the spiritual life, the books of the humanistic had been out of print and lost trend and thehre 'stehems to be for 150 years till a stray cop.y wprheiscehntc-adnaybeChhreilsdtiawnisthancodnwfidheicnhceCb2ny either no touc WI or a con- was found in the Rutger's 11be defended rationally and sustained scious ignoring of the new and brary in New Brunswi<;k. T~e by practical experience. Evangelical tfshaioeintohslo. ghiacIsaflatshfuuapntpdosarumtpeponoftratClhfrsaitla~ltksi,eanCinhmr~tIhss-e- dominant currents which turn Society has now republIshed It, back to the B.iblicaDl coWnche.ptts of wI'th explanatory introductions., tianity ceases to be a "gospel" in the God and ChrIst. r. 1 e ac- in its original form. The EdI- local parish as well as on the mission cepts "the passing of the old ra- torial Secretary rightly says field. tional premises for doctrinal that it will stir the imagination constructidon' wthh ti c hh'Cathfoltihcs of all who care for the records of ingWefohr avtheehamdisesnioonuagrhy swpeocrikal opfletahde- have foun III e eac Illg.O e old days and are ready to honor church. What it needs is not special Church and Protestants III the the memory of a Christian pio- letter of Scripture." Is it not neer and hero. pleading but a clear realization that the world mission finds its oraratiloin~a-l rather t rubaectkhat 0t dtahye sWe I'otlhd prem- _ ARTHUR J. BROWN. justification as well as its m ises are a new perative in the very nature of ChrIstianity. This is what makes so neces- sary today a treatment of missions power? The future will show. The Deeper Life. By Max I. Reich. The future will show also 112 pp. $1.00. Wm. B. Eerdman from the point of view of Christian theology. whether Dr. White's construc- Pub. Co. Grand Rapids, Mich.
When Dr. White states his tion of a theology for Christian Those who share the convictheology, however, variances ap- missions will sustain and main- tion that the present urgent need Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the RllvIIlW publishers on receipt of price.
[446 ]
OUR MISSIONARY
is the deepening of the spiritual by the Apostles, and effective in which characterize his discuslife of the church will prize this a new righteousness from God, sion of the subject, which is volume of studies by a gifted and a new access to God, a new crea- especially timely in this year of able expositqr. Dr.· Reich is a tion by God for those who ac- the Edinburgh World Confermember of the faculty of the cept it. Dr. McNicol does not ence on Faith and Order. Moody Bible Institute and the start with a thesis to which facts book reflects both his deep spir- must be made to conform. His ARTHUR J. BROWN. itual discernment and wide appeal is to what "is written." knowledge of the Scriptures. How completely documented Missionary Illustrations. By Alva His approach is somewhat un- from Scripture his treatment is usual in that there is almost en- may be judged from the 500 ref- C. Bowers. 154 pp. $1.50. Flemtire absence of illustration or erences listed in the Scripture ing H. Revell. New York. appeal to emotion. The aim is Index at the end of the book. rather to bring into view great Yet the text does not seem cum- Here are stories of real exareas of spiritual privilege re- bered by excessive quotation. vealed in the Scriptures, which On the contrary, the argument periences, gathered by the au- Christians so largely neglect. moves steadily forward, without There is the constant holding up waste of words, from position to thor during his twenty-six years of the divine mirror to expose position, as each is established the deformities of the self life, and fortified in turn. Marked in foreign mission service. Pasand warning against formalism, with fine insight and evident ritualism and doctrinalism, as scholarship the book is neverthe- tors, Sunday school teachers and foes to highest spiritual attain- less not academic. It is wholement. The sixteen chapters are somely objective, and yet at the leaders of young people will find rich in sustenance for the inner same time is intense with feellife, especially those on Deeper ing. Obviously the Christian this book a mine of usable inci- Fellowship, Deeper Teaching, evangel has pro v e d in the and Deeper Peace. writer's own case to be "power dents that will increase the unto salvation," and he cherishes If there be any qualification in it with joyous conviction. Any- knowledge of other lands, and one's appreciation of a book of one who wishes to understand such high value and helpfulness, essential Christianity cannot do give point to inspirational this would relate to one or two better than read this book. instances of overstatement. truths. H. H. F. ARTHUR H. GORDON. HUGH R. MONRO. God's Methods for Holy Living. Church Unity. By the Rev. F. H. Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse. 50 The Christian Evangel. By John Me· Knubel, D.D. 86 pp. 75 cents. cents. 93 pp. Revelation. Phila- Nicol, D.D. 12mo. 193 pp. $1.50. Board of Publication of the United delphia. 1937. American Tract Society, New York. Lutheran Church in America. 1937. 1937. This volume of brief addresses This discussion of church It is a good omen that books unity, by the distinguished presi- deals with a theme of which we are appearing, one after another, dent of the United Lutheran which seek to define Christian- Church in America, is in the hear all too little in present-day ity as presented in the New Tes- form of a commentary on the tament. Many have become Epistle to the Ephesians, whose preaching. Holiness has had a weary of the vague religiousness real theme is held to be the unity of much contemporary preach- of the Church, and in which St. prominent place in the great reing, and eagerly desire to know Paul presents the "fundamental what the original Christian mes- facts concerning unity," "Chris- vivals since Wesley's day, but sage really was. They wish to tian responsibility for unity" "distinguish the things that dif- and the proper methods for the because of the teaching of eradier." Dr. Machen's "What Is "promotion of unity by Chris- Faith," and Principal Michlem's tian denominations." cation and other extremes by book with a similar title, are calculated to meet this commend- Leaders who feel that true certain groups, a widespread able desire. The volume by Dr. unity should and will express it- McNicol belongs in the same self in union, that union does prejudice has recently grown up. class and certainly does not suf- not mean a standardized unifer by comparison. It is a clear, formity or a supergovernment, To omit a truth so essential as coherent, cogent setting forth of and that a closer union than now the "Christian Evangel" as fore- exists is long overdue, will prob- this leaves great areas of Scripshadowed in the Old Testament, ably not share Dr. Knubers fear made possible by our Lord, in of "the hurried establishment of ture uncultivated and the sym- His life and death and resurrec- an external union." They will, tion, certified by the gift of the however, respect the ability, sin- metry of Christian doctrine is Spirit at Pentecost, proclaimed cerity and fine Christian spirit sadly marred.
Dr. Barnhouse's approach is well balanced, scriptural, and in the fullest sense practical and helpful. His numerous illustra- tions are highly effective. the language clear and forceful, and there is a sustained interes '; throughout. The reader will lay down this book with a sense of spiritual refreshment and with much new light upon the Word of God. H. R. MONRO.
My Servant Moses. By E. Ray Cam- eron. A.M., Th.M. 12mo. 187 pp. $1.50. Fleming H. Revell Company, N. Y. 1937.
Here is a straightforward chronicle of the life of the great Hebrew lawgiver. It follows closely the Biblical record, util- izing often its very phraseology, and makes no attempt to ap- praise the documents critically, or speculate as to their origin.
Their full reliability is taken for The History of Sin Personal Items granted. The writer presents An illuminating and instruc- (Concluded from 2d cover.) ]doses as the chief instrument tive treatise on the little understood subject of the on church properties, and for a bish- through whom the Providence of origin and development of sin op's residence. God operated for the deliverance in the world. of Israel from Egypt. He traces Rev. F. Wh*itt*ake*r, an English The Marks of Sonship that Providence in detail from Methodist missionary in Hyderabad, the beginning to the end of Tracing in clear language the India, has been appointed mass move- ]doses' life, and seeks to inter- pathway of sonship. An ad- ment secretary of the National Chris- pret ]doses' reactions to it. He mirable treatise dealing with tian Council of India. This post is the very heart of the Gospel. made necessary by the situation fd1- introduces us to ]doses' inward lowing the Ambedkar movement of conflicts and hesitations, his ven- The History of Temptation the Depressed Classes. tures of faith, the motives which Barring what seem to us one *** actuated him, his hopes and or two extremes in statement, . trials and disappointments and this pamphlet throws a flood Rajah B. Manikam, Ph.D., has been of light on a subject concern- elected one of the secretaries of the triumphs. The result is no mere ing which there is far too National Christian Council of India, symbolic figure of the dim past, much superficial thinking. Burma and Ceylon. His time will be devoted to the Central Board of Chris- aloof and severe, but "a real When Winter Comes tian Higher Education and to the warm-blooded human being" of promotion of Christian literature. Dr. like passions with ourselves, and A tribute to those in advanced Manikam has been vice-principal of years by one in the prime of Andhra Christian College, supported "as lovable as any character in by the United Lutheran Church. history." The scattered facts of ]doses life are collected and in- *** Dr. Adolph Keller, director of the Central Bureau of Relief of the Evan- life. Emphasis is placed on gelical Churches of Europe, is coming cluded in the narrative, empha- to the United States this month. He the solid satisfactions of later will participate in the National sizing his versatility, his prodi- years when there are hallowed Preaching Mission and will give lecgious achievements and their abiding value. Now and then memories and a living faith. tures on the recent Oxford Conferthe story is made more vivid by In contrast to the unbelieving, ence. *** imaginative touches, as when such find light at eventide.
]doses and Aaron meet after HUGH R. MONRO. Obituary Notes forty years of separation and James Hudson Taylor of China. By Mrs. Hele,n Pierson Curtis. the J. J. Ellis. 96 pp. 2s. Pickering wife of the Rev. Frederick S. Curtis, talk over old times, or when the who spent forty years of her life with sensational experiences of Israel, and Inglis. London and Edinburgh. her husband as a missionary in Japan during the days immediately and Korea, died in New Haven, Conn., after the escape from Egypt, are Hudson Taylor was 'known as on July 5, 1937. She was born in Binghamton, N. Y., on August 9, relayed in the modern form of "the man who believed God." 1861, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. news flashes. Judicious and per- Arthur T. Pierson. She was educated tinent practical suggestions ap- He believed God without any in Kalamazoo Seminary and after her marriage went to Japan in 1888 pear at intervals, which remind qualifications whatever. The where she did a notable work in teach- ing and evangelism. M'rs. Curtis is one that the book has its roots in awe-inspiring fact of his life survived by her husband and four a series of sermons preached to children. the writer's own congregation. was this simple faith; and the One finishes reading with a sense one great lesson to be drawn from it is the power of such a faith. H. H. F.
of profit from having become Seminary Militant. By Louise Porter Herbert Udn*y *W*eitbrecht Stanbetter acquainted with this most impressive Biblical character, Thomas. 117 pp. $1.00. Dept. of ton, for many years an associate edi- English, Mount Holyoke College. tor of The Moslem World, died on 1937. prior to Christ Himself. May 30 in London, at the age of eigh- One of the centennial publi- ty-six. Dr. Weitbrecht Stanton, schol- ARTHUR H. GORDON. cations of ]dount Holyoke Col- ar and linguist, was a distinguished Series of Six Booklets. 16 pp., with lege, being an account of the missionary of the Church Missionary heavy paper cover. By Donald Grey Society in the Punjab for more than missionary movement at the a generation. His long residence in Barnhouse. 10 cents each. Revela- college, inspired and developed India, and his intimate acquaintance tion, Philadelphia. by its founder, ]dary Lyon. The with Arabic as well as Urdu, specially Happy Though Poor book is interestingly compiled fitted him to write on Moslem prob- lems. An arresting discussion of the from letters, diaries, and note- secret of happiness, replete books of early students and *** with vivid illustration, sound teachers. Along with the strug- reasoning and clear Scripture Mrs. William Clifton Dodd, hon- teaching. orably retired Presbyterian mission- gle to develop higher education . ary to Siam, died at her home in Men Whom God Struck Dead for women was the dauntless re– Johnstown, Pa., July 4, 1937. Isabella Ruth Eakin was born at Solemn lessons drawn from solve to convert the world. The Rose Point, Pa., June 26, 1861, sailed long list of ]dount Holyoke for Siam on October 20, 1887. In 1889 alumnre who have served as mis- she became the wife of Dr. William judgments of Scripture. Each sionaries at home or abroad in- C. Dodd and for nearly 33 years they illustration is given a power- work as pioneers in that remote Laos ful present-day application. cludes the name of Dr. Ida field, hundreds of miles from the Scudder. fringe of civilization. H. H. F.
Book. For OCTOBER
SMTWTFS Africa and Christianity. Diedrich •• •• •• •• •• 1 2 Westermann. $2.25. Oxford Uni- 3 4 5 6 789 versity Press. London and New 10 11 12 13 U 15 16 York. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 26 27 28 29 80 Books for the Traveler or Sojourner 81 •••••••••••• in China. Harriet Hardison Rob- son. 24 pp. 25 cents. American Most Important Months Council, Institute of Pacific Rela- of the New Church Year tions. New York. NOVEMBER Be Sure DECEMBER Christianity and the Eastern Con- to Order IMTWTFS flicts. William Paton. 224 pp. .!..!!.TWTF. •• •••• 1 2 8 of $1.50. Willett Clark & Co: Chi- •• 11846' 6 8 7 8 91011 cago. 12 18 U 16 1617 18 7 8 9 10 1112 18 Christianity and Our World. John U 16 18 17 18 19 20 ………….. 19 20 III 22 28 24 26 C. Bennett. 70 pp. 50 cents. As- sociation Press. New York. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 212228 114 26 118 117 282728298081 •• The Church at the Heart of the 182980 •••••• World Christian Community. Es- ther Boorman Strong. 60 pp. Cbt Upptr Room 1. M. C. New York. OCTOBER-NOVEMBER-DECEMBER ISSUE The Divine Art of Soul Winning. J. O. Sanders. 96 pp. lB. Picker- With summer past and vacations over, it is time to ing & Inglis. London. inaugurate a new Church year and a new program. In many instances a new organization must be set up The Great Commission. W. Wilson or at least replacements made. New Members must Cash. 116 pp. 28. Oliphants be drawn into closer fellowship and the spiritual life London. of the old members must be quickened. For this period of cultivation the daily devotional life of the Dr. Bob Hockman – A Surgeon of individual is most important to the success of the; the Cross. Kathleen Hockman whole program. Friederichsen. 102 pp. 50 cents. Zondervan Pub. House. Grand More Than 15,000 Pastors Have Acclaimed Rapids. THE UPPER ROOM as the Most Effective In the Jungles of New Guinea. R. Daily Devotional Guide Obtainable Hanselmann. Pamphlet. Lutheran Book Concern. Columbus, Ohio. Pastors or group leaders are invited to order a trial supply on our liberal consignment plan. Use the or- Kagawa Comes Home. 25 cents. 66 der form below. pp. Friends of Jesus. Tokyo. CONSIGNMENT ORDER INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIPTION- Morocco in Mufti. James Haldane. THB UPPER ROOM, 231 pp. 68. A. H. Stockwell Ltd. Issue for October, November, December Doctors' Building, London. (For use of Pastor or Group Leader. Nashville, Tenn.
The New Adorning. Reginald Wallis. Order ten or more copies.) Gentlemen: 65 pp. 80 cents. American Bible I am inclosing herewith thirty cents Conference Assn. Philadelphia. THE UPPER ROOM, (foreign, forty cents) for which please Natur Und Gnade in Der Mission- Doctors' Building, send me The Upper Room for one year, arischen Verkundigung. Theodore Devaranne. 28 pp. Ostasien Mis- Nashville, Tenn. postpaid, beginning with _ _ _ __ sion. Berlin, Germany. quarterly issue. Gentlemen: Pioneer Days in Darkest Africa. A. Name G. Ingleby. 176 pp. 28. 6d. Pick- Please send me copies ering & Inglis. London. of The UpPer Room, postpaid. I will Street or Route _ _ _ _ _ __ sell these for five cents per copy and Practical Christian Living. Thoughts pay for same when sold. It is under- Post·office _ _ _ _ _ State _ __ for Daily Meditation. Zelma Argue. 32 pp. 25 cents. Zondervan Pub. stood that I have the privilege of re- *A single copy by mail anywhere 10 Co. Grand Rapids. turning at your expense Bny unsold cents. Redeeming the Time. Report of the China Inland Mission. 82 pp. Lon- copies. don. Name Radiant Youth. Reginald Wallis. Street or Route _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 128 pp. 80 cents. American Bible Conference Assn. Philadelphia. Post·office _ _ _ _ _ State _ __ Seminary Militant. Louise Porter Thomas. 117 pp. $1.00. Mount Holyoke College. Mt. Holyoke, Mass.
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Anti-Christian Anny —
200,000,000 Moslems The strongest united force opposing the claims of Christ and the progress of modern missions is the Moslem population of the world. Although the followers of Mohammed believe that Jesus was a prophet of God and although the Koran gives Him an exalted place, the Mohammedans refuse to accept Him as Son of God and the only Saviour from the penalty and power of sin.
The Moslems are not only extremely fanatical but they are also militant propagandists for their religious faith and practices. The difficulties they put in the way of Christian missionary work are especially felt in countries where Islam is in control or that claim a majority of the population. Such countries are: Egypt, the Sudan, North Africa, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, parts of India, Malaya, China and southeastern Europe.
The October MISSIONARY REVIEW will be devoted to this subject-with articles by mission· aries and converts, maps and illustrations, news and book reviews. Among the articles will be: The Moslem World Today…………………………………… Dwight M. Donaldson Why Take Christ to Moslems …………………………………… Samuel M. Zwemer Some Moslem Superstitions …………………………………………. Davida Finney The Gospel that Wins Moslems …………………………………….. W. Wilson Cash Moslem Reactions to the Gospel …………………………………….. James Haldane My Experience with Moslems ………………………………………. " Frank Laubach Christian vs. Moslem Homes ………………………………… .Mrs. Edwin E. Calverley Medical Missions to Moslems …………………………………… , ….. Paul Harrison Encouragements Among Moslems ………………………………………. George Swan Sermon by a Convert from Islam ………………………… , ………. .Sa'eed Kurdistani What Christ Means to Me …………….. " …………………. .By Converts from Islam Best Books on the Moslem World ……………………………••..• •Samuel M. Zwemer 25 cents a copy –Send Your· Order Now– ~2.s0 a year ~20.00 a hundred Special Pmt! in ~antities if ordered bt!fore Septembt!T 15th THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD THIRD AND REILY STREETS, HARRISBURG, PA.
Robert E. Speer, President Delavan L. Pierson, Editor
The Missionary Review of the World — June 1937
JUNE,1937
Rural America Number Challenge of the Rural Community Mark A. Dawber The Forgotten Man of the Back Road Ann Mitchell Neglected Fields in Rural America William R. King Farm Tenants and Sharecroppers Chas. M. McConnell Twenty"Five Years Ago and Now Ross J. Griffeth Keeping the Fountains Clean Henry W. McLaughlin Case Workers in Rural Areas Hilda L. Ives As a Farmer's Wife Sees It Nina B. Hewitt A Rural Pastor's Job Mark Rich One Solution-The Larger Parish Ellsworth M. Smith Cooperation in a Rural Community Edward D. Hamner A Church of the Countryside Coe Hayne Ministry of a Rural Colporter John C. Killian Importance of Pioneer Sunday Schools John M. Somerndike 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
MEETING OF SUMMER CONFERENCES AND .The
THE REVIEW SCHOOLS OF MISSIONS A weekly religious newspaper in The annual meeting of The Mission- Council of Women for Home Mis- its lo6th year of continuous pubary Review Publishing Company was sions and Affiliated with the lication under the same name. held at 156 Fifth Avenue, New York, Committee on Women's Work, on February 18, 1937. A financial re- Foreign Missions Conference It is conservative and evangelport for the calendar year, 1936, was ical, gets its news by telegraph presented by the Treasurer, Mr. Wal- June 19-26-Lake Geneva, Wis. Mrs. and keeps abreast of the times. ter McDougall, showing a deficit of T. A. Freeman, 427 Greenwood $1,394.88. The representative of the Blvd.; Evanston, Ill. It goes into every state of the Evangelical Press, Rev. David Fant, Union, the District of Columbia, stated that the renewal of subscrip- June 20-26-Boulder, Colo. President, and U. S. possessions. tions to THE REVIEW are over 80%, Mrs. Henry F. Hoffman, 741 Adams an unusually high proportion. The St., Denver, Colo. It goes to Asia and Africa, South Secretary, Mr. Delavan L. Pierson, America, Canada and New Zealand reported that the special numbers on June 21-27-Winona Lake, Ind. Miss and into twelve countries of Euthe American Negro and Missions in Minnie Rumsey, N. Mayflower Road, rope. Africa, published during the year had Lake Forest, Ill.. had a very gratifying sale and that Subscription Price, • • $2.50 special numbers on Rural America and June 26-July 3-Eagles Mere, Pa. Ministerial Rate, • $2.00 Moslem lands are planned for the Miss Muriel C. Post, 907 Lindlay coming year. Ave., Logan, Philadelphia, Pa~ 50c. extra—Canadian postage $1.00 extra—foreign postage The following members of the July 7-15-Northfield, Mass. Miss Board of Directors were elected to Amy O. Welcher, 796 Prospect Ave., THE PRESBYTERIAN succeed themselves: Hartford, Conn. 1217 Market: St:reet:, Philadelphia, Pa. Robert E. Speer, President; A. L. July 10-17 – Mountain Lake Park, Warnshuis, Vice-President; Walter Md. Chairman, Mrs. J. M. Knight, . . ceeded to his father's title in 1913 and McDougall, Treasurer; Delavan L. 207 Roane St., Charleston, W. Va. Pierson, Secretary; Wm. 1. Chamber- was president of the Friends of Arlain, D. J. Fant, Mrs. Orrin R. Judd, July 17-24-Mt. Hermon, Calif. Mrs. menia Society. Wm. B. Lipphard, Eric M. North, N. J. Forsberg, 1144 Eddy ~t., San Samuel M. Zwemer, Samuel M. Cavert. Francisco, Calif. …
A special committee was appointed, July 19-23 – Bethesda, Ohio. Miss Rev. Charles L. Goodell, D.D., Secwith Dr. John McDowell as chairman, Mary I. Scott, 310 Tomlinson St., retary Emeritus of the Commission to consider and report on the subject Moundsville, W. Va. on Evangelism of the Federal Council of the future of THE REVIEW. of Churches of Christ in America, August 15-22 – Chautauqua, N. Y. died on April 27 in New York City at Respectfully submitted, Chairman, Miss B. Louise W ood- the age of 82. Dr. Goodell was widely DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary. ford, Candor, N. Y. After August known as an evangelist of the air and 1, Chautauqua, N. Y. gave his Sabbath Reveries every Sun- Dates to Remember day morning for eight years. He was August 19-25 – Kerrville, T e x a s. a highly honored minister of the June 3-8 – T r i e n n i a 1 Convention, Chairman, Mrs. T. M. Cunning- Methodist Episcopal Church and World's W. C. T. U., Washington, ham, 618 West Sydamore, Denton, served several successful pastorates D. C. Texas. in New England and New York. He was born in Dudley, Mass., July 31, June 21-25 – Council on Christian Obituary Notes 1854, the son of Warren Goodell. He Evangelism for Our Day. East was graduated from Boston Univer- Northfield, Mass. w. J. W. Roome, the well-known sity in 1877 and came to New York State in 1896. Dr. Goodell was the June 23-30 – Alliance of Reformed African traveler, died in Tangier, author of m4ny devotional books and Churches Throughout the World Morocco, on March 31, in the 72d year Holding the Presbyterian System. of his age. Mr. Roome was for 30 served a nation.-..wi.d.. e p…arish. Montreal, Canada. years an architect in Belfast, Ireland, but retired at the age of 50 to devote Dr. Adolph Deissmann, well-known June 25-28-Conference of Missionary his remaining years to missionary Christian theologian of Germany, died Workers and the Annual Meeting service. He was secretary of the in Berlin on April 5 at seventy years of the National Fellowship of In- British and Foreign Bible Society for of age. He was born in Langenscheid dian Workers. University of Wis- East and Central Africa for 12 years in 1886 and after occupying chairs in consin College of Agriculture. Mad- and during that time crossed the con- several universities became Professor ison, Wis. tinent 13 times by various routes, of New Testament Theology in 1908 traveling more than one hundred thou- and was retired by government order July 5-16-New Jersey Summer sand miles, largely on foot or bicycle. in 1935 after he had signed a protest School of Christian Work, Blairs- He visited many parts of Africa never to Reichsbishop Mueller's policies and town, N. J. Write to the Mission- before visited by a white man, and interference with the Church. Dur- ary Education Movement, 150 Fifth made an ethnographic survey of many ing the World War, Dr. Deissmann Ave., New York. parts of the continent locating about sent some stirring messages to Amer- 3,000 tribal units. Accounts of his ica declaring that "the gangerous July 8-13 – International Christian journeys and impressions received ulcer of hate which poisons interna- Endeavor Convention, Grand Rap- were printed in a number of Yolumes, tional relations must be burned out." ids, Mich. including "Through Central Africa He was the author of several well- for the Bible," "Through the Land of known books, including one in Eng- July 11-16 – Anniversary, First Con- Nyanza," and "Tefaro Tales from lish on "The Religion of Jesus and ference of American Methodism. Africa." In recent years, Mr. Roome the Faith of Paul." Old St. George's Church. Phila- was chairman of the Unevangelized delphia. Fields Mission. He is survived by his (Concluded on ad c01Jer.) July 12-26 – World Conference on wife whom he ..m. a.r..rie..d. last January. Life and Work. Oxford, England. Lord Radstock, well known in mis- July 14-17-Nat.ional Council of Fed- sionary and evangelistic circles, died erated Church Women. Lake Ge- at Mayfield, Wooston, Hampshire, neva, Wis. England, on April 2 at 77 years of age. Grandville George Waldegrave, August 3-18 – World Conference on the eldest son of the third Lord Rad- Faith and Order. Edinburgh, Scot- stock, was born on September 1, 1859. land. He was graduated from Cambridge University and was associated in evan- Sept. 28-30 – Annual Interdenomina- gelistic work with his cousins, Rev. tional Missionary Institute, Wom- Sir Montagu Beaucham, M.P., and an's Interdenominational Union of Sir J. E. Kynaston Studd. He suc- Philadelphia and Vicinity. First Baptist Church, Philadelphia.
"The April REVIEW is a good num-
THE MISSIONARY ber all through. The REVIEW looks REVIEW OF THE WORLD well, reads well and is better than DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor ever." DR. A. E. ARMSTRONG, VOL. LX JUNE,1937 No.6 Secretary of the Board of For- Publication and Business Office– Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. eign Missi01l8, The United Editorial and Executive Office– Church of Canada. 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Entered as second-class matter at *** Post Omce, Harrisburg, Pa., under Personal Items Act of March 3, 1879. The Rev. Kenneth W. Moore, of When the good work 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. Trenton, N. J., has been elected Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. Treasurer of the Board of Foreign calls you East … sail Published monthly, except August. Missions of the Presbyterian Church, All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1937. U. S. A., to take the place of Mr. p&O British agents – Marshall, Morgan Russell Carter who retired on May 1, and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, having reached the age limit. Mr. This year marks a full century of P & 0 London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, Carter has given 27 years to unselfish service to the lands beyond Suez! 10 shillings a year. and effective service. Mr. Moore is a Whenever you are called to the other Princeton Universityand Theological side of the world, choose this tradi- MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- Seminary graduate. He has been in tional route. Cross to England by LISHING CO., INC. the Statistical and Publication De- Cunard White Star •.. and there partment of the John A. Roebling's embark in a great liner of the P & 0 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sons Company, and President of the and British India fleets, led by the ROBERT E. SPEER, President Kenneth W. Moore Company in the new 22,5oo-ton Strathnaver, Strath- A. L. WARNSHUIS, Vice-Pre8ident field of pUblicity. aird and Strathmore. Regular service WALTER MCDOUGALL, Trea8urer to Egypt, Sudan, Persian Gulf, India, DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary *** Burma, Ceylon, Straits Settlements, China, Japan, Australia, East and SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT The Rev. Paul Braisted, recently a South Africa, Mauritius. Low rates. missionary of the American Baptist WILLIAM I. CluMBBlILAIN Foreign Mission Society in India and Convenient through bookings can be arranged D. J. FANT Burma, has been elected the new sec- by your local travel agent or any office of retary of the Student Volunteer MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD Movement. Mr. Braisfed married CUNARD WHITE STAR LINE Miss Ruth Wilder, daughter of Dr. WM. B. LIPPHARD Robert P. Wilder, and went to India GENERAL AGENTS ten years ago. For the past two ERIC M. NORTH years he has been teacher of Bible at 25 Broadway and638 Fifth Ave., NewYork SAMUEL M. ZWEMER Mt. Hermon School for Young Men. Both in India and America he has had Editorial Chat close contacts with students and is deeply evangelistic and missionary- We take pleasure in presenting our minded. special "Home Mission Study Number" on Christ and Rural America. *** It is an exceedingly rich and important theme. The changes in recent Dr. John R. Mott has recently reyears call for a fresh study of the turned from a six months visit to In- dia and the Near East. He addressed needs and opportunities in neglected the sixth biennial meeting of the Near areas. East Christian Council at Alexandria, Egypt, March 10-17. This council is The subject is so vast and so varied a coordinating agency for thirty-seven that we have not been able to cover missions working in nineteen countries all in one issue of THE REVIEW. Other in the Near East, extending from articles will appear in July and later, Morocco to Iran. including: *** The Murdock Trail, by Alvin E. Magary. Archie T. L. Tsen, President of the Board of Missions of the (Chi- Some Interesting Rural Churches, nese) Chung Hwa Sheng Kung Hwei, by W. H. Thompson. will visit the United States this sum- mer. Mr. Tsen retired from business Student Volunteer Service in Maine, several years ago to devote himself by Louis C. Harnish. entirely to volunteer work for mis- sions. Woman's Work in a C 0 u n try Church, by Mrs. James D. Wyker. *** Frederick Oberlin and His Rural W. E. Doughty, formerly a secre- Parish. tary of the Laymen's Missionary Movement, and later an official of the Problems of the Rural Church in Near East Foundation, has received Canada, J. R. Watt, and others. from King George II of Greece the Order of the Redeemer in recognition Pastors and mission study class of his twenty-five years of service to the Greek people. leaders will be wise to order their copies early, before the edition is ex- *** hausted. Dr. C. T. Wang, the new Chinese *** ambassador to the United States, was formerly secretary of the Y. M. C. A. Also, will you call the attention of in China and later was the Secretary friends to THE REVIEW. Speak of it of State under the Nanking Governto your pastor and in missionary ment. meetings. Here are some comments recently received: [273 ] "For several months I have been getting your magazine from our college library and reading it with great enthusiasm and deriving much inspira- tion. I find that I can hardly get along without subscribing and having the copies to keep and enjoy by re-reading." GRACE ROBINS.
Birmingham, Ala.
FAITH OF GENERALISSIMO CHIANG KAI-SHEK
An address of the Generalissimo, sent to the Central Conference of Eastern Asia of the Methodist Episcopal Church in session at Wesley Church, Nanking, Good Frida.y Evening, Miarch 26, 1937. Read in Chinese and in English translation to the Conference by Col. J. L. Huang, Director of the New Life Movement.
I have now been a Christian for nearly ten years and during that time I have been a constant reader of the Bible. Never before has this sacred Book been so interesting to me as during my two weeks' captivity in Sian. This unfortunate affair took place all of a sudden and I found myself placed under detention without having a single earthly belonging. From my captors.I asked but one thing, a copy of the Bible. In my solitude I had ample time for reading and meditation. The greatness and the love of Christ burst upon me with new inspiration, increasing my strength to struggle against evil, to overcome temptation and to uphold righteousness.
I am, indeed, grateful for all my fellow-Christians who continually offered prayers on my behalf. I was deeply conscious of a strong spiritual support for which I extend my hearty thanks to all Christians, and to which, before you all today, I testify that the name of God may be glorified.
The many virtues of Christ I cannot possibly enumerate. Today, being Good Friday, I merely wish to explain some of the lessons I have derived from the trials of Christ. His utterances from the Cross are our spiritual inheritance. Entreating forgiveness for His enemies, He cried: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Truly great is the love of Christ! In all my meditations I found these thoughts returning and providing me with rich spiritual sustenance.
To illustrate, I am going to recount some of my experiences in Sian. Before I went to Shansi on my second trip I was alreaqy conscious of perverted thoughts and unusual activities in the army there. I had previously received reports of intrigues and revolutionary rumblings that were threatening to undermine the unity of the State. My immediate associates tried to persuade me to abandon the journey, but I replied: "Now that our country is unified and the foundations of the State established, the commander-in-chief of the armies has responsibilities for direction and enlightenment from which he dare not withdraw. Furthermore, I have dedicated my soul and body to the service of the State, and there can never be any considerations of my personal safety.
According to the record of the New Testament, when Christ entered Jerusalem for the last time, He plainly knew that danger was ahead, but triumphantly, on an ass, rode into the city without anguish, without fears. What greatness! What courage! In comparison, how unimportant my hfe must be. So why should I hesitate?
My fondness for my troops has always been as great as the love between brothers and this love drew me into the heart of the rebellion. Such disregard of duty in the face of danger caused deep concern to the government, worried the people and, for this, numerous prayers were offered by Christian friends. In the mldst of it all my understanding increased and my love mUltiplied.
Following my detention my captors presented me with terms and demands, with tempting words of kindnesses, with threats of violence and torture and with a public trial by the "People's Front." On every hand I was beset by danger out I had no thought of yieldmg to pressure. My faith in Christ increased. In this strange predicament I distinctly recalled the forty days and mghts Christ passed in the wilderness withstanding temptation, His prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the indignities heaped upon Him at His trial. The prayers he offered for His enemles upon the cross were ever in my thoughts. I naturally remembered the prayers offered by Dr. Sun Yat-sen during the imprisonment in London. These scenes passed vividly before me again and again like so many pictures. My strength was redoubled to resist the recalcitrants and with the spirit of Christ on the Cross I was preparing to make the final sacrifice at the trial of the so-called "People's l<'ront." Having determined upon this course of action, 1 was comforted and at rest.
Following the settlement of the Sian affair, the rebels knowing their unwise and treasonable actions, were naturally afraid. Remembering that Christ enjoined us to forgive those who sin against us until seventy times seven, and upon their repentance, I felt that they should be allowed to start life anew! At the same time I was greatly humbled that my own faith had not been of such quality as to influence my followers and to restrain them.
Ever since training the cadets and launching the expedition, 1 have repeated to my followers these two principles: (1) On detecting the slightest selfishness on my part, or discovering plans contrary to the interest of the country and the people, anyone may accuse me of guilt and put me to death; (2) Should my words and actions betray lack of truth and good faith, or indicate departure from the revolution¥y cause and principles, any of my subordinates may take me for an enemy and put me to death. I honestly believe that these two sayings were prompted by sincerity and grew out of my religious faith. They are in line with the spirit of Christ, and the forbearance and magnanimity of Dr. Sun Yat-sen.
The life of Christ reveals a long record of affliction and constant persecution. His spirit of forbearance, His love and His benevolence shine through it all. No more valuable lesson has yet come to me out of my Christian experiences.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen was a Christian, and the greatest thing he received from Christ was love-love for the emancipation of the weaker races, and for the welfare of the oppressed people. This spirit remains with us and reaches to the skies. I am an ardent follower of the revolution, and although my faith in Dr. Sun at the outset did not appear to have any religious significance, it was similar to a religious faith. For this reason I have become a follower of Dr. Sun and his revolution based on San Min ·Chu 1 (The Three Principles of the People).
Today, I find that I have taken a further step and have become a follower of Jesus Christ. This makes me realize more fully that the success of the revolution depends upon men of faith and that men of character, because of their faith, cannot sacrifice their principles for personal safety under circumstances of difficulty and crisis. In other words, a man's life may be sacrificed, his person held in bondage, but his faith and spirit can never be restrained. This is due to confidence brought about by faith. On this Good Friday these reflections are ours. For such is the importance of faith in the revolution, and in religion.
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REVIB ORLD VOLUME LX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 6 JUNE, 1937 Topics of the Times RURAL AMERICA FOR CHRIST ers and dairymen, and small town tradespeople, but the mountaineers, the miners, the lumbermen, Those who make the greatest noise often receive and the ranchmen. The races include not only the most attention, but this does not prove that descendents of the Pilgrims, Dutch and other importance is in proportion to commotion. Mark early settlers, but more recent immigrants from Twain used to tell of the Mississippi stern-wheel Italy, Greece, Poland, Russia and other European steamer with a very loud whistle; steam was so countries; also Negroes, Indians, Mexicans and low that every time the whistle blew the steamer's Orientals. Many religious beliefs are involved- engine had to stop. American cities with their Jewish, Protestant, Roman and Greek Catholic, hustle and noise, their rapid transit, their fac- Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto, Islam and various tories and scare-line newspapers, usually receive philosophical cults, as well as atheism and rank more attention than the quiet rural districts but paganism. These present foreign mission peo- this does not prove that cities are more important pIes and problems at home.
to national life than are the country towns and Third: Rural America is important because the farming communities. farms and country districts form the basis of our For the coming year (1937-8) the Home Mis- material prosperity. From the earth come all sion study topic is to be "Rural America." Until things that sustain life and that are used in manu- recently the farmers and rural villages have been facture – the food, the cotton, the minerals and unorganized and without any powerful mouth- oils for physical needs and for great buildings and piece so that they have received little attention. industrial enterprises. The land is the great God- Today the Secretary of Agriculture, the Farmer's given source of wealth.
Unions and Cooperatives, such men as the late Fourth: Rural America is important because Kenyon L. Butterfield, and the Agricultural Mis- of the character and influence of rural peoples.
sions Foundation, have brought the rural prob- Here are the pioneering spirit of sacrificial toil; lems forcibly to public attention. the prophetic vision looking toward the future; The study of Rural America is of great im- here we find greater independence of thought and portance for many reasons: First, because of its action, rugged individualism and homespun phi- size. One-half of the people of North America losophy. Here too, in the past at least, have been live on farms, in rural districts or in towns and manifested true faith and sterling honesty. The villages of less than 2,500 population. Although rural districts have always been the great feeders the largest amount of taxes do not come from of the cities, not only in food supplies but in pop- rural districts, neither the Government nor the ulation. From the country come the ambitious Church can afford to overlook the importance of and stalwart youth to supply brain and brawn for the 50,000,000 people who live outside of our cities industrial, commercial, political and professional and their residential suburbs. It is estimated that activity. Abraham Lincoln and many other na- 25,000,000 American children and youth live in tional leaders came from the country; so did Sam- the country districts. These are bound to be a uel Colgate and countless other industrial giants.
great factor in the life of the nation. Three hun- D. L. Moody, America's greatest evangelist with dred years ago all American life was rural; there a world-wide influence, was a lad from the small was no truly urban population. town; so were the majority of metropolitan Second: Rural America is important because preachers and famous missionaries. It is not of the variety of its people, languages and prob- wealth and comfort, but character, hard work and lems. The occupations include not only the farm- opportunity that produce great leaders.
[275 ]
Fifth: Rural America is important because the religious liberty, and has refrained from saying future of the country is inseparably linked to that any missionaries have been or will be exrural life, for good or for evil. If the farmers' cluded on the ground of religion or nationality, families, and the small town and roadside popula- many missionaries-Swedish, British, French and tions, are neglected physically, intellectually and American-have already been asked to leave and spiritually they will starve or will poison the city others are being refused permission to return. and national life. Keep the sources pure and The Italian Government is also rendering some virile and the nation will feel the benefit; allow missions homeless by taking over their property. these sources to become corrupt and the nation It is even reported that Ethiopian Christians conwill decay. nected with Protestant societies are being ar- rested and exiled. Already the Vatican is send- Sixth: It is important to study Rural America, ing large numbers of Roman Catholic missionaries because this field has been grossly neglected. Peo- to bring the Coptic Church and the Ethiopians ple in many thinly populated areas have been al- under the sway of Rome. most or wholly without religious privileges – as among the mountains, mining settlements and It seems clear that Italy does not desire the scattered farm lands. In other cases villages and presence of alien and Protestant Christians in towns have been overchurched but undernour- Ethiopia. The reasons given by the Italiansished and have lived religiously at a poor dying charges of espionage, unfriendliness toward rate. There is great need for Christian readjust- Italian occupation and undue sympathy with ment and for cooperation between urban and Ethiopians – are evidently excuses to rid the suburban churches that have wealth in the midst country of non-Catholics and non-Italians. Natof plenty, and the rural parishes that are weak urally the Christian missionaries cannot view with and starving for leadership and material equip- complacency the wholesale killing of Ethiopians, ment. Let city churches assist rural parishes. without trial, but as ministers of Christ they do not engage in political activity. Italy does not Seventh: But the greatest reason for the study give the missionaries the right to defend themof Rural America is in order that the supreme selves against these charges before an impartial need of the rural peoples may be supplied – the tribunal. need for a clear knowledge of Christ and His Way of Life; the need for Christian training for chil- Full and correct information is difficult to obdren and youth; the need for effective leadership; tain on account of rigid government censorship the need for well-directed social life and Christian and because the few missionaries who- are still in activity. Addis Ababa believe that silence is "golden" at present. If any are permitted to remain it seems The careful and prayerful study of the needs that the privilege may be granted to a few of the and opportunities of rural America, and the ap- Protestant missionaries, including some United plication of these studies in practical lines of ac- Presbyterians, Seventh Day Adventists and tivity, should mean great blessing to America in thirty-five of the Sudan Interior Mission. both civic and rural life. Jesus Christ himself was brought up in a small village and spent most The real reasons for the Government's objecof His earthly life ministering to rural people in tion to Protestant missionaries seems to be Galilee. As a rule His parables were drawn from (1) that they are subjects of countries unfriendly the fields. Most of His early disciples were from to Italian occupation; (2) that they are true the country, and when they were scattered by per- friends of the Ethiopians and desire for them edusecution they went forth to preach the Gospel in cation and freedom, rather than exploitation or the towns and villages and by the wayside. extermination; (3) that Italy wishes to have undisputed, autocratic sway of Ethiopia, with It is clearly important that we make an earnest control over all educational and medical work; study of Rural America, with especial reference (4) that the government prefers to have Italian to discovering the ways in which Christ may have subjects as religious and secular teachers. a larger and more controlling influence on the fifty million men and women and children in our The latest authentic letter to come out of rural areas. To this end the mission study books Ethiopia from a reliable missionary source (dated have been prepared, Rural Life Sunday is ob- April 5) reveals some of the hardships and disserved, and for this purpose we offer this special couragements encountered and the Christlike issue of THE REVIEW. spirit with which these are met. This personal letter is, in part, as follows: CLOSING DOORS IN ETHIOPIA These have been most difficult and trying days but God's Conflicting reports come as to the outlook for grace is ever sufficient and He overrules all. On March 8, Protestant missionary work in the new Italian we received word from natives that our station (in the incolony. While the Government officially promises terior) had been plundered, one building burned, others torn down and used for firewood, and that "everything
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
had been stolen, so that not even a scrap of paper was to Nanking. While Generalissimo Chiang could not be pres- be seen on the place." While the losing of some things ent in person, he sent Colonel J. L. Huang, Director of the especially seemed hard we have committed it all to God New Life Movement, with an address to be read both in and praise Him that our lives have been spared. While Chinese and in English translation. Col. Huang was the our earthly possessions have thus been reduced to a mini- first person to fly from Nanking to Generalissimo Chiang mum we know that "all things work together for good to in Sian after his detention. In some ways it is a more those that love God and that are called according to His remarkable document than the speech on leaving Sian, for purpose." in this the Generalissimo bears open testimony to his Christian faith and describes the spiritual experience While we have felt for some time that for us this might which came to him during the crisis. (See page 274.) be the end of the work here, we have had no definite word to that effect. Permission was at first given for workers Things have been happening with bewildering rapidity to return to their stations, where the Italian army was in this ancient land. The "strange interlude" at Sian in occupation, and we looked forward to getting back to tested the mettle of the government and people. It showed — even if only for a short stay, to strengthen the the growing strength of the Central Government and re- Believers, encourage earnest seekers, and commit the work vealed Chiang's great hold upon the loyalty and affections into their hands. But on Easter Sunday we received word of the masses. Both Chinese rebel factions and the Japto come on to Addis as soon as possible. It would have anese military party were surprised at the steadiness of been difficult to go back to our station and say good-bye to the Government through the crisis and at the popular those whom we have learned to love. support evoked for Chiang. The good coming out of the serious trouble is increasingly apparent. There is hope While our work in Ethiopia for the present seems to be that the Central Government will come to some kind of ended, we are as'Sured that God's work is not finished. an agreement with the communist army which will pre- Pray for the little native church in this land, that those vent further war between the people of the same nation. who have been "called out" may be kept by the power of Many civil leaders and some military leaders in Japan God. His Word has been sown and His promise stands seem to have a new respect for China. Much needed resure that it shall not return unto Him void. Although so organization of the central and provincial government many of the Believers are only babes in Christ, God has upon a broader and surer basis is being quietly carried promised the Holy Spirit to make real the things of Christ out. The Generalissimo has the nation behind him as to His own; Please join us in claiming the fulfilment of never before in the great task of hUilding a modern State. these promises for the glory of God. He is facing his great responsibility and opportunity with humble faith in God and with ever-greater appreciation It is distressing to think of the dark days ahead of the life and example of Jesus Christ, and of the meanfor the Evangelical Church in Ethiopia but it is ing of the Cross. Why should not China and America encouraging to hear that even now some of these work together to help build a Christian world, a world of young Christians are undertaking to carryon the justice and peace? evangelistic work. Hardships and suffering and the necessity of depending wholly on God may be Various explanations have been offered for counted on to strengthen faith in the faithful and Chiang Kai-shek's release from his abductors. to develop character in those who have the Word The chief human factor was his Christian wife, of God and have received spiritual life. Mayling Soong Chiang, a graduate of Wellesley College. Mrs. Hugh W. White, a missionary in THE HOPE OF CHINA Yencheng, wrote in the Sunday School Times: All who have read the accounts of the capture Much prayer had been made for him, and many Chinese, and release of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek by not Christians themselves, realize that this [release] was the Chinese rebel forces at Sian last December, an answer to prayer. We hope and pray that the incident have new hope for China and the Chinese. In the may be greatly used to the furtherance of the Gospel. face of foreign invasion and domestic strife, with complications from famine and flood and the usual The North China Daily News gives the followand unusual problems of a great unorganized na- ing interesting sidelight: tion, it is clear that character, courage and intelligent, unselfish patriotism are what Chinese must On Christmas morning, Dr. Kung was praying as on have if China is to be saved. These character- other days. When he opened his Bible he found chapter 16 istics are promoted by Christian faith, such as is of the Acts, which tells of the release of St. Paul, and read evident in the Generalissimo and his devoted wife. verse 35: "And when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying, Let those men go." Dr. Kung continued A letter recently received from Rev. Frank W. reading verses 36 to 40. He marvelled at the appropriate- Price, of Nanking, tells the story in part. He ness of these verses and felt strangely comforted at their writes: message. He then told his friends of his conviction that the Generalissimo would be released. The same afternoon news of General Chiang's freedom reached the Finance Minister.
When the Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek was released Madame Chiang Kai-shek's own story of the from his captivity in Sian, on last Christmas Day, he gave Generalissimo's capture and release reveals clearly a parting message to General Chang Hsueh-liang and her courage and faith in God. It will be rememother officers which, many think, will go down in Chinese bered that her mother was a highly respected history as the great utterance of a noble and magnani- Christian and her brother, T. V. Soong, and her mous statesman. It is already being printed in many sisters, Madame H. H. Kung and Madame Sun school textbooks.
On Good Friday a special Christian service was held in
Yat-Sen, are also Christians and prominent in toward Christian work in the country remains to government affairs. be seen. Men must find the light their souls crave, and Christ is the answer to Burma's needs. When Madame Chiang reached her husband in his captivity, he said: "Although I urged you not "When a big mining company builds a new road to come to Sian, I felt that I could not prevent it. through the hills to take their tin ores to market," When I opened my Bible this morning my eyes writes Rev. H. T. Marshall of Rangoon, "along lit on the words in J·eremiah 31: 22, "Jehovah will that same new road follows not only the worst of now do a new thing; that is he will make a Western life, with the products of distilleries and woman protect a man" (Chinese rendering). breweries, but Christian messengers in modern autos with the Word of life." Today a fellowship Madame Chiang not only prayed, with assur- with Christ is exemplified by His followers in ance that her prayers to God would be answered, Burma. but she comforted her husband saying: "God is with us. I am here to share your fate and to die Through the new Life that has come to them, with you if God so wills, and if He wills it other- Karens are now taking charge of the work which wise to live and work with you for the sake of the before had been under foreign misilionaries; the nation." people take part in meetings where formerly only the clergy officiated. Jungle women, usually so Madame Chiang also impressed upon the cap- shy that they could not utter a word in public, tor, General Chang Hsueh-liang, that he must re- now stand up without self-consciousness and tell pent of his act and must seek the guidance of in a straightforward way what new life in Christ God on all occasions. means to them. The progress of the work, the spiritual outlook and the effects of the Gospel on China's hope is in the development of strong conduct are very encouraging. National leader- Christian leaders and citizens who put an intel- ship, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, gives ligent desire to know and do the Will of God above these people release from old strangling customs personal ambition, and the good of their country and develops them into forward-looking Christian above self. It will not be forgotten that Chinese workers. "One supposedly Christian village," Christians, without the use of force, were used to says Mr. Marshall, "that six months ago was full bring about the release of the Chinese Generalis- of carousing and superstitious demon worship, simo. now realizes that God wants to use them to help reach neighboring villages; a large delegation re- THE NEW BURMA cently spent a whole forenoon in prayer and then started out to bring the Gospel to those whom six On April first Burma ceased to be counted a months before they would not have tried to part of India and became a separate dominion of reach." the British Empire. This means a new Burmese government with a British Governor General, a Burma needs national leadership that is Godnew Burmese House of Representatives and Sen- controlled and directed; Christian natives must ate, new Burmese stamps and coins-though the be the real evangelists of the country. The rupee will continue to be the medium of exchange. Church must be guided and filled by the Holy It is expected also that these changes will bring a Spirit if Burma is to experience the moving power new spirit of independence and self-expression. of God to make aNew Burma. May there also be a new spirit of progress and a new desire for righteousness and peace. THE GENERALISSIMO'S MORAL LAW There is much, however, that has not changed, These rules, by General Chiang Kai-shek, for with Burma's altered political status. The pre- Chinese soldiers are printed on a little card and vailing religion is still Buddhist with a strong distributed under the auspices of the Officers' mixture of animism, and the priests have a Moral Endeavor Association: strong hold on the populace. There is still poverty and ignorance among the masses. There is 1. Thou shalt not covet riches. great need for education and economic improve- 2. Thou shalt not fear to die. ment, but particularly the Burmese must have 3. Thou shalt not advertise thyself for vain glory. Christian standards of life if they are to become 4. Thou sbalt not be proud. a strong people. 5. Thou shalt not be lazy. 6. Thou shalt not commit adultery nor gamble. In the new government, Christians are taking 7. Thou shalt not smoke. an active part. One of the six cabinet ministers 8. Thou shalt not drink wine. is a Karen, a fine Christian young man. Several 9. Thou shalt not borrow money. other Christians are in the House of Representa- 10. Thou shalt not lie. tives. Thra San Baw of Tharrawaddy and Dr. Ma Saw Sa, the leading Burmese lady doctor, are Christian senators. What attitude the new government, with its Buddhist slant, is going to take
Challenge of the Rural
By the REV. MARK A. DAWBER, Philadelphia, Pa.
_.<t!if Superintendent, Town and Country Work, Methodist Episcopal Jil.- Church; Author of "Rebuilding Rural America"
THE changing conditions of life everywhere lowed to degenerate, industry is itself in peril. It are making new and stern demands upon the would therefore seem wise to realize that the na- institutions of society. Government, busi- tion's economic life is all of the same piece. Our ness, agriculture, education-all are being called civilization has become so interlocked and inter- upon to meet the exigencies of a changed and con- dependent that all parts must work well if any of stantly changing world. Religion and the Chris- it is to work well. Therefore, the reconstruction tian Church are no exception to this rule; rather of agriculture and the stabilizing of the economic it would be a fair statement to say that perhaps life of rural people is of vast importance not only the Church is being tested today as no other in- to rural people, but to city people. Now the stitution. The conditions are widespread and church has much at stake in this consideration.
there is no avenue of life that has not been touched The church is always the first institution to suffer by these forces of change. No group of people or as the result of economic collapse. Much of its community anywhere is so remote that it has support comes out of the surplus and in times like been able to escape the impact of the changing those through which we are passing, the church conditions of our modern life. Rural communities has suffered out of all proportion. But it is not are tremendously involved. In fact, we make bold in the interest of its own selfish life that the to declare that in comparison the changes that church must be concerned, on the contrary. The have taken place during the past decade are such urge and the implication of the Gospel it preaches that rural America is now more seriously affected are the major reasons for its interest and the dy- than are the urban centers. What is the meaning namic for its activity to help obtain economic of this for the church? justice and social security for the farm families'
The changed rural community constitutes an in America. This is a challenge that now comes imperative challenge to the church today. We are out of rural life with the urgency of immediate conc~rned that the rural church shall face this need and with a sense of national importance that challenge. The obligation rests upon it to estab- the Church cannot afford to ignore or avoid.
lish the new rural civilization that is now emerg- The Challenge of the Enlarged Community ing, upon solid foundations of spiritual truth and to instill into it that quality of life, without which Anothli!r vast change that comes out of modern no worthy or enduring civilization can be estab- rural life is that of a new geographical area that lished. now constitutes the working community of rural America. Most of the present church buildings The Challenge of Economic Justice and their parish lines were the product of the old The first important challenge of rural America agricultural community life. The range was that is that of a very drastic change in its economic of horse and buggy on a mud road. Some eight life. The economic dislocation that has befallen to ten miles radius was the extent, and, in many urban America was inevitable. A short-sighted cases, less than that. Some fifty families was a industrial leadership, satisfied with the joyride of good basis of support. The school, the economic a false prosperity had concluded that it could last life, the social organization, and the total institu- forever. This leadership seemed oblivious to the tionallife including the church were the reflex of fact that these so-called values were mere paper a fifty to sixty family community. It was the day values; the moment these values were challenged of the self-sufficing agriculture, the little red they collapsed like a pack of cards. The deflation schoolhouse, a simple satisfying social life that has reacted of course, upon agriculture; but it was developed around the farm home. This has must be remembered that the plight of agricul- all been shattered. The economic range is now ture during the peak of our industrial prosperity unlimited, but at least it can be said, that it has is, in a very important way, the explanation of the been enlarged to include the county. Because of collapse of industry. Agriculture is the founda- the economic changes, farmers are county con- tion of industry, and whenever agriculture is al- scious. The schools for the most part are con- [279 ]
solidated and take in several of the old-time com- new Christian statesmanship if it is ever going munities making them one in educational purpose to arrive. and spirit. The social life is mostly expressed at the county seat town. The movie and the dance But with all our material progress, good roads hall dominate. This changed scale of rural life and rapid transportation, there has come accomis a real challenge to the church in rural Amer- panying problems of poverty and neglect. The ica to reconstruct itself to meet a new and en- automobile and the hard roads have been a boon larged community of interests and sometimes a to millions, but there is a sense in which they have confusion and conflict of purposes; to reorganize also proved a bane to others. They have put milthe parish boundaries so as to include the larger lions of people on the main highway and the geographical unit as a single parish; to find ways beaten track, but corresponding millions have and means among the several differing denomina- been removed from it. There is a new religious tions to adjust their differences and to unite in neglect in rural life. Those who are living on the some constructive forward looking, adventurous dirt road and in the marginal sections of rural program to make a single impact of religion in America are more isolated and neglected than the interests of a larger and more Christian king- ever, so far as religious privileges are concerned. dom building type. In the old days when all the people lived on dirt roads and the means of transportation was a horse In saying this we are not unmindful of the diffi- and buggy, all were in the range of parish visitaculties that this presents. To bring together town tion. The preacher also had his horse and all and country people in some common purpose for homes were almost equally accessible. Now few spiritual advancement is no easy task, but that it preachers have a horse and hence the people livmust be achieved is now clearly evident to all those ing on the side roads, that in the winter are deep who in recent years have been giving time and with mud, are seldom, if ever, reached with a thought to this matter. An intelligent engineered religious ministry. This is also true of the chilalignment is now necessary to any future rural dren and young people where the small schools progress. Good roads, automobiles, radios, tele- are still maintained off the hard roads. They are phones and other instruments that have conquered a most neglected group, and where these conditime and distance, require that some similar prog- tions obtain, there is a religious destitution and a ress shall take place in those forces and agencies growing paganism that should be a matter of deep that govern human relations. Some progress is concern for the church. The situation as here evidenced in the reorganization of the economic stated is not confined to anyone part of the coun- 'and the educational life, but much remains to be try. It is not a condition that is isolated to the done. But the religious life of town and country traditional backwoods' sections, but it exists in for the most part, is a standing rebuke to the the most highly developed eastern states. Maine church and a stern challenge to readjust itself to and Vermont are equally in need with Arkansas a more scientific demand and the enlarged com- and Georgia. This is a condition that calls for a munity that have come in the trail of recent social new missionary passion and a new consecration change in rural America. To revise and reor- on the part of the church and its rural ministry. ganize our systems of society, local government, political, educational and social institutions of The Challenge of the Rural Home rural life is a difficult task indeed; when we come to the institutions of religion the difficulty is in- The rural community is also presenting a new creased many times, and in this realm of read- challenge to the church at the point of the changjusting the church of rural America to these new ing farm home. Drastic changes in the methods demands of community life, will require the in- of agriculture are breaking down the family type sight and courage of a new and greater statesman- farming and hence destroying the farm home type ship than that of yesterday. In this, of course, we of community. The trend toward mass produc- are dealing with human nature, with all its weak- tion and single commodity farming is one of the ness and frailty, and we are fully conscious that danger spots in our present system. Capitalistic a thing is not always going to be achieved because large scale agriculture should be discouraged. It it is logical or right; the temptation is very great does not make for the larger prosperity of all, but to cling to the habits and ideas of yesterday, and it has resulted in the disintegration of the farm to huddle around vested interests the moment family and the destruction of the community there is a suggestion of change. Nowhere is this spirit. As a further result we now have the poor- temptation greater than in the institution of reli- est social order in rural America in those states gion and the rural church has some added diffi- where we have the richest soil. Here we find the culties at this point that are in a class by them- tenant farmer and the sharecropper or transient selves. But the fact remains that rural progress and migrant labor. Here we find our weak in the church and elsewhere must wait upon this churches, our poorest homes, and our most prolific sources of crime. The cure will be found in the 1937] THE CHALLENGE OF THE RURAL COMMUNITY discouragement of the capitalistic competitive man race. We are also slowly but surely learriing , profit-seeking agriculture and the encouragement that a man's life does not consist of the abundance of the family-type of farm ownership and opera- of things, but in seeking the satisfaction of his tion.· Observation would suggest that the best mind and spirit, without which things, in them- social order and the most satisfying rural com- selves, have little or no value. They become a munities are those in which dwell a large per- stumblingblock to the highest progress. Rural centage of family home farmers. Farm owners life is in particular peril at this point just now.
are the most reliable citizens. They support Farmers have been more naturally a religious peo- schools and churches, and elevate the moral and ple. But the emphasis upon material development spiritual standards of the community in which in recent years has gone far to create a materi- they live. Home ownership integrates and sta- alistic conception of life in rural America.
bilizes the moral and spiritual characteristics of We need a culture that will bring to rural life the people. It makes for a more reliable and a worthier sense of its rightful heritage, that will trustworthy citizen and nowhere is this so true create in the minds of rural people an apprecia- as on the farm. tion of those more permanent satisfactions that Other forces also are operating to break down can be achieved by a rural culture. But we :need the home life of rural America. The fact that also to decide as to what are the earmarks of such many rural communities have not organized to a culture. It must be distinctive and characterprotect themselves against the dumping of the istic of rural environment. It must be something road houses and dance halls into the country, that grows out of the soil and the people who have where they would not be permitted in the county their roots in the soil. We must refuse to accept seat towns, is a matter for serious consideration. a culture that is imposed from without. But this Other changes could also be cited that would go rural culture of which we have been writing must to illustrate and explain this tragic condition of also be part of a social and spiritual vitality that the rural home. These all constitute an unprece- will prevent the city from either dominating or dented challenge to the rural church. It must draining the countryside. Any true rural culture stake its life in its defence of the family farm must spring from life in the country. Therefore enterprise. Human values are the primary values. the social and spiritual development of any life The end in view is a satisfying life and not the must be closely related to the common task. Life quantity or even the quality of goods. The farmer in the country is simpler than life in the city is more important than the farm. To restore the and should be kept so as far as possible. It is family farmer to agriculture and to give dignity nearer to nature and to God. Life on the farm, and restore the sacred meaning to the farm home, under the open sky, the changing seasons as they would achieve not only an economic society that is come and go, the growing things, the soil, the now essential to permanent social stability, but trees, the stock, flowers, birds, grass, mountains spiritual gains would result that cannot obtain and running brooks – these surely have the posunder any other system. The rural church would sibilities of a great and worth-while culture that render the Kingdom a great service in giving voice has vast social and spiritual implications. But to this imperative need of reestablishing agricu1- this social expression and spiritual impetus must ture on a family farm basis and in conserving be rooted in the things of rural life. Too much of those home values that are basic to a Christian rural religion has been a thing apart. It has failed civilization. to build itself upon the foundations of these na- tive values in rural life. Now the time has come The Challenge of Spiritual Need when those who believe in rural America, who live There is another important challenge that comes on the farm and appreciate its possibilities for a out of these several considerations of the chang- full and satisfying life, must band themselves to- ing life of rural America. It is that of a vital cul- gether for a courageous forward movement to ture and a new social and spiritual vitality. Much achieve this social and spiritual vitalizing of rural attention has been given to the production side of life. Most of the satisfactions of rural life are rural life. Agriculture has been developed to a still to be achieved by this appreciation and culti- high point of efficiency. Science and invention vation of these simpler worthwhile things. Life have made possible a basis of economic produc- grows rich only in worthwhile friendships and in tion way beyond the wildest dreams of living man. those lasting values that are alone to be found in But science and invention, while able to satisfy human relations and in man's relation to God.
man's wants, offer no help in assisting man in de- The rural community is calling for a leadership ciding what he should want. We have made two that will go forward with such a program. It is blades of grass grow where only one grew before, the outstanding and urgent obligation of Ameri- but we have not found a way to make that extra can statesmanship, but it is above everything else blade of grass serve the best interests of the hu- a clear clarion call to the Christian Church.
Forgotten Man of the Back
-sf I By ANN MITCHELL, a Country Neighbor I Je- ~==========================~ W E HEAR much about "the forgotten will pay tuition for any boys and girls who wish man." I know him! He lives next door to attend the one in the town, nine miles away. to us, here on the back road. His farm It is twelve to the high school from our four was once one of the finest in the county. His corners, and there is no trolley or bus available. grandfather cleared the land, building literally What good is tuition without transportation for miles of neat stone wall, planting a maple grove a boy who cannot afford even a Model T and the and an apple orchard, and putting up buildings of gas to run it? The bright children are through which he could be justly proud. His father car- the grades at twelve or thirteen (the dull ones ried on successfully for a while, but lost his cour- have to go until they are sixteen!). When a boy age when the new "Black Road," instead of pass- has been out of school for four or five years he ing his place, followed the river, four miles to the feels quite like a man of the world and ready to south, and later the lake shore, five miles to the establish a home of his own. The critical years north. Electricity and other "advantages" fol- of adolescence spent in loafing about an idle farm, lowed the improved highway, while his dirt road hanging around lumber camps, spending on movies and dance halls the money earned by do- ing odd jobs here and there-what a poor prep- aration for successful living!
Jim married at nineteen, and Jimmie Junior was born just six months later, on Addie's seven- teenth birthday. Before Jim was thirty there were seven children, and he had seldom had steady work on which he could depend from month to month. He would have liked to bring the old farm back to its former prestige, but how could he? It takes so long to put any farm project on a paying basis, and some capital is absolutely THE CAMP THAT JIM BOUGHT necessary. There was no money for plowing and harrowing, for fertilizer and seed. There was no became more neglected each year. How could he money to buy really good stock, and if Jim had hope to compete with men to whom modern im- been able to secure a horse and cows and chickens, provements were easily available, and whose there was no money with which to buy feed for produce could reach the markets so much more them. So there was. nothing to do but take the quickly and safely? Better to put down the fields odd jobs by which he could earn enough to buy to grass, work his horses on the rapidly spread- bread for the family (often bread without butter, ing network of state roads in the spring, do odd to say nothing of jam!) and let the big barn stand jobs for the summer colony during July and empty and the fields run out. By the time he in- August, hoping to get a job in the woods in the herited the place all the buildings were in bad con- winter. He managed fairly comfortably, but his dition. There was no money for repairs!
son, our friend Jim, is not faring so well. And When we came to the corner six years ago the no one seems to care! Apparently everyone-Road paint was gone from the dignified old house-it Commissioners, Board of Education, Public Utility looked as bad as the abandoned one we had ac- Commissioners and, until recently, even the quired! Sills were rotting, kitchen floor wearing Church Board have forgotten Jim and his prob- through, walls shabby and soiled, furniture lems. broken, and everything dejected looking and down We boast of our "New England traditions"! at the heel. Even the pump had given out, and There are five colleges in our state, and several Addie was drawing water from the well with a fine academys, but Jim was through school when bucket on a worn rope. What wonder that she he was thirteen years old! Our village, like many used it sparingly, and that her clothes were al- another in this section, has no high school, but ways a "tattle-tale gray"! They used kerosene [282 ] lamps and wood fires. The children went to a friends along the back road – people of fine old one-room school with an old air-tight stove-all American stock, everyone. People with kind the (in) conveniences of grandmother's day, in hearts, most of them; men who mean well; New England in nineteen thirty-one! women who carryon bravely and cheerfully under almost unsurmountable difficulties. But they have Jim's home is typical of many in this regionback three or four miles from the state highways. THIS IS THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT Of course grandmother married young, lived on a dirt road and raised a large family with just such had no educational opportunities, no economic seprimitive equipment, but it does not matter so curity, no social standards (they are unmoral, not much where you are as the direction in which you immoral!) , no proper health care. And the chilare going! Our grandparents were pioneers in dren – many of them so neglected that they are the vanguard of progress, and were helping to growing up to be a menace to society! build a new world. Jim, and the many others like him, are bringing up the rear and are slipping When We Came to the Back Road farther and farther back as time marches on! When my family and I came to the Back Road They are living in old neglected homesteads, in six years ago, we had been driven from a suburban shacks covered with tar paper, in lumber camps. home by the "depression," and for some time were Always and everywhere there are the children! too deeply absorbed in our own problems to ap- preciate our neighbors. We thought that we were There's Jack; he inherited no farm, and lives poor, but when we gathered up the pieces after on waste land at the other end of nowhere with "the crash" we found that we had enough to make his gentle little wife and nine children. (The the old house comfortable and give it something tenth will arrive this summer, and I suppose the of its early charm. We were able to make over town will have to pay the doctor's bill, as usual!) the big barn into a hennery and to stock it with Jack has lost what pride he had and does not hesi- good birds. Going back to grandmother's day tate to "call on the town" – more often than is was for us a real adventure, and we are making a necessary, some folks think! They call him a success of things in spite of poor roads, lack of worthless fellow, but the shack he made out of electricity and other conveniences. When we betwo old henhouses, a pile of weathered, unplaned gan to look about we found ourselves faced as boards and rolls of black paper is somehow attrac- never before with the problem of stewardship. tive! The small rooms are neatly lined with cor- Of course we plunged with enthusiasm into the rugated pasteboard, and he has planted little ever- work of the newly formed Larger Parish which greens in the door yard. The children are bright was seeking to reach the back roads with its proand clean and mannerly, but the two oldest, thir- gram, but-that was not enough! It is one thing teen and fifteen, are "through school" and have to live in a neighborhood where everyone is more gotten in with a pretty rough crowd! than comfortable and to feel that you are truly Christian if, while enjoying your own pet lux- Bob is a clever workman, but "awful easy go- uries, you give (conveniently!) to the work of the ing" and his wife is just plain lazy, so folks say! local church. It is quite another thing to live next Their house, which started to be a nice little place door to a family like Jim's and feel truly Christian on the hill overlooking the lovely lake, is filled to while enjoying even pet comforts, to say nothing overflowing with children – his and hers and of luxuries, and we like to feel that we are doing theirs! Poor Sally! She certainly has had no our share in building a church program here that chance! Married at fifteen~because she had. to is adequate. The personal ways in which we have be! – divorced at seventeen, married again at been able to help are so small and so obvious that eighteen to a widower with three small children; it seems hardly worth while to tell of them, but I now, at twenty_six, she is herself the mother of sometimes wonder if it is not here, after all, that six and has the other three to care for, and abso- we are getting at the real heart of the problem! lutely nothing to do it with! Sharing, cooperating, working and playing to- gether-is not that the way out? Then there are Harry and Laura. They have a new camp of two rooms, each ten by twelve feet. He was seventeen and she sixteen when they were married six years ago; now they have four adorable children. Laura keeps the tiny home as neat as a pin and the children are well cared for, but her face is very sad! Harry likes a good time, and is tired of a wife who is always either carrying or nursing a baby and can never go with him to dance halls; so-he is "running around" with a girl from the Creek!
These are only a few of our neighbors – our
Of course it takes understanding and patience buy grain for Jim's stock-he has some nowand tact, and most of all appreciation and real and he takes care of our cows to pay for it. Addie affection. Addie and her friends initiated me into wanted a small flock of hens, so we let her pick the mysteries of old-fashioned housekeeping. I twenty pullets from among our birds; she is sortdid not know how to cook with a wood fire, to care ing our eggs to pay for them.' One year we gave for kerosene lamps, to rub clothes clean on a washboard, to make good country butter! In return I three of the neighbors seed and fertilizer; in rehave introduced them to the world of literature turn they helped with our garden and haying. and music, and the charm of afternoon tea! At Sara, down the road a piece, needed a bed that we first my cups had to travel up and down the coun- were not using and I needed help with housecleantryside, as no one else had enough to go round! ing. We have been able to keep a small fund in We have now our Woman's Club with four charter the savings bank for emergencies-a fund which members; our neighborhood suppers and parties, would have seemed absurdly inadequate in the our Sunday-night sings. At first standards dif- days before "the crash" but now it gives us a comfered so much that it was hard to find a common fortable feeling of security. Last year we found language; I have to remember always that we do that Ed was going to lose his farm, as a threenot try to reform our friends, we only love them! hundred-dollar mortgage was proving impossible. Sometimes it is hard not to feel discouraged. Two In the "good old days" we would have said that years ago when Jim Junior was only eighteen, it was "just too bad, but what could we do about and without a sign of a job, he married a slip of it?" As Back Road Christians with an emergency a girl of seventeen, and last year his sister, Emma, fund we felt that we had to do something about who is not bright, had a baby without being mar- it! We bought that mortgage and told Ed that ried at all! Though we lived right next door, we he could take his time to pay it. The amazing could not do anything about it, except to keep on part of it is that with the fear of foreclosure reloving and standing by! moved Ed has straightened his shoulders and tightened his belt and has gone to work with new Most of these country people are self-respecting will. This spring he has paid not only the interand proud. Many of them would starve before est but twenty-five dollars on the principal! they would accept "charity" but-they are glad to share. When we came up here we had many more Jim Junior and his Ruthy lived with the old things than we needed! What right had I to two folks, but she was not happy. When he had a coats, when the woman at the corner had none? chance to buy a "camp" for thirty dollars he came Extra curtains-why lay them away for future to talk it over. Such an edifice would not add to use when they would transform Abbie's shabby the beauty of the neighborhood, and the logical parlor? Garden surplus, cracked eggs, skimmed place to put it was almost in our door yard; but milk-it is so easy and happy to say "I find that building lives is certainly much more important I don't need this. Can you make use of it?" Our than architectural style! We advanced the money car-often in the early days-was the only one on and now the young people are making the tiny the hill that could be relied on for the trip to town. place into a real home. They are paying for it This presented more of a problem. But when I little by little, sometimes in cash and sometimes explained that it was God's car and I only had the in labor. privilege of driving it, folks smiled indulgently, but found it easy to accept its favors without Bob has an old car, but had not been able to pay "loss of face." We long ago lost count of the the tax and register it this year. When he had a neighborhood trips it has made-taking people to ch~nce to work in the woods beyond walking dischurch services and farm bureau meetings in the tance we let him have money to put the Ford on village, to clinics in the city thirty miles away, to the road, and he is reducing the debt a bit each and from the hospital, and out for supplies in pay day. emergencies. It is understood that our linen and sick-room equipment are available in time of These are a few of the "emergencies" in which illness. If there is something that we can borrow, our fund has helped out. It has also paid doctor's our friends are just delighted! bills, provided glasses for weak eyes, even bought tires for a Model T, and neighborhood needs have For a while, before a P. W. A. project started been met without injury to anyone's self-respect! near us we were the only family at the Corners who had any steady cash income. During that Understanding, sympathy, affection-only as period we bought groceries for all, and found some work on our place that the others could do to pay we have these, the qualities of true neighborliness, for their share. That was the beginning of a can we appreciate the problems, the handicaps and system of sharing resources which has been in the possibilities of others. When we do really apsuccessful operation for three or four years. We preciate what the other fellow is "up against" we feel that we must share our resources, material and spiritual. When all are willing to share there will be no "forgotten man" on the back roads, but everyone will have a fair chance to make good!
Fields in Rural
By the REV. Wm. R. KING, D.D., New York Executive Secretary of the Home Missions Council I T IS difficult to answer directly and specifically building and then rested back comfortably upon inquiries about unchurched communities, neg- the illusion that the field was occupied, Gospel lected groups, and overlooked areas. There is privileges were provided and the field was no a lack of clear understanding as to what is meant longer neglected. That general notion has perby "neglected fields." Shifts and changes are sisted until the present day. Denominational constantly taking place in communities and among executives still claim that a field is not neglected groups, and there is a lack of accurate and up-to- if there is any semblance of church or religious date information, although we have been actively service no matter how occasional or how inadeengaged for the past ten years in making surveys quate the religious program and the church minand accumulating information along these lines. istry may be. This is one of the greatest diffi· A large amount of data has been gathered and culties in the way of comity adjustments today. published in articles, pamphlets, and books, as a Denominations will claim and hold on to a field, result of surveys which include about twenty-five even though there be only an occasional service states. Some studies have been intensive, reach- and no community ministry whatever. ing down into counties, communities and indi- As a matter of fact, any community that has not vidual parishes. an adequate, efficient and effective church min- What is a "neglected field"? There is quite a istry is "a neglected field." A district cannot be difference of opinion among church leaders upon classed as "occupied" without a proper evaluation this point. Some seem to think that if there is a of the character of the religious program that is church building with an occasional service by some being provided. By any adequate evaluation of itinerant missionary or circuit rider, that field is church ministry we must confess that there are not neglected. This is a general opinion among vast numbers of fields in rural America that are some denominational administrators. It is an in- being neglected by the Church. This fact has been herited attitude from the past. When the country abundantly established by the surveys and studies was new and home missions meant church ex- that have been made during the past decade. tension and the planting of churches in new communities, it was generally accepted that a field was It is not too much to say, speaking generally of occupied if it had an occasional ministry and par- the rural church of the present day, that most ticularly if it had a church building. The ques- rural communities in America are neglected by tion of program and efficiency did not enter the Church. By and large in America the rural largely into the consideration; it was a mere church is not functioning adequately and effecmatter of being on the ground. ,It was somewhat tively. It is distressing to ride through the coun- tryon the train, or especially by automobile, and like homesteading in the early days when the observe the little one-room, unpainted, unkept, pioneer went into the new section and drove down neglected churches which give every indication of his stake and entered his claim. He felt that the neglect, inadequacy, and decay. Many are actually farm was his. It mattered not how much or how dead or in a rapid decline. It is estimated that little improvement he had put on it or how well they are passing out at the rate of about 1,000 a he was occupying the land. He had preempted year. The "little church at the cross-roads" is it; he had established his claim; he was able to very largely a thing of the past. In these days say "This is mine." Therefore, it was "occupied" of new highways and automobiles, the rural farmland. In the same way, in the great West churches are, as a rule, no longer at the cross- especially, the churches were established in the roads. They are not on the new routes of traffic early days. Ambitious denominational superin- and are no longer located in strategic places. tendents and pioneer missionaries went into these Many of them are out of the way, inaccessible, new territories and drove down their ecclesiastical and no longer "by the side of the road." The stakes, preempted a corner lot, brought a few pea- very location makes it almost impossible for them pIe together and organized them into a church. to render an effective service. Possibly they erected a little one-room church The new day has brought improvement in rural [285 ]
homes.· It has brought electric lights and many First, there is the United Parish Plan or what other luxuries of our modern life. It has brought is generally called the Larger Parish Plan. The the new consolidated school. It has obliterated concensus of opinion of the best informed and distances and eliminated time but the little, dilap- wisest leaders of country church work is that the idated, country church still stands as a relic of a only hope, and the only possible way to provide past and as an indictment against the present an adequate ministry to these neglected rural statesmanship of the Church. fields, is through some form of interdenomina- Surveys made in recent years in New England, tional cooperation.
for example, show a rapid decline of country These places that are being over-looked and churches throughout the whole of that region, and neglected are not wanted by any denomination.
general inefficiency which is alarming. These They are not looked upon as worth while for they surveys divide the communities into three classes: are liabilities rather than assets. They are too those inadequately churched, the communities ade- expensive and too unprofitable. Even the new quately churched, and those that were over- sects that are springing up so rapidly, and are churched. In New Hampshire, for example, 33 making such remarkable headway in these hectic towns or townships were classified as inadequately days, are overlooking these rural communities and churched. These, for the most part, are towns are centering their efforts upon the towns and with small populations and open country commu- cities, rushing into communities that are already nities. In many of these communities it would not overchurched, watching for every possible oppor- be possible to support a church but, nevertheless, tunity of establishing themselves in the centers of the question of neglect and absence of religious population.
privilege exi&ts. In Maine, 131 towns were classi- If anything is to be done for the neglected rural fied as inadequately churched; in almost all cases fields, it must be done on a much more generous the populations were small. The total population and much more unselfish basis than heretofore.
of 131 towns was only 38,000, in no instance was They must no longer be exploited for denomina- any more than 1,000; the average was around tional interests. They must be served unselfishly 300. In all of these communities the churches in the interests of the neglected people and of the were weak and inadequate, and most of them Kingdom of God. There must be interdenomina- functioned only for part of the year. In the tional planning and strategy if there is to be any- other New England states the same general situa- thing like an equalization· of religious privileges tion obtains. Vermont perhaps presents the most throughout rural America. Everyone in every distressing exhibit of neglected rural churches in community, however small it may be, has a right New England. to the ministries of the Church, but these rights There are many sections in the mountain areas will never be secured so long as rural America is of the South and in the Ozarks and in the inter- regarded as a battlefield for warring Christian mountain region of the West, where rural com- denominations and rival sects. It is a question of munities are either without any church at all or Christian statesmanship and loyalty to Christ and have very weak and inadequate churches. There concern for the establishment of His Kingdom.
are also racial groups of people in the rural areas Will we be big enough and brave enough and un- who are neglected; for whom no ministry is be- selfish enough to build an adequate church in every ing provided. This is perhaps the most difficult rural community in America?
problem of all to meet. They are, as a rule, scat- A second solution 'for the rural church problem tered and few in number in anyone locality, thus is a trained rural church leadership. The greatest making it difficult to gather them into a church weakness of the Church in rural America is the organization, or to absorb them in any existing lamentable lack of an effective program, an edu- body. But they are neglected so far as any reli- cated ministry and a trained Christian leadership. gious privileges are concerned and are presenting This is not a pleasant thing to say. It sounds to the church one of its rural problems. harsh, critical and unappreciative. But it is one The results of these surveys and studies, made of those "stubborn facts" that cannot be ignored over wide areas of the country, present a very in any proper evaluation of the rural church.
discouraging picture of the rural church in Amer- There are, of course, many exceptions. There are ica. This is the biggest problem facing American some educated and successful rural pre3:chers. Christianity today. There are some outstanding, well-functioning Three Possible Solutions country churches. But they are like hens' teeth- not enough to be very 'effective. It must be said What can be done about it? This is not an easy also, in all fairness, that the great majority of question to answer. As I see it, there are three rural preachers are men of fine character and possible solutions of the rural church problem. commendable consecration; many of them have
FARM TENANTS AND SHARECROPPERS
useful natural gifts. This is true of many moun- specially-trained, high-grade pastoral leadership tain preachers in the Southern Highlands. They have a gift of oratory and leadership and enjoy if it is to survive. the respect and confidence of the people. They are devoted and consecrated. They love their The third sQlution Qf the rural church problem Lord and have a passion for souls. But they are uneducated and untrained; many of them cannot in neglected fields is a real-to-goodness interderead and write. Very few of them have ever had a high school course; still fewer have a college nominational comity. Overchurching in small training, and iewer still have ever attended a theological school. communities is a glaring disgrace to American Some of the denominations have tried to help Protestantism. Every denomination wants to these untrained men by means of summer schools, conferences, and short courses. The Home Mis- be in the most. promising communities. No one sions Council has sponsored about a score of summer schools for rural pastors for many years. wants the "byways and hedges." The selfish ag- Home mission boards have used circulating libraries, special scholarships and other devices to gression of denominations in crowding into almake up to their rural pastors what they need in special training. A few theological seminaries ready occupied fields and the willful tenacity with are beginning to give special courses for young men preparing for the rural ministry. But these which they cling to these overchurched communimethods are all inadequate; they do not meet the need. The rural church must have well-educated, ties is the "scandal of Christianity." Unless this can be overcome, I see no hope for the church in these little rural fields. Something has been done in comity and much is now being done to correct the evils of overchurching and competition, but much more must be dQne and done quickly if the neglected rural fields are to be given a worth while church ministry.
I submit these three things as the only possible ways of reaching the neglected fields in Rural America-the United Parish Plan, a trained lead- ership, and an effective comity.
J Farm Tenants and Sharecroppers By CHARLES M. McCONNELL, -.~ Boston, Massachusetts }at– Interseminary Commission for Training for the Rural Ministry FARM tenancy is one of the major issues be- A committee of forty members appointed by the fore the people of the United States. Sociol- President of the United States has just reported ogists refer to it as "our greatest social their findings on farm tenancy. humiliation." Another writer, with a theological bent, has called tenancy "the besetting sin of An issue which is rated with such importance American agriculture." A governor of Arkansas by national leaders cannot go unnoticed by the recently broke into The New York Times with Church. There are some moral issues involved in this statement about tenancy: this system which must not be ignored or allowed to go unchallenged by churchmen. No easy-going I recognize the seriousness of the tenant farmer or tolerance can stand in the way of drawing up an sharecropper problem. For decades it has been developed indictment by the Church against the evils of a and in recent years has grown to such proportions and system which has created widespread poverty, such serious condition that the problem must be settled if oppression and human wreckage. But along with Arkansas is to have peace among its citizenship. The any challenge to the evils of tenancy there must plight of the sharecropper may be exaggerated in some go a positive, constructive and statesmanlike reports but the thing itself-the system-is eating at the church program to solve such moral problems that vitals of the South's economic structure. tenancy creates. In this field the words of the Church must "become flesh and dwell among" the Strong words are these from one whose admin- farm tenants in the uttermost parts of America. istration was marked by bitter struggles between sharecroppers and planters, and who should know The nature and extent of farm tenancy must be "the system" thoroughly. Political leaders have understood before the Church can propose the begun to consider the problem of farm tenancy simplest remedies. A farm tenant is any person and two leaders of Congress have gone on record who hires the farm land which he operates as a by saying, "The tenancy problem is the paramount farm. Two million eight hundred and sixty thouchallenge before the 1937 session of Congress."
sand tenant farmers operate forty-two per cent of ants. Security of tenure is by no means guar- the farms in the United States. These tenants anteed by an uncertain title, for rent is some- are distributed over rich lands and poor lands times easier to raise than interest on a mortgage. with startling unevenness. Contrast the 4.5 % of Furthermore there is no relief from farm tenancy farm tenants in Maine with the 72.20/0 of farm in sight that will catapult the whole mass of farm tenants in Mississippi. Iowa, with the highest tenants into owners. A proposal was recently percentage of its land under cultivation, has 47.3 % made to set up a revolving fund of $50,000,000 by of farm tenants. The 6,288,648 farms of the the United States Government and the Secretary United States with their total population of 32,- of Agriculture quickly pointed out that such a 200,000 are operated by a tenant population fund for the use of tenants in the purchase of land slightly under one-half the total and a land own- would require two hundred and thirty years to ing population somewhat above the one-half mark. eliminate the tenants now on the land.
To get at the real problems of farm tenancy we The Church can recognize tenancy as a present must delve deeper into the system and unearth the necessity and go ahead ministering to tenant and meaning of sharecropping in rural America. The landlord alike without regard to their relation to sharecroppers work the land for a share of the the land. Ministers can well add the words, "both cash crop and need to have furnished for them to tenant and landlord," to St. Paul's list of those farm tools, work animals, fertilizer for the cash to whom he was indebted, found in the first chapcrop and generally the food they consume during ter of Romans. In the most extreme cases of the crop growing season. The South is the home strain between tenant and land owner, the minof this sharecropping system and cotton is the crop which is shared. None of the cotton grow- ister can at least recognize the fact that the sysing states fall below sixty per cent in farm ten- tem is in part responsible for the poverty of each. ancy. The Census Bureau of the United States But the land itself needs an advocate to plead its has defined a tenant plantation as a continuous cause. Tenancy has robbed the soil of its basic tract of land of considerable area under the gen- fertility to such an extent that erosion, impov- erishment and soil destruction have resulted over eral control or supervision of a single individual or one seventh of the once productive crop area of firm, all or a part of such tract being divided into the United States. {(The earth is the Lord's" and at least five smaller tracts which are leased to not the landlord's is an appropriate text for a tenants. This landless, debt-ridden and depend- sermon to farmers. ent tenant, white or Negro, operating a twentyfive or thirty acre plot of cotton land on a tenant Sharecropping in the South is the hot spot in plantation, is in a class of farm tenancy by him- this whole tenancy system. The Church, both self and is the central figure of farm tenancy in local and general, is involved in the system. The the United States. local congregation is in an area where three- fourths of the entire population live upon the The Church and the Sharecroppers land: No other section has such excessive over- Before considering the evils of this sharecrop- churching and at the same time so many comping system and making a wholesale criticism of munities (ten per cent) unchurched by Protestant farm tenancy we must separate the system from bodies. Nearly seventy per cent of the country its evils. Tenancy is often called the agricultural churches have nonresident ministers. Ninety per ladder on which an energetic young man might cent of the white rural Baptist and Methodist ascend from hired man to tenant and to land- churches have once-a-month services. The large tenant class-72.2% in Mississippi, 63 % in Arowner. Census data give ground for this ladder theory for 24 % of all farm owners were formerly kansas, 66.6 % in Louisiana, and so on through tenants, and 20 % had been both farm laborers the cotton belt-are largely not being reach~d by and tenants previous to their status as farm the churches. Although 59.5% of the farm own- owners. There are thousands of farm tenants ers are members of the church only 33.50/0 of the who are living on land which they do not own and tenant class are so counted. Nevertheless the are rendering a good account of their steward- Church is the most important institution in this ship. Tenancy offers the only opportunity for area for the South is greatly devoted to the countless farm families to have access to the land. Church. Much depends upon the leadership in Among the membership of rural churches there this crucial hour and no mission field offers such are many tenants who assume their share of the a challenge to the Christian churches of America.
church's maintenance and live on a high level of We have on our hands a situation which is not life. Nor can all the poverty of farm life be laid sectional nor secular. It strikes at the very roots to tenancy. There are farm owners whose stand- of the economic and social and religious structure ard of living is far below that of some tenants and of America. We will let Erskine Caldwell de- whose income is far less than that of many ten- scribe the poverty of his own people.
FARM TENANTS AND SHARECROPPERS '289
In parts of the South human existence has reached its cotton houses they came seeking refuge and a lowest depths. Children are seen deformed by nature and chance for "life, liberty and the pursuit of hapmalnutrition; women in rags beg for pennies; and men piness." They would have readily waived the last are so hungry that many of them eat snakes, cow dung, of these rights for the bare chance to live. In and clay. These are the unknown people of today, the brief this project, after one year, reports thirtytenant farmer of the South. These are the people who one families of white and Negro sharecroppers hide their nakedness behind trees when a stranger wanders living cooperatively, law abiding under the laws off the road. There is hunger in their eyes as well as in of Mississippi which forbids the teaching of racial their bellies. equality but says nothing about forbidding its practice. The income of the thirty-one families Missionary aid is not a big factor in the has been doubled and an equity in the farm churches of the South for the twelve leading Prot- earned, while the standard of living has been estant denominations in this area put aid into this higher than any of the families have hitherto field in about the same proportion as they extend known. it to the Colonial region. For more will have to be done along this line among people so poor that And the churches have had a part in this enterfood, clothing and shelter are denied them beyond prise which a few courageous and statesmanlike the mere existence line in some sections. The more prosperous areas of the Church should at least help support an adequate ministry. But one rural secretary of a home mission board is on record with this far-sighted policy, "The difficulties in trying to maintain a rural church under such conditions are almost beyond description. That a ministry to such a group is a primary missionary responsibility is evident. The point we would press is that the Church must do more than merely provide a ministry to these depressed, dispossessed and discouraged people. It must find a way to bore into the basic problems of this poverty and to deal with the causes of the conditions which make the abundant life impossible."
The Delta Cooperative Farm Photo by Rothstein A SHARECROPPER'S FAMILY IN TANGIPAHOA In this, as in other fields, an ounce of creative PARISH, LOUISIANA activity is worth pounds of speculation, exhortation, criticism or fervid theorizing. The trial and men have fostered and carried on in the face of error method will once more have to be invoked. odds too heavy for timid souls. Sam Franklin has Fortunately for the South, and for the churches been the spearhead of this advance into the north and south, there is an effort being made in strongholds of a system which is gnawing away Mississippi among the sharecroppers which bids at more than the vitals of the South. Over in fair to turn up something of a solution even after Arkansas, Sam Franklin went onto a plantation only one year of trial. "The Delta Cooperative to talk with the widow of a murdered union man Farm" came into existence in March 1936. It and was accused by the landlord of "interfering was almost forced into existence by the desperate with labor," which is some kind of a crime in needs of the sharecroppers who were being de- Arkansas. When F:ranklin remonstrated at benied not only the necessities of life but their rights ing ordered off under threat of death the landas American citizens guaranteed under the Con- owner ended the conversation with this choice bit stitution. A farm of 2,138 acres along the Mis- of language, "I'd shoot you if you was Jesus Christ sissippi River near Hillhouse was bought by funds himself." Sam Frankljn is a Presbyterian minprovided by Dr. Sherwood Eddy and his friends ister, a former missionary to Japan. As director and was put into the hands of a board of five of the Delta Cooperative Farm he is also the mintrustees for a cooperative farm for sharecroppers. ister of the church on the farm which ministers Evicted sharecroppers, whose only offence was to the sharecroppers. Church boards of home membership and activity in a labor union known missions, local churches, labor unions and a host as the Southern Tenant Farmer's Union, had of others who are concerned about the evils of brought upon them the wrath of landowners and sharecropping have aided and abetted this worthy riding bosses on tenant plantations. These were and most important enterprise. invited to live on the farm and join the cooperative enterprise. From roadside colonies of evicted sharecroppers, from hiding places in woods and
Twenty–Five Years Ago and
By PROFESSOR ROSS J. GRIFFETH, Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana Secretary of the National Rural Church Commission, Disciples of Christ T ODAY, in Madison Township, Morgan ways; automobiles; Indianapolis less than thirty County, Indiana, there are three church minutes drive; Public Enemy Number One? buildings, all of brick, well built. Two stand This is the picture of one rural community in idle almost all the time, with only an occasional which are to be found a fairly stable population, feeble effort at holding Sunday school to break the many well educated people, above-the-average eco- silence of one. Sporadic emotional outbursts in nomic prosperity, several aggressive workers in the second are reminiscent ghosts of revival meet- cooperative enterprises, a small group of church ings from the long ago, but now the effects of re- leaders who have become increasingly conscious vival efforts are shadowy, swiftly gone. Two of the plight and the importance of the rural other church buildings which once served the church. Such a picture, with different highlights, countryside are only memories in the minds and is repeated in many hundreds of American rural hearts of the few remaining septuagenarians communities.
whose residence extends so far back. The one How did this condition come to be? Trace the church which has regular services-Sunday morn- broader outlines of American history that, during ing only – is served by a minister who lives in the last twenty-five years, have led to the present Indianapolis, drives out Sunday morning and back situation; then glance at some of the measured to the city in the afternoon. factors that have contributed to the development Madison township is strictly rural. It has no of present-day rural church problems; finally, restore, no industrial enterprise save a canning fac- lieve the gloom by considering the work of two tory that cares for the local tomato crop. One or three rural churches in which important strides blacksmith shop with the ubiquitous gasoline have been made toward solving local problems.
pump, and one other gasoline pump furnish the Rural Progress Since 1912 only strictly nonagricultural pursuits, and even these are operated by farmers. What picture do we have of the church and its Approximately one hundred and thirty families community twenty-five years ago? Turn back the with less than six hundred individuals, make up pages of memory, but do not trust memory too the population. Sunday school attendance aver- much. You may be romancing.
ages fifty-five, and church attendance is about the The last large area of cultivable land within same. The church roll has on it eighty-six resi- the boundaries of the United States had been dent members, about sixteen per cent of the pop- claimed twenty-five' years ago. Some of it was ulation but some one hundred fifty of the people well settled; some only partially. The pioneer are touched by the church in some way. In so far spirit that had driven men out to make new geo- as the other four hundred are concerned, except graphical conquests was beginning to turn them as a landmark, the church is nonexistent. toward subduing the last virgin prairies and for- A consolidated school across the highway from ests. Here and there a voice of warning was the active church provides education through the raised in protest against the careless exploitation first eight grades. Twenty-nine young people at- of loam and woodland, but these voices were gen- tend high school in a near-by town, the home of erally unheeded. What did professors in .agricul- the once Public Enemy Number One, John Dil- tural colleges know? Was not the wealth of the linger. Only one of the twenty-nine high'school continent inexhaustible!
youths attends church regularly; a half dozen Itinerant evangelists at irregular intervals others come at infrequent intervals. brought emotional revivals to hamlet and country- What is the relationship between these factors: side. Now and again greater evangelists sent the the open country; closed churches; a nonresident populace of metropolitan areas to their knees- minister; inadequate religious training for for a time. Preaching was generally doctrinal.
youths; a satisfactory school system; paved high- The Church was seldom conceived of as having a . [290] social program for the community, but worked expanded, overmechanized. Land speculation valiantly to meet, in its own way, the needs of the brought economic disaster to many thousands of people as they were then understood. farmers. Land prices, averaging $108 per acre in 1920, fell to $76 per acre in 1926. Thus the The earlier pioneers had built churches as well equity of many who dreamed of one day calling as homes. No landscape of the prairies was with- rich farms their own, vanished, and these found out its church steeple. "The church in the wild- themselves to be tenants on soil owned by the wood" was an ever-present fact and an inescap- mortgage holder, or else they sought employment able factor in the life of each community. in the great city.
TENANT'S HOUSES IN ARKANSAS (Near Dyess Colony) The church, in both rural and urban areas, faced new problems, new forms of vice, new so- Twenty-five years ago the United States seldom cial and economic problems. Young people went looked beyond its own borders. Weekly news- to college or to industrial centers. The rural papers, and less frequently issued farm papers, church was all but stripped of its maturing leadbrought news of the larger community to the rela- ership. Urban churches could not provide for all tively contented countryside. Woodrow Wilson, who were thus transplanted. On the basis of sevwhose primary interest was in domestic problems, eral local surveys, it has been estimated that in was elected President. The policies, which in 1913 moving into Indianapolis, more Disciples of Christ he characterized under the title, "The New Free- failed to identify themselves with an urban church dom," aimed to bring a larger measure of privi- than there were in all the Disciples churches withlege to the citizens of limited or average means. in that city. They did not take account of Europe, the Far East, or African rubber plantations. Rural Amer- Under these conditions, secularism grew apace. ica had its problems, to be sure, but Wall Street Economic problems in rural areas left the church appeared to many to be only the major expression helpless. The depression came to rural America of Satan; banking reform, antitrust legislation, nearly ten years before October 29, 1929. In and farm loans at four or five per cent interest, 1919, wheat sold at $2.14 per bushel; in 1921 the seemed adequate to meet all needs. price was $1.19. There was no corresponding change in taxes; no lowering of the farmers' ex- Automobiles were few and expensive. Prac- penses. The church shared in the economic distically impassable roads seemed an insurmount- aster. While in 1925 and 1926 the United States, able obstacle to their general use. Telephones, taken as a whole, reached its all""time high in givhowever, had reached out into the back country ing to the church and to missionary enterprises, and had broken down some of the rural isolation. Rural mail delivery was becoming significant. In FARMER'S HOME' IN DYESS COLONY, ARKANSAS many communities the kerosene lamp appeared to be the final achievement in rural lighting. Farm the rural church was, at that time, struggling to machinery operated by other than anImal or man live. Trained ministers had migrated to the city power was beyond the thoughts of most tillers of and few were being trained to meet the needs of the soil. rural fields; and, tragically, few seemed to care.
Then came the World War. Agriculture ex- Then came the industrial depression. Boys and panded to feed hungry armies. Farmer lads were girls who, in the previous decade, would have gone torn from the soil to taste of travel, the devasta- to the cities, remained on farms. But mechanized tion of international strife, vice such as always farming, farm surpluses, ruinous prices (wheat marches with armies seeking to kill, and to rub brought the farmer twenty-five or twenty-six shoulders with sophisticates from bright light dis- cents a bushel in Oklahoma in 1933) made these tricts or crowded slums. young people an economic liability rather than an With the war over, agriculture was over-
asset as in pioneer days. The rural church was million, who took with them youth, vigor, ambition, and almost powerless to help in the crisis. To farm- up to thirty-five billi'On dollars of wealth. ers, ministers seemed to be a luxury. Thousands of churches said, "We shall do without a minister These facts lead to certain conclusions: until times are better." The income of churches fell off, as did that of individuals, only the (1) Cities cannot live without additions to their churches suffered most. Communities that once populations from rural areas; maintained, even though with pitiful inadequacy, two, three, four, or five, church buildings, could (2) The future city church cannot grow unless scarcely keep one going. The church of the open the rural churches prosper; country, in numberless cases, closed up or ceased to do more than give feeble evidences of life. Vil- (3) The cities, which have received vast lage churches fared little better. amounts of wealth from farms, must help, in a financial way, the rural congregations so that they Today the picture begins to brighten. Is it twi. may again be effective; light or dawn? Vigorous Christian leaders are determined to rehabilitate the rural church; they (4) Both rural and urban churches must, in are determined to make it dawn. As we behold the future, cultivate their fields more intensively what seems to be the opening eyelids of the morn- and reap a larger harvest of souls from a stable ing, let us take note of certain facts that must be or declining population, or they must perish. considered in any program of reconstruction. Tenantry and the Rural Church Rural Churches and Changing Life The President's Committee on Farm Tenantry Our survey of the larger American scene has reported on February 16, 1937, that "Tenancy has barely hinted at epoch-making factors that have increased from 25 per cent of all farmers in 1880 dynamited the life of a people and made debris of to 42 per cent in 1935. Because of debt, the aconce well-ordered thoughts. With old thought tual equity of operating owners is far less than patterns shattered, it is necessary to form new these figures indicate" (p. 3). What does this ones. The past must be pondered if we are to mean to the church? erect rock-founded structures for the future. Robert E. Hanson, graduate student in Butler Professor E. C. Cameron, whose invigorating University, College of Religion, who has just compublished articles, inspiring teaching, and dy- pleted a study of rural Churches of Christ in Innamic deeds were arousing numberless Christians diana, found that 69 per cent of rural church to meet the challenge of needy rural fields, and members were farmers. The other 31 per cent whose early death last December brought sorrow was composed of business men, professional men, to all whose hearts beat in sympathy and with and persons in other occupations. Of the farmhope for rural Christians everywhere, has writ- ers, 67 per cent owned their farms, 29 per cent ten: were tenants, four per cent were hired hands. No definite figures are available for comparison, but Until the last few years we had assumed that the people it is certain that the percentage of farm owners of our nation would one day number two hundred million. who are church members is higher than the per- Upon the basis 'Of this continued expansion, our Chambers centage of tenants who belong to church. Furof Commerce envisioned growing cities, new and larger ther, the financial support of the church rests in public buildings, an ever-gr'Owing demand for industrial large measure upon the farmer who owns his products. Educational leaders prepared for larger enroll- land. The tenants, because of insecurity, find it ments in grades and colleges. Churches were built t'O care difficult to feel that any investments they make in for congregations expected to become large as a matter of the local church will be of continuing service to course. Our national life was permeated by.an optimistic them. and invigorating, if a little slap-dash in style, phil'Osophy of expansion. According to figures published in Wallaces' Farmer, on February 13, 1937, 34 per cent of all Since 1932 we have been brought up with a jerk. On Iowa farmers had been on their farms less than the basis of the 1930 census, and other data, Dr. O. E. two years and 25 per cent more had been on their Baker, Senior Agricultural Economist, Department of farms from' two to five years. Thus, 59 per cent Agriculture, figures that our p'Opulation will reach a top of Iowa tenant farmers had been on their Jarms of one hundred thirty-two million in 1945, and then dr'Op five years or less. It is difficult, if not impossible, to one hundred twenty-seven million in 1960, and under to build significant churches or important comone hundred million by 1990.· munity programs with such shifting populations. To bring stability in the church tomorrow, the There is ample evidence that all cities 'Of 2,500 popula- tenant farmers must be helped to purchase their tion and above are not having enough births to keep their farms today. population at present levels. The surplus births which feed our cities and continue our populati'On growth occur Indiana has often been used for surveys of one in rural districts and mainly bel'Ow the Mason-Dixon line. kind and another, especially church surveys. As- suming that Indiana is typical of rural America, Following Dr. Baker again, from 1920 to 1930, nineteen milli'On farm boys and girls went to the cities; thirteen million returned, leaving a net gain to the cities of six
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO AND NOW
and the Disciples of Christ are typical of Indiana, in the community. On June 6, 1937, Mr. Hugh here are miscellaneous facts discovered by Robert T. Miller, of Columbus, Indiana, son of John C. E. Hansen that tell the plight of the rural church Miller, himself a minister until conditions beyond in America. his control kept him from the work, will serve as representative of his family and formally give to Only 30 per cent of the rural churches have full-time the trustees of the Nineveh Church of Christ the ministers. family farm of eighty acres. The house is to serve as the parsonage. The present minister, G. F. Only 53 per cent of the members of rural churches are Powers, will share the rural life of his parishactive. ioners by planting a garden, keeping chickens and a cow, and living close to the soil. He will not do Forty-eight per cent of the rural Sunday schools make extensive farming so as to hinder his ministerial no provision for leadership training. One-third more have work but will further his worK by sharing the life had but a single leadership training course. of his people.
Only 48 per cent of the rural ministers live on the field The congregation at Stilesville, Indiana, decided they serve. that it needed something more than a one-room meeting house. With Albert Reitzel in charge, Eighty-seven per cent of the rural ministers have had seven men, with four teams, dug a basement in little or no training which especially fits them for work two and one-half days. Harvey McClellan arin the rural field. A RURAL CHURCH IN MORGAN CITY, INDIANA The Way Out ranged for the needed sand and gravel. Under Are the rural churches today capable of serv- the direction of Theodore Mullis and Robert Rhea, ing the communities in which they are located in the cement floor and walls of the basement were such a way that the moral and spiritual founda- completed in l~ss than four days. Bernard O'Rear tions of the communities will be made secure? and Chester Gregory, using volunteer groups of The answer, of course, varies from place to place. men and boys, built the structure over the base- Thousands of rural churches have closed their ment. Schuyler Arnold attended to the finishing doors. Economic necessity, loss of leadership, work. In one way or another, every member of population shifts, have all done their share to the church and Sunday school was used. The chilmake the abandoned rural church an all too fa- dren enjoyed sharing in the clean up. miliar sight. Fortunately there is an increasing number of communities where planned movements The formula for making the individual rural toward unity have eliminated wasteful competi" church effective is simple. The main elements tion between rival denominations and have made are: devotion to Christ; a vision; the willingfora finer community spirit. Here are the things ness to see it through. The church does not so some Indiana churches are doing to make the much need expert leaders as devoted leaders who church effective. will act as well as dream.
Rev. Lee Tinsley, fifty years a minister, chair- What will the rural church be twenty-five years man of the Indiana Rural Church Commission, from now? That depends upon what we now Disciples of Christ, has made the church a com- start to make it. munity center. Whenever the farmers think of holding any kind of meeting, they think of the Little Flat Rock church. When Sunday comes, their automobiles know how to stop at the church. Each year a Rural Church Week is observed, and each day of the week some group is stimulated to undertake a larger task within the church.
Nineveh, Indiana, has but one church now. Another passed out of existence many years ago. From this continuing church have gone out two Superintendents of Public Instruction for the State of Indiana, several ministers, missionaries, college professors, and many public school teachers, as well as to other callings. The church was founded in 1832. About thirty-five years ago, a beloved minister, John C. Miller, who lived on a farm a half-mile from the church, went to his eternal reward. The children held the farm and continued to make substantial contributions to the budget of the church although they no longer lived
the Fountains
By the REV. HENRY W. McLAUGHLIN, Richmond, Virginia Director of the Department of Country Church and Sunday School Extension, Presbyterian Church in the United States FROM over the hills of yesterday come the Ills and the Cure memories of a fountain by which stood great oak trees. Near this spring my grandfather There are many things in the world today which selected the location, and erected the two-story log are calculated to give us grave concern. The conhouse in which I was born. Here I used to play flicts between labor and capital, the constant inunder the watchful eye of my grandmother. As crease in the manufacture of implements of war, in Wordsworth's lines- the international jealousies and misunderstand- ings, the enlarging use of intoxicants, the increase We lay beneath a spreading oak, of crime, and the breakdown of family life-all Beside a mossy seat; are indications of modern trends which threaten the peace and happiness of the world. If we And from the turf a fountain broke should permit ourselves to dwell upon these mod- And gurgled at our feet. ern trends, we would all tend to become pessi- mists. Indeed, I would be a weeping Jeremiah if I One of the chores, when I was a lad on my fa- did not believe that there is a remedy for society. ther's farm, was to keep this spring clean. The good health of the family depended upon it. Never In the World War, President Woodrow Wilson was there a case of typhoid fever in our family, called our American youth to arms and across the save one, and that contracted away from home. seas four million strong. He called them with the That spring, the sole source of the family water slogan – "We must make the world safe for desupply was but one of many thousands of sources mocracy." What we need in our new emergency of the Ohio River and its tributaries. in America, where the dangers are from within rather than from without, is a democracy which In Psalm 104, the 10th verse, we read: "He is safe for the world. If we are to have such a sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run democracy, our citizens, the self-sovereigns, must among the hills." be intelligent and trustworthy. We are spending millions of money to make our citizens intelligent. We are beginning to appreciate our great rivers Never has the world seen such another adventure as means of transportation and sources of power. in education as is found in our great public school There is, however, a very vital relationship be- system-from the little one-room school houses to tween the springs that run among the hills and the great universities. We are discovering, howthe rivers. If the springs should dry up, our river ever, that crime grows apace, and that educated beds would become stagnant pools. criminals are a greater menace than those who are illiterate. Education alone will not guarantee A few months ago I visited Habersham and us a democracy which is safe for the world. All Hall Counties in North Georgia. There I saw our citizens might be as highly educated as Aaron those beautiful crystal springs that burst from the mountainside and form the source of the Chattahoochee, and I was reminded of the song of one of our Southern poets, Sidney Lanier- But oh, not the hills of Habersham, Burr, and yet democracy would fail. We might And oh, not the valleys of Hall have miraculous power to transform the machines Avail: I am fain for to water the plain. of war into implements of peace, or alcohol and Downward the voices of Duty call- narcotics into water and harmless drugs as a re- Downward, to toil and be mixed with the main; cent play by H. G. Wells shows, but unless there The dry fields burn, and the mills are to turn, were so-me power to change the charact~rs and And a myriad flowers mortally yearn, motivations of people and to make them trust- And the lorIdly main from beyond the plain worthy, their selfish civilization would prove a Calls o'er the hills of Habersham, failure. Calls through the valleys of Hall.
As the fountains among the hills are the sources We believe that the Gospel of the Lord Jesus of the rivers, so are the country communities to Christ is the one dynamic that can change men society as a whole. and can rightly motivate them. As the Apostle [294 ] Paul says, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel: for of today will have six times as many descendants as 1,000 it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone city people. The rural people, like the meek, seem very that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the likely to inherit the earth, or at least to acquire the use Greek." What the Gospel will do for the indi- of it. vidual, it will do for society. Our need in America, where we have so many ills and so many nos- It will be noted (see graph) that in the cities, trums offered as a cure, is that we as a people be- largely of American stock,there are only 225 chilcome Christian not merely in name but in reality. dren under five years of age for every 1,000 But no nation was ever made Christian by at- women 15 to 45 years of age; while in the rural tempting to make it Christian in the cities alone. The crying need of the hour is to make the people NUMBER OF FARMS of America Christian at the sources. We cannot have clear and beautiful rivers from muddy springs. We cannot have a Christian America unless the sources of society are Christian.
The Sources in Rural Life The country communities are the sources of so- nonfarm population, which consists of the dwellciety, because here a large number of children are ers in cotton mills, mining, lumber and other vilborn and reared. According to Kolb and Brunner lages, there are 471; while on the farms there are in their "Study of Rural Society," in the cities 545 children for every 1,000 women of child-bearthere are only four families out of every 100 ing age. In some of our Southern counties there which have four or more children. On our Amer- are almost as many children under five years as ican farms 40 out of every 100 families have four there are women from 15 to 45 years of age. Dr. or more children. Or to put it another way, in Baker calls attention to the fact that it requires our cities there are only 38 people out of every 370 children per 1,000 women to maintain a sta- 100 under 20 years of age. In our villages there are 48 out of every 100 persons under 20 years of ro tionary population. Roughly speaking,there are age; while on our farms there are 52 out of every 100 under 20 years of age. 25 less children born in our cities than are Dr. O. E. Baker, Senior Agricultural Economist ro necessary to keep the population stationary, while of the United States, in a recent address, said: on our American farms there are 50 more than In our large cities today ten adults are having about are necessary to keep the population stationary. seven children. If the birthrate remains stationary, these The rural communities are, therefore, the main sources of society. NUMBER OF CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE PER 1.000 WOMEN 15 TO 45 YEARS OF AGE IN"UNITED STATES.APRIL 1.1930 The Rural Work Commission of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, has issued a report CLASS OF POPULATION NUMBER OF CHILDREN PER 1.000 WOMEN showing that church membership and Sunday 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1 000 school enrollment run very much lower among the o rural people than in the urban districts. From their Report No. I, and other sources of infor- URBAN mation, we gleaned the facts tabulated below. Note that we are giving the urban and rural pop- All CITIES II ulations of the sixteen Southern states and the OVER 100.000 — — – – 293 District of Columbia; we also give the church POPULATION II membership, nonchurch population and the per- centage of church membership both in the urban ALL CITlES ABOUT 310 CHILDREN PER 1.000 WOMEN and rural areas; likewise totals in the sixteen WERE NECESSARY rONA/NTAIN POPULATION Southern states and the District of Columbia. 2.500 TO 100.000 – – – – 341 STATIONARY IN 10&0 Clean Fountains and Pure Rivers POPULATION IIII Our rather extensive studies reveal the fact that RURAL if you answer three questions about the people IIIII who live in the communities that lie within the RURAL NON-FARM (MOSTLY VILLAGE)— 47 t POPULATION LESLIE COUNTY IIIII EASTERN KENTUCKY – 91 5 (95% ON FARMS) • PORTLAND (ORECON). SAN FRANCISCO. LOS ANGELES. KANSAS CITY, ST LOUIS, NASHVILLE. AND ATLANTA seven in turn will have only five, and these five only three and one-half children. In three generations, or a century, these cities would decline to about one-third their present population, unless they received accessions from outside. A century is not a long span in the history of a nation. In the farm population, on the other hand, ten adults are now having thirteen children. If the birthrate remains stationary, these thirteen in turn will have seventeen children, and these seventeen would have twenty-two children. It appears likely that a century hence 1,000 farm people
trade area of a city, you can tell almost exactly the purpose of purifying the water supply alone. what will be the crime record of that city. Should they not be interested even more in purify- ing the fountains from which flow their popula- What proportion of the people dQ not own their homes? tions? Shall the new generation now being reared What proportion of the people are not members of any on our American farms, many of whom must church? inevitably flow to the cities, go there as Christians What proportion of the people are not enrolled in any or as potential criminals? That question must Sunday school? be answered by the churches of America in this generation. Where non-home ownership, and non-church membership, and non-Sunday school enrollment Christ not only shows the way of righteousness, run high, in the communities constituting the but furnishes the power by which men may walk sources of society, the cities which are fed by these in that Way. He offers the only dynamic that sources have a high crime' record. The annual can rightly motivate living and banish selfishness. cost of crime is a tax on our American people of Therefore, the only hope of society in America something like $120.00 per capita. But it is not and in the world is through the power of Christ. the cost of crime that is the worst feature. Crime Only when He has been enthroned in the hearts is but a symptom, as pain is a symptom of cancer. of men, only when we seek first the kingdom of Think of all the sorrow, suffering, wretchedness, God and His righteousness can we settle our diffidegradation, depravity, sin that lies back of this culties, and solve our economic, political and socost of crime. Think of the people who are at the cial problems. Only thus will crime be abolished; very sources of society, with lost souls because only thus will we learn war no more and make they have been neglected by the Church. Our pure and happy the home life of the people. cities are tremendously interested in keeping pure their sources of milk and water supplies. Some Keep the fountains clean! of our cities are spending millions of dollars for URBAN RURAL Percentage Percentage Nonchurch Church Church Population Members Church Nonchurch Church Members States Populations Population Members Population Members Alabama …………. 744,273 345,867 398,406 46.4 1,901,975 871,303 1,030,672 45.8 FAlrokraidnasas…………………….. 282,878 182,672 200,206 47.7 1,471,604 759,778 267,747 492.,031 35.2 438,435 1,033,169 29.7 Georgia ………….. 895,492 427,573 467,919 47.7 708,433 799,026 433,712, 365,314 54.2 2,013,014 260,633 447,800 36.7 ………… Kentucky •• 0 ••••••••• 833,532 1,815,563 974,869 1,268,061 922,611 1,090,413 43.8 Louisiana 338,850 1,859,119 656,657 617,792 1,197,771 34.0 MMMiiassrssyiosluasrinipdpi……………………………… 809,847 1,670,971 821,621 500,636 332,896 60.0 1,770,248 536,372 731,689 42.2 North Carolina ……. 371,080 523,270 451,599 53.6 2,326,429 896,538 1,574,359 235,096 421,561 35.8 OSToeknulanthheossmCeaaero..li..n..a……………………. 2,389,348 1,367,685 TWVeierxsgatisnVi.ai.r.g..i.n…ia………………………. 785,537 170,844 168,006 50.2 1,720,018 629,665 1,041,306 37.6 . District of Columbia . 491,514 967,323 891,796 52.0 3,435,367 486,869 1,636,314 613,955 1,156,293 34.6 1,237,701 392,321 417,526 48.6 1,014,684 1,345,745 42.9 282,264 539,417 34.8 … ….. 221,694 149,386 59.7 298,819 1,275,540 18.9 651,834 715,851 47.7 409,750 486,788 45.7 608,283 1,111,737 35.3 1,060,075 1,329,273 44.3 1,220,291 2,215,076 35.5 418,268 367,269 53.2 754,179 882,135 46.1 227,684 263,820 46.3 304,299 933,402 24.5 . ……. …….. 238,871 247,998 49.0 14,640,161 7,070,571 7,569,650 48.2 26,598,399 9,978,251 16,630,150 37.5 POPULATION, CHURCH MEMBERS AND NON-CHURCH MEMBERS IN THE SOUTHERN STATES Here it will be seen that while about 36% of the population of these states are in urban communities, and 64510 live in rural districts, only 37% of the rural population is included on the church rolls. There are over 16 million people in rural areas who are included in the non-church population, or nearly twice as many as in the cities.
Workers in Rural
By REV. HILDA L. IVES, Newton Center, Massachusetts Executive Secretary of the Associated Commissions for the Development of the Rural Churches in New England EVERYTHING has its good and its bad side. it will not be done in great areas of rural Amer- The sun can scorch and destroy, even as it ica. There is no one else to do it.
can invigorate and call forth life. A Christian ministerishould not prescribe treat- So the rulfal community, near to fields of slum- ment for the syphilitic man, but he should know bering seed, waiting the touch of the sun, close to the early and late symptoms of the disease. A forests vibrant with song, in the midst of flower- minister should not treat the mental case, but he ing and fragrant meadows, also contains homes should know the symptoms of a disordered mind of squalor, of stark unadornment and of menacing -the signals of danger in hypersensitive person- conditions of life. alities. A minister should not set bones but he The slums of a city rend the heart. People should be able to put on a tourniquet in times of underprivileged and poor, through little fault of accident and give first aid in the innumerable their own, are herded together in surroundings emergencies of farm life when no other help is that suggest no handiwork of God. There are at hand. The minister must 'Je the spiritual con- hot pavements, crowded tenements, cluttered tact man: one who will astablish contact between yards, many with no blade of grass! These are the person in his need and tIie social reliefs and man made-both the slums and the setting. Slums the scientific helps of the modern age. He must in a rural community are paradoxical. God and especially be a man who will establish contact with life and beauty abound everywhere; man alone the dynamic resources of the Living God through is degraded, unlovely and not free. Jesus Christ, for the renewal and the regeneration The meadow shack, the home of a rural squat- of body, mind and spirit. ter, the isolated cabin jammed with family life, After one hundred years and more of continued the temporary homes built around sawmills or work the rural church of the United States has logging operations in the woods, are not only an failed to reach four-fifths of its constituency. It insult to the sun, to bracing winds and to ov~r- must dare to face its failure and the reasons for shadowing mountains and hills, but are an insult it. May it not be true that the churches, with to God Himself. their emphasis on preaching and teaching, have As one thinks of "case work" among families opened the hearts of very limited numbers to real in the cities, families that must be rehabilitated religious experience of God? Jesus' approach to and restored, there comes to mind innumerable the hearts of men was constantly through the philanthropic agencies equipped with personnel alleviation of hunger, pain and acute mental and and means to meet human need. Witness the physical distress. He found people and went Community Chests of the cities with budgets that about doing good. The Samaritan woman by the reach into the millions and with concentrated well did not seek Him. He first spoke to her wealth to tap. But as one surveys the villages and as she drew water. He recognized and knew the hamlets, the available philanthropic resources her moral problem of having had five husbands are few and the trained social workers for the and of living with a man who was not her hus- most part are many miles away. band. The man of Gadara out of the tombs did These very facts create an unparalleled oppor- not seek Jesus. Jesus met him "whom no man tunity for the rural ministers of Christ. A King- could bind and who always day and. night was in dom of Service is waiting for them-a service to the mountains crying and cutting himself with rural folk in their deepest need. But this service stones." The multitude at the pool of the sheep is only possible for a ministry that is trained to market did not come to Jesus. He went where detect and understand these needs, with knowl- the blind, the halt and the withered were gathered edge of how to ameliorate existing conditions and and told an impotent man, who for thirty-eight with spiritual power to transform and restore life. years had been waiting for help, to arise and take If the minister of Christ cannot give physical, up his bed and walk.
moral and spiritual first aid, one thing is certain: A fair critic of the rural ministry must realize [297]
how inadequate is the preparation of the average tive hearts-a wedge that opens the heart with- minister for vital case work. Run over the cur- out its conscious knowledge and allows the warmth ricula of the theological seminaries if proof of and glow of friendly understanding and interest such a statement is needed. There is, however, to enter. It is true, probably, that the majority encouragement in an awakening to the need. A of people feel real hesitation in asking a minister bulletin of the Andover Newton Theological for practical and material assistance unless they Scho,ol at Newton Centre, Massachusetts, has this are loyal to the church which he serves. For the heading: "Supervised Clinical Experience for same reason they very often do not reveal to the Students of Pastoral Psychology" under Professor minister in his calls of friendship, their most per- Philip Guiles. The report of the Investigating sonal problems, or their most devastating de- Committee of the American Association of The- spairs, unless he tactfully shows that he knows of ological Schools as regards Clinical Training for their difficulty and desires their happiness and Theological students contains the following para- welfare. A minister who serves in life's emer- graph: gencies, when all human reliances are set aside The Council for Clinical Training and the Earhart by pain or poverty, can gain an entrance into a Foundation are the only two organizations offering a care- man's heart and inner life that can' come in no fully conceived plan of training on an interdenominational other way. He becomes associated with the whole basis. Therefore this study has been confined to them. healing plan that can be worked out in coopera- The Council for Clinical Training has taken as its aim, tion with other experts. It is one thing for a "To provide for students for the ministry opportunities minister to enter the ward of a hospital, and find to obtain clinical experience in dealing with the infirmities of mankind." Training is offered to a limited number of there a parishioner injured or ill and then work qualified students from theological seminaries of recog- out a way to sustain him by friendliness, counsel nized standing irrespective of denomination. It consists and prayer; it is another thing to be called as a of directed case work and study of the social resources of Man of God at the moment of dire need. the community; actual work with patients in the hospitals and clinics; participation in the medical ward rounds and I remember a call that came once from a young conferences with regard to these patients; and, finally, mother on an isolated farm. The message over seminars in which general physician, psychiatrist, psy- the telephone said, "Come at once please, Ma is chologist, and social worker discuss together with the theological students the patients with whom they are awful sick." I hurried to the farm home which working. was set far back on a rough country road. Rural Up to the present, the work has been confined electrification was too expensive for such areas of to patients in hospitals. The scope and influence the country. The little son had walked six miles of this work must be extended to many other types to reach a telephone to call me to his mother's aid. of institutions, and into the parishes of ministers I overtook him, as I drove along the road; he was that are eager for such education and help for a hot, distressed little figure knowing something their people. very bad was happening to his mother. To be a little boy and to have something wrong with one's Thousands and millions of suffering souls in the cities seek the clinics, hospitals, family welfare mother is like pending doom. societies and temporary shelter without the guid- As I entered the home I could see the high color ance or sympathetic friendliness of a minister of God. The deep and deserved loyalties of these of fever on the pallid face, the intense suffering people are given permanently to these social work- from pain. A doctor was on his way, but fifteen ers, these doctors and these nurses. The Church miles could not be covered in a very short time. should realize what its ministry has lost in not Here was my chance as a case worker to give being called upon as the helpful servant in the courage, tenderness, God-to prepare the way for emergencies of human life and the ministering possible hospital treatment; to tell of the friendfriend in time of greatest need. The rural min- liness and goodness of doctors and nurses so that ister need not be so handicapped. If he is worthy they might not seem to be strangers; to assure the of being a trained case worker for Christ, his mother that every care would be taken of her fields are already before him-white unto harvest. home during her absence; and to let her know that I would stand by her through thick and thin. Naturally I put my hand on her hot feverish head Someone may well ask, "Cannot the minister and prayed that the cooling healing touch of the gain the deep loyalties of the people on the spir- Master- might make her whole-that touch which itual plane apart from the other ministries of drew its life from an unswerving faith 'that no relief?" The answer is that a head-on, direct ap- permanent harm could ever come to a child of proach to the religious needs of people who do not God, the Father. .
feel, to any marked degree, the need of God, and There are several qualities that must belong to who do not want anyone's help to find Him, is not a Christian case worker. His parish must know the Christian touch on human hearts. The min- that all confidences are placed in a spiritual safe ister must find the entering wedge into unrecep- which holds them in'violate. The case worker
CASE WORKERS IN RURAL AREAS
must consider as sacred the disclosures of to forgive to the number of seventy times seven. wounded hearts. A Christian case worker has really to love the The Christian case worker must not be afraid unlovely. He must believe that every human soul to face facts frankly with a friend. I remember is precious in the sight of God. So the search to the case of a girl who had lost her position in a reach that soul of man becomes a spiritual advencommercial firm. Word came that she was dis- ture of trust and of love. A soul may be growing couraged so I went to seek her out. As she came by the grace of God; it may be struggling in the to the door to talk with me, I knew almost in- midst of sin; it may be buried deep; but to a stantly the truth about her condition. Her body Christian case worker, the soul of a man must be revealed definite disease in an advanced form. reached. One would never dare believe that a At my request we withdrew to a stone wall some soul could be awakened apart from God. Only distance from the farmhouse where her mother those case workers who by closest communion could not hear the conversation and I spoke sym- with Christ, and in closest contact with human pathetically of her loss of position and of the en- need have opened their lives to the creative life suing worry that had come to her. She gave no of God, can be used to permanently change human sign of telling the truth about herself. The time life. Social workers, uninspired by God, can be had come when I must tell her the truth so I said counted upon to achieve few real transformations quietly, of moral and spiritual life.
"You must be your own fine self. You must be A case worker must use the increasing wealth in the future strong and well. I know you are ill. of valuable publications prepared by national and You have an infection of syphilis. You haven't state social agencies. A pamphlet placed in the known, have you, how to get help? Of course you hands of a person in need can be read and reread. have been afraid. But you can be made well. In this way the quiet study of a problem can be Will you let me help you?" extremely helpful. * She burst into tears and said, "I haven't known what to do. I didn't dare to There is a question when and how prayer should tell anyone the truth." be used in pastoral visits. Only a sensitive case "Have you been close to your little sisters?" I worker can judge. One thing is sure, I believe, that prayers that throb with deep understanding of the asked. human heart, its aspirations, its denials and its "Yes, I have," she said, "I have been sharing the agonies, are life-giving to others. Prayers that share another's joy or ecstacy or pain in naturalsame bed with one of them." ness and sincerity are always welcomed and re- "Well, we'll now be sure that they are safe, too," membered. A Christian case worker should not ask if a person wants a prayer-that creates a I replied. "Have you seen a doctor?" self-conscious situation. He should never pray if "Yes," she answered. "I was better for a time he could easily be prevented from praying. He should only pray when he must. Then God speaks after my visit to him, so I didn't go back to him -not he himself. And when God whispers to man, as he suggested." man never forgets.
"Does the man in the case know of your con- The rural case worker will find that human lives will share dark secrets of sin, hidden fears and dition ?" baffiing problems of conduct if his service has "Yes, he told me that he was -ill and that I had been lowly and sacrificial. He will find that hu- man lives will be unwilling to receive suggestion better look out." of change in life's conduct or surroundings if "Is he standing by?" trust has not been established from heart to heart. "No, he left me some weeks ago, and is paying This analysis of the need of trained case workattention to a school-teacher in another town." ers for rural America applies equally to the rural "We will have to face facts with him too," I world. There are great mission fields in foreign lands whose social, health and religious needs said. "You must help me to help all who may should arouse the whole Christian Church to an have been hurt by your mistake." immediate sacrificial crusade for the alleviation of this human suffering. Out of this experience came a deep and abiding • The materials of such agencies as the Social W()rk Publicity friendship. C()uncil, the Child Welfare League of America, the National Recrea- A Christian social worker must have infinite tion ASSOCiation, the Nat()nal Probation ASSOCiation, the American Public Health ASSOCiation, the American S()cial Hygiene Associati()n, patience in dealing with cases that may need ad- the National Committee f()r Mental Hygiene, the Family Welfare justments and counsel, not only for years, but Association of America, the United States Children's Bureau and the, throughout life. The Apostle Peter's loyalty was Foreign Language Inf()rmati()n Service are heartily recommended,- not developed, even in his early intimate contact H, I. with Jesus, into a dependable, never-failing virtue. Life's strains and stresses often bring to the surface old weaknesses and sins that in hours of strength seem to have been conquered. Jesus Himself showed the need of continual patience and forgiveness when He said that one must be ready
a Farmer's Wife Sees
–tEtI~i ; ; ;v; ; ;e; ; ;fm; ; ;o; ; ;o; ; ;t= ; ; ;!JI ~- ==;;;;;B;;;;;Y;;;;;N=IN=A;;;;;B=.;;;;;HE=W;;;;;I;;;;;TT=,;;;;;R;;;;;i;;;;;ve;;;;;f;;;;;to;;;;;o;;;;;, C OMING from a farm home I have always greet the trees and plants by name, like old been farm-minded. After having lived in friends. Heaven bless the man who allows fruit- small villages, except for about three years bearing bushes and trees to grow that the birds in the capital, my home is now in the midst of may live. A fine sense of these blessings naturally farms with a magnificent Green Mountain view leads to the worship of God.
to west and north. There are few really pros- One little community that we know has "left perous farms in this area, and very few active their low-vaulted past" and has "built new temples Christians. Poverty, debts, privation and attend- nobler than the last" until they have become an ant miseries abound. earnest, organized, active Christian church with Throughout the country we are reaping the re- such an interest in serving others that their gifts for benevolences were higher per capita than any suIt of banishing religion from public schools. We other church in the district. They outgrew the have a crop of young folks whose ignorance of dance hall, remodeled an old store into a comforteverything concerning the Bible or religion is colossal. Social evils abound, such as could not able and commodious church, and' finally, to rid obtain were there a wholesome ~espect for the the place of drunken brawls and other wicked- Mosaic Law. nesses accompanying the dances, the church bought the dance hall and converted it into a par- Nine-year-old brides are not found in this vi- sonage and Community Hall supervised by the cinity, but far too many brides come to the Manse church. There was some grumbling, but the several months too late. One couple came to be community as a whole realizes the benefit. Some married bringing their baby! Incest, sodomy, of the dearest saints we know live there in that fornication, adultery are undisturbed by officers rural hamlet where now they practice cooperative of law. It is rumored that two families living in buying and selling. When Christ is given a a double house have swapped mates but not names. chance, life can be transformed and become "more Nothing is done about it. Would not a general abundant." respect for God's laws make a difference? Think of the lynchings, kidnapings, assaults and murder Farmers are peculiar creatures. They need the of young girls, one of the most recent having been influence of Jesus Christ. There is far too much perpetrated by boys of five and nine years! Why? of "each man for himself"; too little neighborly Why? How can little boys play that way? Why? helpfulness; too, much work; too little play.
Do not parents need to be educated for their re- Recreation is too far away. The whole family sponsibilities? will pile into the old Ford and drive to town to see the movies instead of helping to plan neigh- As though we could not produce enough trouble borhood good times. for ourselves, gangs of city criminals come and rob our banks, steal our chickens, our cars and Too many farm folks never know when Sunday our apples; , yes, and our beans, cucumbers and comes. They never hear a sermon, unless by sweet corn. Forgery frequently comes into our radio. They never accept the challenge of Malachi courts. Even counterfeiting has been discovered. 3: 10: "Bring ye all the tithes into the store- It is hard to catch these thieves, for in a night house, that there may be meat in mine house; and they can go so far in automobiles. Can anyone prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, estimate the moral ruin brought about in cars if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and parked in lonely spots with curtains drawn? pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be When tares are sown what shall the harvest be? room enough to receive it."
There is a pleasanter side of the picture. Some It seems sensible for farmers to provide a house country people see God's handiwork in the for hired help; to allow the "help" to raise a few smallest blade of grass, the tiniest blossom, the calves, pigs or chickens; to furnish land for his majestic mountains, the splashing brooks, fields garden. But comparatively few such homes are of waving grain. We can see the blue sky-more seen. I wonder that the Federal A-Z does not intensely blue beyond an expanse of green field or endeavor to place some of the unemployed this above a spreading elm. It is no small pleasure to way. Government money might well be used [300] among our farmers. Our farm daughters would center where no minister ever calls, each thinking be safer than they are now with the lusty, young, those people are in the other parish. There is a often unprincipled hired man living in the farm- wide field for the Home Department of the Church er's home. Neighbor-ownership of expensive School with a faithful visitor to operate. farm machinery like tractors, harvesters, silo fillers, spraying apparatus, would be a good thing. In one parish an interesting experiment was made last summer. A friendly, energetic, city Some farmers suffer from specializing on one minister wanted a vacation in the country, to live product such as milk or potatoes, or apples. When in the parsonage and preach each week. He and the crop fails or the market is uncertain, the his family went to this little village and had a family suffers real privation. He either borrows good time visiting the people. The sermons money to keep going or skimps along somehow. pleased them. He could lead the singing. The The old-time diversified farming produced a liv- church was lacking young people. A canvass was ing. If crops failed there were the pigs, calves made and nearly two hundred were found within and chickens to help out. This region depends the bounds of that parish! Spiritual life was upon the maple sugar crop for certain income quickened; interest in church affairs was reevery year, though it varies greatly. newed; financial support was promised, even by people who never before would help – all this What the Rural Church Needs during the vacation season of one preacher and his family! If Christ were lived by preachers and It is customary for people to look to the Church laymen, it would not take long to work a treto correct all sorts of errors. But the rural church mendous change in many a rural settlement. is rather helpless. Its members are farm people who have had no training in religious education Many a country church thinks it cannot do and social service. It is hard to find anyone will- things for lack of equipment, while probably right ing to try to teach in the Sunday school-and it is in the dooryard stands a vacant house whose worse to have some teachers than none at all. We owner would gladly allow it to be used for a social need farm girls and boys who can be trained for center or sell for small price. It woud be helpful social and religious work, and who will come back if church activities were reported in local newsto the home town and become leaders. We need papers. A church news reporter or publicity preachers who can live on next to nothing- agent should tell every week what is coming and preachers filled with the Holy Spirit like the early what has been done. A woman in a little village circuit riders, full of zeal and devotion, who can do church near me takes pains to send such items to pioneer work, unhampered by family cares. Many the daily paper. More such news and less of a rural hamlet will never more have preaching crime would tend to make newspapers better unless something of this sort be done. Fine old reading. New England Meeting Houses are going to ruin because the people think they cannot pay a min- Many a community does not realize its reister's salary. sources; does not utilize the talents of its people. We cry for leaders while perhaps people with We need Ambassadors of Christ who have the leadership ability are living near and wishing for skill to present the work of the Church in such a something to do. In these days of musical trainfascinating way that the congregation will know ing in public schools, it is to be regretted that that the larger work was in the mind of Christ rural churches suffer from inadequate choirs. when He said, "Go … preach … teach … heal." We work hard during the week and easily Strong advocates of righteousness and religious doze off to sleep in a church service. The education are found in many rural churches. The message must be vital, searching, deep, command- women's missionary societies, the Christian Teming attention. It need not be marked by flowery perance Unions, the Anti-Saloon League and other oratory, but must be delivered with sincerity that organizations do valiant service. Their meetings, can be felt. The average adult gets more good their study and social gatherings furnish a means from Bible truths when expressed in language a of real growth. Horizons are broadened, interest child can understand than from a dissertation in the less fortunate of the world is awakened. crammed with seven-syllable words. The average They learn the physical, religious, moral, mental rural congregation contains few college graduates. and spiritual needs of others and then do some- thing about it. It is astonishing how the small Rural communities suffer when they are served sums we give in local societies help to roll up by a preacher from a larger town, miles away. the millions that are used "For the love of Christ Things close to home loom larger than the rural and in His name" for His "brethren" all over the parish so far from sight. We need circuit riders to come around to such places in regular routine. world. Do not forget the no-man's-land surrounding Christian citizens often forget their civic reevery organized parish – sections far from the sponsibilities. Many never go to town meeting. The worst example of the result of such laxity is
the present burden of the liquor traffic. Having In towns the nearness of people makes a differrid the country of it once, the Church could have ence, and the constant presence of distracting kept it out if they had not become careless. Why things helps one over the critical period. But we must some terrible calamity occur before right country folks have to receive our comfort (if we action is taken? We have not yet become the have any) from communion with God and medi- Church Triumphant therefore we should continue tation upon His Holy Word. to be the Church Militant. Perhaps if we were more militant the nations would be less militant. Christ told his disciples to preach, teach and "Without vision the people perish." heal the Jews first, that is, among his own people. What a Christ-like thing it would be for young The rural community is handicapped because doctors from our S~ate universities to serve their the people are so far apart, and it is so hard to own first. Older physicians well established in hold meetings, yet telephones could be put to large towns, find it nearly impossible to drive out better use than they sometimes are. We fail to into the coufitry to attend the sick. The price of utilize the advantages we have at hand. The such service is almost prohibitive, quite so to many Grange, the Home Demonstration Groups, the families. This is one of my pet "visions": that Four-H Clubs, and Ladies' Aid ought to be more townships should vote in the next meeting a sum helpful in religious and civic matters than they large enough to secure the residence of a doctor are at present. and a nurse. With these two on call, the health and happiness of our country people would be There are many, many people suffering agony, greatly improved. hopeless and helpless, hidden away on isolated farms. Oh, how country people need Jesus Christ He hath showed thee, 0 man, what is good; and what to sustain and comfort when illness or tragedy doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love enters the home! Many a time my heart has been mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. wrung by the sorrows that rural neighbors have had to bear alone-alone so far as human help is *** concerned. Everybody has all he can do. No time to call on the sick. If death comes, funerals The Lord our God is one Lord; and thou shalt love the are largely attended, but in the days following lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and while going about the routine of work, there is with all thy mind, and with all thy strength; this is the little to lift the gloom from the mourner's heart. first commandment; and the second is like, namely this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
The Country Pastor's Job By the REV. MARK RICH, Ithaca, New York I Field Representative of the Rural Institute fit- for Religious Workers D URING the past generation the country pas- The rural pastor has a tremendously significant torate has not been looked upon as a field job. His first task is that of a messenger of good for very fruitful service; country pulpits will. This follows the example of our Master as have often been used as a stepping stone to so- He walked in Galilee, teaching humble folk in called positions of wider influence in the cities. country places. The rural pastor is a herald of Neither seminary, training school, nor denomina- brotherhood and unity, not a promoter of divitional administrators have usually considered sions and discord. This needs to be emphasized town and country fields of first importance. City because it is possible that churches and pastors life has been exalted, rural life discounted, and may stir up a spirit of ill-will. Consider two inthe country church thought to be second rate in stances: comparison to the city pulpit. Not long ago two women from a struggling open As a result of this attitude surveys, field studies country church came asking help. Four miles and casual observations point to one appalling fact from their church lay a little village of seven hun- -the rapid decline of the country church. But dred inhabitants cradled in a lovely valley. There the situation is far from hopeless. There are are four churches there, each served by a minmany signs of awakening interest and of a new ister, three of whom are resident. appreciation of the task of the country minister. "Why do you not share pastors with the
THE COUNTRY PASTOR'S JOB
churches in this village?" I asked. "They can help the people of all faiths, especially during the you more than anyone else." terror of the Revolution when he was the only "Why," retorted one woman, "the churches in pastor to remain in the valley, that a new bond the village are so busy quarreling among them- of brotherhood was established. An English vis- selves that they have no time for us." itor noticed that on the communion plate in Ober- An outstanding agricultural leader, a layman lin's church were wafers, leavened and unleavened of staunch Christian character, one day spoke out bread which were taken by Catholics, Lutherans of deep conviction regarding two churches in a or Calvinists according to their conviction. Good- village. will in the enobled valley was one of the finest "It's all a man's reputation is worth," he said, among all the worthy contributions of this man.
"to become affiliated with one of the churches." So it is with every rural pastor, who draws men A cannon which stands on the village green sep- into a common brotherhood in Christ. This is the arating the churches is symbolic of the iII-will unique job of the rural minister.
they stir up in the hearts of some people. Merely to have one church in a village, instead Unfortunately these are not isolated instances. of four, does not insure spiritual vitality and right Such results come from too many competitive relationships among the people. But, it has been country churches. They are so involved in the proved that the active promotion of unity is a way things which keep them apart that they have no to keep right relationships.
time for the main business of reaching people with A country pastor has also the opportunity of the Gospel. That is the malady which is afflicting interpreting spiritual reality to people who live hundreds of American churches. In seeking to on the land. The church is an agency for the ex- save themselves they are not only losing their pression and transmission of spiritual truth. Jesus lives but failing to save the community. A pastor taught truth about God, about the right relation or a church which promotes discord is not of of man to man, and of man to God, in ways that Christ. were understandable to his hearers. Sometimes At its best the Christian church brings God's one wonders how people>ever came to think that message of goodwill and unity. A lover of rural preaching an involved theology is the way to build life and an ardent church worker recently bore a church. Theology ought not be removed from testimony to this fact when she said to a large life, but a large proportion of sermons, both con- gathering of her fellow church members: "This servative and progressive, are far removed from parish has made it possible for us to call one an- the interests and understanding of the hearers.
other friends." The country preacher, following his Master, Not many months ago I visited a saintly aged ought to explain the eternal truths in terms which minister in a tiny hamlet. Once two churches, are comprehensible. For this task, he will find decadent and hopeless, served the farmers of the much material in the everyday life of country narrow valley. His first entrance into the com- people. But to understand these things the min- munity was welcomed by members of one church ister himself must be rooted in the soil. A num- only. The others were indifferent, or hostile. One ber of prominent rural church leaders and mis- woman vowed that no minister of the other de- sionaries are saying that no missionary should go nomination would ever darken the doorstep of to the foreign field and no pastor to a rural church her house. Some would not even attend a funeral without an agricultural college background. How service held in the other church. far much of our preparation has missed the mark!
Later the woman repented and the minister was A rural minister should know something about invited into her home for Sunday dinner. Now the work in which his people are engaged. In a the two congregations are worshipping together dairy region he could at least know the difference in happy fellowship. Why this change? Simply between a Holstein and a Guernsey cow and be because the pastor has the spirit of Christ in his conversant with some of the basic problems facing heart. He would not stoop to littleness, to bicker- the dairy industry. He ought to thrill at the sight ings or ill-will. He represents the attitude and of an elm tree, appreciate flowers, the glories of task of the truly Christian minister. rural life. He must be one who understands.
An Ideal Country Pastor If the rural pastor finds spiritual reality in the country he can help interpret it to the people, and John Frederick Oberlin, perhaps more than any will find receptive hearts. Many a farmer finds a other represents the ideal country pastor. Trained deep abiding joy in his work. Of this he may be to a doctor's degree at the University of Strass- but half conscious and one of the jobs of the pastor burg, he gave himself for nigh 60 years to the is to help him develop this appreciation.
needy people of the Valley of Stone in the isolated Perhaps the least part of a country minister's Vosges mountains. Like his Master he went about task is the pulpit. The ministry of John Fred- doing good. Oberlin had so endeared himself to erick Oberlin did not consist in oracular announce-
ments. After his sermon he might implore his conventions. Some recognition is craved by every people to build a road, to clean up their houses or man, including the rural minister, but he will to plant a tree in the name of God, but he never probably have to do with less than do some others. ended with that. On Monday he took his pick and shovel and set the example in building roads or in But the rewards outnumber the disadvantages. planting trees. To get rid of disease or to build a An alert and consecrated rural minister can have the satisfaction of doing a creative piece of work. YOUNG PEOPLE'S RURAL WEEK-END CONFERENCE IN The rural church is today in a condition of flux. GROTON COMMUNITY PARISH-SIX CHURCHES OF THREE Old forms are being sloughed off and new forms are emerging. He who builds today is setting the DElNOMINATIONS ARE COOPERATING IN THIS patterns for the future and the pioneer does not LARGER PARISH ask for monetary rewards. He is happy to blaze the trail on which future generations will travel. school and provide a consecrated teacher was quite The rural minister can have that satisfaction as much a ministry in the name of Jesus Christ today. as was preaching. Another reward arises out of the fundamental There is much to make a man's heart bleed as importance of work in the country. The 1930 he observes the rural scene in America today. census reveals the fact that the rural population One finds much poverty, underprivileged children, is still the source of population supply for Amerhosts of families untouched by any church and no ica. The farm population is producing fifty per man's lands abandoned by one denomination after cent more children than are necessary to maintain another. And the sturdy farmers, whose families the population level in the country. Today's rural will inherit the prosperous fields, need a faith and minority is tomorrow's overwhelming majority. hope that will make the citizenship of the coun- Boys and girls trained in the country not only tryside spiritually clearsighted. make the country life of the next generation but exert a profound influence on city life for good or Dr. Kagawa of Japan says there are three prin- ill. The country pastor who is farsighted sees ciples to be observed by the farmer: (1) he should that he is moulding national life for good at its love the soil, (2) he should love his neighbor, and very source. Other men must build with the (3) he should love God. In these three principles timber he seasons. lie the secret of good living on the farm. Helping people to practice these things sums up the task The country minister also finds deep satisfacof the rural minister. The farmer who finds these tion in the relationships of rural life. He knows has found the abundant life. members of "his flock" by name. They belong to What can the pastor who gives his life to the him and he to them. When a man remains in a shepherding of his rural flock expect in the way community over a period of years he comes to have of reward? It is certain that he cannot expect a wide influence which compares with that of the large financial returns. A salary of two thousand larger city parishes. The rural minister can find dollars and parsonage is munificent in the coun- deep satisfaction in the rural way of life. The try, but even that is small compared with the head of a great farmer's cooperative recently said emoluments that the larger city churches shower that farming was about the only occupation in upon their ministers. No, the rural pastor cannot which a man can retain his spiritual freedom. If expect luxurious comfort. this be true, the conscientious rural minister is pursuing a calling in which he can find spiritual Nor is the rural pastor likely to win as much values. After all, a man's influence arises out of renown as do some of his urban brethren. He can- what he is rather than what he does. A rural not expect to have his voice speak from the pages pastor, in a particular way, can be a follower of of the metropolitan dailies nor to take prominent Jesus Christ who went about country ways revealpositions on the platform of his denominational ing the love of God by doing good.
Happily, there are some evidences that the tide is turning. Some are saying that if America is to be saved she must be saved through her rural people and if the city church of the future is to be strong she will gain her vigor through the li~e blood flowing from the country. Believing that, the country pastor has the opportunity of mold- ing the spiritual life of the nation.
Solution – The Larger
By ELLSWORTH M. SMITH, New York Field Representative of the Town and Country Department, American Baptist Home Mission Society RURAL churches in America are going out of limited to business, politics and recreation. Here business at a rate estimated by some as high we have most of the causes of death. as one thousand per year. When one real- Usually these churches represent two or more izes the importance of rural Christianity, not only denominations. The lines have been sharply to the people of the countryside but to the nation drawn and, though there is toleration and a cer- as a whole, when one remembers that usually half tain amount of polite gesturing, there is no help- the workers of a city church received their initial ful cooperation.
religious impulse in the church of the crossroads, At this juncture leaders of the denominations this statement of death rate is tragic. involved go to the area and meet their church peo- Of course, some of these dying churches are not ple. They hear their statements of resigned hopeneeded. Some have ministered to racial or na- lessness. The denominational executives have tional groups that have shifted to other localities. been putting into these churches all the money Others have failed to adapt themselves to modern they could afford and no more is available, but needs and have been replaced. Still others have they have a suggestion to offer. Larger Parishes been in competing situations. An illustration of have done seeming miracles elsewhere, so they this last statement is the recent death of two , talk to the people about this new plan and find a churches in a village of three hundred fifty peo- considerable though wary response. The people ple, leaving an active total of five churches still would be willing to have another meeting to concarrying on! sider it, though they do not believe that anything Many churches that die are, however, desper- can be done. ately needed. Of this large group are those in the One of the denominational leaders gets in touch remote open countryside, localities from which with the others involved and together they agree the people will not onen go to the town or village, that for the perpetuation of their various interests for religious privileges. These breakdowns are a Larger Parish is perhaps the only solution. A due to a variety of causes, not the least of which mass meeting of the people of all the churches is are the disappearing of neighborhood conscious- called and at this meeting several things happen. ness in the open country, and the increasing difficulty of carrying the financial burden, particularly People of ,each community meet friends whom they have not seen for a long time. They realize where agriculture is not prosperous. Others of that. they are all in the same difficulty and this these churches have failed to meet needs and have not been replaced, or adapted. Other causes for gives them comfort. They listen to the counsel of their denominational leaders and see real posthe disappearance of needed churches have been inadequate leadership and a spiritual hopelessness sibilities. The descriptions of the things accom- plished in Larger Parishes rekindles enthusiasms. due to lack of vision. And lastly, some have died because of sheer loneliness. , Pamphlets are distributed. Sample constitutions show that denominational connections are main- To each of these needed, but dying churches, the tained intact and that each church has equal Larger Parish offers a partial and often the only representation and fair treatment. The very sight solution. of the leaders of different denominations on the What Is a Larger Parish? same platform, earnestly recommending this bold Consider a situation in which the churches of cooperative venture, creates a new spirit. A date an area of six near-by communities are ready to is set for another meeting to organize and adopt close their doors. Finances are down, the separate a constitution. communities have exhausted themselves in "going it alone"; the last ministers they have had have Discussions are held in each community and in been inadequate to save the situation; the finan- each church. The term "Larger Parish" is on cial resources of the area are not what they have everyone's tongue. Correspondence flows between been; fellowship betwpen the communities is these localities and state offices. In preparation for the organization meeting each church elects [305 ]
two delegates who shall become their representa- isters are their pastors. Regular staff meetings tives on the proposed Larger Parish Council. for reporting and planning are held each week, Finally the great day arrives and the entertain- with regular Council meetings each month. The ing church is crowded by representatives of the Council holds an annual meeting of the Parish several churches besides a number of people who to report to the people. The churches hold an- have not shown any interest in religion. Each nual meetings for their regular business and to church announces that it is ready to go ahead, the elect Council delegates, no one of whom may serve constitution is voted on section by section, and more than two consecutive terms of two years adopted with modifications. The names of the each.
representatives of the churches are announced Each church draws up a budget to cover local and an early date is set for their first meeting in expenses and after all these, budgets have been the home of one of the delegates. accepted by the Council, they are included in the How the Plan Works total Parish budget. This total includes the sal- aries of staff workers, their transportation allow- At the first meeting of the Council there is much ances, office costs, and other general items decided to be done. Delegates-at-Iarge are elected, also a by the Council.
chairman, vice-chairman, secretary and Parish Building a Program treasurer. The amount of money that can reason- ably be expected to be raised is agreed upon and The program of the Larger Parish is detera tentative budget is drawn up. A canvass of mined by the needs and interests of the cooperevery family in the area is placed in charge of a ating churches, of which each has a committee committee and another committee is appointed to made up of Council delegates, and all of the active find a staff of two ministers. leaders in the church and community. This puts Since the churches of the Larger Parish include the church in a position to build itself solidly into all in the area, everyone is asked to contribute, the entire life of the community and demonstrates whether a church member or not. Pledges are a community purpose without which the organiza- paid through local churches. When the returns . tions may find themselves at odds with one an- are in and it is known how much the denomina- other. The general committee meets with the en- tions will contribute, the total working budget is tire staff at frequent intervals to talk of commu- adopted. nity and church needs and to plan a program.
The Council finally votes to call two young men, The genius of the Larger Parish is that it visions and often this action is ratified by all the member a complete program which will serve all the needs of the people. The Council, with the staff, seeks churches, the calls are extended. The new staff workers become ex-officio mem- to coordinate the many projected activities into a bers of the Council and one of them is elected complete Parish program. Director. The program is discussed and a line Individuals subscribe to the total Parish work of action is adopted with schedules for meetings, through the churches in their own communities, including church worship, church school and and these contributions are sent by the local treasyoung people's meetings, on a regular basis in urer to the Parish treasurer, who pays all bills each community, no community having more than on the O. K. of the Council chairman. Even the one set of services. The abilities and interests of missionary funds may be handled this way, keepthe two ministers are taken into consideration and ing all the records in' separate books but in one each minister accepts responsibility for certain office.
types of activities. The Director of the staff may The Larger Parish puts a strong emphasis on be responsible for planning the worship and young people's work to meet the local needs and preaching program, the pastoral calling and men's interests of separate groups. The program of work, while the second man may be director of each society may be distinct, but there is set up a young people's work, recreation and the Christian Young People's Senate which meets at regular in- education program. The Director of the staff is tervals with the director of young people's work.
held directly responsible for the general carrying The entire league of societies holds occasional out of the entire program. The two members of joint socials and inspirational programs.
the staff share in the particular work of each, Each church school has its own organization, though each man plans the program in his de- but the superintendents and active workers meet partment and endeavors to see it through to a together in a Central Committee on Christian satisfactory completion. Education, to discuss the administration of the The staff members live in the same community schools and to direct a program of leadership in order that they may confer daily and may avoid training for the entire parish.
the danger of sections feeling that particular min- The staff Director is the editor of the weekly
ONE SOLUTION – THE LARGER PARISH
Parish Calendar, which lists news of all the special financial arrangements with doctors, the churches and their announcements, and is distrib- hospital and for higher education for promising uted in the services. A monthly Parish news let- young people; a yearly survey of the area with ter is distributed by mail or through young people Christmas calls by the entire staff at every home to every home in the area, regardless of church (this usually requires a month!); AND THROUGH memberships. The young people's league edits ALL OF THIS PROGRAM-IN PREACHING, TEACHING, and publishes a mimeographed booklet at inter- CONVERSATION AND EXPRESSION – A CONSTANT vals to promote fellowship, and finances it through DEMONSTRATION OF THE MEANING OF THE SPIRIT small charges made at joint socials. There are OF CHRIST IN ALL OF LIFE!
contributing' editors from each society and young Now that this Parish has been organized and people serve as mimeograph stencil cutters, crank running for several years, what are the results?
turners, "printer's devils" and delivery boys. Not only has church membership doubled, mis- The program of the Larger Parish develops as sionary giving increased fourfold, church schools fast as local leaders can be found and trained. filled to capacity, nearly every young person a Over a period of years the projects worked out in- clude an amazing variety of things. A list of these activities will prove quite convincing: church worship and preaching, church schools, young people's meetings and week-day religious educa- tion every week; pastoral service reaching every- one in the area and with special attention to the aged, the shut-in, and those who are ill or have special problems; organized church school classes with outside activities for all ages; young peo- ple's socials, community socials, men's clubs, boys'
clubs, girls' clubs, 4-H clubs, Boy Scouts, Friendly Indians; basketball, baseball, volley-ball and bowling teams; banquets for classes, Mothers and Daughters, Fathers and Sons and the young peo- ple's league; book clubs, music clubs, dramatic clubs and many other kinds of hobby and special interest groups; camps, conferences and leader- The Trego Larger Parish-Wisconsin ship training schools; junior choirs singing weekly in their own churches and on special oc- This map, from "The Larger Parish Plan," by Malcolm Dana, casions as a joint junior choir; an adult choir, shows the district inclnded around Trego, Wisconsin. Five weak special musical programs and vespers; pageants churches united to. pool their resources and to join in a program to serve the whole community in the name and spirit of Jesus Ghrist. Kingdom interest took the place of denGminational interests of a religious nature and several plays; commu- nity clubs for the adults and young people; the church member, finances adequate and steady observance of special days, such as Thanksgiving, even during the depression, but the Christian Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, "Religious Edu- religion has become the big thing in the life of cation Days," Rural Life Sunday, etc.; outdoor the community and individual and social redemp- services for the churches and particularly for the tion has become a glowing reality. To bring young people's societies; an Easter Sunrise serv- all of this wholesome activity and spiritual direc- ice; missionary societies and church aid societies; tion in a steady continuing church program out of church suppers; a special Lenten program in- the desperation and hopelessness of the previous cluding a series of evangelistic meetings in each situation has been the accomplishment of a de- church, church membership classes for all ages, voted, courageous and kindly group of average and special calling for church members; Holy Christians working through a type of organiza- Week services; sex education and marriage coun- tion known as The Larger Parish. There are selling; vocational guidance and testing; coop- many variations of the plan, variations in name, eration with the schools, the public health service, in number of churches and in number of staff service clubs, Y. M. C. A., Y. W. C. A., and workers, but the above description is in all essen- Grange; participation in all the denominational tialparticulars, the story of a particular Larger activities, materials and promotional programs; Parish, its life history to date.
A Church of the
By the REV. COE HAYNE, New York –tEl Department of Publicity, Literature and Research, American Baptist Home Mission Society T HE church at M-, New York, is in the open the paneling and the lady of the parsonage was country. Not more than ten houses are head varnisher. The cost totalled a sum far less within half a mile of the knoll upon which than the estimated cost of $600 had the job been stands the beautiful old edifice with its towering done by a contractor. spire and colonial fa~ade. From the hills and valleys beyond come the people to worship. Since Some of the men thought that a quick and effi- 1803 this Baptist church organization has had a cient way to improve the appearance of the woodcontinuous existence. During one hundred and work was to spread thereon a liberal coat of paint. thirty-four years the Gospel has had a witness in Not so thought the women. Beautifully grained this countryside by reason of the Christian loyal- wood, worth a fortune, to be smeared over with ties of successive generations of farmer folk. paint! The men today are glad they had not their way. The lady of the parsonage on scaffold and When Pastor Peterson came to Martindale De- stepladder worked day after day with a small pot ten years ago, one of his first activities was to brush and an oak stain to obliterate the scars on survey the field. He found ninety-one houses the woodwork before the varnish was applied. within the legitimate limits of his parish. In these All are pleased with the job.
houses lived 270 people. The next nearest church The countryside has beauty. Why not promote was located four miles away. An acquaintance beauty in the sanctuary of a church of the counwith every person, whether Jew, Catholic or Prot- tryside. Cleanliness, quiet tastefulness in decoraestant, or nonreligionist, living in these houses, tion, sunshine, good cheer-all these blessings are became the pastor's pleasant duty. His kindly, possible in the house of worship, all are especially neighborly attitude became proverbial in the desirable for people who enter the sanctuary dicountryside. The people looked to him as their rectly from a world of outdoor beauty. pastor and friend. True sympathy was the golden commodity this rural-minded minister had in his Something happened to the people when their possession to dispense to those who sought his church was made beautiful. It had been the fellowship. In their joys or sorrows he loved custom to hold all social activities, such as plays, them. During one year a couple, deprived of a dinners, festivals and sales in the sanctuary. This fourteen-year-old boy who had been killed by a one room was the only place for such gatherings. truck, received many messages from Pastor Peter- The pastor and the lady of the parsonage were son, and interviewed with him to help them recon- glad to find many in .the church who had a feeling struct life anew. that the sanctuary ought to be preserved for wor- There was much to be done to make the old ship services. church attractive. The shabby walls of the sanc- Any record of the doings in this parish during tuary did not at all assist in creating a worshipful attitude. The plaster had been falling from the the past ten years would be incomplete without ceiling and it was evident that the new pastor mention of the help that has been given to the stood in danger literally of being bombarded out pastor by his wife and daughter. During an illof his pUlpit unless something was done about it. ness of her husband she was constant in her visits Estimates for installing a metal ceiling were se- in homes and at the meetings of the women and as a teacher in the Sunday school. The "parish in cured and it was thought that the proposed cost automobile" owned by and maintained by the pas- was within reach of the people. The Ladies' Aid tor and constant use for parish work is driven Society assumed the responsibility of decorating by the lady of the parsonage. The daughter has the walls and revarnishing pews and woodwork, been a leader in the young people's movements in recovering the cushions and putting up new the county.
shades. The women used the scaffolding erected On September 29, 1930, Pastor Peterson felt by the workmen who put on the metal ceiling. impressed to pray as follows: "Dear Lord, I ask The president of the Ladies' Aid Society designed Thee for a building in connection with the church.
[308 ]
COOPERATION IN A RURAL COMMUNITY
equal to the need for such a building to take care telephone freely to send out messages. He has of the social life of this community for which this memorized hundreds of Bible verses which he church is responsible in Thy sight!" The pastor finds are a help at every turn in his work. Four claimed the promise of our Lord as recorded in years ago he expressed his Christian faith in the Mark 11: 24, "Therefore I say unto you, what following: things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall receive them." o Jesus Christ, my precious Lord, By the following spring the people were ready O'er all the earth be Thou adored. to build. The old sheds were taken down and a For Thy great love, so full and free, fine social hall erected at a cost of about $2,400. Is sweeter far than life to me.
All community gatherings of a helpful nature This verse was printed in a county weekly newsmay be held in this commodious building, but the paper and the next week a poem of three verses character of all gatherings is determined by the was accepted for publication. The editor asked church. Among the activities made possible are the pastor to furnish more of these Christian monthly community birthday socials. Those who poems and as a result they have appeared every have had or will have birthdays during any cur- week during the four years. At present eight rent month, sit at a special table. This draws other country newspapers print his poems. This people who are not connected with the church. service, "unto Him," has widened immeasurably his ministry and some of his verses have been set It has been the practice of the pastor to use the to music.
Cooperation in a Rural Community By the REV. EDWARD D. HAMNER, Oakwood, Texas Pastor of Blackfoot, Montalba, Oakwood, Slocum and Tennessee Colony Rural Christian Churches SMALL town boosters like to advertise the is not merely a theory, but a supreme necessity multiplicity of their institutions. Some think for rural America. it an honor to have many churches. Yet in most small towns and country communities, the The average rural community, capable of supfewer the churches the better for the community, porting one church with a vital Christian profor few rural communities are so populous that gram, is keeping up a skeleton existence for two one church would not be far better than two or or more churches, none of which are doing much more competing churches. A vast majority of except through a "weakly" Sunday school and rural churches are in communities where there part-time preaching. The cooperation between are other churches and few are without competi- these churches will depend in part upon their re- spective polities. Little is possible between tion. churches when each insists that it has the only An efficient rural church must operate with two true doctrine "once and for all delivered unto the saints." Between churches with broader views factors in its favor: a limited area, and adequate but loyal to Christ and recognizing their own numbers. The limited area is necessary because limitations and imperfections, a large measure of of the many who, at least under present condi- cooperation and ultimate unity is possible. The tions, have no way to go long distances to the nature of cooperation will depend upon why we church services. The factor of adequate numbers cooperate. is necessary in order that efficiency may be maintained and the program supported. Doctrines differ as to the form of baptism, the use of ritual and instrumental music, the rules of With a divided church – that is, where two or membership and form of government. Many and more denominations attempt to minister in the varied are our differences of faith and practice, same area, the result will be either limited num- yet, fundamentally, bers, when the constituency is divided among the competing groups; or, if sufficient numbers are Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, maintained, the area will have to be so widened Our comforts and our cares. that inefficiency results. And so, Christian unity
It is because of "the tie that binds our hearts in pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not Christian love" that we seek "the fellowship of destroyed. " kindred minds." We cooperate because of common aims, and hopes, and despite those things Though it is because of a careless habit that we which divide. Some have assumed that coopera- often omit the third verse of many hymns, we tion is impossible between people who believe dif- ought to omit the third verse of "Onward Chrisferently; others have shown that even those with tian Soldiers" until the harmony of our efforts extremely different views of the Bible and of some makes it possible for us to sing honestly Christian doctrines may have happy and profitable fellowship. People with different tastes eat We are not divided; at the same table, those with varying ideas of All one body we, style buy from the same shops, and members of the same family like different types of cars – so One in hope and doctrine, there is no need for us to despair because of dif- One in charity. fering ideas and tastes as to worship, organization, and doctrines. Christians may love each What Unity Is Possible? other, and work and have fellowship together despite these differences. If all of life were cut to With this spirit and this goal, what cooperation the same pattern it would be drab indeed. Is not is possible, and what unity is desirable between this true of Christianity? churches in a rural community?
Not merely because of common interests and Some steps must be taken before others are loyalty do we cooperate; but because our ultimate possible. Efforts to unite the churches of a comaim is not mere cooperation, but unity. Our co- munity when no cooperative spirit has been deoperation is the first step toward a closer rela- veloped would be worse than useless. There tionship. It is to our shame that the Church must be simple beginnings-forward steps-first of Christ is so divided. The Apostle Paul wrote: achievements, before real unity is possible. "Now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love." But we have made In communities where summer finds many peoarticles of faith so great that they have divided ple away on vacations and evening services slump, us, and have even caused some professed followers churches have found it advantageous to hold union of Christ to hate each other, and to contend one Sunday night services. In one village of less than with another, instead of loving each other. Why 1,000 population the pastors of the six -churches cannot faith, hope, and love operate together? (think of it!) worked out a plan whereby each A vigorous and healthy Christian love need not pastor preached two Sunday nights during the diminish faith. three summer months, each preacher in the pulpit of another church than his own. Attendance was Our Lord prayed ". . . that they all may be better than the combined attendance would have one . . . that the world may believe. . . ." If been if each church had held its own services, and our ultimate aim is to bring about the unity for there was the added advantage of fellowship towhich He prayed; our cooperation should be such gether, and the inspiration of numbers. Union as will contribute to this end. fifth Sunday night meetings, and the exchange of pulpits, have similar values. The rural church is less able to survive denominational competition than the urban church be- Union revival meetings prove helpful if propcause of the two factors-distances and numbers. erly conducted. Especially where money is scarce Moreover, competition is destructive; it breeds a home-force meeting, with the pastors of the coan ugly spirit among neighbors, and like scattered operating churches alternating in the pulpit, has fire it accomplishes far less than united effort. proved satisfactory. . When an outside preacher is brought in, he must be very carefully selected, Cooperation ought not to be the pseudo-friendly as an evidence of even slight sectarian bias will gestures of hostile groups, sparring for advan- react adversely. A charitable spirit shown by all tage, but should be marked by honest efforts to parties is essential to the success of such ventures. come closer together, and to accomplish together For example, in one village union meetings were what we cannot do, or cannot do well, apart. Nor abandoned after a near conflict between two local should we become discouraged if plans go awry, preachers when one of them insisted, perhaps in if others show a less cooperative spirit than we fun, in calling the other's church by a disliked desire, or if plans occasionally back-fire. In the nickname. A spirit of love is essential in Chriswar against the world, the flesh, and the devil, the tian coope_ration. church of Christ may lose some battles, but it is not defeated. "Weare pressed on every side, yet The churches of rural communities often coopnot straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; erate in "singings" and in taking a religious census. In one community three churches are working together on the "Lord's Acre" plan of finance. Each church has a committee of three members to operate for that church, and the three committees together form a community committee
to create wider interest in the plan. This com- churches represented have separate organizations munity, needing a community hall for social gath- which work as circles, and alternate in presenting erings, banquets, boys' and girls' work, and clubs, united programs. Each group supports its own hopes that its Lord's Acre projects will provide denominational work.
such a building. Nearly one hundred years ago, pioneers from Among the most practical Christian work which Tennessee settled in a rural area of Texas and can be done by the churches of a rural community built a school and church building. There have are cooperative efforts to rid the community of been organizations here from time to time of at liquor, campaigns against vice or corrupt govern- least five different denominations, but always the ment, and community-wide go-to-church cam- people have cooperated at least to the extent of paigns. Rural churches may also unite in local having a common church building. At present charity work, the doing of which is, after all, as there is a union church building, with union Sun- much a cardinal Christian virtue as a govern- day school, union young people's society, and fed- mental responsibility. erated woman's missionary society, but with two Benefits of Cooperation church organizations, each maintaining its own part-time pastor. The church property is main- Such cooperation as we have suggested will de- tained by a joint fund consisting of five per cent velop a spirit which will in time make possible of the income of each of the two churches. An- even closer relationship. Opposition to coopera- other union church cares for its building main- tive efforts will often come from people who are strongly sectarian and when actual union takes place there is almost sure to be some disagree- ment. Wisdom, tact, careful planning, and above all the spirit of Christian love under all circum- stances are needed to produce harmony. Opposi- tion should not be ruthlessly brushed aside, or disdainfully ignored, but should be melted with the warmth of Christian love. We "can do all things through Christ who strengthens us."
Union Sunday schools can be maintained in many rural communities. In one community, the union Sunday school died when a narrow-minded minister set out to oust all teachers not of his A CROWDED COMMUNITY CH UR CH , ANDERSON particular sect. After several years another min- CITY, TEXAS ister of the same denomination, but with broader tenance through the treasury of the union Sunday sympathies, made progress by preaching Chris- school; and with special calls for funds for intian unity and inviting people of the other surance, paint, and other additional expenses. churches in the area to share in the teaching work. An agreement may be reached not to argue The ultimate goal of every rural community over points of doctrine on which the churches should be to have one church, adequately serving differ. all the community. Community churches of vari- ous types are proving a success. When any unity Young people, not having sectarian loyalities of seems possible, that type should be chosen which long standing, work well together. The union seems most appropriate for the particular comyoung people's society, whether strictly nonsec- munity such as the federated church, the denomtarian or a denominational society for aU the inational community church, or the nondenominayoung people of the community, has been a pioneer tional community church. Whatever the form of in Christian cooperation and unity. In one com- unity, the success of such united groups will demunity the older young people have a Christian pend much upon the wisdom and the Christian Endeavor Society in one church, while the young- spirit of its leadership. er ones have a B. Y. P. U. in another church. A fine spirit was evinced in the omission of a pro- Christianity is like a wheel. Christ is the hub; gram in the quarterly which the other churches the denominations are the spokes. The closer we did not accept. Another union young people's so- are to Christ, the closer we are to one another, and ciety uses the literature of one denomination for people who have the spirit of Christ can work tosix months, then changes to that of another for gether in harmony, even though many of their an equal period. ideas differ.
A federated woman's missionary society has "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for been organized in one rural community. The two brethren to dwell together in unity."
Ministry of the Rural
By JOHN C. KILLIAN, D.D., Philadelphia -.~ Secretary, Colporter Department, American Baptist Publication Society D URING the last twenty years stupendous filled with Bibles, books, and tracts. The story changes have come to rural life. Millions of Christ was shared with those he met by the of people have moved to the city; thou- roadside, and those he visited in the homes. The sands of farms have been abandoned. The farm Bible was a strong force in recognizing God on enterprise has become dependent upon world the frontier. Many strong Sunday schools and markets which in turn has introduced a new churches today date back to that early visit of the struggle in economic security for rural dwellers. colporter. Following this the Chapel Car was In areas which the colporter-missionary serves, launched, with a church and parsonage combined.
the problems have become greatly intensified. Thus the missionary and his wife were able to There is an austere poverty among many rural reach the people more effectively in the new and people, and because of the long years of independ- growing towns along the railroads.
ence this sturdy stock has greater hesitancy to ap- Horse and wagon were needed to extend the ply for welfare relief even when that is available. services to groups settling in areas far from the Year after year of crop failure and dust storms railroads. With the passing years this equipment have dimmed their hopes and left upon their faces has changed, to Chapel Autos and now to the the seared scars of dreams for better days. They latest model of automobiles, where the mission- have been driven backward in the vain attempt to ary can speed across the barriers of desert and mask a keen sense of inferiority. The barrier of sagebrush to some home or outstation seventy or isolation has been widened between them and the perhaps a hundred and fifty miles away from his people of the distant town with whom they base. This modern car can often be seen parked mingled previously. In these sections, off the by a small cabin, or perhaps in the midst of a beaten highway, one can see the old cars which cluster of homes squatted irregularly upon the have been jacked up and unused for three and dusty sands, or in front of a schoolhouse. The four years, waiting in hope that the next crop will latest venture in equipment is a modern all-steel enable them to secure the needed license. In one trailer.
section I saw seventeen cars owned by farmers, Today colporter work is varied, though it re- but fifteen of them had been upon blocks for sev- tains some of the earlier methods. The great need eral years. now is to give support and encouragement to The change in the rural church is pathetically those organizations and to develop native leader- parallel. The inability of a small, decreasing ship through preaching and Christian education.
rural group to maintain the church as formerly During the years of financial depression, nine- has meant, in many instances, a lower standard of teen churches in areas of need in one state alone leadership or closing the church altogether. The would have been closed, but for the work of these great vast area of western prairie and desert, as colporters. Because of the new comity policy of well as rural sections in some eastern states turn some larger denominations many of these to the mission boards for help. To our shame be churches now serve the entire community and the it said, that when this group of Americans need missionary ministers to all groups. In drought- encouragement, our response is so inadequate. stricken areas where more than two-thirds of the Yet, those who have ministered in these fields have church members are on relief, and they were un- labored heroically and have reaped a hundred fold able to keep a pastor the worker has been a great harvest. blessing. .
In the early days of colportage a hundred years In another field the missionary worked in the ago,* the missionary traveled about on foot carry- areas surrounding the town. Outstations were ing his handbags suspended around the neck, formed and members were lined up with the town church, which could not have kept their own pas- t or WI't ht the al'd f th ese newly 'Interested • The work of the Colporter-Missionary Department of the eAm1HeZr2- groups. OU ican Baptist publication Society was started in 1840. (Sinc 0 this work has been done In cooperation with the American Baptist Home Mission Society.) [312 ] THESE AMERICAN CHILDREN HAVEl NEVER BEEN REACHED BY CHURCH OR SUNDAY SCHOOL In one fine community strong factions had de- ing had dawned when the last of the revelers veloped, weakening the church almost to the point drove away noisily; then a strange stillness preof death. The last group holding the fort were vailed. A few hours later I met with a group of unable to support a pastor and the others were about fifty people who had gathered for worship. quite unwilling to cooperate. The State Secretary Repeatedly they expressed their gratitude for the offered to send a colporter-missionary acceptable missionary that had come to them, for now they to all when they agreed. The result reads like had new courage and felt that they would be able a miracle. Disaffected groups gradually returned, to contend against the forces of evil and to rear and in less than one year the fine church was their children in the fear of God. again self-supporting and reaching out into needy areas. The blessing of a live church is that it Picture another town nestling on the edge of a transforms the community. One of the business drab desert waste of sagebrush and cactus. But men of a town where the missionary served, the town is not drab. It is a blooming oasis. Here writes: the missionary's wife was a great lover of flowers. Her first attack against the unloveliness of the You have made {)ur community a better place in which town was made on an old dump heap on the corner to live, you have helped to make our neighbors and, in near the parsonage. A transformation followed fact, our customers, better people with whom to deal. and it became a veritable old English garden with tall delphinium, fox glove and Canterbury bells. In another town the Superintendent of Schools Then the town began to change. A new day has states: come to the church which has grown steadily in strength and membership. The story is well told I have observed a marked transition ·from the early in aletter: Western-town ideas of drinking, gambling, and unc{)uth society toward intellectual refinement and Christian ideals, How grateful we are to have had your colporter and and an outlawry of the former evils. his wife here these years! Their home and the church are the center of all that is worth while in the village and Recently I stopped on Saturday night in a for many miles around. Each summer when I have rewestern town on the edge of the desert where a turned to the valley and noted the steady change for the new man had been sent to reopen the church. better in people's personal appearance, and in their poor That night the town was all astir. Ranchers had little door-yards, I have been astounded. come miles to attend the opening of another saloon. The town was literally ablaze with gam- These phases of the colporter work give a bling dens and saloons, twenty of which could he glimpse of the well-rounded and effective procounted from the hotel window. Sabbath morn- gram. While the form of missionary service may
have changed through the years, and while the men to any religious approach made his work alservices needed now in a community more often most impossible. His efforts met with continued pertain more to the reviving and reorganization failure to win the men. One day he chanced to of Sunday schools and churches, the work of the enter the cookhouse, and noticed that the cook was colporter-missionary still remains a distinct effort very angry, and stormed out that his assistant had to reach the isolated and to carry the message of deserted. If the men did not have their hot-cakes Jesus Christ into the home through house-to-house they would be angry. The missionary said, "Give visitation. Isolation and poverty have built bar- me a start, plenty of batter, and two griddles, and riers to fellowship with other Christians. It is a I will help you out." When the men heard that great joy to ride over the dreary wastes and then the "Sky Pilot" was going to cook the breakfast, come unexpectedly upon a new cabin home and they chuckled, but they ate until it hurt. He kept discover that some folks are disciples of the Great them supplied and won the hearts of those men Galilean. so that the workwas made easy.
One worker tells of a place where a few homes Another worker, in ministering to the suffering, were clustered among the hills of Wyoming. In changed the front seat of his car so that it could the stillness of the evening he heard the sound of be turned back and made into an ambulance. He an organ, and a voice singing the old familiar writes: "I have carried the sick one hundred miles hymn, "Nearer My God to Thee." He discovered to a hospital, and have taken the dead to a a woman of about seventy years of age, seated at morgue. I have laid back the top, placing the an old organ. Over fifty years ago she had moved casket across the body of the car, and driven A MODE,RN ALL-STEEL TRAILER THAT CARRIES THE GOSHIDL TO OUT-OF-THE-WAY PLACES from Ohio to the far west and for years had driven many, many miles to the cemetery. In these days an old lumber wagon more than ten miles each of drought, depression, and grasshoppers, I have Sunday to play the organ for the Sunday school been able to serve in this way."
in the little log schoolhouse. During the last three In the rural sections the missionary comes to years the services in the schoolhouse had been dis- the people as the voice from the world outside.
continued, except when a visiting preacher passed One writes, "I called at a ranch where the people through, but this woman had kept up the Bible had lived for twenty-six years, but I was the first school. preacher who had ever entered their home. In To become identified with the people one must another ranch, they told me that I was the first truly become "all things to all men." One worker preacher who had called there, and they had lived found it helpful to study osteopathy and medicine, . on this large ranch for 16 years. They appre- so that he might relieve physical suffering. The ciated the visit so much that after dinner all the wide territory which he covered was without a men were called together and a service was held."
physician, and the people were generally too poor All the homes are neither along the back roads to go the long distance for medical aid. It was a nor cabins among the hills. Many ranches have joy to stop at some home where a severe headache dwellings that are models in every way. From had been working its ravages. upon an individual, one of the prosperous families a gift came to, the and with a slight adjustment, bring instant relief. worker with these words: "When we were poor He would often trek over the mountains to isolated and beginning life in the West, you were our cabins in the lone hours of the night when the call friend; now we are able, and we want to remem- came for help. ber your work."
One missionary who was sent to work in a log- In these days the missionaries are redoubling ging camp found that the cold indifference of the their efforts to identify themselves with the young
IMPORTANCE OF PIONEER SUNDAY SCHOOLS
people, great numbers of whom are in these rural stars they talked for another hour of the real areas. Many have missed the opportunity for verities of life, and there they yielded their hearts education. Others have gone off to a denomina- to Christ and resolved to follow His way. tional college for perhaps a year, and have been compelled to leave, with their dreams uncom- In one of my trips west, I visited a settlement pleted. Again, many have graduated from col- of Russian people, and attended a service with the lege, but have found no opportunity for work, and colporter, who mentioned the fact that during the have been compelled to return to the ranch home. last two years he had baptized twenty-one young To these young people, with their ideals in jeop- people. At the close of the service he asked those ardy, the colporter-missionary and his wife are a who had been baptized to come forward and stabilizing influence. twenty young people responded. A splendid group with great potentiality! In one of their homes, in One young missionary and his wife tell of a the absence of the mother, a child of twelve previsit to a home where there were three young peo- pared a most tempting meal for us, one that would ple who had great hopes. After they had dis- have been a credit to an experienced housewife. cussed things of common interest, the afternoon had worn away into evening, and the missionaries As objects on the western prairie are clearly started to leave. The young people followed them silhouetted against the sky, so the colporter-misand stood by the car, as though reluctant to sionary in his life of "ministering" seems to stand part with this voice which had awakened again a out in clear relief as a follower of Jesus Christ. great longing in their hearts. Under the prairie Like a golden thread running through all their work is their passion for the souls of men.
Importance of Pioneer Sunday Schools By JOHN M. SOMERNDIKE, New York Secretary for Sunday School Missions, Board of National Missions, Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
THE Sunday school has been characterized as their children should learn religion. More than they crave "the most flexible, adaptable and far-reach- the Gospel for themselves, they believe in it for their little ing institution ever designed for the conver- ones. It is frequently possible to enlist rough men who sion of the world." As an evangelizing agency its know no Scripture and profess no religion in the support effectiveness has been abundantly demonstrated of an active school for the children on Sunday, because of in the results achieved during the past fifty years the universal belief of all serious men in the necessity of by Sunday school missionaries. They have religious training for the young. adapted the Sunday school to the spiritual needs of unchurched rural communities and neighbor- One hundred and forty thousand children in hoods in a manner that has made it one of the nearly three thousand rural unchurched commumost potent factors in establishing Christian nities and villages are receiving Bible instruction standards of community and family life in new and training in Sunday schools which have been rural localities. They have also made the Sunday planted and fostered by Sunday school missionschool the pioneer of the church, and in hundreds aries. In almost every case, they represent the of places have blazed the way for the organized only Christian organization in the community, in church and the settled pastor. localities where churches cannot be maintained. They provide the means of character-training for A few years ago, the ·late Dr. Warren H. Wil- boys and girls who know no Christian minister son, whose leadership in matters pertaining to and who never have an opportunity to attend a rural church work was recognized by all evan- church service. But the great need is only pargelical denominations, paid this tribute to the ef- tially being met. More than four million children fectiveness of the rural Sunday school: of school age living in scattered villages and ham- lets on the western plains, who are receiving their The beginning of the reconstruction of a country place education in the "little red schoolhouse," are yet is often the founding of a Sunday school. The limitations unreached by any Christian teaching. Two and of Sunday school work are well known, and you will find one-half millions of Negro boys and girls living these limitations if you do Sunday school work; but it is on plantations or in sawmill and turpentine camps well to go ahead to the limit before you try another and children of the sharecroppers, poor and negmethod. Country people are religious. They ',believe that
lected, are similarly underprivileged so far as operation. Many community Sunday schools that spiritual advantages are concerned. In the "hol- are organized will never develop into churches, lows" of the southern mountains and in rude but the results of their work in shaping the lives cabins hidden away in the fastnesses of the "Great and characters of boys and girls after the pattern Smokies" tens of thousands of boys and girls are of Christ and preparing them for Christian citigrowing into manhood and womanhood without zenship more than justify the comparatively small any opportunity to come into an appreciation of expenditure of the missionary funds of the Church life at its best through the teaching of the Word for the support of this work. Out of these comof God and the principles of Christian living, munity Sunday schools have come young men and which is their rightful heritage. women who have dedicated their lives to service in the pastorate, in mission fields, and in other While the Christian forces of America are not forms of Christian activity both in our own and wholly to blame for these conditions, neither can in other lands. they disclaim the responsibility for their correction in an age that recognizes the importance and After three days of visiting homesteaders who significance of Christian child nurture. Science, were pioneering a new country in northern New education, and law are busily at work in formu- Mexico, the Sunday school missionary conducted lating ideals and programs, in creating public the first religious service ever held in that region. sentiment, and in promoting legislation for the Nearly one hundred people crowded into the little purpose of developing the children of this gen- log schoolhouse. The cold north wind whistled eration socially, morally, and physically. Shall through the cracks as the building had not been the Christian agencies of our nation be less zeal- "chinked"; neither was there a floor in it. About ous or less progressive than they in providing for half of the congregation sat on the ground as there the soul-culture of that portion of the nation's were not enough benches for all. There was not children who are denied their full heritage of an organized church within a hundred miles. He Christian knowledge and life through no fault of preached the first sermon that had ever been their own? preached in all of that country, At the close of the meeting, the group voted to organize a Sunday Recently a Sunday school missionary, report- schooL The work prospered, and the entire coming the development of a community Sunday munity cooperated in carrying forward its proschool in a pioneer settlement in Wyoming, wrote: gram. Several months later, responding to an in- vitation to conduct an all-day preaching service Someone wrote me recently and asked if this type of in this community, the Sunday school missionary pioneering work was as important now or as necessary as found himself at the close of the morning service it was in the earlier days of the settlement of the western surrounded by an earnest group of leaders in the plains. I answered by telling him the story of. our com- community pleading for the organization of a munity Sunday school at Poison Creek. These people are church. Within a few months they had the joy all homesteaders and most of the men work on the North- of being called together for the formal organizawestern Railroad in the summer but have no winter work. tion of their congregation and for the dedication They have from fifty to sixty in attendance every Sunday. of a little white frame church building which had Some of the children from eleven to thirteen years old had been erected through funds procured from indinever been inside of a Sunday school. The parents had viduals interested in developing this type of no Bibles and were ashamed to have me know it and we pioneer mISSIons. Arrangements were made to ordered ten to be used in the school. The men take part conduct regular preaching services in addition to and are as interested as the women. The women said in the Sunday school. Soon a minister was placed the beginning: "This will not bea school just for women in charge, and a comfortable manse erected beside and children, and if the men don't come there will be no the little frame church. The need of high school Sunday schooL" So the men do their part in teaching, training for the young people having developed, singing, and planning. Very soon I am going to have a the Sunday school missionary's advice was again communicants' class and I believe over half of the group will join our church . . . they wanta real training class a sought and through his influence with the county before they join, and I am glad to be able to give it to them. I am hoping in a year or so to organize a church educational authorities high school teacher was at this place. It will be the only one within seventy-five appointed. The little log school did not provide or one hundred miles and will give the pupils in my other sufficient facilities for high school work and under community schools a church to join. the leadership of the Sunday school missionary the community set to work to build a high school, Poison Creek Sunday School hauling the logs one by one from a distance of ten miles back in the mountains. The story of Poison Creek Sunday school illustrates the conditions of spiritual need that pre- "When I think of this community," writes the vail in thousands of communities and neighbor- Sunday school missionary, "I think of a dream hoods throughout our land and can be remedied realized; of a prayer answered; and a happy most economically and successfully through this type of pioneer missionary service. Its catholicity in not requiring any subscription to a denominational creed or form of government wins local co-
community of Christian people working and wor- work in the Southern states in planning for the shipping together for the building of the Kingdom organization of all our fields on a similar basis. of God." Parishes have already been established in South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Creole work The planting of a Sunday school is only the be- has progressed with remarkable success under this ginning upon which a community consciousness missionary parish policy. In the southern mounof the necessity of maintaining and developing tains there are the Leslie County Parish and the Pikeville Parish in Kentucky, the newly estab- GOING TO SUNDAY SCHOOL THROUGH A SNOWSTORM lished parish organization in Rhea County, Ten- IN THE DEiSERT nessee, and the Hughes River Parish in West Vir- ginia. The parish program includes the following: This is one of the difficulties met by missionaries in min- istering to scattered populations Organization of Parish Council. Sunday school held regularly throughout the year. Christian influences is to be built up. It has al- Vacation Bible School. ways been the policy of Sunday school missions to Week Day Bible Instruction in cooperation with public put forth every possible effort to assure the growth of new Sunday schools and to integrate schools. them into the life of their respective communities. Young people's work and other age-group organizations. The churches that have grown from this work and Leadership training. the three thousand community Sunday schools Adult education. that are permanent organizations under the fos- Promotion of family religion. tering care of Sunday school missionaries bear Evangelistic services. impressive witness to the achievement of this pur- Parish institutes and rallies. pose. This effort toward permanency has found Financial cultivation for local support and benevolences. expression in the policy recently inaugurated of combining the community Sunday schools within Enlisting the Women given areas into missionary parishes. Under the leadership and supervision of the Sunday school One of the most significant developments of remissionary an intensive program of religious edu- cent years is the promotion of a movement to cation and evangelism is carried on. Even though enlist Christian young women who are teaching there is no church organization in the area, all the rural public schools in giving Bible instruction to elements that enter into an educational service for their pupils. No elaborate machinery or prothe Christian teaching and training of children cedure has been set up and no salaried officials or and youth, including adult education, are capable offices have been created for the purpose of superof successful adaptation. Practically all of pio- vising it. Growing out of our knowledge of the neer Sunday school missionary work in New Mex- fact that the children in thousands of "little red ico and Arizona is now organized according to schoolhouses" throughout the United States are this plan. In New Mexico the work is represented being taught by young women, many of whom in ten missionary parishes, comprising nearly one have received training in Christian families and hundred community Sunday schools. During the past year two new parish groups were organized A PRAIRIE CHURCH — THE RESULT OF SUNDAY in Arizona and one in Colorado. In each of these SCHOOL WORK parishes, one or more groups have been organized into congregations. Too weak to provide any sub- This church is forty-five miles from the railroad. The pastor stantiallocal support for a pastor, they are served lives fifty miles away. The nearest other church is 4·0' miles by Sunday school missionaries in the same manner as the communities which have a formal churches, it was proposed that wherever pracchurch organization. ticable, and as an expression of their own desire to render a service to Christ, they designate one A forward step has been taken in the Negro hour each week after school sessions during the school term for Bible instruction. To guide them in this work a series of six books under the title
of "Manual of Week-Day Bible Lessons" was pre- of two hundred thousand such children, taught by pared, containing material for Bible instruction more than nine thousand school teachers who used for children through the six years of their ele- these Bible lessons last year, to receive the knowlmentary school attendance. A book for pupil's edge thus imparted to them, in connection with handwork on each lesson for each of the "Man- their public school training? uals" is provided for their use. The Vacation Bible School likewise has been The response of rural school teachers and of adapted to the rural communities of our land as a county and state superintendents of education means of supplementing the instruction provided throughout the United States has encouraged be- by the community Sunday school. 'Upwards of lief in the possibilities of this movement. More two thousand communities were blessed by such than four millions of children are enrolled in rural schools last summer. More than one hundred and district public schools. Many of .these children thirty thousand children were enrolled in them. live in neighborhoods where there is not even a Sunday school. They do not, and many could not, Still there is need for the extension of Sunday attend the Sunday school in the nearest town, be- schools, supplemented by the Vacation Bible cause the I'nearest town" too often is from ten to School and by week-day Bible instruction in all fifty miles distant. Unimproved roads and lack parts of rural America. It is a great and pressing of suitable conveyance makes traveling difficult. need. The Church as well as the nation marches Can we fully realize what it has meant to upwards forward on the feet of the children and youth. They can and must be won for Christ.
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T HIRTY years ago it was a common thing, father said that if I wanted to we would postpone especially in Western Kansas farming dis- starting home until after church on Sunday morn- tricts, for a community to organize a Sunday ing. I've always had my books but I think I school to meet in the neighborhood schoolhouse. missed the music most of all." Some intelligent, Christian woman, usually with a family of children, who had some ability in Sunday school and preaching services in rural drawing together the neighborhood, would start schoolhouses are practically a thing of our pioneer the Sunday school. Occasionally a minister from past. Automobiles have made distance such an a neighboring town would come and preach after unimportant matter that those who can manage the Sunday school. drive into the town churches. But distance is still a problem to our people who live in the ranching A comparatively small number of rural districts and to our wheat farmers who, in passchurches were built in western Kansas outside of ing through the depression and drouth in the the towns. It has been said that Kansas people, "dust bowl" find gasoline money a real item. with their Puritan heritage, do not have the church habit that might have been expected. My husband and I live on a western cattle ranch where our nearest neighbor is four and one- When my grandmother came to a western cattle half miles away, with four gates in between. ranch, comprising some thirty-five sections, the They who refer to the west with its "wide open nearest neighbor was fifteen miles away and was spaces" have never taken into account the barbed reached only over a rough prairie country in a wire gates that a good cow man builds. For the buckboard or on horseback. Once when, as a first year, on Sunday mornings, I prepared breakchild, I was complaining because I couldn't go to fast for from two to five cowboys, attended to my Sunday school, she remarked: house work, drove twenty-two miles to Sunday school and church and returned home in time. to "My dear, you will have to learn to have Sun- prepare a late Sunday dinner for my men. It was day school in your heart. When your grandfather necessary for me to go alone to church for cattle and I first came to Kansas it was almost two years feeding and ranch work go on without considerabefore I was inside of a church. Grandfather and tion of Sunday. I soon felt that in the hurry I I drove to Dodge City, fifty-two miles, in a buck- was losing a measure of serenity. So like my board to buy lumber for a new barn. I felt grandmother I turned to church in my heart. 'home' again after a long absence when grand- II Effective 'Ways of Working 'Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home s. EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~'=I============================~I~ Building Your Program for Include among your program to-Use pamphlets are provided the Coming Year specifications these pointers, il- for the adult books, while an As stated last month the De- lustrated by such "effective ways abundance of concrete plans and partment Editor finds it impos- of working" as have been con- devices are included in the books sible in the nature of things to tributed lately to this Depart- for young children, which acobtain "Tested Methods" bear- ment: counts for the slightly higher ing on the new themes to include in her copy sent for publication 1. No appetite tickling condi- prices of the latter. A leaflet on ments, no blurbs of coloring, no "Mission Study – Aim sand previous to the appearance of mere entertaining features will Ideals," by Mrs. Charles P. the study books and their pres- build or maintain vitality for Wiles, says: entation at summer conferences; earnest missionary endeavor. One of the striking features of secand as her stated function is not ular education is the way in which to provide raw material but While variety and attractiveness education is being adapted to national in catering greatly increase the needs. Personal hygiene, domestic tried-and-proved-good blueprints effectiveness and are, therefore, science, industrial and agricultural desirable corollaries to solid sub- education and many other civic needs and specifications for its use, ject matter, it is fatal to major are being studied systematically inspecific helps for the home mis- on these or to make them para- stead of being left to the uncertain mount in importance. Using the and spasmodic influence of home and sion topic must be delayed until community. Short courses, part-time the September issue, while those current study books as adapted by qualified educators to the age work, etc., all indicate what the State on the foreign may appear on interests insures this worthful- is willing to do for the sake of effi- riess of subject matter, although ciency. These are a challenge to the schedule in October. You are Church to cultivate her own special invited to send in your own other themes may be substituted. fieId with equal diligence. . . . The plans for handling "Rural Amer- The advantages of falling into reason why many Christians are lukeica" and "The Moslem World," step with other Christian work- warm on the subject of missions is as well as any other subjects you ers simultaneously considering that they have never visualized the may desire to substitute. the same things, and also of world and its stupendous needs. . . . Regardless of the specific For the great work confronting us, availing oneself of leaflet and theme, c e r t a i n fundamentals mag a z i n e literature supple- every Christian needs convictions clear should be adhered to by the pro- mental to the current topics is and deep. Convictions such as these cannot be secured by an occasional gram builder. And while care- not to be disregarded. THE RE- missionary sermon or address or even ful adaptation to the age inter- VIEW and various denomina- a missionary m.eeting once a month. tional missionary pUblications ests of the various groups is im- keep these united study themes Secular education treats no subject perative, is there so much differ- that it takes seriously in this manner. ence between the gray matter, … "Every member of the Church of Christ a student of present-day needs the motivations and the reac- a,nd opportunities" sh01l,ld be our camtions of men and women that sex in the spotlight each year. In paign motto. corrals are necessary? If so, ensuing issues of this Depart- It is not always possible to semissions must be considered as ment fresh plans from outstand- cure formal study on the part of a thing apart in general educa- ing workers will be presented a group. Mrs. Katherine Brention and even in modern busi- for aiding pastors, Sun day ner says in Woman's Home Misness life, where the sex like the school leaders and directors of sions that at one meeting the color line is in process of era- other church groups in their task leader gave out questions on a sure. Of course there are cer- of "making the whole church chapter in the study book at the tain differences of function in missionary minded." beginning, telling the member- field activities that must persist 2. Handling worthful ma- ship to listen closely and they because of dyed in the wool hu- terial in sequential study rather would hear the answers before man physiology; but in local than disconnected programs they were through. The church mission study and endeavor and makes all the difference between bulletin announced that another in the authorship of plans, shall ephemeral and permanent ef- meeting would have a Mail we line up as "boys" and "girls," fect. This is not so difficult as Order Program. At the meet- "men" and "women" when a it seems. New recruits in this ing an improvised post office union of forces would make for endeavor may not know that contained a postmaster who re- greater efficiency? practical supplementary How- ceived from a uniformed mail [319 ] (not male) man a bag of letters National Motion Picture Service, Personal Growth Material included as and post cards, the former con- 723 Seventh Ave., New York, can a constituent in each of the above entaining parts of the chapter furnish a limited range of travel deavors. Every member receiving a under consideration addressed pictures free from rental fee. book is asked to outline for herself a to members who would share Various denominational m iss ion plan for growth by choosing from the them with the membership, the boards have also prepared good given list such things as she is willing postmaster himself adding a films on the current studies and to undertake for her development, touch of humor by stopping his other topics. Send for catalogues keeping tab on her work by marking distribution to read some of the and price lists. points on a "Check Your Progress" postals aloud. Other mail con- schedule. Among the possible choices sisted of copies of Woman's A great variety of visual and in building a plan of life are (1) Sug- Home Missions con t a i n i n g dramatic material is listed in gested Means, such as observance of marked passages, some of which every denominational catalogue. the daily quiet hour, reading books on were to be read at the meeting Next month we shall present religious thought and experience, and the rest taken home for con- this topic in further detail, also serious study of sections of Scripture, sideration. Mrs. Brenner says: deal with act i vat ion sand membership in a prayer group, mem- personalizations of missionary orizing Scripture passages, hymns and The leader had all mail listed and themes. devotional poetry, participation in a called for letters and various items in prayer retreat, etc.; (2) Reading for order. The enigmas and shorter clip- A Plan for Personal and pings were read first so that those Personal Growth, the books listed inreceiving letters had a chance to read Kingdom Growth cluding "Victorious Living," "Ways them over. Clippings were pasted on of Praying," "The Meaning of postcards, also enigmas, answers to In the "teaching mission" Prayer," "The Upper Room," "Pracwhich were to be read. Some of the which inaugurates the three- tising the Presence," "Skyward," mail was left unaddressed till the year campaign leading up to the "Paul's Secret of Power," "Disciplemeeting so that everyone received celebration of the Seventieth An- ship," "Challenge and Power," "The something. A parcel post boy brought niversary of the Woman's For- Transforming Friendship"; A Checka large package by special delivery, eign Mission Society of the ing List of Observed Results, such as which contained doughnuts, sugar and Methodist Episcopal Church, the increase of peace, joy, patience a package of coffee addressed to mem- mentioned last month, an initial with problems, absence of personal bers of the entertainment committee. plan is the issue of a personal resentment, willingness to do hard Special music also came to the ones notebook entitled "My Record," things without recognition, love of who were to sing. We hope that many with a seven-pointed star as a fellow men regardless of color, realnew subscribers will be added as a companion. These are to be ization of answered prayer, consciousresult of the meeting. (It should be placed in the hands of as many ness of God's presence, eagerness to stated that Woman's Home Missions women as possible, both within share His riches, commitment to His features the current study topics.) the organization and among the leadership in missionary endeavor at unenlisted in the church at large. Visualizations, and dramatiza- From the keynote of the Cross home and abroad. tions, if kept in subservience to on the front cover, the book elabthe subject matter, are not mere orates its contents as "Personal Means suggested for Membership trimmings and appetizers but Growth Material," calling upon Education (a choice to be made as adaptations to normal human the world-wide membership of before) include planning and presentneeds. Pastors and mission the Society to unite in a climb to ing a missionary program, reading study leaders who have not yet higher levels of personal reli- the mission study textbook for the learned the superior values of gious living, of understanding current year, regular reading of the moving pictures in presenting and intelligent service, and of in- missionary magazine and of current their messages, are missing a formed and effective leadership. international news, promotion for great opportunity. For the bene- participation in a forum on world fit of those who are not regular The objectives under each one are trends, reading from the membership readers of THE REVIEW, we will outlined as (1) Personal Growth education list of at least one item repeat addresses given once be- through prayer circles, use of spe- each on world peace and alcohol edufore. "Movies" in either 16mm. cific growth material, significant wor- cation, cooperation in the promotion or 33mm. sized films may be ob- ship services, devotional reading and of missionary education in the local tained from: meditation, retreats: (2) Education church. of Members through study of the Beacon Films, Inc., 25 West 45th St., "giving projects"; study of "Valorous "Leadership Development" suggests New York. Ventures"; reading of the mission- ary magazine, group study, etc.: as means: Reading and study of a Holbrook-Smith Production, 33 West (3) Development of Leaders through specific list of materials (which fol- 60th St., New York. ' enrollment in the leadership training lows as. a citation of outstanding courses, in which shall be enrolled books) and of training courses; at- Pilgrim Press, 14 Beacon St., Boston. every junior and young people's lea<!er tendance upon district and branch Division of Visual Aids, Presbyterian in 1937-38, plus at least one from each meetings; coaching conferences, re- woman's society auxiliary; enroll- treats and schools of missions; study Board of Christian Education, ment in Board of Education courses of psychology, public speaking, social Witherspoon Building, Philadel- for those having completed the W. F. trends and world affairs as opportu- phia, Pa. M. S. courses; emphasis on reading nity offers; attendance upon insti- Y. M. C. A. Motion Picture Bureau, for leadership development; attend- tutes for peace and alcohol education; 347 ;Madison Ave., New York, or ance upon training centers inclusive cooperative leadership in local church 19 South La Salle St. (Room 10), of coaching conferences, retreats, dis- Chicago. trict and branch meetings. affairs. The Religious Motion Picture Founda- Following each of the foregoing tion, 140 Nassau St., New York. Following these objectives is the The Japanese Tourist Bureau, 551 lists is a schedule for checking con- Fifth Ave., New York, and The scientiously the person's observed progress, as in the case of the first section on "Personal Growth"-and, a heart-searching list it is! "I am will- ing to follow as well as lead"; "I will accept minor responsibility as gladly as conspicuous leadership"; "I can work harmoniously with others"; "I have surrendered myself, my time, my talents, my means to the work of the Kingdom, subject to the guidance of God"; "I have become a tither";
EFFECTIVE W Ay,s OF WORKING
"I do not drink nor serve alcoholic by "Taro" and "Ume" – two orange and a little red crayola, beverages and I support efforts children dressled in kimonos- adding a suggestion of a foreagainst the liquor traffic"; "I have ground. We prayed for the chilbecome. thoroughly interested in mis- who invited us to a tea where we dren who worship idols because sionary work" -these and other met their mother. She let us go they do not know the true God queries, considered prayerfully in out to her garden and pick iris one's quiet hours, can hardly fail to (some I had made). Then we unless we send missionaries to be used of God in stirring up the learned how to make small paper teach them, and Taro and Ume Christian conscience and bringing out lanterns from the colored bor- taught us to sing "Jesus Loves one's increased endeavor. ders of wall paper, and these we Me" in Japanese just as they sing it in mission schools. The star contains on one side the strung all across the front of the seven points of emphasis for the three room. As we had no sand table we years, and on the other a suggestion worked out a Japanese scene in for membership development. One of We next decided to take a jin- a box standing on its side with the points on the star indicates the at- rickisha and climb Fujiyama, a the front open – grass, cherry tempt being made to tie up all the larger poster of which hung on and evergreen trees, pool, curvunits of work on the field – the or- the wall. Two broomsticks, run ganizations of women closely linked under one of the kindergarten ing bridge, iris" wistaria, sacred with the local auxiliaries in all of chairs simulated the jinrikisha, mountain, houses and people. their endeavors. We dressed the ladies in more of which was manipulated by two the flowered wall paper and Are not there points in this plan of the boys. Only one child could worth "borrowing"? go at once, but the children were made raincoats and hats for the good about taking turns, and we coolies out of fringed tan paper. Missions in Terms of the Child's World learned much about the sacred The jinrikisha was made out of mountain. heavy black paper. Then Taro By ANNYE ALLISON, and Ume taught us some of the Richmond, Vi.rginia Next day we again visited favorite flowers, and trees of Taro and Ume, going by a dif- Japan and explained flower ar- When my primary children, ferent path which led across one from six to nine years of age, of the curved bridges that are rangement. We covered oatwere going to study Japan I meal boxes with marbled wall planned the course in the form StO common in Japan – three of paper and arranged some of the of a trip, collecting pictures, the chairs placed side by side flowers in them. making posters, paper flowers, and their seats covered with models of houses, fans, lanterns, paper. Here we learned how to We made posters of Japanese etc., before the class began. make small folded fans with children under blooming cherry On the first day they were told more wall paper border. These trees and boys sailing kites. to go into an adjoining room and we decided to wear in our hair. Then we drew lanterns on 9×12 buy their tickets, then take their inch cream drawing paper, made seats, in the train for Se'attle, the The day following Taro and three-panel folding screens with seats being their own small Ume told us about the festival chairs arranged car-wise. One of kites and of dolls, showing us frames of heavy black paper and of the boys wearing a cap and a Japanese doll and a fish kite masks of Japanese men and armed with a conductor's punch women. We cut teapots, sugar came out and handled the tickets made to look like a carp–a'spe- -long strips of pink paper. cies having brave qualities which bowls and cream pitchers out of Japanese fathers want their flowered paper and mounted On arriving in Seattle we sons to possess. The children changed to the steamer, Empress them on black so as to have tea of Japan, so the chairs had to be drew pictures of both, then Taro sets to take home. Some of our rearranged as on a deck and and Ume served them with missionary money was sent to a newspapers spread over the chil- sweetened rice custard and worker in our own denomination dren's knees in lieu of rugs. taught them the way Japanese Soon the band, composed of chil- children bow – a pretty little and the rest to a Japanese leper dren, came out on the deck and exercise set to rhyme. mission. Some of the handwork began to playa collection of toy was taken home, soOme sent to instrumentsl I had made, and the We came upon a small Shinto schools and Sunday schools maklittle folks greatly enjoyed this shrine next day, covered with ing a study of Japan, and some "music." little lumps which looked like kept by our own school to use on Chairs placed alongside of rough cement but which Taro missionary occasions. tables gave the effect of upper and Ume explained were the and lower berths, with the news- prayers of Shinto worshipers The foregoing outline of a papers as covers. The trip was who had chewed up the papers surprislingly short and very soon on which they were written and Japanese study for young chilwe arrived in Japan. While the dren may well serve as a pattern children went out for a short re- tried to shoot them into a small of universal application, subject cess, some of the posters" pic- hole in the shrine – successful tures and artificial flowers were prayers being those which en- to such adaptations as any intelarranged to give a Japanese at- tered the mark. Many fell short. ligent leader will be able to mosphere. We were welcomed Then the children cut both make. The visualizations, acti- shrines and temples or pagodas vations and personalizations in from black paper and mounted its elements are so fundamental them against sunset skies drawn in a child's world that they apply on cream paper with yellow, equally well to a study of "Rural America" and "The Moslem World." The Council of Women for Home Missions EDITH E. LOWRY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK, ~L~I~~==~~~~~==~~~~=~ emphasis will be upon the South- ern Mountain situation, one phase of the rural problem. Mr. Edwin E. White has written a book which describes vividly the situation which has developed in the Appalachian Mountains since 1930. Mr. White is also pre- paring the leaders' helps for this book.
Another special emphasis in the rural situation will be the Migrant labor problem. A book is being prepared on this sub- ject for the use of study groups; paper, 35 cents. Many will wish to use this in connection with the study, "Rebuilding Rural America."
"FROM WHENCE COMETH MY HELP" – Barbara Green Schools for Rural Leaders The above picture has just been awarded an international medal For fellowship and educa- and Is on exhibit in the Art Ga lleries in Antwerp. Belgium. tional opportunities sum mer schools for rural leaders are to Thy Good Gifts Nation-Wide Study of Rural be held at agricultural colleges; America, 1937-1938 and theological seminaries. "Our Father in Heaven, Lord While great emphasis has been of Field and Forest, Hill and Throughout the country in placed on the importance of Stream, we thank Thee for the 1937-1938 mis~·;ion study groups rural pastors attending these manifestation of Thy power in will be concentrating on the schools the courses which are all growing things. Fruitful Church in rural America. Dr. offered in many instances would soil, quickening sunlight, favor- Mark A. Dawber, outstanding be very· helpful to the pastors' able rains are Thy good gifts to authority on the rural situation, wives and other women who are us. As Thou hast made us to is the author of the study book leaders in the rural community. have dominion over all the work for adults, "Rebuilding Rural of Thy hands, help us, by Thy America"; cloth, $1.00; paper, The cost of attending the spirit, to enter into our heritage, 60 cents. The supplementary schools ranges from $15.00 to esteeming it a high calling to be course which has been prepared $25.00 for the two weeks' ses- Thy husbandmen. Help us to for use in connection with the sion. Certain of the Home Misbe mindful of Thy partnership study of "Rebuilding Rural sion Boards offer a limited numin all the cultivation of our America" has been prepared by ber of scholarships to country gardens and the care of our Dr. Benson Y. Landis, secretary pastors and it is suggested that flocks and herds. And when the of the American Country Life any interested in attending these ground hath brought forth plen- Association. This course is en- schools inquire of their Mission tifully and earth hath yielded titled "The Church and Amer- Boards about the possibility of her increase may we know that ican Rural Life"; paper, 25 attending these sessions: Thou hast given us our daily cents. bread, and give Thee thanks." Wisconsin Rural Leadership Summer In Young People's groups the School, University Qf Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, June 28- [322 ] July 9.
Auburn Summer School of Theology and Religious Education, Auburn
BULLETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
Theological Seminary, Auburn, must be attained on the commu- as in sixty-three rural schools, three N. Y., June 28-July 15. nity level. If it fails there it institutions and two parochial schools." fails everywhere. That means Virginia Summer School for Rural that in the community we must From NEW YORK: Ministers, Virginia Polytechnic recognize neither East nor West, Institute, Blacksburg, Va., July North nor South, White nor One of the outstanding pieces of 12-21. Negro, city. nor country, owner civic education for women in New nor tenant. There must be York State is the Legislative Forum. The Ministers' Short Course in Com- rather that equality of opportu- It was started in New York State by munity Leadership, South Dakota nity for which de m 0 c r a c y a woman who had come from Wis- State College, Brookings, S. D., stands." consin where she was interested in a July 12-23. similar organization. This Forum is The reports of the activities of made up of a group of women-repre- Pastor's Summer School, Hollister, the rural women were evidence sentatives of women's organizations Mo., August 3-13. of this "idealism, sympathy and of the State. They met weekI" dur- spiritual insight." ing the session of the Legislature. Rural Leadership School, Purdue Uni- The Governor of the State gives them versity, Lafayette, Ind., June 21- From ILLINOIS: the use of the Assembly Parlor in the July 2. State Capitol for their meetings. Any Rural homemakers in Illinois have group or organization of women in- Seminar on "The Church and Agricul- set some minimum requirements for terested in varied legislation may be- ture," Garrett Biblical Institute, health toward which we are working. long, such as the State Federation of Evanston, Ill., June 14-July 16. . . . Clinics for tuberculosis, for tra- Women's Clubs, the Parent-Teacher choma and for crippled children; hos- Associations, the League of Women The Pastors' Institute, Divinity pitals for rural people for acute med- Voters, the New York State Federa- School, University of Chicago, ical cases; medical attention for the tion of Home Bureaus, and many Chicago Theological Seminary, expectant mother and her baby; for others. Disciples Divinity House, July immunization for smallpox, diphthe- 26-August 1. ria, and for typhoid and scarlet fever Each member of the Forum is at reasonable expense; for a safe appointed to one of five groups, com- The Rural Church Institute, Duke water supply and in this connection parable with Committees in the Legis- University, Durham, N. C., June have had a rural school water survey. lature, Finance, Judiciary, Welfare, 14-25. Weare one hundred per cent free Public Service and Internal Affairs. from tuberculosis among our cattle. North Dakota Summer School for We have been working to destroy flies At weekly meetings, bills introduced Ministers, Jamestown, N. D., July and insects, and to improve the sani- in the Legislature during the past 12-17. tary conditions of toilets in rural week are turned over to the commit- schools and churches which are so tee appointed to consider that par- Summer Institute for Rural Religious often neglected. We can get these ticular subject. The following week Leaders, Washington State Col- things through the cooperation of the committees report unon the bills lege, Pullman, Washington, June groups of women interested in health, assigned to them. No action is taken 28-July 9. and we are getting much help from on any bill. It is purely educational. our Extension Service. . . . In one Each week a report of the meeting is New England Rural Church Workers' year 3,934 individuals reported im- sent out to persons desiring it at a Conference, Ocean Park, Me., proved health habits, 1,334 reported small cost. In this way the informa- June 28-July 2. improved posture, 1,222 adopted im- tion is sent out to every County Home proved health practices and immuniza- Bureau in the State. and used as a Institute of Public Affairs, University tion, while 1,053 homes adopted bet- means of increasing the interest of of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va., ter nursing procedure. rural women in legislation and mak- July 4-17. ing them conscious of their civic re- From DELAWARE: sponsibility. Cornell Summer School for Town and Country Ministers, Cornell Uni- It was not until 1927 that county From OHIO: versity, Ithaca, N. Y., July 18-30. lii:Jrary service was given to the rural people of our county. Then, a woman In Ohio alone there are more tha'1 Women in Rural America in Wilmington, Delaware, much inter- 21,000 Grange community meetings, ested in rural boys and girls, felt that in which importance of the Bible and Life on the farm and in rural they should have the same opportunity religious ideals have constant emcommunities is richer today be- that city children had been having, phasis. Without question this incause women in the country had appropriated a certain amount of fluence alone touches thousands of vision and perseverance. In a money, and with that the county li- homes that would not come in contact recent conference of over 300 brary was started. For two years it with direct influence of the church. rural homemakers fro m 24 was carried on entirely through dem- Other community groups are recogstates there was evidence of this. onstrations. After that time, enough nizing the need of religious influence public opinion was aroused so that a and inspiration. A combined and sub- Realizing that "The home is bill was brought up and passed in our stantial program, coupled with indibasic as a factor in family and Legislature appropriating a certain vidual interest and initiative, should national security" the rural amount of money which is handled do more to improve the religious sithomemaker is a very vital per- through the Levy Court of our county uation in our rural Americ:on homes. son in the rural situation. In and thus our county library is addressing these women Dr. Ed- financed. We started off with one From NEW HAM?SHIRE: mund de S. Brunner said, "the librarian but library service has community is but the extension grown by leaps and bounds. Last In most of our rural communities of your home and as such of year's report showed a circulation of we do not have enough money to supyour housekeeping. It needs 194,769 books in such places as wom- port a pastor or church activities. If your attention. It needs the en's clubs, Grange halls, churches, we could increase our religious interidealism, sympathy and spiritual private homes, country stores, as well ests, if we could unite the various facinsight of women if social sta- tions in a community, and have fewer bility is to be maintained as a churches to support, then we could basis for social progress. And get the money. . . . Our boys and this is important for if real de- girls cannot carryon the ideals of a mocracy is to be achieved and Christian nation unless we give them made manifest in our nation it the background of Christian training.
World–wide
A Missionary Newspaper. of Current Events ~~~=-=-=-=-=-=-=E=D=I=TE=D==BY==M=R=S=.=H=EN==R=IE=T=T=A=H=.==F=ER=G=U=S=ON==,=X=E=N=IA=,=O=H=I=O=========-===-=-~~ NORTH AMERICA ships of life than to the vertical Churches and the Slums relationships; who are more Church in a Suitcase conversant with the world than The Fed era I Council of they are with the Church. Churches is appealing to church When Rev. Dudley S. McNeil, members "to support all sound young Elgin, Ill., Episcopal Thirty-eight District Commit- and effective measures for slum clergyman, went to his field in tees have been organized to push clearance and the re-housing of southwestern W yom i n g, he a three-fold program which will low-income wage-earners." found there were but three require several years to carry churches of his denomination in out. It is believed that two- As for the part the churches an area of 40,0{)0 square miles. thirds of the church members may take in a national movement As he saw it, it was not a prob- never do church work unless it for better housing, the Federal lem of how to get the people to is organized for them, and that Council Bulletin says: church, but how to get the the highly organized present-day church to the ranchers, oil dig- world is drawing many people The churches may not have the gers and miners scattered over away from the church. technical competence to determine the the countryside, or living in methods by which the appalling houshamlets which had no churches. An Investment that Paid ing conditions in our cities can best Accordingly he built an altar be overcome, but there is something that could be carried in a suit- In 1914, windows in South basic which they can do. They can case, a complete church, he calls Philadelphia's Baptist Commu- shake the public out of its callous it, in collapsible form. Mr. Mc- nity House were repeatedly complacency. They can awaken the Neil plans to cover his territory broken by stones and at times imagination to see the wreckage of by automobile. the missionaries were greeted life and personality that present con- with similar objects. Now, the ditions mean. They can arouse a We read, also, of a new trailer district police captain affirms, moral demand that ways of redresscathedral, which will go to the there is less crime there than ing this great social wrong can be people of the diocese of southern elsewhere in his "beat." A mis- found. The greatest need is for a Ohio, instead of waiting for sion worker writes: new conscience on the subject; that them to come to it, planned by conscience the churches by concerted Bishop Hobson of Cincinnati. "Sons and daughters of par- action can supply. It is to be called "St. Paul's ents who could neither read nor Wayside Cathedral," and will write have worked their way Moody Colportage Work enable the Bishop to minister di- through college. In these 23 rectly to all the parishes and years, 2,500 students have at- The Moody Centenary calls atmissions of the diocese with a tended our evening schools; tention to the fact that the Bible program of greater service. In many are now nurses, teachers, Institute Colportage Association addition to an altar, it will con- dentists, druggists and doctors; of Chicago, which the evangelist tain a library and motion pic- four are ministers of the Gospel. founded in 1894 for the publicature outfit. Again, 23 years ago there was tion and dissemination of Chris- so little responsibility assumed tian lit.erature, has had a larger "Unite the Youth" by the few attendants at the output than in any year of its church that 27 cents for current history. The Association's pub- Lutherans are rallying for a expenses and missions was the lications in this and foreign "Unite the Youth Endeavor." total offering taken at the first countries the past year totaled Its purpose is to bring present- Sunday morning service. Now 6,376,259 copies of evangelical day Christian youth face to face there are many tithers. Ten books: booklets, Gospels, Testawith the challenging task of the young people have become either ments, Pocket Treasuries and Church, and to lead them to missionaries or ministers of the salvation tracts. Much of this adopt in word and deed a Chris- gospel. Eight are on the field was sent free to prisons, hospitian philosophy of life. It and two are soon to enter mis- tals, CCC camps, mountain and reaches out especially for those sion work." pioneer schools, fire stations, young people who are on the lodging houses, lumber camps, fringes of the congregations, From this small beginning state institutions, and the peoand who are giving more atten- has grown an Italian Baptist ples of Alaska, Phi lip pin e tion to the horizontal relation- Church, with a Sunday school Islands, India, Mexico, Central of 400 members. -Missions. and South America, Spain and Africa, as well as those in [324 ] French Louisiana, and the flood and drought-stricken areas. Child Marriage in U. S. A. "Moving Pictures Today-Admission of building. As long as we are under One Fish." a roof we judge we are fulfilling the India, in raising the marriage- law of religious assembly. The little able age limit from 14 for girls Bethel's inhabitants, 20 whites and town of Quiche springs into life every and 18 for boys seems to be ap- 200 Eskimos, by this sign knew civ- Saturday morning as the market place proaching the level of the United ilization had reached the Kuskokwim begins to fill with Indian men, women States where newspapers tell of River country. and children bringing in the cattle, a Tennessee bride of nine years wares, vegetables, fruits, etc., to sell. and one of twelve in New York. The admission charge of one fish This led us to tackle the unevangelized The editor of Missions finds, as- leaves it optional with the Eskimo Indian masses that never darken the tonishingly enough, that the movie patrons whether they pay one doors of our institutions. marriage laws of nine states- dried salmon or one dried whitefish. Colorado, Idaho, Florida, Mary- We started innocently enough in a land, Mississippi, New Jersey, -New York Times. back storeroom to keep within the Rhode Island, Tennessee and law, but this storeroom housed the Washington – specify no mini- LATIN AMERICA supplies and the agricultural tools of mum age for either girl or boy. the owner. Fearing that the Indians In the 39 states which specify a The Velorio Deserted might stealthily relieve the owner of minimum age, it varies from 14 these necessities, we moved under the to 18 for girls and from 15 to 20 A velorio is an all-night vigil eaves to still comply with the law and for boys. in honor of a saint who has an- held forth the Word of God with zest. swered a prayer. While one was This type of services has now spread Mormons Lay New Plans being held in Placetas, Cuba, a to adjoining- villages, with heartening cottage prayer meeting was During the first week in April, under way next door, separated results. -Guatemala News. 12,000 delegates to the 108th an- only by a thin partition, full of nual conference of the Mormon holes. The saint's devotees in- A Rural Need in Colombia Church met in Salt Lake City, spected the prayer m e e tin g with one of tne most ambitious through the holes, deserted the "Twenty Thousand R u r a I programs ever undertaken. This velorio, and joined the prayer Schools Needed," "Three Hunincluded $1,350,000 in educa- meeting. Ten became candidates dred Teachers Suspended in tional projects (50 per cent in- for admission to the Presby- State of Antioquia," "Two Huncrease over 1936), purchase of terian Church, and the hostess dred Fed era 1 Scholarships a site in Los Angeles for a $350,- of the velorio offered her home Granted in Normals" : these 000 temple, another at Idaho for another prayer meeting. headlines in Colombia dailies Falls, Idaho, for a $250,000 mirror the changing educational temple, erection of a score or In another district, the inten- scene, and the articles that folmore chapels in the United sity of fervor at such prayer low give details of a country- States and abroad, and intensifi- meetings sent the hitherto un- wide interest in the struggle cation of their worldwide mis- rivaled priest to court with a de- against ignorance and disease. sionary work. The Mormon mand that these meetings cease. It is shown that 10,000 schools hierarchy, to obtain funds, en- "This is not Spain," the court re- are trying to do the work of forces the old-time tithing sys- minded him, and refused to in- 30,000. Many agencies are contem, collects from each member, terfere. Two hundred were in nected with these schools in their in addition, for the relief emer- attendance at each service, effort to raise existing standgency, the cost of two meals per seated on chairs lent by the mov- ards : Protestant missions, the month. ing picture house and two of the Catholic Church, state and fed- social clubs. eral government and individuals. The church borrows no money and mortgages none of its vast This is all part of a general Dr. Herrera, former presiproperties, which include sugar- evangelistic campaign under- dent, began the present educabeet and other factories, mines, taken by the Presbytery of Ha- tional advance, which is taking hotels, newspapers, buildings vana in the months of January, mighty strides despite great oband mercantile establishments. February and March. Each stacles, and mission schools are community was divided into dis- taking an important part in the The Movie in Alaska tricts; church members were as- awakening. They have done signed to visit the families of much to stimulate an interest in Here is an illustration of the each district, giving out tracts education, and to form charspread of picture show influence, and holding prayer meetings. acter in the process. so often a handicap to the mis- Many meetings resulted in cansionary's work. didates for church membership. -Colombian Clippings.
An Eskimo boy paraded the mile- -Monday Morning. Homes for Lepers' Children long two-plank sidewalk of Bethel, Alaska's "Main Street" recently, ring- The Indians of Guatemala A Brazilian woman, wife of ing a cowbell and turning himself Prof. Anderson Weaver, Methproudly so all could read the legend Open-air preaching is forbid- odist missionary to Brazil, is emblazoned on his sandwich boards, den by Guatemala law; religious leading a movement in her coun- services must be held in "tem- try to establish in every state a pIes.'" Rev. William Oughton of "refuge home" ~or the healthy Quiche writes: children of leprous parents, where they may be cared for, Where no Evangelical church build- trained and educated, and grow ing exists we must resort to any kind
up free from ,all taint of lepros~. founded charges of Communism their parish either drift into in- She has already raised large have given rise to terrorism, difference or are absorbed by the sums and homes have been built floggings and even murders, Roman Catholic mass in which in seven of Brazil's 22 states. leading to the removal of mis- they are embedded.
One home has been named in her guided officials. -World DominionPress. -World Dominion Press. honor. Mrs. Weaver, "Dona Eunice," has invitations from EUROPE Bible Distribution in Italy the governments. of ten other states to come and help them Communists' Catechism Circulation of the Bible is not with similar campaigns. easy in Italy; there are power- Dawn is authority for the ful forces to block the way. Re- If her husband were a Bra- statement that there are more cently a decree was issued that zilian he would probably not than 124 communist Sunday copies must bear on the title permit his wife to travel about schools in Great Britain in page the word "Protestant." It and conduct money-raising cam- which the communist faith is was charged that evangelicals paigns. But Prof. Weaver, who taught. Their catechism in- were duping Catholics by cir- cludes such questions as: culating the Bible without tellis superintendent of the People's ing them it was the Protestant Central Institute in Rio de Ja- "What is God?" "God is a word Bible. neiro, knows that this philan- used to designate an imaginary being thropic work is helping to put which people of themesleves have Difficult as the problem was, Protes;tantism on before the peo- devised." the evangelicals did not feel that ple in Brazil in a favorable light. they could print the word "Prot- "Who is Jesus Christ?" "Jesus – World Outlook. Christ is the son of a Jewish girl estant" on the Bible. It is not Protestant Progress in Brazil called Mary." exclusively a Protestant Book. "Is he the Son of God?" "There is It existed before the word "Prot- The latest biennial report of estant" was coined. Things the Evangelical Federation of no God, therefore there can be no were at' a deadlock; and the Brazil marks a definite advance God's Son." Vatican rejoiced at what it reof the churches. Spiritual life garded the success of its astute has been vitalized, literature for "Is Christianity desirable?" "Chris- move. the work of the churches in- tianity is not advantageous to us, but creased, and the training of Sun- harmful, it makes us spiritual crip- The evangelicals continued day school and other workers ples. By its teachings of bliss after quietly in prayer. The decree greatly improved. The Evan- death it deceives the people. Chrisgelical churches in Brazil show tianitv is the greatest obstacle to the could not be revoked without loss a development greater than that progress of mankind, therefore it is of prestige, but those responsible in any other Latin American the duty of every citizen to help wipe were made to see their position country, having a Christian com- out Christianity." was untenable; that it revealed munity of nearly 2,000,000. This an ignorance of history. Evenrecent effort to promote fellow- Church Union in France tually, a way was found for those ship and unity of effort is who had made the decree to fraught with brightest promise. Union of the Reformed modify it without sacrifice of Churches of France will prob- dignity. Would the evangelicals, The churches have a sense of ably be realized during 1937. while letting the words "Bibbia responsibility for the Indian The synods of the v a rio u s Sacra"-"Holy Bible"-stand on tribes in the forest. A union ex- churches are meeting earlier the title page, put clearly underperiment to reach the Cayua In- than usual to set forward the neath the title the name and dians is shared by three denom- proceedings. The Ref 0 r m e d style of the translator? That inations. The Baptist Church has Evangelical Churches prepared they readily agreed to do, and, been forward in this pioneer for the act of union by an appeal to the priests' chagrin, a comwork and for some time has last year for 3,000,000 francs to promise was effected. It is felt maintained a work among one set their finances on a firm basis. that what was intended as a or two tribes as part of its na- Despite hard times they received crippling hindrance has become tional missions' scheme. A 2,800,000 francs. Union will a furtherance. couple of years ago a mission strengthen the churches to face a difficult situation. The sub- -Beyond Alpine Snows. urbs of Paris increase their pop- ulation enormously, but Prot- estant pastors who are trying in working among the Indians pub- many cases to care for 100,000 News Out of Russia lished a paper in Portuguese to to 250,000 persons are hopelessly stir interest in the forest In- overworked. More pastors and Things are going on in Russia dians. It was very well received, evangelists are needed to turn-a which one does not get in the secured subscribers in practi- work of conservation into a cam- daily news. The Quarterly Jour- cally every state of Brazil, and paign of conquest. nal of the United Christian Lit- in 1936 reached a self-support- One of the most difficult tasks erature Society gives a few ing basis. of the French Protestant Church facts of significance.
Communism is rigorously sup- is the care of scattered members. During 1936 Moscow used 86 pressed by the government, but To an alarming extent, individ- different languages on its subin certain rural districts un- uals and groups who move from sidized printing presses. In
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
editions of vary'ing size, it pro- slow death from e con 0 m i c among Moslems in Khartum and duced some 10,000 publications, strangulation. Omdurman is regarded as in- and of these 37,000,000 copies It is reported that the Polish tolerable. There is a general went out. In "tracts" and Government plans the "evacua- opinion current that the Azhar brochures, the total for 1936 tion" of all the 3,150,000 Jews should send a mission to preach came to five thousand millions; in Poland, thereby confronting Islam in the Sudan, and it is refor boys and girls the books is- other nations with a migration ported that the Sudan Governsued totalled thirty-two millions. problem of unprecedented mag- ment would raise no objection. Furthermore, the cinema has nitude. The Society for the Defense of had its special bureau, of which the Moslem Religion is arrang- no figures are available. AFRICA ing public meetings to discuss However, there is actually The New Egypt the preparation of a mission.
talk of religious revival. Though -World Dominion Press.
there is persecution, priests re- Egypt's "New Deal" began on Tripoli Mission Closed main, living like hunted pariahs. August 26, 1936, when a treaty Some, having escaped the massacre in which many thousands was signed in London bringing The work of the North Africa of their brethren fell, furtively to Egypt a new framework Mission in Tripoli City has been celebrate religious rites in the within which her leaders pur- suppressed by Italian authoriconcentration camps, where they pose to work out Egypt's future •ties. This work had been mainendure the horrors of forced destiny as a free country. There tained for a half century as a labor; others wander in beg- can be no doubt that the treaty medical and evangelistic center, gary from place to place, keep- is popular. Plans are on foot to and has been a means of healing ing alive as they go the villagers' better the living conditions of and spiritual blessing to thoufaith; others minister to crowd- the people. It is proposed to ed congregations in the few choose certain villages in differ- sands of Jews and Arabs. churches still allowed to func- ent parts of the country as model tion. Blatant atheism is not so villages, to be improved in every At about the same time, the blatant; the circulation of its Vicar Apostolate, Msgr. Facchief organ has fallen from way and made fit habitations. 37,000 to 14,000; not only the Changes in the educational set- chinetti, consecrated a new old folks, but the young, includ- up are in prospect, and it is church to St. Francis de Assisi, ing young soldiers, are daring hoped that the rights of women in the center of Tripoli City. to attend religious services and may be recognized in a wider sing the old hymns – as only plan of education. Already Near by is a small monastery Russians can-where once stood for the Franciscan missionaries. beautiful churches. there have been proposed laws With this addition, the Catholic in parliament for the regulation It seems clear that when the of women's dress in public, and churches and chapels in the Vigreat revival comes, a new cariate Apostolic of Tripoli now church must emerge; no longer a law for the prohibition of ala caste, indifferent to the peo- coholic and intoxicating. bev- total forty. Thus, from the ple's need and chained to a erages. Italian possessions in Africa, dynasty. What part religion may take evangelical witness is being sys- Jewish Crisis in Five Countries tematically excluded.
Anti-Semitism, raised by Hit- -Alliance Weekly. ler in Germany to the status of a political religion, is rapidly in the new era is a question that Roman Catholic Propaganda spreading throughout Eastern cannot be answered. One looks Europe, and is approaching the in vain for political leadership in the Congo high water mark in Poland, the anywhere in the world today The Southern Presbyterian which is actuated by religious Board reports that their success in the Congo Beige have aroused motives in making decisions. the Catholics, who say that neither men nor money will be -Women's Missionary Magazine. spared in wresting these gains Demonstration Against from the Protestants. They are Missions making no idle boast, for every steamer from Europe is crowded country with the biggest Jewish Excitable El Azhar Univer- with priests and nuns, and the population outside the United sity students are responsible for Belgian Government is spending States, and the highest percent- a violent demonstration against millions in erecting schools, ca- age of Jews in proportion to its missionary work in the Sudan. thedrals, convents and hospitals total population, except for Pal- The Arabic press has espoused for these invading hosts. Last estine. Of the world's entire the cause with zeal. Al Misri, January, out of a total white Jewish population, 30 per cent Al Ahram and Al Mussawar population in Congo of 18,683, are facing the choice of repeat- publish long articles attacking the priests numbered 2,320- ing the Exodus on a bigger scale the Sudan administration for whereas all Protestant workers than that chronicled in the Bible, favoring the Christianization of of all nationalities numbered and somehow crashing through pagan tribes, and making educa- only 734. Whereas the Roman- immigration bars, or of dying a tional grants to missions. Work ists are increasing by scores and
hundreds, the Protestants are hymns. In Mt. Silinda, Rev. and INDIA AND BURMA actually decreasing. Apparently Mrs. John S. Marsh report tak- Another Open Door they have, as they claim, un- ing two Christian A f ric a n limited financial resources. women to a conference under an- Rev. Chandra Das of Benares other mission where 3,000 other cites instances to show that for Their line of attack is through native Christian women lived the Christian message Benares the schools, increased to include three days in conference on reli- offers a fair field. every tiny hamlet. They charge gious matters. They had planno tuition, provide equipment "Benares is famous for palmfree, and are using every legiti- ned and carried through the en- istry and astrology. Not far mate and illegitimate form of tire affair without the help of from our book room is the office propaganda against Protestant- missionaries. of one of these pseudo-scientists, ism. -Presbyterian Survey. in charge of a modern-minded -Overseas News.
Achievement in Central Africa In Tanganyika Outposts young man who has traveled in the West. One morning he A plan to establish a line of A worker for the Church Mis- called me into his house and conmission stations from Mombasa sionary Society in Tanganyika fessed to me a sense of painful to Lake Chad has been completed pays tribute to the work of Af- need. He asked me a direct after forty-two years' work. rican teachers in isolated out- question – 'What has C h r i s t The Africa Inland Mission, in. stations. "Their patience and done for you?' I spent over an association with two other so- love in carrying out their round hour with him and left a copy cieties in French Equatorial of duties week by week, and of St. John's Gospel. Since then Africa, has the chief honor of year by year, could only be main- he has come to our library many the achievement. Missionary in- tained in the power of God." times and bought a Hindi Bible. fluence now permeates some She continues: "A Moslem religious teacher 4,000,000 native peoples. The It always thrills me when I am one day discussed with me the Christian meanings of the Son Society has 230 missionaries asked to interview and examine for of God, perfection of Christ's laboring on 53 s tat ion s in baptism women and girls brought in character, etc., in a very humble Kenya, Tanganyika, West Nile, from the outstations. I hear them read God's Word, and answer ques- and teachable spirit. I was im- Uganda, Bel g ian Congo and tions on the life of our Lord that in French Equatorial Africa. would daunt some of the children at pressed by the absence of ego- home, and I realize that they have tism and argumentative spirit Church schools have been opened learned entirely from the Bible and common in Moslem inquirers. in 1,500 centers and are served from their fellow-Africans. by 2,000 evangelist – teachers. "A Tamil-speaking youth of -C. M. S. Outlook. Madras used his holiday leave in During 1936, 20,000 catechu- mens were under instruction and WESTERN ASIA going about to shrines and holy 6,900 were baptized. In order places in search of peace. 'What to consolidate the churches and Novel Attack on Illiteracy could Christ do for me?' he to plan for developments, the Society has sent its deputation sec- Of Turkey's 40,000 villages, asked. I had an opportunity for retary to confer with the mis- days together of explaining to sionaries. of which many hardly deserve that name, 32,000 have neither him the peace that Christ gives. -World Dominion Press. school nor teacher. It is cal- The case was unique in that young men are rarely troubled Singing African Christians culated that with the help of existing institutions it would re- about spiritual peace. I try to One dark night a missionary quire 96 years to train the neces- follow up these inquirers. Those was traveling on the outskirts of sary teachers. But the govern- who leaye Benares are kept in a territory untouched by Christian influence, so far as he knew, ment dcided to have this done in touch through correspondence although looked upon by the ten years, and devised a plan and literature sent to them by young Chilesso church as its re- which will not only yield the post, and for many of these con- stant prayer is offered in private necessary number of teachers in that short period, but will also and in our common worship."
sponsibility. He heard Christian train a type that psychologically Cow Worship hymn tunes. Investigating he will be much nearer the rural found a young man from one of population than is the ordinary The cow-worshiping cult has the few Christian villages near town-trained man. received new impetus from that section who had carried the Since the Turkish army is the Gandhi. A statement of his Gospel message in song, and a most efficient school in the na.- that the Depressed Classes "are goodly group had caught the tion, it has now been decided worse than cows in understand~ .contagion of the music. The that non-commissioned officers ing" called forth protests on the Chilesso church which now has shall be trained as village teach- part of some of his missionary some 2,600 members maintains ers, and also shall be prepared friends. As a reply to these prooften that it was first led to al- to disseminate elementary no- tests he issued the following legiance to "The Name" through tions of farming and hygiene. statement in The Rarijan of the influence of C h r i s t ian -The Christian Century. January 9:
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
In my conversations with Dr. Mott, New Madras Christian College He must have adult material. at one stage I said, "Would you preach With proper textbooks and the the Gospel to a cow? Well, some of On January 30, Lord Erskine, method of teaching and making the Untouchables are worse than cows in understanding. I mean they Governor of Madras, opened the volunteer teachers, it should be can no more distinguish between the new buildings at Tambaram, the possible to make India literate relative merits cif Islam and Hinduism new home of Madras Christian in 25 years. and Christianity than a cow." Some 9011ege, into which the College missionary friends have taken excep- IS to move in this, its centenary, -Baptist Missionary tion to the analogy. I have no re- Review. morse about the propriety of the year. The first sod had been cut analogy. There could be no offense meant to Harijans because the cow is on January 5, 1932. Five years Anti-Leprosy Work a sacr,ed animal. I worship her as I have passed, and much of what wors~Ip my mother. Both are givers was then a dream has been real- Many new leprosy treatment ?f mIlk. And so far as understanding ized. It has cost £174,000. The centers have been opened in the IS concerned I do maintain that there Government of Madras has do- Punjab, according to the latest are, be it said to the discredit of nated the spacious site of 400' report. With the organization superior class Hindus, thousands of acres and has contributed half of 18 new clinics, the total num- Harijans who can no more understand the cost of the buildings. On ber of treatment centers rose the merits and demerits of different the same condition of pound for from 34 to 52, apart from the religions than a cow. That after a pound, it is prepared to carryon five clinics at leper homes. The long course of training Harijans can and fulfil the dream completely. number of doctors trained in have their intelligence developed in a The College grew out of the anti-leprosy work went from 127 manner a cow's cannot, is irrelevant little school opened by John An- to 178. Besides, there were four to the present discussion. derson, the first missionary of sanitary inspectors and one dis- the Church of Scotland in South trict medical officer of health. -The Indian Witness. India, who arriv-ed in Madras Systematic propaganda w 0 r k April 3, 1837. The London Mis- was widely carried out and the National Christian Council sionary Society now shares in provincial leprosy officer ex- tended his survey work to vari- The seventh biennial meeting the enterprise. of the National Christian Coun- ous districts, thus visiting 664 cil, held in Nagpur from Decem- -L. M. S. Chronicle. villages in all, with a population ber 28, 1936, till January 1 1937, considered some urgent Causes of Illiteracy of 169,879. It is stated that in issues of the present ferment. 124 villages 326 cases were de- Seven practical proposals were Dr. Frank C. Laubach enumade: merates the causes of India's tected in different stages of the appalling illiteracy. One handi- disease.-The Indian Witness. Retreats, conferences and inter-visitation should be arranged cap is that if an illiterate desires The Acid Test in Ceylon for workers; large numbers of voluntary workers should be en- to read he must learn to read in Dr. Russell Maltby tells the listed and trained; readj ustment of available forces should be a foreign language, not in the following story: A high-caste made in some areas; every effort should be made to remove language he speaks, for the clas- Bra h min was converted to illiteracy in the Church; the help of the older churches should sical written vocabularies are so Ch~istianity. On the day on still be sought for enquirers and training young members of the different from the spoken collo- WhICh he was to be baptized he Church; the secretariat of the National C h r is t ian Council quial that they are really differ- came to the table where the misshould be strengthened in order that one member may be free to ent languages. sionary was seated, and pouring further this work; cooperation on the part of all branches of the A~other reason for slow prog- out a glass of water, he offered 9hl!rch sho1;lld be developed, as It IS essentIal for undertaking ress IS that when parents are il- it to the missionary. The l amttae~r the task adequately. hardly knowing what the literate the children are likely to The statement concludes: forget all they learned. If the wanted, took a drink, and The Council would specially ask for prayer on behalf of those who are adults were taught first, the chil- handed the glass back. Wheregroping after the light, sometimes hardly knowing what they seek. dren would never forget. It has upon the Brahmin took the glass Prayer is also asked for the Church in India, called to a work so full of been found that an adult can and drank from it himself! A difficulty and dangel, that, purified and strengthened and filled with wis- learn to read in about one-fifth strict Brahmin would rather dom, it may carry out God's purpose for this land. of the time required to teach a drink poison than do a thing like -I. M. C. Quarterly. child. This important discovery that. It was a severe test for a has tremendous bearing upon Brahmin to take for Christ. India. .
Again, the language of the A Modern Muezzin in Malaya books and newspapers is not the colloquial one of the people so In the great Masjid Sultan that there is nothing they can Mosque in Singapore the Muez- read when they have first zin, who calls Moslems to prayer learned to read. Apathy must is to be aided by loudspeakers: be overcome, and finally, appro- Instead of climbing the stairway priate lesson material must be of the minaret five times a day, provided. An adult does not en- to cup his hands to his lips and joy studying children's books. utter his weird cry, he will step
to a microphone and broadcast. East generally of a conscious- of its students are now at work Singapore Moslems opposed the ness of the world mission of in the villages and rural areas innovation at first, and there are Christianity. The larger meas- of the province. Recently, the some who have not yet become ure of responsibility which has governor of Fukien Province reconciled, but the traffic noises devolved upon the Christian has appropriated almost twentyoffered too great competition to churches in the East is every- two thousand dollars, Chinese the call from the minaret. A where apparent, notably in re- currency, to cover the full cost new machine was therefore spect to the Conference of the of extension of this rural procalled to the aid of an old cus- International Mis'sionary Coun- gram. Under the leadership of tom. -Christian Advocate. cil to be held in Hangchow in Dr. Francis Chen, the Univer- the Spring of 1938. The West- sity is now finding many new CHINA ern sense of world mission is avenues of service to every part broadening into a universal of the province. A New Man ·Christian fellowship, with a conscious world vocation in the Chinese Mission Control Here is a transformation that service of Christ. followed a reading of the prodi- On April 1, the American gal's return. A villager had Soochow University Methodist Episcopal Mis s ion been a lazy, worthless dope blazed a new trail with a profiend, had spent his life mis- President Y. C. Yang, of Soo- posal that mission property be treating his family and spend- chow University, lists some placed under Chinese ownership ing their substance on opium. achievements among the insti- and control. Now the people of the village tution's graduates to show the see him going to the fields every vital part it is taking in helping The sixth quadrennial East day with a hoe, have noticed that to Christianize the intellectual Asia Conference named a board his vocabulary has radically current in China. to study the project under which changed, and that even the tone church m iss ion properties, of his voice is different. He is Many of the University's former widely scattered in China and most thoughtful of his mother. students and graduates are now serv- having an estimated value of His neighbors know he must ing their country in positions of prom- $5,000,000, would be transhave been able to do an almost inence and leadership. In the field of ferred. The proposal is the first impossible thing to break off the law and governmnt, the new Constitu- of its kind advanced in any fordrug habit. tion of China, which is to be submitted eign mission in China. It will to the People's AssemJly for adoption, be submitted to the highest au- When asked how he did it he was drafted by the principal of our thorities of the mission in the says he sings hymns and reads Law School and one of our own grad- United States for final decision. over and over about Jesus. He uates. In the financial world, the says he wants to go to summer managers of the Bank of China in Soldiers Sweep Streets school where he can study the Shanghai, Nanking and Hongkong Bible and be able to explain it to are all former Soochow students. In The Rev. E. H. Forster, of the people of his village. His the field of social religious service, Yangchow, China, writes in The neighbors corroborate every- five of the largest and most important Churchman of some things obthing he says. What started Y. M. C. A. associations-Nanking, served during a visit to the city this revolution in him? He says Shanghai, Soochow, Hangchow and of Paoying, especially among the he heard an evangelist tell the Swatow-are all Soochow graduates. soldiers. The m.ayor was edustory of the father who had two In the field of education, three out of cated in England, representative sons, of how one went off into the eleven men now serving as presi- of the new type of officials with the far country, of how the fa- dents of Christian colleges and uni- which the government is trying ther watched and longed for his versities in China, and the first presi- to supplant the old. The city has return, and bf how finally the son dent of the Central Government Uni- an institution for the cure of saw his great folly and went versity are Soochow alumni. In the drug addicts, where the Chinese back home. -World, Outlook. field of religion, Dr. Z. T. Kaung, pas- physician in charge is a church- tor of our great Moore Memorial man, son of a clergyman in Will Missions Shift Emphasis? Church, Shanghai, and chairman of Ningpo. the Executive Council of the China The editor of the Chinese Re- Conference; Mr. Z. S. Zia, general He was also impressed with corder believes that the mission- secretary of our Board of Christian the bearing and personal appearary enterprise is shifting from Education; Dr. T. C. Chao, dean of ance of the soldiers. They were a world mission with its drive the School of Religion of Yen~Ching a well dressed, well set-up group centered in the West, to one University, and Mr. Z. K. Zia, Chinese of men, who showed in their world-wide in drive as well as editor of the China Christian Litera- manner that they were accusin scope. A corresponding weak- ture Society, are all graduates of Soo- tomed to discipline. "I was even ening in the West of the Chris- chow University. more impressed," he says, "when tian sense of world mission he I saw them sweeping the streets, considers is apparent, but is -World Outlook. leveling and paving roads, and compensated in a measure by the effecting many improvements in emergence in China and in the Rural Reconstruction the appearance of the city. I In response to requests of both people and government, Fukien Christian University is putting increased emphasis on rural reconstruction. This is not a new departure, for many
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
:found that many of the officers port, "to imagine a more pitiable Evangelistic Band during the were Christians, that they took crowd of men. They had only past three decades. This indegood care of their men, that they rags for clothing, supplemented pendent church, exercising all held regular religious services to by straw packing, or anything the functions of an indigenous which the men in the ranks were else, that would give them a society, such as self-support, invited. In view of this experi- modicum of warmth." Of sev- self-government, and self-exten- ence I could not help feeling that enteen admitted to the hospital, sion, will relieve the parent or- this sort of army discipline and seven died within a few days. ganization of the heavy respon- life could not but be a very val- Some of the men professed con- sibilities of caring for estab- uable training for thousands of version. Most of these men lished churches, and permit it men in China, provided they were suffering from typhus or to devote its energies directly to could always be used for con- tuberculosis, in addition to gun- the evangelization of unreached structive instead of destructive shot wounds. communities. service." Work among lepers has repre- A Nation of Readers sented the main activity of the Medicine by Trailer Hospital. At one time they had Japan Today and Tomorrow 76 inmates. The increase last says that of 30,347 books pub- The "trailer" has come to year was made up mainly of Ti- lished the past year in Japan, China! Dr. W. H. Dobson, of those concerned with education Yeungkong, whose 39 years in betans. Fifteen lepers were head the list, followed by books China have not dimmed his abil- baptized last summer, seven be- on politics, economics and the ity to recognize and seize every ing Tibetans. Christian lepers new idea that would aid him in have contributed toward the home. Books on religion are his medical work, is starting out work. -China's MiUions. also increasingly popular; there to spend several months in coun- Siushan Joins the World was an increase of 257 over the try districts with his trailer, previous year. It is not indi- holding clinics in villages where For the first time in history a cated how many dealt with there is still need for spreading motor bus came to the very gates Christianity, but it is probable knowledge of modern medicine. of the hoary city of Siushan, that these increased in propor- Despite many years of Christian Szechuan, West China, a Chris- tion with those on other relimedical missions, and the in- tian Alliance station. The news gions. creasing number of government of this great event spread rap- Magazines are increasingly hospitals, rural dis t ric t s in idly throughout the town, and popular. At the end of 1934, China are still sorely neglected. steady streams of people flowed Japan had 947 magazines; 25 After ancient Chinese medical to and from this curious new were devoted to religion, 102 practice has left them in a hope- object. The car came to the were concerned with education. less condition, too many patients edge of the city wall at the south Magazines having the largest are brought to the mission hos- gate; spectators lined the top of circulation were those on poppital in Yeungkong as a last re- the wall, while others crowded ular recreations, with women's sort. Dr. Dobson is now under- about the car to give it a thor- magazines second and children's taking preventive as well as ough "once over." third.
curative medicine. In a short time cars should be A Language Without -Monday Morning. able to get through to Lungtan Profanity and Yuyang, while within a few Borden Hospital in Kansu months they should get through The Japanese language is the to Pengshui and on to Chung- only language in the world, says Borden Memorial Hospital at king. This motor road heralds the Christian Union Herald, in Lanchow accepts disturbances a new day. In a most providen- which there is not a profane as a matter of course, and finds tial way it touches at three main word. Although thousands of many opportunities interwoven stations and will link us directly with them. The number of with Chungking in the west and expressions and phrases have Tibetan patients has been larger Changsha in the east. Time, been absorbed from other lanthan usual, there being at one money and missionaries' health guages, the native tongue retime an average of fifteen Ti- will be conserved. betans with them. Towards the mains clean and wholesome. To end of the year there were many -The Frontier. be profane is the worst thing hundreds of Communist prison- that any man, over there, can do. ers of war camped in a temple JAPAN-OHOSEN He realizes it, and knows that if not far away. The Chinese Gov- he indulges in profanity picked ernment asked our friends at the New Ohurch Formed hospital to give these men med- up from foreigners, he will be The Japan Church of Jesus ostracized by his friends, his Christ is a new organization, neighbors and his own family.
ical attention. The government formed by the merger of several "On the Air" in Yokohama hospital was filled and others groups of believers which have had refused them. "It would be grown up as a result of the evan- Recently Baptists in Japan difficult," says the Hospital Re- gelizing efforts of the Japan had their first opportunity to
broadcast a Sunday morning laboring under heavy burdens has been a direct result of the church service, and it came to and wish to hear Christ's loving new spiritual life received from the Kanagawa Church in Yoko- call come without hesitation to these times of study and fellowhama. The Sunday morning the Uchinomaki Church." He ship. Two of the girls who at- feature of the radio network is came, deeply convicted of his tended from Ronna returned usually Buddhist. sins, and joyfully accepted with the message: "Today is the The time allotted in this in- Christ as his Saviour. day of salvation." They went stance was 40 minutes, but pas- -The Dawn. from house to house and from tor Kawamata decided to use relative to relative, insisting only 30, in order to leave the Trials in Korea upon the claims of the Gospel final ten minutes for meditation Korea is not escaping certain message. As a result of their before somethins- else went on disruptive effects of material- efforts seven new members have the air. His sermon was on the been won during the past few subject, "Praise Be to God." ism, and the fine edge of spir- months. The plan of follow-up ituality is blunted in places by after the institute to be held in -Missions. politics and factious jealousies. October is to hold other insti- Nevertheless, the whole Prot- tutes in each of the districts, Better Understanding thus keeping up the interest and With China estant Church advanced last the impetus. Never before has year. The "shrine question" this field been so well manned An interesting exchange of with native pastors. amenities has been made be- has hindered the quiet growth of tween the National Christian the Church and continues to be -Philippine Presbyterian. Councils of Japan and China. perturbing. Missionary opinion The Japan Council voted to send Manila Union High School a statement to the Chinese is divided, some accepting the Christian b6dy calling attention Government General's assurance The Union High School of to the testimony of both history Manila has completed seventeen and topography "that the rela- that attendance of scholars at the years as a separate institution. tions of these two nations, each shrines is not a religious but It presents unrivalled opportuniwith the other, ought to be more ties for the development of intimate than with the other simply a patriotic act. The Christian ideals and character powers"; 'and urging "that larger number, however, main- among its students. Each stuthrough mutual conference a tain that the services are reli- dent is considered as a responsuitable place and time may be gious, notwithstanding the offi- sibility given to the school for chosen where we can kneel to- spiritual training. Each soul gether in the presence of our cial statement. The missions affords an opportunity for per- Lord, deepen the fellowship with these represent have decided to sonal interest on the part of the one another and seek for God's withdraw from secular educa- teachers. To meet this great fullest guidance to the end that opportunity three religious edua spiritual reapproachment and tional work, which will affect cation classes and two chapel unity may be brought about be- 25,000 pupils. The Government services are conducted each tween our two peoples." Ac- week. In addition, a week of cording to news dispatches, the educational provision is only for special evangelistic services fol- China Council has received the about twenty per cent of chil- lowed, when many students petition with sympathy and the dren of school age. Much will made new resolutions as to their depend upon the action of the Korean National Churches; but a concerted decision is not easy, as meetings to discuss the ques- tion are not permitted by the authorities.
-World Dominion Press.
Chinese have expressed willing- manner of living and personal ness to meet their Japanese ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC relationship to Christ.
brethren in any such conference On Cebu Island Three Siamese students are of mutual respect. enrolled. One was brought up In the Cebu field, P. I., 242 in the royal palace. Though a -The Christian Century. have been received into the Buddhist by birth, he is no churches on profession of faith Would-be Suicide during the past year, and eleven longer a Buddhist at heart. He places have been opened to the A pickle merchant of Omuta Gospel. This does not mean has said that he wants to worlost heart because of family places where occasional visits ship the true God. Recently, troubles, and decided to plunge are made, but places where reginto the crater of Mount Aso, a ular services have been estab- when told that he had passed in volcano. But face to face with lished, and a group of baptized all his subjects he said it was death he could find no peace. As God who had helped him, as he prayed to Him every day.
he lay on the ground near the believers is carrying on by Chinese Christians in Hawaii crater, he saw written on a post: themselves. Four ten-day Chris- "Come unto me, all ye that labor tian workers' institutes have Bishop Willis, of Hawaii, says and are heavy laden, and I will been conducted, with an average that Chinese Christians stand give you rest." Then the follow- attendance of 69 students. We out in two particulars. One is ing words: "Let any who are believe that much of the advance the friendly Christian fellowship
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
within their own congregation. to July 1, for the study of the understanding, social service, the movies, the radio, personality They are constantly giving so-, subjects: Christianity and the and religion.
cial entertainments, particularly totalitarian State, the conscien- -The Living Church.
Chinese dinners and chop suey tious objector, the League of "Dithering"
meals, which bring their mem- Nations, sanctions and interna- Some one has written an ar- ticle on "Diseases of the Mission bers together when there are tional police. In England, Scot- Field," the most serious being what he calls "dithering." A parish meetings, confirmations land and America cooperation writer in The Chronicle shows how serious this may be. and baptisms. with the Fellowship of Recon- You start o.ut determined to show The other particular is their ciliation in several countries has the carpenter how to set out a window sash. Before you have gone a dozen missionary interest which keeps been secured. The office of the steps you are pounced upon by a man with eggs fo.r sale. You inform him them in close touch with church International Union is at Am- that the cook buys the eggs; he then offers you chickens, and you tell him work in China. They have given merstol, Holland. that the cook buys these too. But an- other man has seen you, and bears largely toward the endowment -International Christian down with a request to. be sent somein the Shensi diocese, for famine Press. where to fetch a load of something. relief and other special needs in You answer him that you don't want a load of anything brought from any- China. When the day school Catholic World Missions where, whereupo.n he says he wants to children heard of the recent buy a Bible. Of course you have to martyrdom of the catechist, The Roman Catholic Church sell him that but you find he has only Huang Han-Tsang, killed by has 340 seminaries in its major half the necessary money. He says bandits near Hankow, they mission fields with 18,541 stu- he will bring the balance in beans, and dents for the priesthood. China so the transaction is temporarily in raised $100 for his family. abeyance. has 4,361; India, 1,801; Indo- -The Churchman. China, 2,237 ; Africa, 4,260 ; Fearing the .:arpenter may have made the window sash according to Missionaries Televised Japan and Korea, 669; the his o.wn ideas, you dash toward the islands of the Pacific, 47l. shop. But a bricklayer, building a The British Weekly recently There are 500 separate Roman cottage for a medical orderly, interhad an interesting account of Catholic missions in the foreign cepts to ask where exactly to put the missionaries on furlough being mission fields, so that the con- window frames. You realize with a televised in London. sickening feeling that you have not tention that this Church presents yet marked the exact position of these frames. They are pro.bably building In an hour's television program one front is not quite accurate, them all in on the windward wall, in last week there were two exceptionally which case the medical orderly will interesting missionary items. One especially as the cooperative never, never open the windows. You councils of Protestant missions dash off and find that your surmise was an interview with Bishop Flem- are banding themselves closer is absolutely correct. Directing labor ing of the Arctic, while on the other and closer together in a world- in Africa is largely a matter of go- ing to. see what So-and-so is doing, the interviewer talked with that amaz- and telling him not to. At last you may (or again you may not) arrive ing trio of women, Miss Mildred Cable wide organization already su- at the shop and find the carpenter' and the two Misses French, of the happily pegging together the window China Inland Mission. They had perior in many ways to the sash-an almost perfect rhombus. Topsy, their little Mongolian deaf and so-called "united front" of the WHAT WILL HELP YOU? dumb friend, with them. They looked Roman Catholic Church. on the experience of being televised Many readers have sent us reports as an adventure not unworthy o.f a -The World Today. of their Metho.ds for promoting mis- sionary interest; others have exparty of women who had recently Girls' Friendly Society pressed their gratitude for the help given in our "Ways of Working" Decrossed the Gobi Desert for the fifth partment. Is there some special way in which we can help you in planning time, and told their hearers very The Girls' Friendly Society is your work for the promotion of missportingly and vividly how they trav- sionary interest in yo.ur church, your society, the Sunday school or home, elled, what they carried with them, one of the most active and vig- or among other groups? What would why they went, and the sort of things orous organizations, of the Epis- you find most useful in the way of program material and suggestions, that happened to them on the way. copal Church. Founded 60 years literature, sermonic and illustrated They themselves were tremendously ago, it now has a membership of material, o.r methods of stimulating interested in all that went o.n in the missionary interest in children? Please forward your questions or requests to studio, and seemed quite unperturbed 29,000, with 900 branches in the Mrs. Estella S. Aitchison, Granville, when a camera, looking more like a United States, the Philippine Ohio. tank and manned by four men, would Islands, Puerto Rico, Panama, suddenly begin to bear down on them for a close up while they talked. The Japan and China. The Society first missionary to be televised was provides a varied and balanced the 83-year-old Archdeacon Batchelo.r of Hokkaido. program of worship, study, rec- reation, social service and serv- Antimilitarist Congress ice to the Church for girls and young women. Its twofold task The Executive Comittee of is the development of character the International Union of Anti- and friendship in loyalty to the militarist Ministers and Clergy- Church, and the arousing of an men, which has branches in Hol- intelligent interest in and underland, Switzerland, Eng I and, standing of the issues of the Scotland, France, Sweden, Nor- world today. Under the general way and Denmark has decided theme of Christian Citizenship, to hold the fourth international study is given to such vital probcongress in Edinburgh, June 29 lems as world peace, interracial Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information GOOD BOOKS ON RURAL AMERICA COMPILED AND ANNOTATED BY DR. BENSON Y. LANDIS, Associate Secretary of Department of Research and Education, Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America Rebuilding Rural America. By Mark plan of church work adapted to United Churches. By Elizabeth R. A. Dawber. New York, Missionary that culture. Hooker. New York, Harper & Education Movement. 215 pp. $1.00, Brothers. 1926. 306 pp. $1.75. cloth; paper, 60 cents. Industrial Village Churches. By Edmund deS. Brunner. New York, A most adequate study of A comprehensive discussion Harper & Brothers. 1930. 205 pp. types of community churches in dealing with our c han gin g $1.50. town and country areas. American rural life and the ways and means being used by Studies of representative com- The Rural Church and Cooperative the Church to rebuild rural munities and churches. Extension Work. By H. W. Hoch- America and to give it spiritual baum. Washington,Department of ideals. Religion in the Highlands. By E. R. Agriculture, Circular 57. 1929. Hooker. With a section on Mis- 25 pp. The Christ of the Countryside. By sionary and Philanthropic Schools Malcolm Dana. Nashville, Tenn., by Fannie W. Dunn. New York, Instances of cooperation. Cokesbury Press. $1.00. the Home Missions Council, 105 E. 22d St. 1933. 319 pp. $1.00. The Community Church. By David A popular treatment of well- Piper. Chicago, Willett, Clark & known portions of the Bible re- Native churches and mission- Co. 1928. 158 pp. $1.00. vealing the rural setting and the ary enterprises in the southern rural significance of its themes. Appalachian area. An interpretation of the com- munity church movement by a The Country Church As It Is. By Statesmanship and Religion. By participant. A. J. W. Myers and Edwin E. Sundt. New York, Fleming H. Revell Co. Henry A. Wallace. New York, Community Religion and the Denom- 1930. 189 pp. $1.50. inational Heritage. By J. R. Har- Round Table Press. 1934. 139 pp. greaves and others. New York, A unique book presenting case Harper & Brothers. 1930. 150 pp. histories of fifteen parishes. $2.00. – $1.00.
The Country Church and Public Af- The part of religion in bring- Treatise on the uniqueness of fairs. Edited by Henry W. Mc- ing about a social control that various religious bodies. Laughlin. New York, The Mac- will mean social justice. millan Company. 1930. 260 pp. Y. M. C. A. in Town and Country. $2.00. ****** By Henry Israel. New York, As- sociation Press. 1929. 116 pp. Comprehensive discussions at The Larger Parish-A Movement or $2.00. the Institute of Public Affairs, an Enthusiasm? By Edmund deS. Virginia. Brunner. New York, Harper & Proceedings of a national con- Brothers. 1934. 95 pp. 50 cents. ference on the rural Y. M. C. A. What's Right with the Rural Church. By Ralph A. Felton. Philadelphia, A study of over 100 larger ****** Presbyterian Board of Christian parishes. Education. 1930. 150 pp. Cloth, A Parish Program for Community $1.00; paper, 50 cents. The Larger Parish Plan. By Mal- Service and Family Religion. By Warren H. Wilson. New York, Popular treatment of the as- colm Dana. New York, Congrega- Board of National Missions of the sets of the rural church. tional Church Extension Boards. Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. 1930. 63 pp. 25 cents. 32 pp. 10 cents. The Farmer's Church. By Warren H. Wilson. New York, D. Apple- How Can Local Churches Coine To- A brief guide, especially for ton-Century Co. 1925. 264 pp. gether? By Elizabeth R. Hooker. the pastor. $2.00. New York, Home Missions Council, 105 E. 22d St. 1928. 82 pp. 25 Tested Methods in Town and Coun- A statement of the peculiari- cents. try Churches. By Edmund deS. ties of rural culture and of a Brunner. New York, Harper & A practical han d boo k of Brothers. 1923. 173 pp. $1.00. methods. Summarizes the programs of forty churches of distinction; Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the RIlvIIlW publishers on receipt of price.
[334 ]
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
valuable as a text for general Financing the Country Church. By resentment against the Turks. reading. The author truly has a message R. T. Baker. Richmond, Va., The of God's love and of Christian Our Templed Hills. By. Ralph A. Department of Country Church and faith and devotion, which is Felton. New York, MissIOnary Sunday School Extension. P. O. worth reading. Education Movement. 1926. 241 Box 1176. 8 pp. pp. Cloth, 50 cents; paper, 25 cents. The chapter on "Yeni Che- A study course in the chang- General Reviews riler" will give many new inforing rural life and in modern Changing Russia. By F. J. Miles, mation about the J anisaries but country church methods. D.S.O. Marshall, Morgan & Scott, should be understood as a his- J tory of the 18th century and does A New Day for the Country Church.. London. Paper. 144 pp. 1s. 1936, not indicate that modern Turks bring up their children as de- By Rolvix Harlan. Nashville, Tenn. The author of this small but scribed on page thirty-four.
The Cokesbury Press. 1925. 166 significant book is International The deep spiritual life of the pp. Cloth, 50 cents; paper, 20 cents. Secretary of the Russian Mis- author's father and mother will Brimming with practical sug- sionary Society in England. In be a revelation to many Amergestions; bound to give the connection with the British and ican Christians. This interest- ing bit of history and Christian reader a wide vision of the task Continental Touring Club, he autobiography leaves one with of the local church. has made many visits to Russia, having exceptional opportunities Steeples Among the Hills. By Arthur for observation. Mr. Miles an awed sense of the reality of Wentworth Hewitt. New York, God's present care of His chil- Abingdon Press. 1926. 260 pp. recognizes the good things that $1.50. the Soviet Government has done, dren. CLARENCE D. USSHER.
A narrative of experience by but he confirms the current im- Alaskan Adventures. By Loyal L. one of the best-known country pression that it is making re- Wirt. IlIus. 8vo. 124 pp.. $1.50. ministers. lentless war, not against any Fleming H. Revell Co. New York. particular church, but against 1937.
The Social Work of the Churches. all religion. "A determined at- Here are stirring, and at times Edited by F. Ernest Johnson. New tempt is being made to raise a exciting, tales of pioneer days in Alaska-of daring journeys by York, The Federal Council of nation of atheists." Apparently snowshoe and dogteam over the snow- and ice-covered mountains Churches. 1930. 238 pp. Cloth, he wrote his book before the and down dangerous rapids. $1.25; paper, $1.00. Dr. Wirt made his first trek with promulgation of the new consti- miners over the White Pass in 1899. Then he returned to civ- A handbook of information. tution, but its assurance of ilization to bring food, medicine, lumber and nurses to Anvil City "free-dom of religious worship" (Nome)-only to have the sup- plies lost in a storm at sea. Religious Education in the Rural means nothing, for a pastor can- Again Dr. Wirt started alone as Church. By Henry W. McLaughlin. the first white man to cross New York, Fleming H. Revell Com- not preach outside of his own Alaska by dogteam in the win- pany. 1931. 224 pp. $1.50. pulpit and cannot teach religion ter. This time he was success- to groups of young people under ful in getting help from the A compilation of the papers presented at the Virginia Insti- eighteen years of age. Most of United States Government. tute of Public Affairs. the normal activities of a church Boys will enjoy this tale of ad- are prohibited. School teachers venture, vividly described, and a thrilling story of the faithful The Episcopal Church in Town and are not permitted to attend any dog, "Whiskers." Sandwiched Country. By Goodrich R. .!'enner. church and the Bible cannot be in with the tale of adventure are slices of information about New York, National Council, Prot- printed or circulated. Many wolves, Eskimo dogs,' Eskimo estant Episcopal Church. 1935. churches have been closed and men and women, courtship, home 160 pp. Cloth, $1.00; paper, 50 life, babies, tribal dances, supercents. those that remain open are be- stitions and gold seekers. Most of the incidents and facts might ing strangled by heavy taxes. have been woven into the story more skilfully but they add to Village Sermons by a Novelist. By Meantime, unrestricted anti- the wealth and interest of the Gustav Frenssen. New York, D. "Alaskan treasurehouse." Dr. Appleton-Century Co., 1924. 162 religious propoganda is openly Wirt makes us realize what pp. $1.50. sponsored by the Government. hardships men will endure for It is a tragic story that moves gold and that followers of Christ A noted Scandinavian novelist the reader to respond to the aupreaches a series of sermons, thor's plea for prayer. using rural materials. ARTHUR J. BROWN.
Services for the Open. By L. 1. Mat- My Beloved Armenia. By Marie S. Banker. 205 pp. $1.25. B.!. C. A. toon and H. D. Bragdon. New York, Chicago. 1936. D. Appleton-Century Co. 1923. 212 pp. $1.50.
Suitable religious services for While this book contains various occasions. stories of "Turkish atrocities," Manual for County and Local Coun- the authenticity of which I would cils of Religious Education. Chi- not dispute, it was refreshing to cago, The International Council of Religious Education, 203 N. Wa- find that the book has been writ- bash Ave. 1932. 64 pp. 25 cents. ten more to give a constructive Gospel message than to arouse
will endure as much or more in the evils from which we suffer, Jungle Friends. By the Bishop of the service of their Master-and not only in Japan but in Amer- Rangoon. 63 pp. 18. S. P. G. with no thought of material re- London. 1937. ward. ica. These thirteen true stories of Morocco in Mufti. By James Hal- North Pacific. By Edward Weber people and incidents in Burmese dane. 8vo. 231 pp. 68. Arthur Allen. 282 pp. Map and sixty-five villages form the second in a H. Stockwell, Ltd. London. 1937. illustrations. Professional and series of character sketches, the Technical Press, New York. 1936. first being "Jungle Folk." These are vivid pen pictures of life in Morocco, that quaint This is an unusually interest- H. H. F. land of mountains and markets, ing book of travel and observafanatical Moslems and strange tion in Alaska, western Canada, The Father and His Sons. By A. B. unconquered tribes. Japan and eastern Siberia, by a L. Karney. 68 pp. 18. S. P. G., man who sees intelligently and London. 1937. "Your European civilization, knows how to tell what he sees. like a pair of shears, is snipping As United States Commissioner The author states that he has away the glory we won by sword and Secretary of the Internaand book," said an intelligent tional Fisheries Commission he found so much help from the Moor of the old school. In this describes a tour from San Fran- descriptive volume we see the cisco to Alaska, the Aleutian story of the Prodigal Son, and old contrasted with the new-in Islands to Kamchatka, south- business, in culture and in reli- ward along the Kurile Islands to has returned to it so often that .gion. Mr. Haldane, a Christian Japan, and back to San Franmissionary, gives. us a brief but cisco – a complete circle of the he believes it worth while to very readable story of Morocco's lands bordering the northern history, with his views of the Pacific Ocean. His experiences share some interpretations found present conditions, Moslem be- were varied and he gives a liefs and strange customs, life wealth of information about in it. There is much to ponder among villagers, mountaineers fisheries, the resources of Alaska and city dwelle~s, and mission- and the numerous people that he over in his discussion of this ary work among them. Mr. met. References to mission- Haldane has used some unusual aries and missionary work are immortal parable as related to opportunities to understand Mos- warmly sympathetic, particulems and conducts an interesting larly in Alaska where he makes many modern problems-home work with Moorish boys. He is special mention of such notable a valuable guide to those who Christian workers as William life, dangers threatening the would visit Morocco and know Duncan, Sheldon Jackson, W. T. the Moors. Lapp, Bishop Peter Trimble church, the State, the lack of Rowe, Archdeacon H u d son Kagawa Pamphlets: Stuck, S. Hall Young, and missionary interest, the situa- others. A bibliography and a Kagawa in Australia and New Zea- tion in Germany, Italy, and other land copious index add to the value of this attractive volume. topics. H. H. F. Kagawa in Lincoln's Land (United States) ARTHUR J. BROWN. Frances Ridley HavergaI. By Esther E. Enock. 95 pp. 18. Pickering Kagawa Calendar (Printed in & Inglis, London. 1936. Japan) The development in the Chris- Kagawa on Christian Brotherhood tian life is traced in this biog- These pamphlets set forth Dr. Toyohiko Kagawa's Christian raphy of one of the world's bestphilosophy and economic plans. He believes that Christ, as the known hymn writers, together Son of God and Saviour of men through His death on the Cross, with incidents of the period in also teaches the way of brotherhood, peace and economic justice which she lived (1836-1879) and that His principles and teachings should be put into and her relationships with other practice in daily life, with Christlike self-sacrifice and love Christian leaders, among them of equal opportunity. Kagawa has himself led the way in what Dwight L. Moody and Ira D. he conceives to be Christ's way. This program, if put into opera- Sankey. H. H. F. tion by truly regenerated men, would doubtless correct many of Awake I An African Calling. 55 pp. Follow Me. By Una Roberts Law- 18. Church Missionary Society. rence. 95 pp. Baptist Home Mis- sion Board, Atlanta, Ga. 1936. London. 1937. This brief analysis of certain Blasio Kigozi, a young Afri- home mission problems in the can evangelist of Uganda, died South, in Cuba and Panama, is last year at the beginning of a a summary of tasks in unevan- promising career. Missionaries gelized areas; and an outline had counted on his help in a re- for the study of the situation in vival in the Church of Uganda the various departments of and Blasio had spent months Southern Baptist Home Mis- in preparing "three points": sions. H. H. F.
(1) The cause of deadness in the Church; (2) Attendance of Through Stormy Seas. By Capt. E. G. Carre. 96 pp. 18. Pickering open sinners at the communion; & Inglis. London. 1937.
(3) How bring a revival? He The personal experiences of a British sea captain have to do wanted to arouse the clergy to with the transforming power of prayer. spend less time in raising funds and more in searching their per- sonallives. H. H. F.
Book. Just Like You Stories. Lucy W. Pea- his 86th year. His father, the
body. 186 pp. Illus. $1.50. M. H. William Ashmore, a missionary in About the Old Faith. Henry W. Leavis. Boston. China for 53 years, died in 1909. To- Frost. 128pp. $1.25. Revell. gether, father and son gave over 100 New York. Mothers Union and S. P. G. Report. years to China. On the son's 75th 2d. 16 pp. S. P. G. London. birthday at Swatow, he finished the Bush Aglow-Life of D. L. Moody. third revision of the entire Bible, Richard E. Day. 331 pp. $2.00. The New Walk. Capt. Reginald translated from their original tongues Judson Press. Philadelphia. Wallis. 40 cents. A. B. C. Assn. into the Swatow colloquial. Philadelphia. Consider Him. Vance Havner. 100 Deaconess E'l"len'" La'"khshmi Goreh, pp. $1.50. American Bible Con- The Road to Victory. C. M. S. Re- ference Assn. Philadelphia. port for 1936-7. 6d. C. M. S. who died January 11 in Cawnpore, London. India, at the age of 83, had a remark- Church Militant. Popular Report, able career. Her father was a con- 170 pp., 6d.; Official Report, 240 The Romance of a Doctor's Visit. vert from Brahminism. Left mother- pp., 18. S. P. G. in F. P. London. Walter Lewis Wilson. ls. Pick- less in infancy, she was cared for by ering & Inglis. London. missionaries and later educated in Except Ye Repent. Harry A. Iron- sides. 191 pp. $1.50. American Unity in Diversity. Report of Friends Tract Society. New York. Service Council 1936. London.
Evangelical Handbook of Latin What Is This Moslem World. Charles England; became active in social America. 120 pp. 4s. World Do- R. Watson. 204 pp. $1.00. M. E. M. work and eventually returned to In- minion Press. London. New York. dia as a Zenana Mission worker. AS author of the poem, "In the Secret of Follow Me. Una Roberts Lawrence. The Young Moslem Looks at Life. His Presence," she was known far 96 pp. Home Mission Board. At- Murray T. Titus. 178 pp. $1.00, beyond India. lanta, Ga. cloth; 60 cents, paper. Friendship Press. New York. The Rev. H'"enr'"y C'" . Ostrom, for The Heart of the Christian Faith. Francis Shunk Downs. 209 pp. A Missionary Looks at His Job. W. twenty-five years a missionary of the $1.50. American Tract Society. J. Culshaw. 144 pp. 2s. Student Presbyterian Church (South) in Ja- New York. Christian Movement Press. London. pan, died in Kobe on January 20. He was a consecrated and gifted mission- Hadramaut – Its Challenge. W. H. Christ's Way and the World's in ary, being acquainted with nine lan- Storm. 8 pp. 2d. World Dominion Church, State and Society. Henry guages. He was born of Lutheran Press. London. Smith Leiper. 144 pp. 65 cents parents at Lockport, Illinois, on De- and 90 cents. Abingdon Press. cember 4, 1876, and after graduating Indians Today. Edited by Marion E. New York. Gridley. 128 pp. $2.50. Indian Council Fire. Chicago. from college at the age of 18 he went to Germany to study music. Later he Living Religion. Hornell Hart. 260 Obituary Not•• attended Princeton Theological Sem- pp. Abingdon Press. New York. (Concluded fro?n 2d cover.) inary and went to Japan as a mission- Missionary Romance in Morocco. ary in 1911. On his first furlough he J ames Haldane. 189 pp. 2s. 6d. Bishop W. F. McDowell, retired, was traveling secretary of the Stu- Pickering & Inglis. London. of the Methodist Episcopal Church, dent Volunteer Movement. died on April 26 at 79 years of a~e. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Missionary Illustrations. Alva C. J!}pmn~ Bowers. 154 pp. $1.50. Revell. He was born in Millersburg, OhIO, New York. February 4, 1858, the son of David A. l.l McDowell; was educated at Ohio 0f tbt None Other Gods. W. A. Visser 't Wesleyan and Boston University, be- Hooft. 185 pp. Harpers Bros. ing ordained to the ministry in 1882. New York. After pastorates in Ohio, he was cvhear,nc1e8l9lo0r-9o9f, stheecreUtnarivyerosfitytheofMDeetnh– .ftr-'brt't'itt'an Poems of a Persian Sufi. Baba Tabis. ~ l.l Translated by Arthur J. Arberry. 7J4f. t'ft W. Heffer & Sons. London. odist Board of Education for five years and in 1904 elected bishop of The Triune God. C. Norman Bart- the Methodist Episcopal Church. lett. 191 pp. $1.50. American eA. Bishop McDowell was widely known Tract Society. New York. BOOK of worship in song, com- as a speaker, lecturer and author but Two Missionary Voyages. Thomas chiefly for his work in behalf of tem- bining a hymnal for general Thompson. 90 pp. lB. S. P. G. in Foreign Parts. London. perance and public morals. church use, and a song book for evan- Unity in Diversity. Report of Friends '" '" '" gelistic purposes. Only songs sound Service Council, 1936. London. in the faith and inspirational in char- The Rev. Dr. James Shepard Kit- With Christ in Africa. D. A. Mc- tell, for the past ten years secretary acter included—emphasizing Evangel- Donald. 158 pp. 28. 6d. Marshall, of the Board of Domestic Missions of ism, Missions, and the Deeper Life. Morgan & Scott. London. $1.00. the Reformed Church in America, died Zondervan Pub. House, Grand in New York at 64 years of age. Dr. Many of the new—the best of the old. Rapids, Mich. Kittell was born at Hamilton, Ont., a 504 Songs Responsive Readings Mecca and Beyond. Edward M. and son of John and Jane Drysdale Kittell, Rose W. Dodd. 220 pp. 50 cents, Topical Index Gold Embossed paper; $1.00, cloth. Central Com- mittee on the United Study of For- and came to the United States when Published in round notes and Roxite cloth eign Missions. Boston. seven years old. He attended Alle- edition only at $65.00 per 100—an especially gheny College and the Western The- low price. Single copy, 85c postpaid. The Cross of Christ. George P. Pier- ological Seminary, was ordained in son. 173 pp. $1.50. American 1903, and after filling several charges Write today for returnable sample copy Tract Society. New York. CRUSADE SONqS in Congregational churches, he became The Christian Evangel. John Mc- Nicol. 91 pp. $1.50. American pastor of the First Reformed Church Tract Society. New York. of Albany, 1907-21. In 1913, Dr. Kit- C/l CHOICE selection of 105 hymns and tell was president of the General The Israel Promises and Their Ful- Synod of the Reformed Church in choruses for Revival Services, Bible Con- filment. Samuel Hinds Wilkinson. America. ferences, and Missionary Conventions. 196 pp. 88. 6d. John Bale, Sons and Danielson. London. '" '" '" Strong manila binding, 15c each; Dr. William Ashmore, for forty- $12.50 per 100. Carriage extra.
eight years a missionary of the Amer- ican Baptist Foreign Society in China, who retired in 1927, passed away on March 11 in Santa Ana, California, in
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During seventy-five years The American Baptist Home Mission Society has encouraged its friends to have a share in the development of Christian Missions in the United States and Latin America through Annuity Gifts to the Society.
These gifts have amounted to over Three Million Dollars, while in the same period the Society has paid over Two Million Dollars to annuitants and has used for its general work or added to its permanent funds over One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars released by deaths of beneficiaries. In no instance during three quarters of a century has the Society failed to make a payment to an Annuitant according to agreement.
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OF THE MISSIONARY ~~WORID This October Issue will contain articles on CHRIST AND THE MOSLEM WORLD Why Take Christ to Moslems? Samuel M. Zwemer The Gospel for Mohammedans W. Wilson Cash Present-day Trends in Islam Edward C. Dodd Moslem Reactions to Christ My Experience with Moslems . James Haldane Christ and Moslem Homes . Frank C. Laubach What Christ Has Done for Me Eleanor Calverley A Sermon by a Former Moslem . S. Khoobyar Saee'd Kurdistani and others—with maps and illustrations ORDER COPIES IN ADVANCE FOR YOURSELF AND MISSION STUDY CLASSES 25 cents a copy $20 a hundred $2.50 a year THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD Third and Reily Streets, Harrisburg, Pa.
ROBERT E. SPEER, President DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor
The Missionary Review of the World — May 1937
1937
A Visit to the Ainu of Japan Winburn T. Thomas Facts About Evangelism in Japan John Cuthbertson Why and How Should Christians Unite E. Stanley Jones The Centenary of Presbyterian Missions Herrick Black Young New Moving Pictures of Africa W m. L. Rogers How Christ Changes Life in Burma Brayton C. Case Missionaries Through Colored Glasses H. Kerr Taylor 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember due to my wife, to her beautiful, un-
May 2-Rural Life Sunday. CAMP.of.the·WOODS selfish Christian life." May 10000Luncheon of the Council of *** ~ '-"'-=N ./ ronLdaakceksP,leNaseawnt, in the Adi- Women for Home Missions, Hotel York. Alti- Dr. A. H. Henderson, veteran Bap- Biltmore, New York. tist missionary to Burma, died Feb- May ll–General Conference, United tude of 2,000 feet amid ruary 21 in Burma. Together Dr. Bl'ethren in Christ, Chambersburg, picturesque surroundings. An unusual and Mrs. Henderson have given al- Pa. place for rest, relaxation, moral uplift, most forty-four years of service to May 16-World-wide Day of Prayer. good cheer and delightful fellowship in the Shan people, May 18-21- National Convention of the Evangelical Women's Union, the Great 'Outdoors. Ocean-like beach, **• St. Louis, Mo. safe bathing, canoeist's paradise, golf, May 20-25 – Northern Baptist Con- hiking, tennis, baseball, mo~ntain climb- Bishop William Oldham of the vention, Philadelphia, Pa. ing and other sports. Th1rty – seventh Methodist Episcopal Church, who for May' 26-General Assembly, United consecutive season. Gentile- Protestant many years had been a missionary in Presbyterian Church, Oak Park, Ill. clientele. Accommodations for men, – Asia and South America, died on May 27-General Assembly, Presby- women, and children, in twenty-two di- March 27 at Glendale, California, at terian Church in U. S. A., Colum- visions. Ninety counsellors, seventy the age of eighty-two. Wm. F. Old- bus, Ohio. young people in orchestra, sixty in b~nd. ham was born in Bangalore, India, the July 5-16-New Jersey Summer No jazz, dancing, or card plaY1ng. son of a British army officer. After School for Christian Workers, Women do not smoke. Physical and completing his education at the Madras Blairstown, N. J. spiritual health emphasized. Excellent Christian College, he heard an address July 8-13 – International Christian food-quality and quantity. Dining hall bv William Taylor, the evangelist, in Endeavor Convention. seats 625. Camp fills to capacity every 1875, and as a result decided to enter July 12-36 – World Conference on season. Early registration necessary. the ministry. Later he became a mis- Life and Work. Oxford, England. Rates reasonable. A beautifully illus- sionary of the Methodist Episcopal August 3-18 – World Conference on trated booklet, VACATION DAYS, giv- Church and went to Singapore. In Faith and Order. Edinburgh, Scot- ing information, mailed free on request. 1916 he was elected a bishop of the land. Address GEORGE F. TIBBITTS, Director, Church, and was assigned to South CAMP – of – the -WOODS, Speculator, America with headquarters in Buenos SUMMER CONFERENCES AND Hamilton County, New York. Aires. In many countries of South SCHOOLS OF MISSIONS America, in India and Malaysia, schools and churches were named in Council of Women for Home Mis- honor of Bishop Oldham. He was the sions and Affiliated with the L. Fry served as pastor in Lancaster, author of "Thoburn – Called of God" Committee on Women's Work, Pa., from 1881 until 1901, and then and other volumes. Foreign Missions Conference in Philadelphia for seven years. In 1926, after forty-seven years in the (List to be completed next month) ministry, he was special representa- tive of the Foreign Mission Board for We plan and plan, then pray June 20-26-Boulder, Colorado. the United Lutheran Church's field That God may bless our plan. June 21-27-Winona Summer School work in Buenos Aires. He had al- But hearken! God saith, "Pray!" And He will show His plan, of Missions. For information write ready served as Executive Secretary And lead us in His shining way to Mrs. John W. Walter, 1034 of the Lutheran Board of Church Ex- That leadeth on to perfect day. Mapleton Ave., Oak Park, Illinois. tension. June 26-July 3-Eagles Mere, Pa., **• JESSE ANDREWS. Miss Muriel C. Post, 907 Lindley Ave., Logan, Philadelphia. Mrs. George P. Pierson, an honor- II If you use July 7-15-Northfield, Mass. ably retired missionary of the Pres- June 17-26-Geneva Summer School. byterian Board of Foreign Missions, PRINTING Geneva, Wis. U. S. A., died on March 12, 1937, at July 17-24-Mt. Hermon, Calif. Philadelphia, Pa. Ida Goepp was YOU will profit from an ac- July 19-23-Bethesda, Ohio. born in Easton, Pa., on April 21, quaintanceship with us. We 1862; was graduated from Normal do the job complete in our own Obituary Notes College, now Hunter College, New plant. whether it be large Qr York, in 1883, and later studied in small. Grant K. Lewis, former Executive Switzerland and France. In 1890 she Secretary of the department of church was appointed by the Domestic and While our specialty is Books, development and evangelism in the Foreign Missionary Society of the Mag~ines and Pamphlets, yet division of Home Missions of the Protestant Episcopal Church to go to we have a variety of modem United Christian Missionary Society Japan where she taught in St.. Mar- equipment to meet all the reof the Disciples Church, died Feb- garet's Girls' School in Tokyo. On quirements of your particular ruary 22, at his home in Little Rock, June 12,1895, she was married to the job. You will find our service Ark., at sixty-eight years of age. Rev. George P. Pierson, a mission- prompt, careful and courteous. He was at the time of his death state ary of the Presbyterian Board in secretary' of the Arkansas Christian Japan. Mrs. Pierson was a fearless, Will you allow us to estimate Missionary Society. tireless and capable missionary, al- on your next printing? We be- ways ready to go to any part of the lieve you will be delighted with ••• field where there was need for vig- our product, price and service. orous pioneer service. She and Dr. The Rev. Charles Livingston Fry, Pierson exerted a broad and abiding The EVANGELICAL PRESS D.D., a retired Lutheran clergyman influence in the great northern island, who had held many church offices, Hokkaido. She was the author of the Print…. of died at his home in Germantown, on The Mwionary Review of the W01'Id March 19. He was 78 years old and book, "How the Holy Spirit Came to was born in Carlisle, Pa., the son of PLANT AND MAIN OFFICE the Rev. Dr. Jacob Fry. Dr. Charles the Hokkaido, Japan." After 38 years Third and Reily Streets Herrlsburg, P•• of service they were honorably re- tired in 1928. • * • Mrs. Annie Pennock Smith, wife of Gipsy (Rodney) Smith, died in Call}- bridge, England, March 5. In hIS autobiography Gipsy Smith wrote: "I do not think I shall ever know in this world how much of my success is
MISSIONARY Personal Items
REVIEW OF THE WORLD Dr. Worth M. Tippy has accepted. to the DELAVAN L. PIER80N, Editor a new responsibility in connection with the churches and social service ORIENT VOL. LX MAY, 1937 No.5 in Washington, D. C. He is to con- duct a special study and txperiment ROUND-TRIP REDUCTIONS publication and Business Office– to work out more adequate coopera- Third and Reily Ste., Harrisburg, Pa. tion between religious forces and Special Summer rates go into community agencies of the cIty. The effect May 15. Round trip to Editorial and Executive Office– experiment is being financed by a Yokohama, $256 up Tourist 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. group of laymen. Class; $456 up First Class. Entered as second-class matter at Similar reductions to other ports. *** Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under • Act of March 3, 1879. Dr. Robert M. Hopkins, General 10 DAYS TO YOKOHAMA Secretary of the World's Sunday 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. :::>chool t,;onvention, sailed for Europe Go direct fromVancouverand Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. and AfrIca, March 24, largely to pre- Victoria in 10 days by Em- 'Published monthly, except August. pare for the Thirteenth world's Sun- press oj Asia or Empress oj All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1937. day School Convention which is to b~ Russia. Only 3 more days via British agents – Marshall, Morgan held in South AfrIca in 1940. ThIS Hawaii by Empress ojJapan and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, will be the first representative Chris- (fastest ship on the Pacific) London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, tian world gathermg scheduled for or Empress oj Canada. Con- 10 shillings a year. the continent of Africa, outside of nect at Honolulu from Cali- l!;gypt. fornia ports. Low round-trip MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- fares include passage from LISHING CO., INC. *** and to Seattle. BOARD OF DIRECTORS • Facilities are available for George C. Stebbins, long an asso- the celebration of ROBERT E. SPEER, President ciate of D. L. Moody and composer of Holy Mass. A. L. WARN8HUI8, Vice-President Gospel hymns, celeorated his ninety- WALTER MCDOUGALL, Treasurer first birthday, It'ebruary 26. At a ~r;a+ DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary service in honor of the event several hymns were sung, the music of which For rates and sailings, see SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT was composed by Mr. Stebbins. YOUR TRAVEL AGENT or Cana- Among these were "Some Day the dian Pacific: New York, Chi- WILLIAM I. CHAMBERLAIN Silver Cord Will Break," "Have ca~o, San Francisco, 38 other D. J. FANT Thine Own Way, Lord," "There Is a cities in U. S. and Canada. Green Hill Far Away," "Take Time MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD to Be Holy," and "I've Found a WM. B. LIPPHARD Friend, 0, Such a Friend." ERIC M. NORTH SAMUEL M. ZWEMER *** Editorial Chat Dr. Eric M. North, General Secre- tary of the American BIble Society, Will you write to the editor of the saIled for Japan and China, February REVIEW? To serve the cause of Christ 20. This is the first visit of a Secreeffectively, and to help our readers, it tary of the American Bible Society to is important that the REVIEW shall the Far hoast in twenty-three years. not only stand true to the Word of Dr. North will study a new policy of God and give a Christian view of the cooperation with the British and Forworld, but that we meet your need for eign Bible SocIety and the Nation.ll information, suggestion and inspira- l:hble Society of :::>cotland, lookmg tion. To do this we must keep in liv- toward the creation of a Biule Society ing touch with our readers. in China.
Will you write to us to say how the *** REVIEW may help you and your work more definitely? What type of edi- Dr. Ikuzo Toyama, of the Imperial torials or articles would you like? University, Japan, has been elected How can our "M,ethods" Department president of St. Paul's University, serve you better – in suggestions on Tokyo, to succeed Dr. S. Kimura who missionary programs, addresses, work resigned last year. Dr. Toyama has with children and young people, mis- had an active interest in the Chrissionary education in the home or tian Church for the past thirty years. church, best books and periodicals on missions and mission lands? *** We ask not praise for what the RE- Dr. T. T. Lew, professor in the VIEW is doing, but constructive criti- School of Religion in Yenching Unicisms and suggestions. Will you co- versity, Peiping, has been appointed operate with us? a member of the legislative branch of the Chinese National Government. He *** has thus joined the growing number of Christians participating in the If you like the REVIEW, will you Government at Nanking, and will recommend it to others? Here is what have a distinct contribution as an edusome readers say: cator and a Christian to make to the formulation of national policies. "Your magazine is indeed helpful, particularly to those who have any- *** thing to do with the presentation of missionary programs." Rev. John W. Bowman, of the Presbyterian Punja(} Mission, India, MRS. E. A. LOWER. in view of the problem of the educa- Cincinnati, Ohio. tion of the children, has accepted a call for service in the Western The- *** ological Seminary of Allegheny, Penn- sylvania. "I congratulate you on the high levels which the MISSIONARY REVIEW [225 ] continues to hold. I have just been running through the March number."
ERNEST GORDON. Wayne, Pa.
AINU CHIEF AND HIS WIFE OBSERVING A "SAKE"
AN AINU CHIEF IN THE MIDST OF HIS HOUSEHOLD TREASURES A VISIT TO THE AINU OF NORTH JAPAN (see page 231)
NARY
REVIB ORLD VOLUME LX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 5 MAY, 1937 Topics of the Times THE MILITANT GODLESS PROPAGANDA Congress was to promote world-wide agitation There are clear signs that the forces opposed to against all religion but chiefly against Christian- God and His sovereignty are becoming more and ity, and to establish an international fund for more aggressive in their battle against all religion antireligious propaganda. These agitators are -or recognition of a superhuman power to which opposed to liberty of conscience for they deny the man is subject. In some cases this anti-God atti- right to teach Christianity but insist on the right tude and activity takes the form of materialism; to teach atheism. The Christian Press Bureau in other cases extreme militarism, nationalism or says: the promotion of physical self-indulgence. In Weare confronted with a world-girdling organiza~ion America there are reported to be "anti-God" so~ against religion, an irrefutable testimony that the Church cieties in schools and colleges. In Russia and will meet an organized opposition whose equal has never other communistic circles there is active propa- been known in the history of the world. Probably there ganda with training of youth against any belief in have always been godless and atheists; and many and a superhuman God. Perhaps the sharpest, most strong attempts have been made to conquer Christianity. concerted attack on Christ and all religion in the But these attempts have, for the most part, been rather history of the world centers in Russia today. planless and scattered. One can think about the great French Revolution when they first "deposed" God and In Russia, Joseph Stalin, the Secretary~Gen later, after further consideration, appointed Him again; eraI of the Communist Party, and the practical or about the war of the Roman Empire against Chrisdictator of Soviet Russia, is almost deified but at tianity which, however, in all its recklessness and bruthe same time is bitterly opposed to any belief in tality was groping and uncertain. Now, however, it is an God. The Swiss Protestant Press Service reports announced unswerving intention to eradicate all religion (in The Dawn) a recent speech in which he said: and every religious conviction and feeling.
We consider all religion as our worst enemy. The In Russia this war has been going on for eighteen years, struggle against religion must be carried on relentlessly. and the goal is to deprive 160,000,000 people of God and There can be no compromise with religion whose aims are every thought about God. Already the Red Government basically opposed to ours. We may change our tactics in has beaten every record. In the old Russland there were the struggle against religion. Violence was used during 120,000 churches and chapels, and over half of these have the past 20 years, but now intellectual means must be now been entirely destroyed, and many are being used adopted. The final stage will be reached when religion as clubs for the godless, as theatres, and as storage will only exist as a thing of past history. This is our goal. houses. In Moscow alone eight hundred churches and monasteries have been destroyed or closed. Last year, in Russia, 14,000 churches, chapels, synagogues and other places of worship were It is estimated that in these eighteen years, 42,800 closed, and the· Secret Police took proceedings clergymen have been placed in Russian Concentration against 3,687 priests of all religions, of whom 29 Camps! The methods are chiefly violence and force, but were condemned to death. According to the Rus- economic coercion is used also. According to statements sian Constitution of 1929, atheism is the only made by Stalin they will now stop using violence and begin creed that is conceded the right to active propa- a so-called "spiritual war." It had been estimated that ganda. all religion should have been eradicated by the first of May this year, but a delay must be allowed for. They The Christian Press Bureau of Copenhagen, still have the goal in mind, however: the last church Denmark, reports a "World Congress of the God- must be closed, the last clergyman must be removed. less" on February seventh, with 1,600 participants from forty-six countries. The chief object of the In Russia the movement of atheism has 6,900 club houses, 146 schools of atheism, 102 educational establish- ments, eighty antireligious museums. In Moscow from one to two million antireligious publications are sent out eV~~::~:'war is going to be made international! A mark of the godless is going to be sent out, and rules of pro- [227 ]
cedure are going to be drawn up in twelve different lan- One of the most encouraging things in the scienguages. For many millions of rubles there is going to be tific world is the trend toward Christianity among erected in Russia an atheistic radio station; they already the great thinkers. Professor C. A. Chant, Ph.D., have an agitation fund amounting to 19,000,000 rubles professor of astro-physics in Toronto University, and expect that a lottery will net 50,000,000. said recently, "I have no hesitation in saying that at least 90 per cent of astronomers have reached There is no. survey for the movement of atheism scat- the conclusion that the universe is not the result tered through the various countries, which they are now of blind law, but is regulated by a great Intellitrying to unite, but a peculiar exhibition in the Vatican a gence. Slowly but surely the mind of the great short time ago shows that there is work going on in is returning to the Creator and the.God of Provi- Russia, Spain, France, Belgium, England, the Danubian dence." countries, and the United States. TO CLOSE MISSION SCHOOLS IN KOREA Nothing good can be expected from the Moscow Congress and the Christian community in all countries ought The crisis is on in Korea for the Shrine probto be on the alert. lem is not yet settled. The Japanese Government persists in its demand that pupils and teachers in But, while the Bezbojriks (Godles,s League) is Christian mission schools attend the ceremonies attempting to establish antireligious, schools to at the shrines and bow in homage to the spirits train "missionaries of atheism," these propagand- of national heroes supposed to be present there. ists are not having an easy time-and never will. Japanese officials have stated that this "act of A recent Associated Press dispatch from Moscow obeisance is only a display of national patriotism" (March 17) says: but when Christians have tried to persuade the Bureau of Education to make a public statement "Antireligious organizations virtually have col- that would satisfy the Christian conscience, the lapsed in Moscow and Moscow Province, Emelyan Japanese would not deny that the obeisance was Yaroslavsky, president of the Atheist League, re- made to spirits actually dwelling in the shrines. ported to a stormy Moscow district meeting of the The Japanese have also clearly stated that an- Communist party. He declared that district coun- cestor worship is considered a "fundamental vircils of the Militant Godless (Atheist) League had tue in the Orient." disbanded throughout the Moscow area and that many regional councils had been liquidated. The military party in Japan seems to be be- Pravda, the Communist party newspaper, asserted hind the move to compel all schools in the Empire that Atheist League membership has fallen from to attend the Shrine ceremonies and to bow in 5,000,000 to 2,000,000 in the last three years. reverence there. It is a part of the movement to There are at least 30,000 churches still open for unite Japanese subjects in their reverence for the worship in Soviet Russia and we are informed Emperor, the national heroes and in the Shinto that 50% of the Russians hold to their faith in faith. No schools, pupils or teachers are excused, God. In many rural communities church clubs though in some districts the rule is not strictly enare being formed to combat irreligion. Five anti- forced. The Japanese are also said to be planning religious museums have recently been closed in to place a Shinto shrine in every Korean village so Russia." that the observance of the ceremonies may be universal. The only way to combat successfully such a propaganda is the way Christ combated godless- The mission schools have had an immense inness-by showing the evidence of God's love and fluence on the Koreans. For thirty years they power, redeeming and regenerating men so that were practically the only schools offering modern they in turn go out in loving sacrificial service to education. Christian missionary schools are scatbring men and nations into harmony with the tered throughout the country while academies and Will of God, as revealed in Christ. Men will yet institutions of higher education have been built at learn that it is worse than useless for feeble crea- foreign expense in the large cities. The total tures to fight against Almighty God. number of pupils under Christian instruction was 100,000 in 1935. These schools have always True scholars and scientists are not atheists taught good citizenship and obedience to the laws for they realize how little they know in compari- of the country._ son with the vast realm of knowledge concerning the universe. The Korean Christians believe and obey the Bible as the Word of God. They are a praying, Dr. Lorenz, the famous Austrian surgeon, when working Church and have learned what it means asked by a New York newspaper reporter as to to suffer for their faith. Now they are convinced the effect of his scientific investigations on reli- that obeisance at the Shinto Shrines is incongious faith, replied, "Does medical science or any sistent with worship of God as He is revealed in other science tend to destroy belief in God? My Christ. Many of the missionaries hold the same friend, you are young, I am old. Science truly pursued does not tend to destroy belief in God. The pursuit of scientific knowledge makes an honest man humble. It makes him realize how little he knows. It makes him believe in God."
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
view-though some are willing to accept the Jap- that we feel constrained to adopt this course, anes,e statement that the ceremony is only knowing that it involves the loss of educational patriotic. opportunities for large numbers of families and that it will bring distress to our teachers and mis- One of three positions is possible for the Korean sionaries who have given life and devotion to this Christians-(l) to obey the Japanese edict and work. throw the responsibility on the Government; (2) to have mental reservations and give only 6. It is not our purpose to dispute the demands outward obedience, while claiming to bow only that the authorities have made upon our schools out of respect to the memory of the illustrious . . . but merely to announce our decision under dead; or (3) to refuse obedience to human edicts the circumstances to withdraw from the field of that most Christians believe involve disloyalty to secular education in an orderly manner. Christ, and to suffer the consequences. 7 and 8. As the first natural step in the liquida- The leading missions in Korea are the Amer- tion of the educational work, the Mission is enican Presbyterians (Northern and Southern joined not to receive new pupils for the entering Churches), the Australian and Canadian, Meth- class of the new semester in April. … If there odists (North and South), the British Church of should be circumstances in any particular school England (S. P. G.) and a few independent mis- rendering even its temporary continuation inadsions. The Methodists have decided to comply visable, the Mission is authorized to close such with the Government edict on the basis of the as- schools at once. surance that the rite is only patriotic. The Presbyterian Mission (North) has voted to refuse 9. During the period of liquidation the schools compliance on the ground that the ceremonies are shall continue as heretofore to promote good religious and idolatrous. The Missionary Com- citizenship, to foster love of country, to teach mittee of the Presbyterian Church, South, with respect for law and authority, and to inculcate the the unanimous ascent of their Korea Mission, has highest principles of loyalty and patriotism. . . . taken the definite stand that their mission schools cannot comply and that they will therefore take 10. Regarding the disposal of school properties steps to close these schools and withdraw from the in this emergency, we cannot approve their transfield of secular education. Their decision is con- fer for school purposes either by gift, loan, rental tained in the following statement from the Com- or sale to any group or organization that would be mittee in Nashville, Tennessee, sent to their unable to maintain the Christian principles upon Korean missionares: which our schools have stood. . . . While our de- cision to desist from secular education in Korea "After careful consideration of the situation is definite and resolute as long as our schools are confronting our schools in Korea, the Executive subject to present requirements, we cannot but Committee of Foreign Missions of the Presby- express the hope that the authorities may yet terian Church in the United States (South) pre- recognize the sincerity of our purpose to help and sents to its Korea Mission the following statement the reluctance with which we have taken this step, of policy to be followed in the problems now af- and provide some way by which loyal friends of fecting our educational work: Japan may be enabled to fulfil their mission of service without compromise of Christian prin- 1. Weare grateful for the years during which ciples. we have been permitted to have a part in providing educational opportunities for the Korean An honored missionary of the Presbyterian Church (North) gives the reasons why he cannot people. bow at the Shrines or vote in favor of compliance 2. We desire through the Mission to express to by the Mission. These reasons are: the Government our sincere appreciation of the 1. The act of obeisance at these Shinto Shrines freedom and protection that have been accorded is truly religious and therefore indolatrous. us in our educational work in the past. 2. A Japanese police officer at the Meiji Shrine 3. Even now we desire nothing more than that declared that Ka,mi-san is the same as God. In we might continue our educational work under Kwangju pupils were asked to clap their hands to the same conditions that have obtained hereto- attract attention of the spirits in the shrine.
fore. . . . 3. The military authorities are forcing com- 4. Nevertheless, in view of recent developments pliance because they think that Amatorasu-Omi- Kami (Sun-Goddess. and mythical ancestress of that seem to render impossible the continuation of the Japanese Imperial House) is their God who our educational work without compromise of gives victory. Christian principle we hereby reluctantly instruct our Korea Mission to take appropriate steps for 4. The shrines are a part of the Japanese non- Christian religious system. The whole shrine systhe closing of our schools. tem heads up at Ise a center of Japanese worship 5. We have pondered deeply the consequences in which sacrifices are performed every year.
of this action, and it is with sincerest regret
5. Other departments of the Government de- throughout the world. God's promise has been clare State Shinto to be religious and superior to and is being abundantly fulfilled, "My word shall Christ. One high Government official declared not return unto me void." Missionaries, preachthat Orientals are polytheists in contrast to. Occi- ers, teachers, evangelists, and other devout and dentals who are monotheists. widely used men and women in all walks of life, continue to testify that it was through Dr. Pier- An educational official said: "We think of son's ministry they were led to Christ, were in- Amatorasu-Omi-Kami and of Jehovah as being spired with missionary zeal, were given a hunger one and the same." for deeper Bible knowledge, were made more effective Christian workers or were brought into 6. No Christian school will be excused from do- the experience of a higher spiritual life. ing obeisance at the shrines. No centenary celebration has been held on 7. The Korean Christians are convinced that earth to commemorate the birth of Arthur T. the ceremony is religious and anti-Christian. But Pierson but many both here and in the presence the basis of judgment is the Bible, not personal of the angels thank God that he was born, and opinion. The missionaries must set an example was born again and was called into the ministry of loyalty to Christ in spite of Government threats of Christ. His labor was not in vain for it was and opposition. "in the Lord."
It is a serious question which deeply involves Among the many examples of his abiding and the future of the Church in Chosen. It is disturb- living influence, we note a recent paragraph by ing to think of the great Christian educational Mr. Ernest Gordon (son of Dr. A. J. Gordon) in work coming to an end and the youth deprived of the Sunday School Times. He says: training under efficient Christian teachers. Already Dr. Geo. S. McCune, President of the Union "Ethel Gray is a teacher of English in an Christian College of Korea, has been obliged to Argentine family and earnest in Christian testiwithdraw from the field. But anything is prefer- mony. She writes of a sermon by Dr. Arthur T. able to a denial of Christ. One with God is still Pierson which she translated into Spanish and a majority and He can overrule the decrees of gave to an atheist student. He read it through men-as He has often done in the Roman Empire, carefully several times, appearing thunderstruck, in India, in China and other lands since the be- and then said he 'knew many young fellows who ginning of history. We honor the Presbyterian wanted to know just what was explained here.' Church, South, for their courage and loyalty. So he retranslated it into beautiful Spanish, and Miss Gray had a thousand printed for distribu- THE ARTHUR T. PIERSON CENTENARY tion."
This is a year when some 'important centenaries One evidence of his abiding ministry is the conare celebrated-among them that of D. L. Moody, tinuing testimony of THE REVIEW. This monthly and the founding of the Board of Foreign Mis- organ of world-wide missions still stands, as it sions of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. stood in Dr. Pierson's day, for the authority of In the same year as the great Foreign Mission the revealed Word of God; for deity of Jesus Board was born, Arthur T. Pierson, the powerful Christ, His supremacy and His all-sufficiency as missionary advocate came into the world-March the Saviour of men through faith in His death on 6, 1837. He gave full fifty years of his life to the Cross; for belief in the Holy Spirit and our preaching the Gospel of Christ, lecturing and dependence on Him to make ministry effective. writing on Biblical themes and promoting interest The REVIEW is published because we believe in in missions throughout the world. He was for the need of all men for pardon and new life twenty-five years the Editor-in-Chief of this RE- through union with Christ and in the duty of VIEw-from 1888 until he was called "home" on every Christian to help carry out the commission June 4, 1911. In addition to his ministry of of Christ to "go into all the world and preach the preaching, pastoral work in large churches, lec- Gospel to every creature." THE REVIEW is deditureS! and addresses at Bible conferences, writing cated to the work of making known the supreme articles and editorial work, Dr. Pierson wrote need of men for regeneration and to the testimony some fifty books on the Bible and spiritual life, of what God is doing today through His servants Christian apologetics, biographical, preaching and in all parts of the world. We are not bound to . missionary themes. These have had a wide cir- any particular branch of the Church of Christ but culation, some translated into several languages stand for the unity of all who are truly united to and still widely read. Him. May THE REVIEW continue to be a faithful witness until Christ returns, according to His The messages of this eminent servant of God promise, until His reign is established and the will were truly vitalized by the living Word of God, of God is done "on earth as it is in Heaven." as is evident by their continued influence in the hearts and lives of consecrated men and women
A Visit to the Ainu of North
By WINBURN T. THOMAS, Kyoto, Japan Missionary of tbe Presbyterian Cburcb, U. S. A., 1933- MOST visited of the Japanese Ainu villages "These are the staves on which we set the heads is Shiraoi, Hokkaido. When we arrived of the bears after our bear-festival," he began. at this small station we were a bit sur- We noted that all the skulls that still hung toprised to be approached by a small Ainu lad who gether were covered with a green mold.
asked in perfect Japanese, "Do you wish to see "You haven't had a bear festival recently," we the buraku (a corruption of 'block')?" He then observed.
assumed the role of guide and began to lead us "No; bears are getting fewer and harder down the main road of the village, keeping up a to catch, so that we cannot observe the festivals."
constant stream of conversa- We noted that there was no tion. cub at the front of the house, "Do many foreigners come The Ainu, the aborigines from which we inferred that here?" we inquired. of Japan, live in Hokkaido, times had not been so good for "Not very many. Most of the large northern island. the Shiraoi Ainu.
them are Japanese." They were once a numerous "How do you get your ani- "Do you often act as people but there are now only mals for the ceremony?" about 17,000 surviving memguide?" bers of the race. They are "We go out in the snow and "Yes, during the vacation a hardy people, of small stat- wait for the bear to come from ure and their older men are his cave. Then we shoot him months. During the school distinguished by their long with an arrow poisoned with year I haven't time." beards. They are not cleanly the root of a weed, beaten to in their habits, not being ac- pulp and dried. After an "Do you attend Japanese school ?"
"Oh, no. We Ainu have our customed to bathing and are arrow, treated with this poison, own schoo1." much given to drunkenness. enters the bear's body, the ani- "You are taught in Japa- By disposition they are mild mal dies in twenty minutes. and amiable, and live mostly nese?" by hunting and fishing. Their The poison goes through the "Of course. I don't know religion is nature worship blood stream and hardens into but .in recent years the young a stone which we cut out. The· much Ainu." people are being educated remainder of the animal is fit We learned that at other and some have become Chris- for food. We consider the tians. Rev. John Batchelor, inner organs especially deli- Ainu villages, the aborigines a retired missionary of the cious." and the Japanese attend the Church Missionary Society, same schools. "Where is the chief?" we in~ "How do you make your liv- ing?" we asked our guide. has been called ~~The Apostle quired.
"By fishing, by getting out- to the Ainu." "In here. Will you come in side labor jobs, and by truck and talk with him?"
farming." We entered the crude struc- "Who lives in all those thatched houses?" ture. The entrance floor was dirt but the living "That is the beginning of the Ainu 'block.' room was on a raised wooden dais, the floor of Most of us live in these straw houses. There are which was covered with a rough straw matting.
nearly one hundred of them, although a few per- In the center was a hearth, on which a charcoal sons have houses built of wood." fire was burning. To the left of the fireplace (the We soon found ourselves inside a small com- most sacred place in the home since the Ainu pound, and we saw an unshaved young man in worship the fire god) sat a bearded old man wear- foreign dress come from the hut door. He ex- ing a peculiar headdress. To his right sat a plained that he was the Ainu chief's son-in-law woman with mouth tattooed. The stage seemed and then, without waiting for us to quiz him, he set for visitors. We were escorted to the left of began to explain the significance of a stack of the chief, that is, the north side of the hearth, poles that had provided our background. which is the most honored position according to [231 ]
A MODERN AINU MOTHER AND BABY AN AINU CHIEFTAIN Ainu customs. Not until we were seated did he cards and handwork which we were asked to buy. and his wife make the proper courtesies. Then, Especially interesting were the bows and arrows while his son-in-law explained to us the signifi- used for killing the bears. The Ainu arrow is cance of the acts, the chief made certain move- made in three parts so that when once it has enments with his arms and head, and muttered some tered its prey, even though the angered beast unintelligible sounds, welcoming us according to should succeed in breaking the shaft, or pulling the old Ainu custom. it out, the tiny bamboo head will remain in the body. The son-in-law demonstrated the use of Next, the chief demonstrated the offering to the the walking staff to hold the baggage when the gods by picking up a "two-story" lacquer bowl and hunter rested, and could be transformed into an a carved mustache lifter. Raising his beard with effective spear for sudden action. the latter, he pressed the bowl to his lips, after he had taken a few drops of the liquid on the When we were outside the house once more, wooden stick and let them fall into the fire. These our guide informed us that there was a regular were supposed to be sweet odors pleasing to the fee of fifty sen per person. We asked to see other household deities. The remainder of the drink homes, belonging to "nonroyal families," but our . was agreeable to his stomach, for the Ainu are guide was careful to steer us away from other very fond of rice wine. After repeating the for- houses and took us down to the seashore to show mulre the old man muttered in his broken Jap- us the boats used by the fishermen. anese, "The ceremony is very significant when we use real "sake." A few days later we visited Chikabumi, an Ainu village just outside the city of Asahigawa. Others in the hut then took down trays of post- No one offered his services as guide but we learned
A VISIT TO THE AINU OF NORTH JAPAN
that if we started walking and asked our way we eminent authority on Ainu life 'and lore; and it would find the Ainu village about a mile down the was surprising to find this mission maintained enroad. We walked two miles to the house of the tirely by the Japanes~one answer to the allegachief, passing other Ainu houses scattered along tion that the Japanese Christian Church is not the way. There was not the segregation noticed mission-minded. There is a Sunday school of in other Ainu buraku. forty Ainu students, apparently including all the young people of this race in the village. These aborgines were evidently more prosperous than those in Shiraoi. The houses were frame The Chikabumi chief was a disappointment for and provided against the cold of the Hokkaido he was' small, lacking in personality, and very winters. These Chikabumi Ainu are farmers and drunk. The interpreter was also under the inday-laborers and from the roadside we saw many fluence of "sake" and refused to do more than industriously tilling the fields or engaging in man- boast that his family had proved its loyalty to the ual work. Midway between the station and the Emperor by sending the only son to-,Manchuria OLD AND YOUNG AINU PERFORMING A CEREMONY FOR THE DEAD (The Posts are Male and Female Markers) chieftain's house we saw a large public hall with with the Expeditionary Forces. He insisted upon the sign "Ainu Young Men's Association." In- our coming into his home to see the boy's pictures side we talked with one of the young men who and there let us examine a collection of primitive was busily carving, from a single block of wood, stone implements, which were very crude when the figure of a bear that would later be sold in a compared with similar arrows and hatchets fashgift shop. He said that it only took him two ioned by the American Indians. hours to whittle the bear which would sell for two yen. In reply to our questions he told us that all The prosperity of this colony was attested by children attended the same school; that his sister the presence of a large number of bears, with cubs was the village beauty queen; and that we would that were small but ferocious. In one cage was a find the chief's house und·er the tall willow trees "wrestling bear" used for exhibition purposes, the around the corner. Turning that corner we came animal being pitted against professional wresto an Episcopal Mission to the Ainu. We have tlers. Pacing up and down in a large cage before long been acquairited with Dr. John Batchelor, the chief's hut was a large brown bear, the pride of the village.
Our final impression was received from a wom- an who handled one of the concessions and who, like most modern women, has refused to stain her lips, a custom that is dying hard. In pictures, taken when she was dressed for ceremonial occa- sions, she used a dye that could be washed off. She kept in her store an Ainu dress which she donned while we snapped her picture as she stood alongside two bear cubs. The young men whom we saw near the store had obviously decided to abandon the custom ,of their ancestors in wearing long beards. The question seems to be whether the Ainu or their. customs will be exterminated first.
A YOUNG AINU BELLE UNEVANGELIZED FIELDS INJAPAN The total number of places reached' in Japan is only 896. As the number of cities, 'towns and villages is 12,019, there are 11,123 stillucntouched by the Gospel. In the agricultural villages, which include more than half the population,there are barely 172 places where Christian work is being conducted. The Gospel is preached mo:st in the places where there is least resistance,a:hd where the resistance is strongest it is not preached at all. The evangelization of Japan, very far from being accomplished, is barely begun.-Toyoltiko Ka- gawa, "T,he Japan Christian Year Book.'; ·Pacts About Evangelism in Japan* 13y~JAMES CUTHBERTSON I~ Japan Evangelistic Band I STARK facts are rude things and unpleasant. not be compared with any ·other so-called mission Before facing these facts, let us state defini- field. It stands in a class by itself. tions upon which so much depends. By the "Evangeliz.ation of Japan" I mean the bringing We are not really getting anywhere in Japan. to the knowledge of "every creature" the Gospel This fact is actually the summary and conclusion of the Lord Jesus Christ, particul,arly His atoning of the following. Death and Resurrection. By "Salvation" I mean the individual's experience of regeneration. The natural grQwth of population is leaving the Church far behind. Japan's population increases Japan is different. Her efficient government at the rate of about 'One million per year. The has provided the nation with civilization. Educa- most optimistic estimate of the increase of the tion is compulsory, the professions are 'Over- Church is never more than twenty thousand. By crowded, doctors live on every street. Its culture the time the nation has sprinted to the hundred- . and national consciousness are highly developed; yard mark, the Church has advanced two yards! its pvogressalong Western lines during this past eighty years has been phenomenal. This land can- Meanwhile Tenrikyo; which had its origins in the babblings and scribbles of a demented peasant • From R.egions Beyond, England. woman some hundred years ago, has developed amazingly. At its centre there are magnificent
FACTS ABOUT EVANGELISM IN JAPAN
temples, schQDls, a fQreign language schQ.ol fDr the s.ome ten th.ousand rural areas each .of which may preparati.on .of missiDnaries, a splendid public c.ontain anything frQm tW'O t.o twenty-five villages.
library, many hQstels, and a training institute fDr My pers.onal census .of a few years ago pr.oduced ev:angelists which graduates SQme seven th.ousand the inf.ormation that roughly some fDur hundred every six mDnths. Every building, all the man- .of the ten thQusand had been "evangelized," ac- uallabQr and the material, are the gifts .of the be- cQrding tQ the definition .of each pers.on wh.o sup- lievers. All evangelists are trained at their .own plied me with inf.ormatiQn. Many splendid mis- expense and prQpagate the doctrines after gradua- siQnaries and Japanese wQrkers are valiantly tiQn, throughQut Japan, at their 'Own expense. tackling this prDblem, but few missi.ons have .or- Hundreds .of thDusands .of pilgrims flock into ganized their f.orces and apPQinted wQrkers tQ vil- Tambaichi fQr its celebratiDns. Its equipment is lage w.ork.
magnificent and impressive. There we .once sent The quicksands .of heathenism have a terrible a yDung preacher whQ preached Christ .on the suction. Japan has an army .of backsliders. P.os- streets with such devQtion that his health gave sibly a very large prop.ortiDn .of them never had way. I l.oQked intQ his tiny shack, rat-ridden, cDb- anything t'O slide' back from, but they dDn't webbed, neglected and dirty, which we had rented kn.ow it.
dQwn a back street. This represented the cause A yQung man came tQ Christ and tQld his mother 'Of the L.ord .of GlQry! Heathenism had its amaz- .of his new-fQund JQY. She threatened suicide if ing temples and millions .of fQllowers, the Gospel he did n'Ot give up Christ. Filial piety was tQQ had its squalid huts and a mere handful .of c.on- str.ong and Christ l.ost. And patri.otism, a new verts. idolatry, has arisen in Japan, based 'On lQyalty t.o The prestige .of the white race has ceased t.o the R.oyal HQuse, and evidenced by worship at the exist as far as the Japanese are concerned. Un- Imperial Shrines. There are nQ truer and m.ore less we can present them with s.omething they l'Oyal citizens than Christians, but many are fac- have n.ot, and d'O something they cannQt, we are ing the .old chQice, Diana .or Christ. We live in not welcQme. We need prayer in Japan t.oday. I challenging times when s.o many have tQ face chal- have seen hundreds .of J,apanese Christians at a lenges. And, alas, the quality .of faith and lQve time .on their knees praying with tears f.or a for Christ is s.o feeble. Defeat is the result.
mighty w.ork .of G.od in the land. Such signs "are NumerQus are the st.ories .of "Gospel triumphs full .of h.ope. It must be prayer £Qr the HDly and, thank G.od, I can tell many, but these are in Gh.ost. But in .our .own Christian literature t'O- the main c.onfined tQ the activities .of thQse sQcie- day is hardly any mentiQn .of Him. ties and individual missiQnaries whQ cQnstrue MissiQn sch'OQls have largely .outlived their use- their Call as a c.ommission to win s.ouls. The fulness. Such sch.oQls find it difficult t.o cQmpete needs are vital and entail the drastic casting .overwith the high educati'Onal standard .of g.overn- bQard .of QbsQlete methQds and a cQncentrati'On .on mental sch.oQls. Very many .of them, in .order t.o th.ose things which prQduce results.
retain their g.overnment recQgnitiDn and grant, have b.owed t.o the .order that all students must w'Orship at the appDinted ShintQ Shrines. Few JAPAN'S GREAT NEED missiQn s·eh.oQls pr.oduce Christians, and, if any, A study .of the Christian QccupatiQn .of the .of necessity they are the type which have been larger cities in Japan shQWS that in every urban taught tQ wQrship at shrines. cQmmunity the fast-grQwing industrial areas are still practically untQuched. With the exceptiQn .of The type .of Christian we are pr.oducing is n.ot a lQne QutpQst here and there, these rapidly exup tQ standard. Admit the IQwest Scriptural panding areas are unQccupied by the Christian standard, "Except a man be bQrn again. . . ." fQrces. H.ow many 'Of .our Christians in Japan t.oday shQW evidences 'Of a changed life and are .outwardly wit- The "upper classes" in Japan still lie almQst nessing fDr Christ? My w.ork as an evangelist entirely .outside .of the Church's influence. The fQr .over thirty years has carried me up and down "1.ower classes," because .of their cQnstant fight in that land and brQught me intQ c.ontact with with PQverty, disease, ignQrance and vice, make a mQst .of the Pr.otestant denominations. My im- strQng appeal tQ the fQllQwers .of Jesus .of NazpressiQns were disc.ouraging bey'Ond words. The areth, but the fQes which beset the upper classquality is very p.oQr. Spirituality is at a l.ow ebb. ease, luxuriQus living, selfishness and lQQse mQrals We are n.ot, as a rule, pr.oducing witnesses. -are just as viciQUS and damning. The Church The rural districts .of Japan t.oday are prac- .of Christ, if she is true tQ her LQrd, knQws nQ tically unt.ouched. They are nQt undiscussed, fQr class distinctiQn, and the unreached "upper class"
a spate .of words has been pDured .out c.oncerning lQQms large in .our unfinished task.-William this prDblem but the problem remains. There are Axling, "The Japan Christian Year Book."
a New Hospital on the Yangtze*
11 By DR. J. W. PELL, Hankow, China I N SHIH HIU YAO, a growing industrial town have shown them great devotion, and never funked. of Central China on the Yangtze fifty miles A soldier who had his hand blown off at the below Hankow there was opened last March wrist by the premature bursting of a bomb he was the Mahaffy Memorial Hospital. This was built handling, was sent a long distance to us by his by funds from the legacy of Miss Jane Mahaffy officer and his life was saved. He is a big North- combined with the gifts of the Methodist Chris- erner, and takes his loss of a limb very stoically.
tian Endeavors of Ireland. From the day of open- A little boy was brought by his mother last year; ing it has filled a great need. but her courage failed her after the boy was well One patient, a deaf and dumb girl of about fif- under chloroform and the operation about to be- teen, had been abandoned by her relatives in the gin. We had to submit and let him out of. the streets of a neighboring town, and lay there night anresthetic, but something we were able to do and day, in frost and snow, until some Catholic without the knife and without her knowledge made all the difference, and a useless elbow be- Sisters found her with frozen feet – which have came almost normal. An aunt, laden with fowls since dropped off at the ankles – took her home and eggs, brought him back the other day begging with them and, after making her spotlessly clean, us to complete the good work. She showed nothbrought her to us for treatment. With dumb signs we try to assure her of our love and interest ing but withering scorn for her sister and called in her, and she is responding. Another woman, he~ a sao-Chinese for potato, or idiot!
who had been relieved of an abdominal tumor The mines have supplied their usual quota of weighing some sixty pounds, felt she was part of accidents. Falls of roof are frequent, and men the concern and very important. She keeps say- get pinned under these for hours or days, and are ing as we visit her ward: "You are wizards using only rescued at great risk and heroic efforts by magic; you are fairies with your charms." A their fellow-miners. A number of chronic opium- similar case went back last month to her home in· smokers have been rounded up by the authorities the country where we have a church, and became and compelled to come in and break it off. Fre- a never-ceasing wonder. Lots of hopeless patients quent executions are taking place all over China have come from that neighborhood since, and just among these poor victims of the drug. Our pres- cannot believe there is any sickness we cannot ent methods of breaking them off the habit are cure, or surgical condition we cannot relieve. quicker and more lasting than the old ways. We A number of cases of cerebro-spinal meningitis blister the patient, then take the contents of the were in the wards on the opening day – from an blister up in a syringe and inject it under the skin infant of two months to a woman of over forty. of another part. Another way is to take some of These often seem quite hopeless cases, but again the patient's own blood from a vein and inject it and again we have seen them rally from impend- deep into a muscle. It is really another version ing death by simple withdrawal of fluid from the of "a hair of the dog that bit him." At any rate, spinal canal. The mode of spread of this dread it gives the patient an actual distaste for the pipe, disease is not known, and until it is, we can only which is a very great point gained, and avoids take ordinary precautions, and carryon. Though that overwhelming craving to return to the old we can sometimes save a patient, yet it may leave ways, which they so often had after the old metha trail of sequences behind – such as blindness, ods of cure.
paralysis, deafness, mental instability – which With each one's duties more settled and divided are very distressing.. Our cook's little girl of three up, we are looking forward to more intensive· has been critically ill with it for weeks, but now evangelism amongst our patients and staff. Pray looks as though she would pull through. They are that Christ's banner may float over the citadel of difficult cases to nurse but our young girl-nurses every heart. May we find the way to win them- and there may be eighty ways for as many folk. • Condensed from The Kingdom Overseas, Methodist Missionary "He that winneth souls is wise."
Society. England.
[ 236]
and How Should Christians Unite*
By the REV. E. STANLEY JONES, D.D., India Author of "Victorious Living," etc., etc.
I N VIEW of the world demands and in view of One is that when the Christians drop down be- conditions within the denominations them- neath the level of organization and church polity selves brought about by division, the churches to the level of experience, there they are the most of Christ must get together. "If they do not," united body on earth. They are united in the said a prominent churchman, "within ten years deepest thing in life, namely, in life itself. They there won't be any churches to unite." This is an share a common life in Christ. The Christian overstatement, but it should shock us to action. Church is at once the most united and the most One of the difficulties in getting together is the divided body on earth – united at the center and underlying feeling that our particular denomina- divided at the margin. But the central thing to tion has been raised up to preserve and propagate hold in mind is the fact that we are one. We do a special phase of truth in Christianity. We do not have to seek for unity – we have it, funda- not want to lose that truth. There is a fact under- mentally and centrally.
lying this feeling. It is true that almost everyone The second thing we have discovered is that the of our separate denominations has come into being saints are about equally distributed among all the as a result of some special forgotten truth. How denominations. If you were to ask me where I can we have unity with that background of an ap- thought they were most thickly congregated, for parent God-inspired separativeness? We are the life of me I couldn't tell you. There is no de- asked to repent of sinful divisions and yet it is nomination that has a corner on the saints. God not easy to do so, because the divisions came not works through the denominations, sometimes in from sin but from a new vision. I cannot honestly spite of them, but never exclusively or particularly feel sinful on account of the rise of Methodism. in anyone of them. If this hurts our denomina- I rather glory in it and so does many another in tional pride, it may help our Christian humility!
regard to his own particular group. The idea that anyone denomination is the exclu- And yet with all that loyalty to the past, we do sive or particular channel of God's grace is as dead feel that this is inadequate. Times have changed, as Queen Anne. Only some people don't know it!
new world demands are being laid upon us that The second thing we have as an underlying fact cannot be met by us as separate denominations. is equality.
We simply must get together. A divided Church The third fact that emerges is that there is a has little moral authority in a divided world. But very great diversity in expressing this underlying how can we get together? Here is where we unity, a diversity as widely expressed as the High throw up our hands. We have the feeling that if Churchman on the one side and the Quaker on the we wait till we can get together on some agreed other, with great diversity between.
church polity or government, then we will wait Three facts, then, emerge-unity, equality, and till doomsday. I don't believe it is possible to get diversity. Any approach to unity must take ac- an agreement in church government that will take count of these underlying facts and build upon in the High Episcopalian on the one hand and the them. I would therefore suggest the following Quaker on the other – and I could not leave out as an immediate, practical plan upon which all either one. I do not believe that unity is possible the churches could come together.
along that line. It would end in so many com- If we are inwardly one, we should outwardly promises that the union would be grey and color- express that fact. Since we all belong to Christ, less and command no one's enthusiasm. I would suggest that we all belong to "The Church I think we must go at it from another angle. of Christ." But since we are in America, I would We must look at certain facts that underlie the suggest as the name, "The Church of Christ in situation. Three outstanding facts have arisen America." We would drop denominational names out of the situation as I have listened in to hun- as separate churches and belong to the one church dreds of round-table conferences across the years. -"The Church of Christ in America." But under * This farewell message of the distinguished missionary and evan- this central unity we would have branches-"The Baptist Branch of the Church of Christ in Amergelist was delivered unde'r the auspices of the ~~ederal Council of the ica," the "Episcopalian Branch," "The Friends'
Church of Christ in America on March 9, prior to his sailing for India. Reprinted from The American Friend of March 18, 1937.
[237 ]
Branch." In these branches we would have local would be the strength of all. The essential thing self-government in much the same way that we would be that we would be on a new basis in refgive States' rights in the United States. If a erence to each other-the cooperative. branch has bishops they could keep them, but they would not force them on the rest as the price of Each nation might have its own national exunity. In the same way, if any branch held to pression of Christianity-"The Church of Christ adult baptism they could continue to do so, but in Great Britain," "The Church of Christ in Inthey would not compel the rest to adhere to it. dia," etc. Out of these national expressions would Each branch could make any conditions or no con- be a "World Assembly of the Church of Christ" ditions for transfer into membership or ministry made up of delegates from the national churches. they may desire to make. Nine-tenths of the de- This World Assembly would speak in the name of nominations would probably straight off make no a united Christendom. It could give guidance to conditions whatever either for transfer of min- a distracted and confused world. We would not istry or membership. Moreover, nine-tenths of want to dominate the world through priestcraft, them would have intercommunion straight off. but we would guide it by moral convictions that The other one-tenth would put themselves into a would be inescapable. stream of influences that in the end would make for the dropping of all barriers. In the mean- What of the Doctrine? time we would be patient, leaving to time and the Spirit of God the righting of exclusiveness. In regard to the doctrinal basis on which this unity would be founded, I suggest that that basis There were two ways in which these United be simple – as simple and yet as profound as States might have attempted unity: one was to Christ made it. He founded his Church on the wipe out all state lines and state names and rule confession that He is the Chris,t, the Son of the everything from Washington. Had we tried this, Living God. That is the Rock upon which His we would have been waiting yet for unity. The Church was founded. That is the Rock beneath other way was to allow local expression in the us all. Any group that would confess that con- States and bind the whole into a central unity. fession could be recognized as a branch. That is We took that way and achieved unity. But in the sufficiently definite to hold us to the essential, and beginning there was a very strong state conscious- sufficiently indefinite to give freedom for marness and a very weak central unity. The first de- ginal differences. cision of the United States Supreme Court was flouted by the State of Georgia. In the original But are the denominations willing to look on draft of the Constitution of the United States, the themselves and others as branches? If not, then word "United" was in small letters, it was an ad- if any denomination wants unity with other dejective. But that word, "United," is now a proper nominations and yet is not willing to recognize itname and is getting more proper all the time! In self as a branch and others as branches, then the the beginning of a United Church our branch matter is plain-it does not want unity; it wants consciousness would be strong but the unity con- absorption. I'm not interested in absorption on sciousness would grow and one day will completely the part of any group. Nor will it ever happen. grip us. On our letterheads, we would have "The It would impoverish Christianity to jam it into Church of Christ in America" in large letters one denominational mold. overarching all, and down in the corner in small letters "Presbyterian Branch." The next time the This plan does not ask any denomination to give letters in the branch name might be smaller! And up any truth it may possess. It would not have some day they might fade out altogether-I don't to give it up-it would give it to the rest of us. know! We would leave that to time. And each needs the others' truth, for all of us are but partial expressions of the Truth. Out of these Over these branches, we would have the "Gen- pooled emphases there would grow a fuller exeral Assembly of the Church of Christ in Amer- pression of Christianity, more nearly approxiica" made up of delegates on a pro-rata basis, with mating the Kingdom of God. For none of us are a minimum number guaranteeing representation the Kingdom-we are only approximations. We of the smaller bodies. This body would have to do are all poorer and weaker for our divisions. A with the matters of general interest to the whole mission compound in India was above the aver- Church. District assemblies would deal with local age. I asked the missionary how they were able matters such as overlapping and duplication. to get hold of such lovely property and the reply was, "The man who had the property built such We would no longer tolerate competition or huge walls around it that he went bankrupt buildduplication for we would then be on the coopera- ing walls and was not able to complete the buildtive basis instead of the competitive, as now. ing, so he had to sell it." He became bankrupt That would mean that the weakness of one would building walls! The separate denominationalism be the weakness of all, and the strength of one has almost gone bankrupt building walls of sep- aration between themselves and others and keep-
WELLESLEY C. BAILEY – FRIEND OF LEPERS
ing them in repair. The time has come for us to named after different bishops. I stayed in the take down those walls, and use the material to "Heber Room." When people asked me where I build a mighty temple of God. was staying, I told them I was staying at "The Bishop's House"; but when those on the inside But we are not only bankrupting ourselves, we asked me where I was staying, I would reply that are bankrupting the world by our divisions. In I was staying in "The Heber Room." The point South India, the Ezhayas, numbering 850,000, a was that, even though there were different names very intelligent caste, decided after many years over our doors, we were all under one roof, and of debate to accept Christianity. After the mo- belonged to one family. Now we are under sepmentous decision had been made, a lawyer arose arate roofs with dividing walls between us. Now in the caste conference and said, "Now that you and then we come together in some j oint enterhave decided to adopt Christianity, may I ask you, prise, but the central thing is not our together- 'Which Christianity?' If you live here, you will ness. Then the central thing would be our unity be 'Church of England'; if there, then 'Baptist'; and the marginal thing our separateness. if the other place, 'Salvation Army.' Now you are united as a caste; then you'll be divided as de- In the foothills of the Himalayas, the fireflies nominations." This held up the whole movement are very numerous in the rainy season and beand still holds ·it up. Many a forward movement come interesting points of light in the darkness. is held up by our division. But one night I saw a firefly convention – there" must have been tens of thousands of them in one Under this plan of union many of our enter- great tree, and there must have been a cheerprises, as the missionary enterprise, could be con- leader for they put their lights on and off in uniducted as a unit throughout the world. And with son. As they put them on together, they lighted what an impact it would come, presenting a united up the countryside. Our .separate denominations front to the world need! are interesting points of light as they shine in the darkness, but let them pool their li~ts and they This plan is more than a federation in which will lighten the world. the constituent bodies are left intact. In this plan they are not intact. There are no more separate One of the advantages of this plan for church churches-there are branches of one Church. The unity is that it could be put into operation now, churches have faded out, there is but one Church. without years of backing and filling and compro- mising. And it would set our faces in the direc- One Christian House – Many Rooms tion of complete unity at once.
Let us change the figure again. In Calcutta, I Christians of America, unite! You have nothstayed with the Metropolitan of India, at "The ing to lose except your dividing walls! Bishop's House." In this house are many rooms Wellesley c. Bailey-Friend of Lepers Founder of the Mission to Lepers in 1874 W ELLESLEY COSBY BAILEY was born brothers who was an officer in the 11th Infantry, on April 27, 1846, at Thornbury, Abbey- then stationed at Faizabad in Oudh. When his leix, Queen's County, Ireland, and spent brother was unexpectedly ordered home, he went his boyhood at Poles Bridge, Stradbally. He was to live with Mr. Reuther, a missionary of the educated privately and at Kilkenny College. At Church Missionary Society. During his stay in the age of twenty, like many of Erin's sons, he Mr. Reuther's home he became so greatly interdetermined to try a Colonial career, and on ested in missionary work that he gave up the idea August 28, 1866, he set out for New Zealand. The of entering the Indian Police and joined the following Sunday, when his ship lay anchored in American Presbyterian Mission as headmaster of the Thames off Gravesend, was the occasion of a a mission school in Ambala City, in the Panjab. deep spiritual experience when his life was henceforth surrendered to Christ. After an absence of Near the mission house there was a small colony nearly two years in New Zealand, New Caledonia of lepers under the care of the Rev. J. H. Morand Australia, he returned to Dublin. rison, D.D., senior missionary of the American Presbyterian Mission on the station and on one Early in 1869, Mr. Bailey left home for India of his visits to the colony Dr. Morrison asked his with the intention of joining the Indian Police. young colleague to accompany him. "Here," wrote There he lived for a few months with one of his Mr. Bailey, "I became interested in the lepers and
raised in Ireland. Thus began the system of "grants in aid" of work not directly under the Mission's control. The Mission's first leper home was opened at Chamba in the same year.
In 1882 Mr. and Mrs. Bailey left India and made their home in Edinburgh where for the next three years Mr. Bailey was secretary of the Zenana Bible and Medical Mission and honorary Secre- tary of the Mission to Lepers. Early in 1886 the growing work led the committee to invite him to become the general secretary of the Mission.
During the next thirty-five years not only were homes for lepers and their children established at many places in India, but the work of the Mission was extended to China and to other parts of the world. Auxiliaries and branches were established in Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and on the Continent and Mr. and Mrs. Bailey traveled widely in the interests of the Mission.
When Mr. Bailey visited Canada in 1892 an Auxiliary was organized in Guelph, Ontario, and Miss Lila Watt became its honorary secretary. Later she was appointed full-time secretary. Hp.r work continued with much success until 1908 when ill health compelled her to take a complete , rest.
The British headquarters of the Society were transferred to London in 1921 and a new execu- WELLESLEY C. BAILElY tive council was formed, of which Sir William Fry, D.L., was elected chairman. A committee used to visit them regularly, little realizing that in the United States was organized in 1910 with I was entering upon my life work." Mr. William M. Danner as general secretary-a Early in the year 1872 Mr. Bailey and his wife position which he filled with devotion and effec- visited Subathu, where Dr. John Newton of the tiveness for twenty-six years. This committee American Presbyterian Mission was caring for assumed direct responsibility for specific work in some needy lepers and the impression as to the various countries. Largely due to their efforts, urgent need for leper asylums was deepened. the American interest has greatly increased and Owing to Mrs. Bailey's poor health, it became the United States Government was influential to necessary, towards the end of 1873, for them to establish a national leprosarium. The American leave India for a time. While on furlough they Committee have also succeeded in stimulating visited in Dublin and Monkstown, and Mr. Bailey practical effort to meet toe situation created by related to a small group of friends some of his leprosy in many countries, and the American peo- experiences among the lepers in the Panjab. ple have contributed generous financial support Shortly afterwards Mr. Bailey gave his first pub- in the maintenance and expansion of Christian lic address ort behalf of the lepers in the Friends' work for lepers.
Meeting House at Monkstown. Following this ad- Mr. Bailey retired as general secretary in the dress Miss Charlotte Pinn and her sisters under- year 1917 with the title of Honorary Superintook to raise about £30 a year for relief of the tendent. His recent death removes from the mislepers. Mr. Bailey subsequently wrote: "Though sion circles not only an outstanding personality we did not realize it at the time, there and then but one who, as founder of a work that has bewas founded our beloved Mission." (September, come world-wide in its activities, ranks with those. 1874.) great leaders of the last century. To the work on In the December following, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey behalf of lepers that Mr. Bailey was privileged to returned to India and commenced work under the direct for forty-three years, is due in large meas- Church of Scotland Foreign Mission at Chamba ure the greater things that are being done today in the Panjab. Shortly afterwards he sent to the in the countries of the world where this age-long lepers· of Subathu Rs. 100 out of the first funds scourge is so widely prevalent.
Centennial of Presbyterian
By HERRICK BLACK YOUNG, Ph.D.
Secretary of the Centennial Council of Board of Foreign Missions, Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A.
I T WAS in days of depression, with banks fail- Columbus, Ohio, the last of May and the first week ing and commercial enterprises closing their in June. doors, that the first meeting of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions was held in the The third emphasis, in the autumn, will be city of Baltimore, on October 31, 1837. The given to promoting interest in the churches, since winter of 1838 was one of such unusual severity it was on October 31, 1837, that the first meeting of the Board actually was held.
that even New York City could not care for her A major effort will be made .to acquaint the destitute and men died of starvation or froze to young people of the Church with the Centennial death in the streets. Business confidence was at . and with their responsibilities in the new century a low ebb. None the less, those who had the of foreign missions which is opening ahead. cause of foreign missions on their hearts, launched Therefore, several special projects have been this great forward moving effort in the face of launched to reach the young people. As Presby- great difficulties. It is with this same spirit that terian youth speak to their parents and friends on the Presbyterian Church in this year, 1937, is the subject of "The Future of Foreign Missions," celebrating its Centennial. While full recognition this should bring home to the adult members, the is being given to the glorious achievements of the present world situation as related to foreign mispast century, the major emphasis is being laid sions. With this in view, a Centennial Oratorical upon the problems and opportunities of the period Contest has been set up, with the finals staged at that lies ahead. The concern of the Board is that the Assembly at Columbus. The theme of the orathe Centennial shall sound an urgent call to tions (from 1,500 to 2,000 words in length) is prayerful consecration for sacrificial service in "The Future of Foreign Missions," and the con- the years ahead, as well as a celebration of prog- test is open to any member of this Church between ress already made. the ages of sixteen and twenty-three. The first The spiritual dynamic which ever has been the pla.ce winner will receive as an award a Friend- outstanding characteristic of the foreign mission- ship Frontiers Tour in the summer of 1937 to inary enterprise is especially needed now to over- elude Tokyo, Pyengyang, Peiping, Shanghai, and come depression psychology, materialism and Dumaguete, Philippine Islands. Winner of second criticism in the Church at home, and to surge out place will receive a Friendship Frontiers Tour to against similar and more sinister forces abroad. Mexico and Guatemala. Vital and spiritual connections must be established with great opportunities and movements of the Elimination contests have been held in local Spirit of God in the world today, and thus kindle churches, the winners participating later in each anew the flame of missionary zeal in the Church presbytery, after which judges in the Pacific, Rocky Mountain, Middlewest, and Eastern areas in America. selected the winners and alternates to compete in The present calendar year was set aside by the person at the General Assembly.
General Council of the Presbyterian Church for During the "depression years" only a small the commemoration and it has been thought wise number of new missionaries have been sent to the to divide the twelve months into three major sec- foreign field each year by the Board; and at the tions. From January 1 until June 1 is set aside same time there has been the usual number of as a period for spreading information on the pres- withdrawals, so that the total force on the field has ent importance of the claims of foreign missions, dropped from more than 1,600 to 1,300. One of as well as the accomplishments of the past cen- the major goals of the Centennial year is to arouse tury. A great deal of the lack of interest has been interest in the Church that there will be an in- due to lack of information about the place of for- crease in the gifts and also an increase in voluneign missions in the present world situation. teers for foreign service.
The second period of emphasis during the year Foreign Missions Emphasis Weeks have been is to be the General Assembly which is to meet at arranged for Presbyterian seminaries and col- [241 ]
THE HaN. WALTER LOWRIE, LL.D. written by Dr. M. K. W. Heicher of Pasadena, California, and is entitled "Hitherto-Henceforth" First Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions in ten episodes. of the Presbyterian Church (1837-1868) The churches on the mission fields, which have leges, and on university campuses where West- grown out of Presbyterian missionary work, and minster Foundations are active. Able speakers the missions in sixteen countries are all setting spend several consecutive days at each institution. aside a special period for celebration during the In addition to formal addresses an opportunity is year. The Africa Mission plan is typical. As a given to present to students, individually and in part of the Centennial, the Mission has planned small groups, a glimpse of the urgent challenge of a Preaching Mission for five days at each comforeign missions and what they themselves may munion point, with African missioners for the contribute to the on-going Christian movement in most part, with a goal to win 15,000 new Christhe new century. tians. April 4, 1937, was set as a special day of prayer, in which the home Church was asked to A forward looking play, "The Years Ahead," join. has been written for the Centennial by Dr. Elliot Field, a well-known religious dramatist. The plot In an effort to bring to the home Church a viis laid on an American campus and with a cast of sion of the world-wide scope of the work of the nine and with no costume problems, it offers few past century, a sound-motion picture film has been difficulties in presentation. produced entitled "Our Century of Progress," with an interpretive lecture by Dr. Robert E. "With Cross and Crown in Every Land, 1837- Speer, who appears in person in the picture. A 1937" is the Centennial pageant, prepared by Dr. special Centennial stereopticon lecture also has William Chalmers Covert. The opening episode been prepared. portrays the inception of the missionary movement in the Apostolic Church; another shows the A Centennial hymn has been selected from more first meeting of the Board of Foreign Missions in than two hundred hymns submitted from all parts Baltimore in 1837, and the final episode gives a of the country and from seven foreign lands. glimpse of the accomplishments of the past cen- "God of Years, Thy Love Has Led Us," by Dr. tury and the challenging opportunities ahead. It Jay Glover Eldridge of Moscow, Idaho, is awarded is available in longer and shorter form and for the prize, to be sung to Beethoven's Hymn to Joy. large and small casts. Another pageant has been A splendid array of foreign missions sermons has been submitted in the Centennial Sermon Contest and the ten outstanding sermons will be published in a booklet and distributed as source material for other preachers on this theme.
"One Hundred Years," the comprehensive his- tory of the work of the century, has been prepared by Dr. Arthur J. Brown, secretary of the Board from 1895 to 1929. (Published by the Fleming H.Revell Company.) A series of six booklets has also been prepared by Dr. William T. Hanzsche, under the title, "And They Went Forth."
I. Introduction – including beginnings of Presbyterian foreign missions and their relationship to world history during the same period.
II. Analysis of the Evangelistic strand in our foreign missions enterprise.
III. Analysis of the Medical strand in our foreign mis- sions enterprise.
IV. Analysis of the Educational strand in our foreign missions enterprise.
V. Analysis of the development of the National Church. VI. Concluding chapter – stressing that the Centennial is a consecration and not a celebration.
Centennial pamphlets, one for each Mission, gives the present situation in each field around the world.
At the General Assembly (beginning on May 27,1937) greetings will be brought from the four-
19371 THE CENTENNIAL OF PRESBYTERIAN MISSIONS
RE V. MIGUEL RIZZO, JR., MR. YAHYA ARMAJ,uu, MISS YOSKO SAITO, REV. E. C. SOBREPENA, Sao Paulo, Brazil Alborz College, Teheran Manila, Philippines Presbyterian Church, Japan REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN FORIDIGN LANDS teen National Churches in foreign lands, and school. In 1918, he came to the United States, entered there will be an interesting exhibit of the work Macalester College, receiving his A.B. degree in 1923, and of the century. then for two years studied at Princeton Theological Sem- inary. He later entered Drew Theological Seminary, and Some Delegates from Mission Lands for a time served as pastor of the Filipino Church in Brooklyn. Rev. Miguel Rizzo, Jr., of Sao Paulo, Brazil, is one of the outstanding Protestant ministers of Latin America. After his return to the Philippines in 1926, He became pastor of the United Church in Manila and also taught A recent letter from Brazil says: "He is perhaps :the in the Union Theological Seminary. Dr. Sobrepena is only Protestant minister in the city who is being sought editor of the local official organ of the United Evangelical in Council by any considerable number of those who sit Church, The Advance. in high seats in this city and in Brazil, and so he has a unique position and responsibility. His sermons are based *** on eternal truths, and not theological quioblings." Mr. Yahya Armajani, one of the Christian leaders of the Near East, is the representative of the Evangelical H-e is the eldest son of Deacon Miguel Rizzo, one of the Church of Iran. He is on the faculty of Alborz College earliest converts of the first Presbyterian missionary in of Teheran, where he is chairman of the Religious Work, Brazil. and is active in church affairs throughout awakening Iran. After attending the Presbyterian Mission School in Miguel Rizzo, Jr., received his early training in govern- Resht as a small boy Armajani came to Teheran and finment schools and under private teachers. He then entered ished three years at Alborz College. Coming to the United the Theological Seminary in Campinas. During his early States, he took his B.A. degree at the College of Emporia, pastorates, he founded a school for boys and also carried graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary, and reon extensive evangelistic work. In Campinas, he not only turned to Iran where he has been doing outstanding work built a modern church edifice, but taught modern lan- in the Evangelical Church. guages in the local high school and was professor of Portuguese literature in the Government Teachers College. *** Rev. Hafiz Abood Faris is moderator of the Syrian Since 1926, Professor Rizzo has been pastor in the First Evangelical Church. He has spent a number of years in America and is now pastor of the church at Horns, Syria, Presbyterian Church of Sao Paulo, where the membership president of. the Synod, and moderator of the Syrian Evangelical Church. The federation among the Prothas increased from three hundred to sixteen hundred, with estants in Syria, effected under his leadership, in addition to the Evangelical Church includes the Covenanter an attendance of 1,000 at morning services. His , church, churches, the Irish Presbyterian Mission churches and the Danish Mission churches. conducts more than a dozen Sunday schools in the suburbs For a Church-wide broadcast (October 29, of this city of 1,000,000 inhabitants. ' 1937), hundre,ds of thousands of Presbyterian groups can assemble in their own localities to For several years Professor Rizzo was editor of The hear the Centennial message by Dr. Robert E. Speer, on the eve of his retirement from the office Review of Na,tiona~ Missions of the Presbyterian Church of Secretary of the Board after forty-six years of active service. of Brazil. He has been asked by the General Assembly A special celebration is to be held in the Fifth of the Brazilian Church to write a biography of the late Avenue Church, New York, October 28, 1937, to which representatives of all Mission Boards and Dr. Erasmo Braga. Societies in America will be invited, together with representatives of Societies in Great Britain and *** The Rev. Enrique C. Sobrepena, D.D., moderator of the United Evangelical Church of the Philippine Islands, is to represent the new church of his native land. He was elected as first moderator of the General Assembly of this United Church at the time of its organization in 1929, and has been reelected biennially for three successive terms.
Dr. Sobrepena was a member of the constitutional convention and assisted in drafting the plan of government of the Philippine Commonwealth.
Enrique Sobrepena was born in Caba, La Union, and joined the evangelical Church while attending grade
Europe. This will be devoted largely to the dis- (c) Training nati.onal w.orkers .on the f.oreign field f.or cussion of the vital issues in world missions at the Christian service am.ong their .own pe.ople. present time, but will include a survey of the century in world-wide missions. In First Church, (d) Devel.opment .of medical w.ork thr.ough better equip- Baltimore, in which the first meeting of the Board was held, there will be another celebration on Oc- ment .of selected h.ospitals, particularly projects such as tober 31 and November 1. public health campaigns, end.owments .of beds f.or .our min- Because many in the Church will wish to make a special gift to celebrate the end of the first cen- istry t.o the P.o.or, etc. . tury and to start the second hundred years, a Centennial Fund for Foreign Missions is being set (e) Certain f.orward-I.o.oking projects t.o be designated up to be used for the following purposes: by the B.oard with particular regard t.o their appeal t.o y.oung pe.ople, w.omen, men's .organizati.ons, and t.o other (a) Life – new missi.onaries t.o increase the missionary particular gr.oups in the Church. OpP.ortunity will be f.orce. The B.oard pr.oP.oses t.o ask f.or these .on a ten-year given t.o individuals and churches t.o undertake such pr.ojbasis, expecting t.o abs.orb ten per cent a year .of this in- ects as they may desire. crease in its regular budget through increased gifts .of the churches. As a result of the centennial celebration, it is hoped that by the end of the year of 1937 the (b) Definite evangelistic pr.ojects t.o meet the .oPP.ortu- Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., will be more fully nities n.ow c.onfr.onting the B.oard and its Missi.ons. aware of the vistas of opportunity in the new cen- tury and will be more eager to promote the work of Christ in every land and among all peoples.
GOD OF YEARS THY LOVE HATH LED US (Centennial Hymn, 1837-1937) 8.7.8.7. D. H lMN TO JOY Jay Glove. Eldridge. 19311 Ludwig van B.<tnoven. 1824 Wilh exultation '~rt=±=ft~ii I.!l ~ j Ij: 5' 33 1. God of years, Thy love haib led u~, Thou hast been our bul-wark strong, 2. On ward lead, 0 King e· ter-nal, 10, we heed Thy high com-mand, 3. Lead us forth, a Church u – nit – ed, Strong. cour-a-geous, in Thy migbt.
I mI ~~ 1j Jj Z ~~j-=~–~ ii n ~E ¢fJlf~.1):I~ Wall of fire a gainst the wick-ed, Sword of power a-gainst the wrong.
Bear good news tc ev – ery peo – pIe, Far and near, in ev – cry land. 10, the fields are white with bar-vest, Sheaves to gar-ner ere the night.
II ~:- ~ -C 1 ~- ~I ~~~:=f11~~ ~ 1i4fi~J9~hIlI–~ '"' ':;'"'; "in Thou hast blest of old Thy serv-ants As they bore Thy mes sage far; Thine they are,Thy love doth seek them, Thou wouldst bring them tc the light; ~ ~~ad;' !Lh~h "'~ 'oil; ~ft-ri=#ff-r~f f IfflFT1-ti ~~~d:-J~~~ J.4 ~J~l —-.1..-.+.,-.—-+.-.–1-w0 -~ -1 H-~ I.·-I-1 1 T .+. …-~–.I..6 –"Z+1 7-::–6:t/–1-7-7l~ .
We who fol-Iow in their foot-steps Ev-er-more tbeir debt-ois are.
Lea:! us on till darkness brighteris, On till faith is lost in sight.
Lead us on, 0 King e ter-nal, So shall love, world-wide. pre-vail. A-men• r(.-;'8_iO~~ -e.-_.:JrI..r–~..·~.–I-[-'I.Tt=:-:–1=r1=_l-.=.-/=~Ltt.._l:~==-+=:-..~r.==-f!:~:~-=W~·~.~ W–. …~— -.;j-~—-l Word. C ·Ilyrillibt. 1937, by tb. Prc.l>vteri·, B "ard of j/I)reign Missiona.
Christ Changes Life in
By BRAYTON C. CASE -·~.II'._=""M""I""'S""Si""On""a""rY=o,,,,'""'h_Se=cAh_mo"o"el","ri_Pcay""inn=mB"a"anp"a"'_,iS,B,,,t"u"Mrm_l""a'SS""io_n=A""g""ri""CU_I""tu",,ra_I=;;;;:JI5+"- W HAT difference do Christian missions "One man may take one thousand mates." make to the people of Burma? Is their "Wrong a woman as you may-twenty-five life really changed? rupees (the price of an ox) will make it good." One Sunday afternoon I had been at a meeting "If the skirt of a woman touches the sacred of Christians in a village bamboo chapel. After page of Pali scripture (written on the palmleaf) the service a Burmese Christian asked me to it is counted a sin for which she may suffer years speak to his brother about Christ. He took me in hell." outside the village through the intense heat of the While Burmese boys went to the monastic sun and left me in the shade of a teak tree while school to learn to read, girls were kept illiterate. he called his brother who was cutting grass be- Childhood is changed. As soon as a child is old tween the fields of ripening rice. Soon the brother enough to run, he is expected to help add to the came and set his sickle down beside me. I said: income of his parents, and often will be taken out "Your brother wants me to preach to you about of school (if there is one) in order that he may drive away sparrows from the grain, herd the Christ." cattle, cut grass, lug the smaller child, weed the "You do not need to preach to me," he replied. fields, carry food to his elders, and in any way lighten the burdens of his parents. Children are "I used to work as cook for a Christian English for the welfare of their parents, rather than parjudge, and went to many parts of Burma with ents for the welfare of the children. Half the him. In the morning he held his court, and then children of Burma die in their infancy, and many while he rested in the middle of the day, I watched who live longer are maimed, blind, covered with the door. He would tell me, 'If any man comes itch, attached by vermin, and suffer with diseases to see me with a roll of rupees in his hand for a through ignorance and carelessness. But when bribe, you drive him down the stairs. But if any Jesus Christ comes to a village, there come also one comes who is really in trouble and needs my new health to the child, new schools to open his help, call me and I will help him.' With the Chris- mind, more soap to clean his body and his clothes. tian judge I went to Mandalay, and there I saw a Life is lengthened and expanded, and opportunity Christian leper asylum. If we Buddhists see a for the life of a child is enlarged. Jesus said, leper, we think he must be suffering that penalty "Suffer little children to come unto me." for some sin of a previous incarnation. We throw him a copper coin and say, 'Get out of my sight.' Man is changed. He has been crushed under But the Christians of Mandalay have built houses the burden of debt, poverty, disease and fear of for lepers and provide food and clothing for them. the evil spirits, which he believes are in every I also saw beautiful white women with lovely, cul- tree, pond, field and house. He also lives in fear tured faces who, with their delicate white hands, of his fellow-man; neighbors steal his crops and washed the filthy sores of those lepers. Buddhists maim his animals; cheating .and lying are so hate lepers; only Christians love lepers." common that he trusts no one except his own fam- ily. There is no bank in which to deposit his In Burma, only Christians have leper asylums; money. His few possessions must be hidden only Christians have schools for the blind and away, protected by his long spear which he puts teach them to read and work to earn their living. besides him as he lies down at night. Half a dozen Only Christians have schools for the deaf and of the most ferocious dogs he can find are kept dumb. Christians are "different." outside the door to frighten away his thieving neighbors. They bark all night so he gets no People are changed in Burma when Jesus sleep. But the spirit of Jesus Christ teaches men Christ comes into their lives. to love their neighbors; a new peace and good will among men is introduced and they begin to Womanhood is changed. They have been the help one another in new ways. Christ taught men drudges. The Burmese woman walks behind the man and carries the heavy load on her head. A woman is told that she is worth less than a male dog. The old sayings were: [245 ]
to stand straighter, both in body and spirit. In schools and colleges, and hospitals for nurses'
Christian communities new crops are grown; training.'·'
there is more food. Interest rates go down. A "Are you troubled with thieving?" I asked.
man can enjoy more of what he produces, and "No," he said, "we have a Christian night~ there comes in a new spirit of generosity, to give watchman who, with a cross bow and arrow, for the good of others. The home is cleaner and watches the streets at night, and there is a notice the family is better fed; all life is more abundant. at the head of the village which reads: 'No one A visit to the Christian village of Ingaw will may pass through the village after ten o'clock.' If illustrate. The young people had arranged a any dogs bark, he shoots his arrows; thieves stay summer Bible assembly for young people in the away." villages. As a member of the faculty I was asked There were 125 adults besides fifty children atto give a course on the twelve Apostles, and an- tending the Bible Assembly. When the bell rang, other also on pigs, rice, fruit and vegetables. On people left their houses with the doors open and arrival I was met at the river bank by a bullock· went to the school house. The choir sang, a brass cart from the village, and brought with me some band played, and the people worshiped. .They had not learned much of modern agriculture or medi- Berkshire pigs and Barred Plymouth Rock hens cine, or modern housekeeping, but they had to help in the teaching; also baskets of rice seed, learned to love one another, to pray and sing, to vegetable seeds, cashew nuts, and fruit seeds. The give generously, and to honor the Christian life oxen trotted along the jungle road on which there were mud holes where the buffaloes and pigs wal- of the elders. It made life different. lowed, and more than once we nearly tipped over. I asked to see the headman of the village whose Two miles an hour was the speed limit. In Amer- duty it is to keep law and order. One would exica, people tell me that their town is the best in pect to see some strong-armed man, but he was the country and their neighbors are most remark- over seventy, bent with years. He ruled the vilable. In Burma, they say: "I live in an awful lage through love and justice. There had been no village." Villages were pointed out to me where police cases in his village for many years. The . there were thieves, gamblers, opium eaters and district judge had asked why he was sending no opium smugglers. I was told the chief of one cases to his court, and the reply was: village had been jailed for stealing the taxes. "This is a Christian village. We settle our dis- Fences were tumbled down; houses were leaning putes peaceably amongst ourselves. We do not over; there were roofs through which the sun need lawyers and courts." I went with him to visit one of the Christian was shining, and the houses were in a dilapidated homes. On entering the yard, I saw a vegetable condition. garden, flowers growing, a pig pen on one side and chicken coop on the other. The man of the Suddenly we came to a new type of village. The house came out with a smile and the family dog street was straight, with ditches beside the road walked behind, wagging his tail in friendlin~ss. to drain them. Fences were upright and the I asked if there were any Buddhist homes in the yards were neat, with attractive houses which al- village, and he replied that there were seven most looked like missionary homes. They were houses on the outskirts. The leading home was built up on stilts because, during the rainy season, of the "kyaungtaga," the honorary title used 'to one hundred inches of rain fall in six months. designate a builder of sacred places. He had built The land is a swamp, and floods are common, so a monastery many years ago with 300 rupees and that people live from the second story up. At the had gained the title for life. His daughter had end of the village street was a large attractive attended the school for a few years but was taken teakwood school house. out for fear she might become a Christian. His son went to the monastery where he had shouted "How much did it cost," I asked. his letters to the Buddhist priest for three or four years, but he was scarcely able to read or write. "Ten thousand· rupees," the driver' replied; This Buddhist elder had no garden, no pigs or "but we only had to buy the timber. We built it with our own hands. It is a middle school of 150 children, with a higher department."
"How can you have such a high grade school chickens, because he believed his ancestors might in a village of only 130 houses?" I asked. be in them. It would be a sin for him to kill any "The Christian villages at the foot of the hill of them for meat.
only have primary schools," the driver replied, "Will you come hear what we are teaching "so their children come here for the higher edu- about agriculture in the meetings of the as- cation, and each Christian family extends a stand- sembly?" I asked Kyaungtaga.
ing invitation, with free board and lodging, for "We do not dare to leave the house for fear of any child from any of these villages. Young peo- thieves," he replied. "Are you afraid your Chris- ple graduating here have gone out to normal tian neighbors will steal from you?"
HOW CHRIST CHANGES LIFE IN BURMA
"We have other neighbors of whom we are "Where is the doctor?"
afraid," he replied. "It is after five o'clock," the nurse replied.
The Christian headman explained that these "These are not his hours to be here; perhaps he seven Buddhist families are divided into three is at home."
groups that are not on speaking terms with each We found him, but he said: "Cholera is a very other. contagious disease. We cannot take cholera pa- As I started to go away, half a dozen fierce tients here. There is a pest house outside the city dogs, like wild lions, came bounding after me as if with another doctor in charge who takes care of they would eat me alive. them."
"Why do you have such fierce dogs?" I asked. When we reached the long shed known as the "The dogs are all that we have that we can "pest house," we heard groans of men hoarsely trust," was the reply. crying, "Water, water," for cholera hrings a ter- I told him that the Christians learned to trust rible thirst. We asked: one another when they had learned to trust God. "Where is the doctor?"
"Will you come and hear about the God who "No doctor," they replied.
makes them different?" I asked. The water jars were full, and beside them were "They have their religion," he replied, "and we • bottles of medicine, also full, but there was no have ours." He shut up his heart like a clam; doctor to care for the sufferers. After a short and when he shut Jesus out, he shut out the im- time, the native doctor appeared. He had been proved agriculture, the improved health, the hiding until he heard we were there and would higher education, the richer social life and a great find it out. He had been educated in a government measure of that now abundant life which Jesus medical school and knew the treatment, but it was Christ brings to the villages of Burma. He does not pleasant to see men dying with cholera, and make a difference. he did not want to catch it. He had a medical If Burma is a part of the British Empire, why education, but was not a Christian. He had bedon't the British do something to civilize these come a doctor to get a good salary and pension; people and teach them modern improvements? not for the service he could give to others. Sim- The British have done many things to improve the ilarily do we find a difference in other forms of life of the people, and missionaries are grateful government service where men are not Christians. for the British law and order, peace and justice, which give freedom for the teaching and practice Some British officers, with a Christian back- of religion. Many British officers, with high ground who had seen the cooperative societies of ideals of Christian character, have tried to set up Europe, have tried to organize similar societies , the machinery of government organization to aid for the relief of poor farmers, enslaved by debt, the people of the country. Colleges have been es- who often pay 100% interest for money borrowed tablished by the government, teaching science, to meet living and agricultural expenses between engineering, law and medicine. In each district harvests. They organized central cooperative headquarters there is a government hospital with banks and persuaded men of means to put their free beds and free dispensing of medicines, with savings into them, to be loaned to the poor farm- two doctors in charge. All of this is paid for out ers at much reduced rates of interest. The or- of the taxes. We do not often see such service ganization was set up for village cooperative even in America, but the difficulty is with the peo- credit societies where the farmers who put in ten ple who run the machinery. rupees for a share, could borrow up to 100 rupees I was visiting Myitkyina in the northern part for cultivation at a rate of 15 % instead of 100 %. of Burma where Mr. Geis was a missionary to the Kachins. Cholera had broken out. The people The Buddhist village leader saw in this a val- believe the demons have been let loose and are uable new opportunity, and told his sons and destroying them. At night bonfires are lighted on nephews and uncles, and hired men, to join. "If the streets; a great din is made by rattling of you do not have the money," he said, "I will lend tin cans and shouting. The Buddhist priests you ten rupees so you get your money in quickly. gather on the street corners and recite incanta- Now, elect me chairman. We will each stand se- tions to drive out the demons. Here sick people curity for one another, and sign a paper request- were on the streets, going to the hospital. We ing a loan of 100 rupees each." found a Kachin man lying beside the river bank This paper was sent to the cooperative bank and the loan was secured.
who had been stricken with cholera, and carried "Now," he said, "you give me the money; I am him to the hospital. We met Burmans and Chi- boss, and I will lend it out at the usual 100% in- nese, being helped by their neighbors, and trying terest to those who could not get into the society.
to reach the Government hospitals before they We will all make an easy profit without any died. When we arriv~d, we asked: work."
The loans were recorded in the loan books and, agriculture proposed to be taught in schools, is at the end of the year, principal plus interest was considered mere "animal learning." We are told written down as received, and the next day an to give our life-time savings to build pagodas and amount, equal to the principal and interest, was temples. The food of the poor must go as offer- loaned out again, so that the whole transaction ings to priests and idols. The price received for was merely a book transfer without any money. the harvest must be used for the pagoda festival The heads of the cooperative bank in the begin- and the burning of a dead priest. They teach us ning, were British but the popular cry demanded to waste our substance, but you Christians offer that a fellow-Buddhist should be placed at the the opportunity for progress."
head. When the depression came, and an investi- This man was a leading member of the legisla- gation was started to look for the actual money, tive council and finance committee, and a Burman it was learned there was no money, but only ac- Buddhist, but he knew that Christians were "dif- counts. The head of the bank, to prevent investi- ferent."
gation, burned the bank and his accounts; the Another experience strikingly illustrates this.
bank failed, and several thousand cooperative so- Speeding on an express train from Mandalay to Cieties were closed. Many pronounced the coop- Rangoon, I came to a bridge near which some erative movement a failure. The Christian men at· people had been stealing fence wire from the rail- Pyinmana have now organized a new cooperative road, for which they had been persecuted and bank and new types of village cooperative socie- punished. To get even with the railroad, they ties for the marketing of poultry products. The took the rails off from the bridge, and the engine Buddhist who was head of the cooperative de- crashed headlong into the gulch with several cars partment in my district, came to my office and on top of it, full of passengers. Fifty-seven peo- said: ple were killed. I was at the back of the train, "Unless Christian missionaries help develop the and jumped up with my electric torch. I ran Cooperative Movement in Burma, it will fail." down to the wreck where the injured were shriek- He knew Christians were "different." ing for help.
British doctors, with Christian ideals, saw the "Save me!" they cried. "I have money I will terrible health conditions and the suffering from give you. Save me!"
disease in the villages, and organized the Burma I climbed through a broken window on the side Health Department. Modern methods of health of one of the overturned cars and found I was education were introduced, and trained nurses walking upon the bodies of the dead, between and midwives were placed in strategic centers. which were still moving some arms and feet of Moving pictures were shown to shouting crowds those yet alive. A door had crushed six people all over Burma. Tons of health literature were who were still alive, but I could not raise it. I distributed all over the country, giving instruc- told the injured that I would go for help and come tion on feeding,care and prevention of disease, to save them. I went to the back of the train small pox, cholera, sanitation, pure water, with where men were sitting comfortably in their striking pictures in color. The people gladly ac- seats under the electric lights, and shouted: cepted the free literature. Paper is rarely seen "Will three or four of you men come and help in the villages and the health leaflets were often me to lift a door which has crushed six people?· used as cigar or cheroot wrappers, and were If you help, we can save them."
smoked with appreciation – the only method by Noone would move. ·1 went to the next car which many of them could take in the informa- where there were Buddhist priests with shaven tion! When I met the man at the head of the heads and yellow robes. They were men of in- propaganda work of this Department, in a Chris- fluence, whom people worshipped. I begged of tian village, where people eagerly welcomed him them to tell some strong men near by to come and his ideas, he said: and help me.
"Unless the Christians help in the work of the "They are your fellow-Burmans," I said, "your Health Department, it will only end in hot air." own flesh and blood. Come and help save them."
He was a Buddhist Burman, but he knew Chris- They just glared at me; no one said a word nor tians were "different." made a move. At the back of the train in the Recently I served' on a government committee guard-van, I knew there were axes and crowbars for the reorganization of village and vocational for emergencies. I went back and picked them education in Burma, and visited many schools. up, and as I returned, once more cried: When we left a Christian school, which was mak- "Will someone please come and help me save ing a distinctive contribution to village economic six people?"
life, one of the Burmese men said to me, "The A Burman gentleman stepped out and said, "I Buddhist priests teach us that we must not raise will help."
chickens and pigs. The science of health and He was a Christian lawyer from Mandalay. A
boy came running along beside me, who said he portunities of a more abundant life. He had a was from the Christian school in Mandalay. He bank on his estate which loaned money for culti- also would help. We climbed down into the wreck vating expenses, at 1270 instead of 100%. He and hacked and sawed at the door. While we always paid a higher price for the harvest than worked, passengers came along with lighted the neighboring merchants. He opened roads to candles, saying: the villages; he provided a private police force to protect the people from marauding robber bands, "I have lost my bed bundle! Where is my pil- and his door was always open to the farmers who low? I want my box; it has money in it." had difficulties and disputes to settle among them- selves. He was like a father to his tenants. Cap- One of the men who escaped injury, yelled at tain Rivers said to me: them, "Isn't it good enough that your life was saved, not to trouble these men at their work?" "You are teaching improved practices in the He joined in and helped, but the others only Pyinmana Agriculture School, and have men who worked to get something for themselves but would know how to show these tenants' better methods not work to save others. After many hours we of farming. Will you please locate some of your rescued the people under the door, but only four graduates from the school on my estate as demon- were alive. The last woman had her hip crushed. strators of improved agriculture?" It was daylight now, and some strong farmers were standing besides me looking on. I cried to When I put the proposition up to the young men one of them: in the school, three of them volunteered to leave home and settle on this estate. Each took ten "Won't you please help me carry this poor acres of land; the size of a tenant farm, and there woman across the stream?" they now are growing the improved government pedigreed rice, yielding 2570 more of a crop, "Ma-kaing, ye-bu," was the reply, which means, ripening one month earlier, than that of their "I do not feel like touching her. It would be un- neighbors. Because of earlier ripel!ing, the pleasant to help carry an injured woman." ground is still moist enough for planting, and cow peas have been sown in the rice stubble and plowed Soon after a relief train arrived with the Super- under. The beans grow, and pods form during intendent of the railroad. When I asked why the the two months while the rice is being harvested, people did not help, he replied: threshed and cleaned. Then, they come back and pick the beans which can be eaten or sold and so "In every wreck it is the same way. No one two crops are harvested from that rice field where will help." there was only one crop before. The bean vines are fed to the cattle that work the field, and next After many dead bodies were lifted out of the year a better crop of rice will grow because the wrecked cars, the workmen came upon a Bud- beans have made the soil more fertile. On the dhist priest who was still alive. He had been higher land, instead of rice, they are growing bolstered by the bodies surrounding him and had sugar cane, soy beans and pigeon peas, which not been injured. He stood up and shook his bring a higher income than the rice. Near their hand and then he shook his foot and said, "Noth- bamboo house is a vegetable garden with cabing is the matter with me. I am all right." And bages, carrots, onions, radishes, tomatoes, egg out came the usual Burman expression, "Kan- plants and lima beans. They have good things to kaung-lo-lut-teh," meaning "My good karma eat, produced in the home garden for which they (previous good deeds) has saved me." That is do not have to borrow from the bank between what the Buddhists have been taught for a thou- harvests. They use a modern plow that does sand years. People who were injured received twice as good work as the old native plow. They what they deserved, due to the evil deeds of a also have the Berkshire "Christian" pigs and the previous existence. Those who escaped received Barred Plymouth Rock "Christian" hens. the reward of their good deeds. Why should they suffer for others? The ideas of those farm demonstrators are spreading to the neighboring villages, and life is But Jesus Christ taught the way of the Cross, being changed. Those three farm demonstrators the way of suffering to save others. That is what and that captain at the head of the ·estate are makes Christians "different." working to lift the village farmers out of poverty, debt and hopelessness. Each of them is saying, For many years I shuddered whenever I went "I'll help. I'll help." They are Christians; their by that bridge. But now when I come to Kyauk- lives have been changed by the spirit of Jesus taga, the town near that wreck, I am thrilled with the expectation of meeting Christian friends Christ who said: working to save others. "I am come that they may have life and may Captain Rivers, a former army officer, recently have it more abundantly." became the director of a large estate of 35,000 acres on which live 15,000 tenant· farmers and their families. He saw their rice yielded a poor crop. They were slaves to money lenders, and life was hopeless. He wanted to lift them to the op-
by M,r. aM Mrs. Martin
KENYA GIRLS OF EAST AFRICA-THEIR ORNAMENTS ARE BRASS RINGS, BEADS AND IVORY EARRINGS Photo by Mr. and Mrs. Martin Johnson MOVING PICTURE-EAST AFRICAN NATIVES STARTING A WAR DANCE
Moving Pictures of African
11 By WILliAM L. ROGERS, Now Y",k I~ O NCE it was news when denominational mis- ensuing industrialization; the wealth of Africa's sion boards cooperated in their missionary natural resources; and some of the effects of in- work. Now the first joint production of a dustrialization upon the native African. These motion picture on a year's field of foreign mission reels are comprehensive enough for advanced edu- study is news because it marks another advance cational groups, and at the same time are pre- in interdenominational cooperation. It is news, sented so simply as to be usable with the grade too, when that motion picture, prepared primarily school children.
for missionary education, is recommended by edu- Reel three, From Fetishes to Faith, takes up cators for use in public schools as an educational the problems which confronted the first mission- film. It bids fair to be a successful experiment aries to Africa, shows how they are gradually be- in cooperative financing. ing solved and sketches the hopes for the Chris- Since Africa has been the subject for foreign tian church in Africa when the present tremen- mission study by the Protestant churches during dous needs have been met. Thus the first two the past year, it seemed advisable to have ade- reels paint the background of African life in quate visual material to supplement the study which Christian missionaries must work, while books. the third reel shows what is being done for the A committee of the Missionary Education African. The entire African situation is in this Movement soon found that although many of the way presented to the church at home and chal- denominational boards had short motion picture lenges it to match the efforts of the missionary films on Africa, none wished to take the respon- with unselfish support.
sibility for editing a longer film for interdenom- The success met in the cooperative financing of inational use. The Harmon Foundation finally this production offers the hope that a way has agreed to produce the picture, through its Division been found by which the denominational boards of Visual Experiment, and to make copies of the may have valuable visual material on their vari- film available to the boards, providing the Boards ous mission fields which has hitherto been too having work in Africa would assist. expensive. When twelve sets have been sold pro- A fine piece of cooperation followed. Ten of duction costs will have been met and the net in- the boards and their missionaries contributed come from additional sales will be divided among films, as did the late Martin Johnson, the Legation the purchasing boards. * Most of the boards own- of the Union of South Africa and others. The ing copies of the film charge a nominal rental for final selections were made from over a· hundred its use by local churches. It is likely that the first reels of film submitted. The scenario was pre- two reels will be increasingly used by the school pared by the writer of this article, with the help- systems of the country. While public schools will ful supervision of Rev. Emory Ross, Secretary of not accept religious material as such, they offer the Africa Committee of the Foreign Missions no objections to films embodying high ethical and Conference of North America, and by the Mis- cultural values. Denominational mission boards sionary Education Movement and denominational are thus in a strategic position for the production boards. of films which will pay their own way, while meet- AFRICA JOINS THE WORLD is a 16 mm. film, in ing the educational needs of the boards. Regard- three reels, each of which is a distinct unit. The less of whether or not AFRICA JOINS THE WORLD first reel, What Africa Is, makes use of animated proves a financial success to the denominational charts and maps as well as scenes to portray Af- mission boards, the interdenominational coopera- rica's history, physiography, racial distribution, tion that has gone into this production has great primitive religious beliefs, arts, and tribal or- vallie in itself and points the way to future help- ganization. The second reel, How Africa Lives, ful cooperation in the same field.
shows Africa's home life – types of houses, clothes, ornamentation, domestic relations, and • Ten and two-thirds sets have already been sold to boards- types of food; how th e African I'mteamkeasn a l' tivhinthge; Assemblies of God; Church of the Brethren; Congregational and the conquest of A fri ca b y the wh Christian; Methodist Episcopal; National Baptist; Northern Bap- W I u.tist Convention; Norwegian Lutheran; Presbyterian Church in S.; Presbyterian Church in U. S. A.; Seventh Day Adventist [251 ]
Future of Antioch I•n
Christian Missions to the ffMother of Gentile Churches"
By W. G. GREENSLADE, Beirut, Syria I Missionary of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. 1)8- ~==========================~ W HAT happens to Antioch in Syria is of largely substituted Latin for Arabic characters more than passing interest to Christians. in signs on the shops, and they publish a daily That city, "Mother of Gentile Churches," paper called "The New Day," partly in the Latin is where the "disciples were first called Chris- character and partly in the Arabic.
tians." Thence Paul and Barnabas set forth on The Arab or Syrian inhabitants of the sanjak, their foreign missionary campaign and there, including the Christian population is another fac- through the early centuries, Christian theology tor. Alexandretta is also Syria's only seaport and was worked out. Thence Ignatius went to Rome a large part of Aleppo's shipping· is through that to die a martyr and Chrysostom went to Constan- port. To pass by rail from Aleppo to Alexan- tinople to preach righteousness. There the body dretta means crossing the Turkish border and of Simeon Stylites was brought for burial from back again.
his neighboring mountain where he had made his The Syrian attitude is as follows: "Turkey de- influence felt throughout the empire. Several sires to annex the province of Alexandretta on ecclesiasts of Oriental Christian sects still bear the pretext that most of its inhabitants are Turks.
the title "Patriarch of Antioch," though living in … The Syrian people never doubt the fact that Damascus, Beirut or other centersl. the majority of the inhabitants of the sanjak are In recent months Antioch has been the subject Arabs.. . . Turkey cannot ignore the fact that of an international controversy. France has the natural boundaries between Turkey and Syria promised independence to the two mandated coun- are the Taurus Mountains; there are no other tries of Syria and the Lebanese Republic and will boundaries at all. If some of her subjects are liv- recommend their admission to the League of Na- ing to the south of this range why does she not tions. But Turkey has demanded a further di- suggest the exchange of inhabitants."
vision of Syria by making the district of Alexan- Recent reports from Geneva seem to indicate dretta, including its metropolis Antioch, into an that the Turkish view is prevailing and that the independent state. sanjak of Alexandretta is to have an independent What bearing has this controversy on the administration with a French High Commis- missionary cause? Since the World War the san- sioner, with a nominal allegiance to Syria, but jak (or ,district) of Alexandretta, though con- with recognition of Turkey's peculiar interests.
nected with Syria, has been financially autono- This may be merely a first step in the reabsorp- mous and has had some degree of administrative tion of Alexandretta and Antioch by Turkey.
independence. Racially the population differs The chief Christian mission operating in the from the rest of Syria in that a large proportion territory is the Irish Reformed Presbyterian with is of Turcoman stock. Antioch is predominantly stations at Alexandretta and Antioch. Its work Turkish-speaking, with Arabic and Armenian as is chiefly among the Arabic-speaking population.
secondary languages. From Antioch can be seen A number of Armenian Congregational churches the long ridge of Musa Dagh, with its cluster of are the result of the work of the American Board.
Armenian villages. Opportunities for contacts and effective witness- Turkey's interest in the sanjak is based partly ing have been found by the missionary agencies in on the large Turkish-speaking population, and the territory, but the most fruitful line of ap- partly on the ground that the occupation of Alex- proach has been through literature. The printed andretta was purely military and not intended as word is being-read more widely than is often.
a permanent annexation to Syria. She also main- realiz·ed. Colportage work has been carried on, tains that the responsibility of France cannot be and newspaper evangelism has been attempted.
passed on to the new state of Syria. The port of Turkish-speaking students from the Near East Alexandretta is only a few miles to the south of School of Theology in Beirut have been able to Turkish territory. The Turks on the Syrian side spend their summers working with some success have their young Kamalist clubs; they have in Antioch and other centers.
[252 ]
MISSIONARIES THROUGH COLORED GLASSES
As to the effect of the new agreement upon mis- ligious regulations of Turkey would apply to work sionary activity, there is not likely to be any im- among the Turks. The question which should disportant limitation of present liberties so long as a turb the Church is whether the Christian forces system of joint sponsorship prevails. Should the are going to be adequate to meet the opportunity district ultimately be absorbed by Turkey, the re- in this ancient stronghold of Christianity.
Missionaries Through Colored Glasses "Fighting Angel" and "The Exile" by Pearl Buck A Review by the REV. H. KERR TAYLOR, D.D., Nashville, Tenn.
Recently a Missionary in China under the Presoyterian Church, South I N "The Exile," Pearl Buck wrote an idealized guage, she really believes about God or prayer or picture of her mother, a remarkable record of the uniqueness of the character and claims of a life with a high purpose, the picture of a de- Jesus Christ – not to speak of the nature and voted missionary. One is conscious at times that reality of sin. At times we wonder where her the daughter is weaving into the picture her own sympathies are. sophistication; it is difficult to conceive of Mrs. Sydenstricker as a mere "exile." But the charm Those who knew her parents are convinced that and self-sacrifice of her character is beautifully Pearl Buck is pitifully disloyal to her father. If portrayed. she cannot agree with the purpose for which the missionaries of Christ give their lives, at least In striking contrast to this is the picture drawn she need not spread a perverted estimate of them. of the father in "The Fighting Angel." According That many missionaries have made mistakes and to the daughter his understanding sympathy and even sinned, they themselves would not deny. Still love for his children were conspicuous by their the ratio of failings which she describes to other absence; his mind was wholly on his work, so characteristics and achievements of magnificent that the mother is represented as forced to fend worth would be about one to ten thousand. To alone for the welfare of the children. Former one familiar with missionary life, her criticisms friends and associates of Dr. Absalom Syden- and strictures are often false and absurd. stricker, who is called "Andrew" in the book, would scarcely associate with his memory the At the same time her descriptions of missionstubborn, awkward, ruthlessly Teuton spirit that ary sacrifice, loneliness, hardships, courage and the daughter describes. They speak of him as an fortitude are vivid and true. Would that every intense individualist; but the reputation they speaker and writer on this theme had the descrippreserve for him is "that prince of itinerators." tive ability of Pearl Buck. Her descriptions are With prodigious labor through fifty years, he excellent of Chinese life, villages, dogs, gambling, preached the Gospel round about Sutsien and Su- the opening of Montgomery Ward boxes, and chowfu and Haichow and Tsing-Kiang-pu. It was some of the economic missionary problems. The his aim and accomplishment to build on no other account of the fateful days of the siege of Nanman's foundation. king in 1928 is accurate and thrilling.
It is well to remember that, for Pearl Buck, the In spite of all she says about her father one norm of what missionary work ought to be, in- cannot but – even through these pages – respect deed of religion itself, is that which lies in her the old man. He deserves a truer and better symown mind. She is not a missionary and now lives pathetic historian. His soul was not the petty on an estate in Pennsylvania, and in an apartment thing here described, nor was his environment. in New York. One gathers from this book that Missionary life is not an exile. It is not a duress. missionary service is not at all to her liking. To a true missionary it is a glad privilege, in spite of hardships. That is what the missionaries have It is difficult to understand just what, in spite been ceaselessly telling us; and from the looks of of her 17th century Biblical and theological lan- their faces we believe it.
Ways of
crested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MR8. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~'=I========================~I Shall We Use Projects'? pull with all its might. Christ from its promotional literature was a most concrete preacher give the following specifications: There can scarcely be ap.y and leader in actual endeavor. question as to the nece~sity for The adoption of a missionary or Magnify your world-a project ~or giving new~born emotIOn~ ~nd a share m a worker, his field or enlarged VIsion. Instead of seemg purposes aroused by mISSIOn some feature thereof will moti- India as a far-away country of remote study and programs an e~rly ac- vate a congregation far more interest the Y. P. W. F. Project will tivation as a conservatIOn and than pulpit eloquence or even reveal large groups of ea~est, at~n an outlet. But opinions differ as brilliant programs. tive young people learmng to h~e useful, satisfying lives, to take theIr to whether the unconcreted ap- Illustrations of this are the places in home, chu~ch and profespeal for "missions" or .the sp~ familiar outflow of personal sional life. Japan WIll be sho~n !lot cific one for some defimte proJ- gratitude in Thanksgiving min- as a tiny island kingdom onsthng ect should be the ideal. Must istrations to the unfortunate; with armament but rather the locathe budget be concreted in order boxes, "barrels," special offer- tion of the Sei Gakuin boys' school in to awaken adequate response? ings, etc., in the a~mosphere of Tokyo. Africa will no longer appear One major denomination with Christmas; the clImaxmg of a as a huge continent filled with super- period of mission study in a stition, ignorance and disease, .but as which the writer is familiar class, department or an en~ire a great opportunity for spr~ad.mg the came out determinedly for the Sunday schOOl by preparmg Gospel of Christ and the prmcIples of generalized appeal and closed its packages of usable articles for Christian living through hundreds of African missionaries or Negro vdlage schools, meagerly equipped but budget channel to s p e c i f i c s. groups on the home field ~his attended by pupils intent on learning Whether this was a premature year; taking up. the collectIOns the teachings which will unlock for forward movement toward an in miniature AfrIcan call drums, them the storehouse of knowledge to ideal goal or a disregard of southern gourds or similar re- which the white man has access. And ceptacles, by a child in native so around the world ,the Project brings fundamentals in human psy- costume' making a model of a out in bold relief youth of all races chology is left an open quest,on; mission 'station, moulding pot- and countries beckoning to us for friendship and understanding, for a but the outcome was disastrous tery in clay, etc., etc. The vil- helping hand. . . . This is an effecand the national policy had to be lage schools of Africa .have fur- tive effort at building a new world materially modified. Is it not nished popular proJ ects for through the educational enterprises of young people in the past year's our brotherhood which have been set true that human responses are study, also looking up Afri~an or aside to be supported by young people. and always will be varied due to American Negro students m vaearly conditioning and that elu- riouscommunities and culti- More than 4,000 young people worksive thing we call temperament? vating their friendship. "Ex- Undoubtedly some people inte- changing experiences in your ing together can. do something…By grate and synthesize their early group or with other groups as to joining forces WIth other ChrIstIan missionary information and your adventures in o~her ra<;e youth an individual aJility can be friendship," is a practIcal proJ- magnified many times. Here's how to align their future activity with ect suggested in the Disciples of an abstract ideal. But this can- Christ literature for the current do it: . not be counted upon. Many year. By far the most ambiti?us others of equal worth must al- venture on a large scale of WhI<;h Select your project (a list of seven ways think and respond in terms the writer has recently heard IS is given, this list to be changed every two years so that groups may have of the concrete. Hence the de- The Young People's World opportunity for diversified end~avor). sirability of a specific project Friendship Project Discuss the proposed work WIth the carefully selected and persist- young people, the pasto: an~ the ad~lt launched l~st year by the United adviser. Secure matenals mcluded m ently renewed froIl.l t!me to tim.e. Christian Missionary Societ~ of a free packet to be had from .The Ministers often fall Just here m the Disciples church. BrIefs United Christian Missionary SOCIety, their pulpit presentations, think- 222 Downey Ave., Indianapolis, Ind. ing "a few missionary illustra- [254 ] Set your financial goal at $1.00 per share getting as many subscribers tions" in their routine sermons for shares as possible in the young are enough for them to qualify people's group. Make up your annual as missionary-minded pastors. goal bv September of each year oli The congregation needs some- the basis of the number of shares the thing tangible to lay hold of and group can support, sending :word re- garding the goal to the natlOnal or- ganization. Throughout the year at every meeting of the group mention the Project. Give information as to what is being done. Give special as- signments to groups for reports.
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
Keep the interest alive by constantly 25 % of the membership are giv- electric lights under colored stressing the Project. The entire plan is an attempted answer to the ing anything for missionary be- paper, if in the house) indioft-repeated question of young people, "May we not have some piece of nevolences, thus almost crippling cating how the big logs under missionary work to consider our very own"? this next 1},nger at the bottom," the pot represent the mission- Other religious groups with etc., etc., until the total mutilated aries and Christians in the U. S. specific projeots worked out in conformity with age interests "hand" is held up as the symbol and the little black sticks the naand the down-to-date conditions of our changing world are urged of the working efficiency of the tive evangelists, the total fire beto send their plans to this Department for the purpose of church. If the application is to ing the effect of close coopera- "sharing" our best endeavors in the common Cause. be made individual in some such tion. Neither is sufficient alone.
Note the Department Editor's address at group as a young people's so- African Lights and Shadows: the top of page 254 to avoid the delay of forwarding from the New York office. ciety, cut out enough hands for A vivid story illustrated while Visualizations all present, and in the course of being told by shadow pictures on Akin to projects and doing the talk, have each member a large sheet. Full directions close teamwork therewith are the appeals to the eye. Don't "mutilate" his own symbol in given in leaflet of that name. skip over this ne~t portion, Friend Worker – among – Adults, accordance with his personal Upriver on the Oregon: A for regardless of maturity, Eyegate has never had a close com- record, and take the resulting travelogue along the African petitor as a popular route to Man-soul; and if the device is symbol home for prayerful con- river of that name, a river being adapted to the age interests of the group and made an auxiliary sideration. It will often press simultaneously traced in sand on means instead of the main objective, it will be found an effective home the truth as mere words a table or on a map, with palm attention riveter and memory fixer. Remember the example of and injunctions cannot do. trees, little huts, toy animals, the great Teacher among fields, lakes, lilies, fowls of the air, etc. The following visualizations boats and mission stations dot- Maps, pictures, pos,ters and unique uses of the church bulle- outlined in the packets of the ting the scene at intervals. tin board need only be mentioned. A good chalk talker is Disciples' literature mentioned In an African Setting: Coninvaluable. The device of the Crippled Hand may be made in our previous issue are well struction of an African villageconscience searching. Trace and cut out a life-sized outline of the worth thinking about: homemade or a Bradley Village human hand with fingers well apart. Write on each of the five White Gobblers: A s the Cut-out, with the meeting arfingers an objective in general speaker tells of the successive il- ranged as a palaver, the African congregational or group work legitimate seizures of African drum call given, the native as: Regular attendance at serv- territory by European nations, a greeting shown, etc. ices, systematic and proportional giving (for "current expenses" white paper gobbler (for which Meet Your Own Missionaries: and "for benevolences" on sep- pattern is furnished) bearing Costumed impersonations of arate digits if desired), daily the name of the nation concerned missionaries who tell their own prayer, mission study, and the printed across it is fastened in stories as taken from biographilike. If the congregation or the the appropriate place on the cal sketches furnished by the lesser group is to be considered large map of Africa, so that the publishing society. (These may as the unit, give a little talk on finished map will show plainly be obtained at almost all the deeach digital objective in turn, as, the location and number of for- nominational headquarters, by "In our membership of 375, the eign "gobblings." It is best to . applying to the literature secreaverage attendance at a worship have one person attend to the tary or clerk in the educational service is only about 125, so this mounting and a series of speak- department. ) first finger is two-thirds crippled ers present the subject matter, As stated last month, packets (bending it down in that pro- as, "Gobbler Britain" (eight including these items and much portion, on the device); only gobblers required); "Gobbler more available material usable Portugal" (three); "Gobbler in any denominational group France" (six), etc. While the may be had for 50 cents each.
territory in which the United A great variety of interde- States is interested in ~ mission- nominational devices on the ary way (the Congo) is under same principle as the foregoing the control of other nations, it is have been described in this De- well to prick our pride in not partment in previous months possessing a gobbler of our own and may be found in files of the by mention of incidents in our Magazine such as most public past history where we have libraries have. It is the earnest played the part ourselves. desire of the Editor to list and God's Torchbearer's – a com- cite prices for usable material bination.of visualization and im- among all denominations, bear- personation, in that a series of ing on the new study topics, if speakers representing different sent as early as possible for African natives come forward June, July, September and Oc- at the summons of the leader. tober numbers. African and each carrying a little black stick Negro stereopticon and moving which the leader places under a pictures proved invaluable vis- pot hung above a camp fire (real ualizations in schools of missions if outdoors but simulated with as well as regular church wor-
ship services, in the past year. sential to its universal mission. And cluding some material for young There will be a list of such pic- only as they retain that vision are tures bearing upon "Rural Life" they likely to resist absorption into people and the little folks. In the setting of what is designated and "The Moslem World" for new political faiths built around race, as a renewed interest in tithing, class and nation. your selection at an early date. The rentals are nominal; and Weare encouraged by the in- "Helps for the Stewardship projectors may be found now- terdenominational response to Chairman" says: adays in almost all communities. plans set forth in this Depart- ment to believe that THE REVIEW First and most important of all, let us get this truth firmly fixed in our Fresh Missionary Ammunition is having no small part in culti- minds: Tithing is nota scheme for vating the atmosphere for the raising money. . . . God is after Each month the Department growth of this world Christian hearts. Tithes and offerings consti- Editor's mail bag brings fresh consciousness. To that end send tute the age-old plan of the heavenly encouragement to believe that in your best plans for mission- Father (1) to save men's souls from the "ways of working" featured ary education in all departments the deadly sin of covetousness; (2) to in THE REVIEW are proving of church activity, particularly teach His redeemed children to put most acceptable and are widely His Kingdom first; (3) to allow them appropriated. Innumerable pJeas among the children and young thus to have a part in the extending for more information regarding people who are our hope for a of His Kingdom, thereby glorifying plans thus passed along from new world order. God and obtaining "treasures in our contributors are received, heaven." also requests for activating lit- Children's Special Pac k e t: erature-and this regardless of A play, "The 'Prove Me' denominational imp r i n t s on The Editor has recently received Plan," is included with the dileaflets and programs. This is from the United Christian Mis- versified literature, some of as it should be in an era when sionary Society, Missions Build- which is especially adapted for strenuous efforts are being made ing, Indianapolis, Indiana, a use in devotional services in the to increase the consciousness of large package of missionary ma- women's society. Write the Litthe Church as a world Christian terial for use with junior groups erature Department of the Womcommunity, not a series of sep- en's Missionary Union as menarate sectarian plots in which bearing upon the current theme tioned above for list of leaflets Baptists, Presbyterians, Meth- of Africa, their period for such and prices separately or as a odists, etc., are cultivating their study being April-October of this whole. own particular doctrinal speci- year. It is admirably adapted mens. for use among children of that Bermuda, Coral Isle of the age interest. It includes intro- Atlantic: This is the title of a In a report on the state of the ductory explanatory material, a new silent, 16 mm. motion pic- Church at the biennial meeting map of course, good picture ture film, complete in three reels, of the Federal C 0 u n c i I of loaned free of charge by the Na- Churches of Christ in America, sheets, stories, suggestions for tional Motion Picture Service, last December 9-11, these words creative activity, fascinating 723 Seventh Ave., New York. were spoken: details for making an African Write direct to the company. village, plans for making a wall frieze, an African picture book, A Seventieth Anniversary Cel- native canoes from hollowed-out ebration: The Methodists are wood, moving pictures of Af- "going places" just now. Among By every means in our power the rican scenes, posters, a very other things, their Women's Forvision of the Church as a world Christian community mu~t be made elaborate African party, games eign Mission Society has in- African children delight in, augurated a campaign for three luminous if our devotion to it is strengthened. The practical need of imaginary tours through mis- years leading up to the celebra- this emphasis is acute. Such an em- sion stations, guessing games, tion of their seventieth anniverphasis will put the enterprise of foreign missions in its proper and per- camp fires, real African refresh- sary, with a different emphasis manent setting. And it is entirely ments, etc. While some of the for each year. This campaign possible that our people will give of material describes conditions at is bound to yield much that is of their substance. to a cooperative world definite stations maintained by universal interest and usefulness Christianity in· a measure even ex- the Christian Missionary So- among sis t e r denominations, ceeding their gifts to the pioneering ciety, even that is of a typical, particularly during its first year missionary efforts of the past. . . . What is needed today is the actual general character, and the large whose main emphasis is to be growth of fellowship. This seems to bulk of material might be used upon a "teaching mission." The us the central guiding principle of the Christian conscience in thes'O! times. equally well in any evangelical words "seven" and "seventy" group anywhere. The stories are to be played upon in the va- Wherever the barriers of economic, racial and nationalistic differences are particularly good. This gen- rious features-each district to impede the growth of fellowship. there erous-sized packet sells for 25 secure seven new organizations the Christian conscience demands that these barriers and not fellowship cents and is well worth its price. for their seven-point star; auxshould give way. . . . Only as our Tithing Material:' From the iliaries to be divided into groups members catch the vision of the Women's Missionary Union of of seven for prayer circles; sev- Church as a World Christian Com- the Southern Baptist Church, enty intercessors throughout the munity are we likely to find solutions to these problems (the relations of 1111 Comer Building, Birming- country, etc. Fuller details and Church and State) which will pre- ham, Ala., comes a flood of new suggestions are in hand and will serve for the Church the freedom es- leaflets to promote tithing, in- be featured next month. The Council of Women for Home Missions EDITH E. LOWRY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK ~,~,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~==I~~ INDIAN MOTHERS We thank thee, our heav- enly Father, for the mothers who freely offered themselves that we might live.
We think of their love and their loyalty, their gentleness and their strength, their kind- ness and care, their sacrifice and patience.
Help us, 0 God, to honor them by our thoughts, by our words, by our actions, by our appreciation and by our grati- tude. Help us so to learn and grow and live that we may be- come the fulfilling of our mothers' desires and prayers for us.
May we be kind to them as they have been kind to us; may we help them as they have helped us, remembering that He who died for us upon the Cross in that last hour was mindful of His mother.
"All mothers are rich when they love MOTHER AND A MODERN INDIAN MOTHER their children. DAUGHTER hard. "Your mother said, 'she There are no poor mothers, no ugly Yannabah slowed her pony to cannot go. Tonight there will ones, no old ones. a walk. The desert air was good be a "sing" for her.' " after five years at the govern- Their love is always the most beau- ment school. A few weeks were Yannabah knew w hat it tiful of the joys." hers, weeks of vacation from meant-the sing, the dance, the school, from routine, from strict men sitting in a circle around MAURICE MAETElRLINCK. discipline. She would be happy her to look her over, finally one in her old home. of them taking her to his "ho- A PRAYER gan" to live. There would be no Someone was coming up the more chance for school. For a We bless thee for the great main road. She knew it was an moment she hid her face. Then and precious ideal of mother- Indian by his bare head and the she lifted her head proudly. hood. swift stride of his moccasined feet. "Tell the trader's wife to look We praise thee for the present for me by the time the moon is joy and the lasting influence of "Hocko, shahte," the voice of up," she said. The boy sped all good mothers. her cousin greeted her. down the trail into the desert.
We think of the noble women "The trader's child is ill," he "Yannabah rode slowly along all over the world and in all said eagerly. He knew that at the trail to her own hogan, all times who have prayed God to school she had had hospital the joy gone from her heart. bless them with children, and training. The old mother sat on the then have prayed him to bless ground near the fire. Once their children. "I will go," she said, with a Yannabah lifted her head and feeling of exultation.
"No," said the boy, his voice [257 ] looked long into her mother's or whether such practices are CONFERENCE ON LIFE eyes, but soon both turned away departures from the earlier cus- AND WORK, OXFORD, troubled. Should she stay with toms and are a lowering of tribal the old woman who loved her standards, so bringing degen- ENGLAND Church, State and Society though she said so little about eracy.
it? If she went away per- "Are the old men and women Following a dozen years after haps it would mean that she who tell the young people that the original Conference on could never return to her moth- 'Blanket Marriages' are a cus- Christian Life and Work at er's hogan. But she could go tom of the tribe, willing to make Stockholm in 1925, there will back to the towns and schools the efforts their forefathers meet at Oxford, July 12 to 26, and have a chance at the hospital made to see that such marriages a second world conference of the training she had dreamed of. are not just temporary arrange- same general nature under the Perhaps some day she could ments? Are the older people auspices of the Universal Chrisserve her own people in a hos- making the old efforts to see tian Council. pital on the desert. that such marriages are made in good faith and kept pure or is it Among the 825 persons who Yannabah decided to leave but a matter of complete unconcern will go to Oxford the number of knew if she were to go it must to any and all of the older mem- women thus far appointed from be quickly.. She turned, gave a bers of the tribe whether or not America is thirteen. Among last look across the fire to the the young folk so marrying in- them are: Miss Eliza H. Kenbent old woman at her task, and tend to remain faithful, protect- drick of Wellesley College, Mrs. was gone. The old woman heard ing their mates from the evils of H. H. Pierce of New York City, her go but did not stop her. adultery, or desertion and neg- Mrs. Harper Sibley of Washing- Perhaps she had a moment of lect? ton, Mrs. Fred S. Bennett of the true understanding for her girl Council of Women for Home who had been learning better "The essence of valid mar- Missions, Miss Anna V. Rice of ways. riage is the free consent before the Y. W. C. A., and Mrs. Harrie witnesses of parties who are R. Chamberlin of Toledo, Ohio. Misunderstood and misunder- competent and free to marry to Other prominent women constanding – Yannabah so typical live permanently together as nected with American church of Indian youth of today, stands man and wife to the exclusion of life have been invited but have midway between the old customs all others on either side. This found it impossible to accept. of her parents and the new civ- much is required in all civilized ilization of the white man and communities today. Studies in preparation for the yet belongs to neither. Conference are engaging the at- "In Christian marriage a man tention of leading individuals in . Excerpts from a story by Dorothy Cate, and woman are joined together significant groups in many parts III the Woman's Press Magazine. in Christ. The marriage be- of the world. The following are comes as much a part of the particularly recommended: (1) THE STUDENT WELFARE spiritual life and development Christ's Way and the World's- COMMITTEE OFFERS as baptism, confirmation and In Church, State, and Society, ATHOUGHT* partaking of Holy Communion. by Henry Smith Leiper; pre- senting crucial issues and how The Student Welfare Com- "The young Indian, returning the churches are seeking to meet mittee of Flandreau Indian to the reservation, can make of them in our contemporary School, Flandreau, South Da- marriage a mockery. He may world; 144 pages; paper cover kota, has been thinking most give up all idea of establishing 65 cents, cloth 90 cents. (2) seriously about elementary so- a home and enjoying the com- Church and State on the Eurocial obligations of young Indian panionshp of a woman who re- pean Continent, by Adolf Keller. women and men. They offer spects him and whom he re- (3) Christian Faith in the Modthe following ideas, set down by spects. He may use for his own ern State, by Nils Ehrenstrom. Miss Bernice Cartwright, the selfish lusts the freedom custom The author is a brilliant Swedish interdenominational Director of has given him on some of the scholar. Probable price, $1.50. Religious Education, stationed reservations. But he will not be at the school under the Joint contributing to the growth of The United Youth Movement Indian Committee of the Home ideals nor to an advancement of has taken the responsibility for Missions Councils. the Indian people. On the other sending eight youth delegates to' hand he can look seriously at the the Oxford Conference. "One of the difficulties young problem, the obligation entered Indian people face when they re- turn from schools to the reser- into, with an idea of establishing A special radio program in vation, is to know whether or a home, caring for his family by England has brought the subject not certain practices at home are protecting them from neglect matter of the Conference to the really part of earlier customs and disease and taking part in attention of the listening public which kept a race clean and fine, the life of the community. And and a somewhat similar series he must choose a woman whose has been promised in the United * From the News Bulletin issued by the .ideals and standards are as high States by the National Broadstudents at Flandreau U. S. Indian School, Flandreau, South Dakota. as his own. casting Company.
Hopeful Ohanges to twenty pupils, was invited
address the students. He com- Incorporation of the Ohurch A writer in the C. M. S. Out- mented favorably upon their zeal look sends encouraging news to gain knowledge of Confucius, The Church of Christ in China from Fukien that is in contrast who has the respect of the whole is. negotiating with the National with familiar stories of ban- thinking world, but did not fail Government with a view to hav- ditry, famine, and warfare: to tell them how infinitely more ing the Assembly's constituent Communication is being im- satisfying Christ is than Consynods and churches registered proved through the opening of fucius. with the Government. Registra- motor roads and there is marked tion is the equivalent to "incor- progress in popular education, The Chinese teacher said: poration" in America. Until it opium suppression and good "You are forgetting that Conis registered, the church cannot government. Steps are being fucius is our chief philosopher become a property holding body. taken to turn erstwhile bandits and leader of thought in China, The Government has recently into law-abiding citizens, and and meets every condition of passed regulations governing the also to remove the cause of the our life most satisfactorily." registration of all kinds of or- trouble, i. e., the economic disaganizations ranging from wom- bilities of the farming popula- The missionary suggested that en's clubs and labor unions to tion. Thus, some of the greatest on the morrow they submit the chambers of commerce and hindrances to the Gospel are be- t€!achings of both to a test, and churches. Naturally, regula- ing removed. this was done at the city gates, tions sufficiently comprehensive where many lepers gathered to cover such a diversity of or- Hopeful open-mindedness is daily. Whichever presentation ganizations include provisions observed among educated peo- should bring the greatest satiswhich make it exceedingly diffi- ple, radical theories are becom- faction to the lepers, should win. cult for the church to accept. ing discredited and moral char- The missionary read passages However, the present national acter is coming to be desired expressing the sympathy and Government is ex c e e din g I y more than eloquence. There is companionship of Christ with friendly to the Christian move- an increasing measure of co- the unfortunate sufferers. ment and it is expected that such operation a m 0 n g Christian difficulties will be overcome. forces, and new power has come "Of course," said the Chinese into the lives of Christian work- teacher, "Confucius said nothing -Presbyterian Banner. ers. Teachers are learning the of the lepers and so I cannot secret of leading their pupils one match what Jesus says with any Famine in Szechwan by one to God in Christ. Med- saying of Confucius." The lepers ical workers are exhibiting new made the decision for Christ. In the New York Times of patience and winsomeness in March 21, Szechwan, China's their relations with the sick. -Outlook for Missiom. most populous province, is re- Pastors are learning to be true ported to be in the worst drouth shepherds to their flock, and are New Bible Society Branch in 25 years. Large portions of finding the way to bring back the province have had no rain wanderers to the fold. Ordinary Christians of Chefoo have refor a year. Streams have dried church members are feeling the cently organized a new branch up and even the mighty Yangtse urge to pass on the blessing they of the China Bible Society. At River has been reduced to a have received, rather than leave the opening meeting of this trickle. Over 200 deaths are re- the evangelistic work to paid Chefoo branch, it was explained ported daily from starvation in agents of the Church. Every- that the purpose of the China Chungking and its suburbs. Re- where, a new harmony, a deeper Bible Society is not to break lief workers have been prac- spirit of fellowship, is being en- away from the three foreign tically helpless to cope with the gendered. Bible Societies w 0 r kin g in situation. China, but to work in coopera- Oonfucius or Ohrist? tion with them. It was pointed There is enough rice and other out that Chinese Christians food in the province, and they A Christian traveler who vis- should realize their responsibilsay that there would be no ited a school in China, where ity in helping with the distribufamine if there were organiza- Confucianism was being taught tion of God's Word and the Gostion for distribution. Thus far pel message; and should emphathe government has done noth- [259 ] size more the reading of the ing about this problem. Bible. A fine spirit of unity and
enthusiasm was apparent among JAPAN-CHOSEN of the world, and at the end of Christian leaders. that time cannot give any idea Coordination of Christian of what it is all about." The future control and leader- Forces ship of this newly-formed body -Monday Morning. will be under an executive com- The disbanding of the Federamittee of eleven m e m b e r s, tion of Christian Missions as a Twenty-Four-Hour a Day chosen to represent the different delegated mission body, and the Church churches and Christian organ- turning over of its administraizations in Chefoo. tive functions to the National S. Sodeyama, after a period of Christian Council brings the study in America, held a seven- -Chinese Recorder. missionary body definitely with- year pastorate in Nagasaki, in the Council's constituency where he became convinced that Practical Christianity . . . makes the council the all- preaching alone was an inade- inclusive clearing house for the quate expression of the Gospel, Mr. A. J. Dieffenbacher, tem- Christian movement rin the em- so he and his wife moved to porarily stationed at Kanhsien, pire … places (in the council) Tanaka, a section of Kyoto made Kiangsi, sings praises of a Bible the responsibility and task of up of Korean workers, "waterwoman who is never too busy to correlating the work of missions level" outcasts, garbage and rag teach the Gospel. "She has, of and missionaries so that they collectors, beggars and the poorcourse, to take time for cooking, will increasingly become an in- est of Japanese laborers living washing and sewing, but why tegral part of the indigenous under unbelievable conditions; should this hinder her in work- Christian movement and be one of seven such communities ing for the Lord at the same given a worth while sphere of of Kyoto, and in only two are time ? Wash day is an ideal time action within the frame work of Christian churches. Here Mr. to teach Mrs. C- how to sing, the Japanese Church. Sodeyama began holding servfor the rubbing up and down on ices in his small home, and when the washboard is an excellent Another piece of coordination no one came he preached in the method for keeping time. Here is the formation of a conference streets. Gradually his memberis the picture. of publishers of Christian books ship has grown to 60 members. and publications, for the sake of To support his various enter- "The Bible-woman is at the closer cooperation to provide the prises, he purchased a small cart well doing her washing. Mrs. nation with a greater variety and began collecting waste paper C- is sitting on a stone opposite and beHer type of Chri'stian lit- and rags. Interested persons her. Today the chorus is, 'Jesus, erature. -Christian Century. became regular contributors, so the Saviour, save me.' The that he now has ten supporting Bible-woman sings a line, and He Had No Idea patrons many of whom are nonthen Mrs. C- repeats it. This Christians. is kept up until Mrs. C- has Two boys, both graduates of a learned the chorus by heart. Christian school, were applying His proteges include the blind, for a position. One was a Chris- the lame, the old, the poor and "Sewing day is the day for tian, one was not, and the rail- the lonesome. If hungry, they further instruction in the Word. road official who was interview- are fed. The homeless are taken There is some ripping as well as ing them was not a Christian. in and the jobless given work to sewing to be done, so Mrs. C- Technically, the non~Christian do. Few Westerners would like takes one end of the garment young man was somewhat better the accommodations, but it is and does the ripping, :while the prepared than the Christian. better than the under side of a Bible-woman sews the other end. The official finally asked them bridge. Pastor Sodeyama's vis- All the time the Bible-woman is both to tell him what they had its are the few rays of light that telling this young Christian more learned through their experi- pierce the inner darkness, for he about the riches that are her's ence in a Christian school that brings hope in his sermons, in Christ Jesus." would not have been the case if recreation in magazines, enter- they had gone to another kind of tainment at special seasons, -China's Millions. school. The non…Christian could medical attention, assistance in think of very little, but the entering the larger hospitals, Lifted and Lightened Faces Christian gave a very definite and even pocket money. statement of the benefits of his At a meeting in Mienchu, an faith. He was chosen for the -Presbyterian Tribune.· official who was won to Christ position. "It is not because you last year gave a testimony that are either Christian or non- Devil Possession in Korea illustrates the fact that trans- Christian," said the official. "It formed lives are reflected in is because I cannot think very Miss Louise B. Hayes gives a faces. At the close he said that highly of the intelligence of a remarkable ins tan c e of the if any non-Christian were to young man who, for five years, ,transforming power of God's have a photograph taken of him- has been associated with follow- Spirit. self, and afterwards truly repent ers of one of the great religions and believe in· Christ, and six "In a little village up in the months later have an 0 the r hills lived a young man, uneduphotograph taken, he could not cated and ignorant, who had help but notice the difference.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
fallen into all the vices known to mosa. During three weeks thou- he reads the Scripture lesson. Korean youth, a disgrace and sands of lukewarm Christians A prayer followed by five of the menace to the whole district. As renewed their allegiance to older girls, with responses by a result, he became a maniac, so Christ, long-prayed-for relatives the children. Then a hymn, fierce and wild that he had to be and friends were converted, and after which some fifty children, kept tied. A group of new Chris- multitudes asked for prayer. In from five to fifteen, rose in turn tians in a neighboring village North Formosa 151 preaching to give short bits of Bible hisheard of this madman, and de- bands were formed with three tory, which carried those who termined to pray for his recov- or more members each. When could understand it from the beery. The young man was he sailed back to China hundreds ginning of the Bible through its brought, bound, to the churc"h, went by train to see him embark, entire length. Some of these and the more earnest Christians and some, taking small boats, were dramatic in form, others met to pray. As they prayed, followed the steamer out to sea, musical, hymns were sung at the young man mocked them, an unprecedented demonstration various points, but the entire muttering, 'Blah, blah, blah,' but of affection. -So S. Times. program went along smoothly. they continued. S 0 met i m e s Now an older boy stepped again when the name of Jesus was Cebu Field, P. I. into the reading space, and read mentioneti he would curse and a short sermon in Samoan, then try to attack t"hem. They prayed On Cebu Island last year 242 in English, taking his text from on, in faith, and at last, he was were received into the churches Job 5: 17, 'Happy is the man cured. on profession of faith, and whom God correcteth: therefore eleven places have been opened despise not thou the chastening "Two months later I held a to the Gospel. This does not of the Almighty.' In this he reclass in this new church. The mean places where occasional ferred to the hurricane of last young man was at every session; visits are made, but places January, followed by severe food ~uiet and dignified, taking part where regular services have shortage, and by an epidemic of in the services, or quietly read- been established and a group of whooping-cough, w h i c h has ing his Bible. Apparently his baptized believers are carrying taken the lives of many. mind is sound and clear; he on by themselves. Four ten-day talks rationally, and thanks God Christian workers' institutes "As I watched the happy, infor his recovery. Wherever he have been conducted, with an telligent faces of the youngsters goes, he carries Bible and hymn average attendance of 69 stu- grouped in front of me, dressed book with him, and often he is dents. We believe that much of as would be American children singing a hymn. He is a living the advance has been a direct on such a day in spotlessly clean testimony that none can fail to result of the new spiritual life clothing, and showing evidence see, and because of him others received from these times of of careful attention to ears and are being brought to the Lord." study and fellowship. Two of necks, I couldn't help contrast- the girls who attended from ing this with conditions in these -Pyengyang News. Ronna returned with the mes- islands just one hundred years sage, "Today is the day of sal- ago." -Presbyterian Tribune. Secret of Growth vation." They went from house to house and from relative to School for Javanese Teachers .It is not easy to become, or re- relative, insisting upon the main, a church member in good claims of the Gospel message. Plans have taken shape to standing in Korea. Personal be- As a result of their efforts seven open a new training school in havior is carefully supervised by new members have been won Solo for teachers in Middle Java. church authorities. Discipline during the past few months. It The Government grants this is strict. Financial responsibili- is planned to follow up with school no subsidy at present. It ties are definite. Yet with all similar institutes in ea.:!h dis- is therefore quite free and may this, the growth is remarkable. trict. be set up where it is thought to The Mission and the Korean be most wanted. The idea is to Christians credit this to two -Philippine Presbyterian. establish it so that the training things: constant and systematic given there is entirely suited to Bible study, in classes, insti- Samoan Sunday the needs of the native populatutes, church services l>.nd pri- tion, and not after a Western vate reading; and, secondly, to Thomas L. Kirkpatrick, chap- model. Thirty-five applicants definite evangelistic effort on the lain of the U. S. naval base at are being sent from various dispart of individual Christians. Tutuila, Samoa, furnishes an tricts to the school, so that antidote to the usual type of proper classes can be formed. ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC South Sea stories. It is an ac- The school will also train pupils count of a morning service in a from other missions. The open- New Life in Formosa village church. ing of this work is considered one of the most important proj- Dr. John Sung, who left a "There was a short 'sermon' ects of the Reformed Church for career in pure science to take up by one of the older boys, who 1937.-Holland News Bureau. evangelism in China, has been stepped into the railed enclosur~ preaching in the island of For- where the faifeau stands when
NORTH AMERICA It is hoped that in each city quite 200,000. New York's an- where a preaching mission has nual crime bill is $605,000,000 Seeking Church Federation been held, or will be held during while the total city budget is this year it will be followed by a $539,000,000. Unemployment re- At an interdenominational "School in Christian Living"; lief absorbs $25,687,776 per anconference, held at Salt Lake num. There are seventeen City in February, it was agreed and that this will be followed by square miles of slums, 245 miles to consult with the Home Mis- projects for building together of tenements fronting streets, sions Council and Federal Coun- the Christian community, local 250,000 windowless rooms, and cil of Churches on federating all and world-wide. The three em- 309,157 apartments wit ho u t denominations at work in the phases – on evangelism, on bath facilities. Other facts are intermountain area; and to equally distressing. create a permanent, interdenom- teaching and on action-are thus inational conference for this woven into a single pattern. American Buddhists area. This move grew out of conviction that the evangelical -Federal Council Bulletin. There are today 100 Buddhist enterprise requires extension temples in the United States. and strengthening; that no room Department Store Gives The largest, in San Francisco, exists for interfaith controversy, Bible Lectures was recently the scene of the but that there is every opportu- 40th annual Buddhist convention nity for positive, love-character- Lectures on the Bible offered in the United States. ized gospel proclamation. by a department store turned out The Japanese Buddhists claim There was full discussion of 50,000 Japanese and 2,000 white four main themes: (1) the na- to be its most popular feature. American members, of whom 50 ture of the area, status of the are priests. Plans are afoot for evangelical enterprise; (2) min- The Higbee Co., of Cleveland, the erection of the first Budistry to yuuth; (3) missionary dhist temple in New York and extension; ministry to scattered which has for years maintained another in Philadelphia. groups; (4) interdenominational cooperation and the future. a series of lectures in connection An Oriental's Memorial Participants included Board representatives of several denom- with its book store, four years The Japanese Church of Corinations, pastors, teachers, mis- tez, California, gave $55 per sionaries, community workers ago started lectures on the Bible capita last year as compared from Arizona, Idaho, Montana, with about a $16 per capita Utah and Wyoming. and related subjects given by average of Presbyterian church members as a whole. -Monday Morning. Miss Harriet Louise H. Patter- Dr. Philip Payne, Presby- Conserving the Preaching son. So popular did they become terian Executive Secretary of Mission Oriental Missions in San Fran- that they have been continued cisco, tells a story of the sacri- As a means of relating the Na- fice made by one Chinese pastor tional Preaching Mission to sub- ever since. -Advance. in California. Last fall the wife sequent work, a movement com- of the Rev. Yick Soo Lee was bining their several approaches The City's Ohallenge killed by a drunken automoqilist. to the local community has been The insurance company settled I a u n c h e d under the name, The Greater New York Fed- for cash without going to court. "United Christian Advance." eration of Churches, in prepara- When some one suggested to Mr. Building upon the new spiritual tion for "Community Sunday" Lee, who receives no pastor's interest stirred by the Preach- on January 31, assembled a stag- salary, that that money would ing Mission, the United Chris- gering array of facts and figures ease his financial stress, he antian Advance undertakes to relative to conditions of popula- swered, "But we shall not use carry forward an educational tion, housing, race relations, de- the money for ourselves. Mrs. program which will conserve the linquency and crime, public Lee would want the work of tellvalues of the Preaching Mission. health and the like. ing the story of Jesus to go on Cooperating in the movement just the same as if she were are the Federal Council of The area included in the sur- here. We will build a church Churches, the International vey is 299 square miles. On that with the money in the little vil- Council of Religious Education, ground there are living almost lage back in China where' she the Home Missions Council, the 7,000,000 people. Religiously was born, and all the people Council of Women for Home there are 2,556,595 Protestants, there will love her for telling Missions, the National Council 2,365,247 Rom a n Catholics, them of the Saviour." of Federated Church Women, 1,875,545 Jews, 115,544 Eastern the Missionary Education Move- Orthodox adherents. There are Mr. Lee sailed for China last ment and the Foreign Missions 2,387,868 persons under twenty fall to build the memorial Conference of North America. years of age. In thirty years church. the Negro population has in- creased from 67,304 to 343,221; New York is the greatest Jewish center in the world; fully 70 % of the popUlation are entirely out of touch with any church _and about the same proportion of children is unreached by any definite reI i g i 0 u s education. There are 1,074 churches of fif- teen denominations that report a membership of 454,045 and a Sunday school enrolment of not
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
New Frontier in Canada cautiously because of political tional leadership as well as illit- opposition in many Mexican eracy. There are venerable For over five years Saskatche- states. "Mammies" who r e c e i v e a wan has witnessed a shifting of monthly dole, and prominent population that has been of deep Mexico Fights Alcohol business men, teachers, lawyers, significance to the churches. doctors. There are English, Due to drought conditions in the The Mexican Government is Scotch, Canadian, Portuguese, south a steady northward trek interested in questions involved Chinese, East Indian (100,000 of settlers has taken place. in the strong drink traffic. Pub- in Port of Spain), Spanish, and These farmers have taken up lic meetings are being held to every shade of Negro. From the homesteads in the bushlands of find out the attitude of the gen- first, this church has expressed the north. More than 40,000 eml public. At one meeting re- itself in m iss ion a r y work people have moved into this cently a member of the Cabinet throughout the Island. "Land of Beginning Again." presided and every branch of the federal government was rep- -Watchman-Examner. The trek has f ace d the resented. There were present churches with the problem of sixty~three chairmen of state Progress in Venezuela extension in a new frontier area and district antialcohol commitat a time when funds for exten- tees who came from every part The annals of missions in sion work are seriously cur- of the Republic. Another anti- . Venezuela are "short and simtailed. For a while it seemed as alcohol convention will be held ple," yet they record a great if they could not cope with it. a year from now in Mexico City deal of consecrated activity in "God hasn't crossed the Beaver and representatives of all the behalf of this needy land. In- River yet" became a current say- powerful labor organizations of tensive evangelistic work has ing in the north. the country are expected to be been carried on in the city of present to state their point of Caracas and its environs, and The United Church of Canada view. -Watchman-Examiner. evangelists, traveling by mulehas met the challenge by send- train, have taken the Gospel ing a newly-ordained missionary Centenary at Sa~na message into the far interior of who has changed the saying to the Republic. Under the present "God has crossed the Beaver The story of the Samana government there is complete re- River." Working in coopera- Church in the Dominican Re- ligious liberty in Venezuela; tion with the Church of Eng- public is interesting. In 1835 a missionaries are making the land, he is claiming Saskatche- group of Pennsylvania Chris- most of this. The Presbyterian wan's newest frontier. '. tians bought the freedom of Girls' School in Caracas has en- some slaves and helped them to rolled daughters of the most in- -Christian Century. embark to a peninsula on the fluential families of the country, northeastern coast of the Domin- all of whom are thus brought LATIN AMERICA ican Republic. The place where under Christian instruction and they landed came to be known the influence of Christian teach- Cardenas Denies Hostility as Samana. A missionary of the ers in the building of character. Wesleyan Methodist Church to In his first pronouncement on the British West Indies learned Renewed effort is being made the Church-State question in of this English-speaking Negro to circulate Christian literature more than a year, President colony, visited it, and finally lo- throughout the country; and a Cardenas declared in March cated in the peninsula. During spirit of comity marks the relathat "Mexican Catholics have the century 11 churches have tions of workers of all groups. complete lib e r t y to go to been established, for the most church." Asserting that "the part supported by descendants EUROPE government was not hostile to of the original colony., Within the Church," he added that the past year the Wesleyan The Religious Issue Church and State relations were Board has transferred this work better than for a long time be- to the Board for Christian Work Throughout central Europe a cause the "priests have recog- in Santo Domingo. bitter struggle is raging between nized the uselessness of mixing Cat hoI i c and anti – Catholic in politics." Baptists in Trinidad forces. It has reached its peak in Germany, is the chief issue in President Cardenas has said Baptist activities were estab- Austria, and is one of the most that the Mexican Church prob- lished on the Island of Trinidad vital questions in Hungary. It lem must be relegated to the by the Missionary Society of is an element of the war in background, and that the only London nearly one hundred Spain. In some places the Cathsure method of doing this is to years ago.. This is the only Bap- olic Church is on the defensive; permit the opening of churches. tist church in the world receiv- in others it is attacking. In Ger- At the same time the President ing state support. The audiences many, for example, it is being is reported as opposed to relax- are largely colored, but contain pushed to the waIl. In Austria, ing any of the restrictions taken wealth as well as need, educa- it is on the offen~ive. In Hunto prevent the Church from exer- gary the fight is different, for it cising influence in Mexican polit- is between two churches, the ical life. He has had to move
Catholic and Protestant. In cording to the report, the income sou r c e s: In 1935, 14,000 Yugoslavia it is between two is actually smaller than it ap- churches were closed. Between churches: the Catholic on one pears, because as a result of the 1917 and 1935, 42,800 clergyside, Eastern Orthodox on the economic conditions, the income men die d in concentration other. of 1935 did not reach as far as camps. Of the 35,000 priests the same income did in 1930. before the revolution only one- The geographical line divid- The figures indicate the faithful- fifth remain. On February 9, ing the two churches runs across ness of the missionaries and na- 1936, the tenth anniversary of Europe from south to north, and tive workers who have carried the League of Militant Godless passes through Yugoslavia, di- on faithfully in spite of great was celebrated. The president viding the land into two almost personal sacrifices. reported that half of the populaequal parts. Religiously, half of tion of Russia is now atheist, but the country looks west and be- "In the Faith of Hitler" bemoaned the fact that 50 per longs to Europe; the other half cent of the Russian youth still looks east, and belongs to the Last March it became a cus- clung to the Christian faith, and Orient. This line corresponds tom in Germany in newspaper most of them persist in religious very nearly to a racial and death notices to say that the de- practices. The draft of the new political division, making the ceased "died in the faith of Constitution gives freedom both struggle a three-sided one. Adolph Hitler." Dr. Alfred to religious and antireligious Rosenberg, editor of Volkischer propaganda. In 1925, 42 Roman -The Christian Century. Beobachter, personal news or- Catholic churches were open and gan of Adolf Hitler, is also 40 priests were at liberty. To- German Missions quoted as having addressed him- day there are none. In the whole self to Germans who believe that vast territory of Russia there The Yearbook of the United Adolf Hitler is the Son of God, were then 300 priests; today German Mission Conference for but are scoffed at by some of there are 15. Under the system 1937 releases the latest figures their friends, in these words: of collectivization 90 per cent of concerning the German Evan- "We need a Son of God. . . . To- the farms have been taken from gelical Mission work as of the day there stands among us one the owners. In 1914 the Luend of 1935. The total number who has been specially blessed theran Church had 230 pastors, of European missionaries of the by the Creator. No one has the 200 congregations and 800 societies represented in the right to find fault with those of churches. They have now been United Conference is 1,561, with our people who have found their reduced to three churches. 12,093 native workers. There Son of God and have thus reare 1,307,788 native Christians gained their Eternal Father." AFRICA and 67,000 candidates for baptism in the care of all these so- -Alliance Weekly. Evangelists for Egypt cieties. They conduct 4,424 elementary schools and 138 high crews Seek to Conform Twenty young men, of whom schools in which there is a total 15 were Copts, have been attendof 255,819 pupils. These so- It is reported that two hun- ing fortnightly classes in Cairo cieties operate thirty-five hospi- dred prominent Rumanian Jews for voluntary evangelists. Sevtals in which thirty-six Euro- have offered to become converted eral of these young men assist pean and six native doctors are to the Greek Orthodox faith to in conducting the evangelistic employed. The combined re- "identify themselves completely meetings which are held each ceipts from Germany in the year with the Rumanian nation." week either in private houses or 1935 amounted to 5,260,707 Rumanian church officials intend in small mission rooms in some marks. If these figures are com- to start an intensive campaign twenty centers in the suburbs of pared with the figures of 1930, for mass conversion of Jews, and Cairo or near-by villages. it is shown that there has been are ready to appoint special misan increase in the number of sionaries for this purpose. They These training classes aim were also quoted as having of- especially at preparation for missionaries of 14 %; in the fered to build an imposing Greek winning Moslems. It is pointed Orthodox church for converted out that a successful evangelist, number of native-born workers, Jews, and as having asked that whether foreign or Egyptian, of 26.30/0; and in the number of the Patriarch appoint a baptized requires to have an intimate Jew as priest. knowledge of the Christian and native Christians, 26 %. Over Moslem Arabic religious vocabu- It is a question whether these lary, a sympathetic understandagainst this increase there is a Jews are converted, or merely ing of the mental and spiritual finding it expedient to conform. outlook of the special group decrease of 29 % in the income which he is seeking to reach, a Situation in Russia close acquaintance with the from Germany. These compara- movements of thought and cultive figures speak an earnest The United Presbyterian gives ture which are gradually changlanguage; for the actual situa- the following summary of the ing the viewpoint and social tion is still more unfavorable religious situation in Russia, than the figures ·reveal. The which is based on authentic growth could have been even greater; for it was not possible to make the fullest use of all the possibilities because man-power and means were lacking. Ac-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
values of the Egyptian people, month they meet the medical as- many women around? Accurate and skill and wisdom in present- sistants to report these visits and statistics are not available, but ing those central truths of the to ask God's blessing on those it is certain that the increased use of the plow and the decrease Christian faith which are a per- who have accepted Christ. -Presbyterian Banner. of polygamy have proceeded petual stumbling block to the Moslem-the Trinity, the Incar- simultaneously.
nation, the Atonement, the suf- The Luba-Lulua Bible Christians in Kavirondo fering of God and the method of Dr. George T. McKee, mis- The work of evangelization divine revelation. sionary of the Southern Presby- only began in Kavirondo at the terian Church in the Congo -C. M. S. Outlook.
Colonization Scheme BeIge, writes that in all the opening of this century. These large centers it is now extraor- people are a likeable race of East Portugal has undertaken a dinary to find a young man Africa. They are great travelconstructive piece of work in es- unable to read. It is also en- ers, and go all over Kenya as tablishing a great number of couraging to find that those house boys, or other laborers; Portuguese families – mostly best informed are eager to be ac- and so enthusiastically did the peasants – along the railroad curate about Biblical facts. The first converts spread their faith that runs across Angola from missionary has to be extremely that the Church soon gained a Lobito to the Belgian Congo. careful now in his preaching stronghold. Their spiritual life The newcomers will find their and teaching lest some native is marked, evidenced by prayer farms with a ready crop of catch him in a mistake. Most meetings held on their own maize, wheat, fruit, vegetables, of the younger Christians can initiative, and their firm stand etc., all ready for harvesting, a recite long portions of Scripture. against old heathen customs. comfortable little house, well Not only has the Bible been But there is another side. As furnished and very hygienic, and the source of inspiration for the Rev. G. F. Kidd, of Maseno, exa number of natives under con- natives; the Luba-Lulua trans- presses· it: tract to help the new colonies in lation, since its appearance ten We have most of the outward paratheir work. The first group of years ago, has had an unex- phernalia of success. We hav~ s~v families has already reached pected influence on European eral African clergy, many ChrIstIan gathering places throughout the coun- Angola. traders, not versed in French or try and the Christian out-school is a -London Missionary Herald. English, but with a knowledge quite normal feature of the country- of the native language, who have side. But we have now also come to the second generation of Christians. Busy Nurses at Elat found their first real introduc- Christianity has become more conven- tion to the way of life in the tional; it is the "accepted thing," At Central Hospital in Elat pages of the Luba-Lulua Bible, and in the main I am sure it is true are sixteen women nurses. Some to say that there is not now the same are young graduates of mission the first complete Bible in any keenness amonl!' the individuals of schools and some are widows native language in central Bel- this African Church that there was who have bought their freedom gian Congo. It has a circulation fifteen years ago. from their husband's family. from Leopoldville to Elisabeth- ville. Young men often sit on -Church Missionary Outlook. These women work from morning to night, and often far their doorsteps and read with- WESTERN ASIA into the night, caring for the out danger of ridicule. from passick, making up supplies, steri- sers-by; some may read, as they Modern Turkey Makes Plans lizing instruments, getting the operating room ready, dressing so like to do, with a loud voice, The present regime in Turkey the wounds, bathing new-born heard by many in the village seems' determined, by an enbabies, caring for the orphans, lightened policy, to win for that who are at work. country a prestige surpassing -Bible Society Record.
scrubbing and cleaning. After Plows vs. Polygamy that of the former Ottoman Emwork hours they go to their pire. A vast scheme is on foot kitchens and cook their food. A writer in Woman's Mission- to give about 2,500,000 peasants Early in the morning and on ary Friend proves that plows a proprietary interest in the their half days off they work in have dealt a blow to the practice land. While preserving intact their gardens or gather food and of polygamy. It has been said the principles of private owner- firewood. Besides being nurses that the short-handled hoe is the ship, agricultural units, each most of them are Sunday school badge of African womanhood, comprising several villages; will teachers, and all of them belong and when all. cultivation of be formed into a "Kombine."
to one of two groups of personal crops was done by the hoe- One thousand of these are pro- workers. Two afternoons a woman's work-it naturally fol- jected. Seventy-eight per cent week they take their Bibles, lowed that the more wives a man of the population will benefit in gat1:Ier together for prayer, and had, the more land he was able one way or another by the pro- then go to the wards and neigh- to cultivate. But a plow can do ductivity which it is designed to boring villages to a c qua i n t more work in less time than secure.. Jumhuriyet, in its issue others with their Saviour. Each many wives, so why have so of February 4, discussing this
national program; says that the such a pretext as ill-health. I try to help him. The lad came; forests which cover only twelve heard your message first in the a cure was effected, and when he per cent of the land area will be wards, and I come to the dispen- had been there four years he doubled, and works for the con- sary to hear more." said one day, "I want to be a folservation of water will be under- lower of Jesus Christ." The taken. A young man was treated free doctor asked him how he had of charge in the hospital as he reached this decision, and he re- -World Dominion Press. was poor and without work. plied that Mahomet had never While in the wards he was im- done anything for him, neither Syria's Spiritual Hunger pressed by the spirit of service had the Mohammedans. But, he which he saw in the workers said, it was the life which he had Medical work is of special and was influenced by what he seen lived in that mission comvalue in Moslem lands because heard. After leaving he ob- pound that had led him to wish it shows Christianity in action. tained work, and from time to to be a Christian. Missionaries in Syria living in time since then he has given Moslem neighborhoods are now small donations to the hospital -The Christian. reporting a real desire to under- out of his earnings, declaring stand Christianity for its own each time he does so that it is a INDIA-SIAM sake. Sometimes this is due way of repaying the debt he merely to an awakening interest owes to the hospital. Changes in Twenty Years in the world at large; but the missionary in one strongly Mos- -E. M. M. S. Quarterly. A contributor to Agricultural lem city reports that he always Mission Notes asked 35 students finds it easy to lead from this A Pioneer in Iran in Pasumalai Normal School purely intellectual interest to the what noteworthy changes have spiritual. A religion free of the Dr. P. A. Satralker is a young taken place in South India in the detailed, rigid .observances of Indian medical man who is past twenty years. These stu- Islam; a religion simple enough working as a missionary in Iran dents are thoughtful men of colthat a simple man can under- under the Bible Churchman's lege age. The first eight changes stand its meaning, yet profound Missionary Society, stationed at listed are given in the order of enough that the greatest scholars Zahidan, South East Iran. Be- the strength of the vote. cannot find its ultimate reach; tween there and Quetta, 500 one based on a few great prin- miles eastward, there is no Caste distinctions are disappearing. ciples and not depending on a Christian witness. The nearest Untouchability is being rapidly disthousand petty observances-all mission to the north is Meshed, this appeals to the young Mos- 615 miles distant. The hospital carded. lem of today. Most of all, he is at Zahidan represents the only Child marriages are decreasing. beginning to ask about a religion organized Christian effort in this Education for women is increasing. that is worked out in actual life wide area. Coeducation is becoming more comand not in formalities. Dr. Satralker's father was a mon. Damascus Hospital minister of the Indian Presby- There is wider public interest in edu- terian Church, and believed that In Damascus, a Mohammedan the same Holy Spirit who had cation. stronghold, it is very difficult for led the Churches of the West to The demand for Home Rule is more a non-Christian to make public send the Gospel to India would confession of Christ as Saviour empower Indians to pass it on widespread and insistent. without great danger to life and to other lands. Of his four sons Rural reconstruction is multiplying. property. But many incidents the eldest is now in charge of an Epidemics are being mastered. encourage the staff at the Edin- American Presbyterian station; Women are entering public life. burgh Medical Mission Hospital. the second is now serving at Miraj, in Sir William Wanless' Interreligious Student A woman, who had been an Sanatorium; the third is the Conference in-patient, but had been dis- subject of this sketch, and the charged, continued to attend the fourth, also medical, is a mis- A Y. M. C. A. worker reports out-patient department Ion g sionary to Arabia. a student conference at Varkala, after she had left the hospital. Travancore, at which Christian, It was puzzling to know why she At Zahidan, aggressive evan- Moslem and Hindu students met should persist in coming, but gelism is impossible, as preach- on a purely religious basis. she finally made a confession to ing is forbidden except on There was honest skepticism on the hospital evangelist, Mr. mission premises, and lantern all sides. Questions arose out of Saliba, "I do not come here for lectures are included in the ban. real desire to know the truthmedical treatment. I come to questions that tested the best rehear the Gospel message. In my Dr. Satralker, when on a jour- ligious experience represented own house I am almost a pris- ney, halted at a coffee-shop be- there. For example: "How can oner and could never come out side the road. Sitting outside one know the will of God?" here to the hospital except on was a beggar boy with a terrible "What special value do the foot. The doctor told him that Scriptures have over the sciim- if he would come a little later to tific research of today?" "Why the Zahidan hospital he would need we go back to the experi- ences of those of the past when we of this age know more than they did?" Or, "I had lost my confidence in Hinduism, and
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
thought that Christianity was was stopped, and filth and smell Siam has religious freedom. The restrictions on Christian activities are ideal. Then I learned of their became unbearable. Dr. Clifford divisions, their failings, and I G. Manshardt, head of Nagpada very few. How long will this last? Siam is growing in geographical began to see all religions as Neighborhood House, gathered and political unity. There are no struggling after the ideal." It young Jews, Hindus, Moslems longer isolated fields in Siam itself. Older missionaries soon to retire was interesting to hear a Hindu and Christians in his School for have prestige and influence that leader help a Christian leader Social Work, and went into the should be used strategically and make his point clear. streets with brooms and dump urgently.
carts to clean up the place. It New leadership is arising in the personalities of younger missionaries, On the Depressed Class was a dramatic lesson in com- eager to unite on forward-looking munity spirit as menial work projects. Movement done by young men of all castes Equipment at certain places must Dr. P. B. Hivale, of Bombay, and creeds was an astounding either build up or close up. in an address before the All- thing. The next day the mu- India Conference of I n d ian MISCELLANEOUS Christians, told what he thought nicipality began work again with the Christian attitude should be Gifts and Giving toward the problem of the de- street cleaners in that section; pressed classes. and next day the press of India The Un i ted Stewardship made front-page news of the Council has recently issued its "I cannot but believe," he event.
said, "that in the principles Forman Christian College compilation of data in regard to which were given to us by Jesus gifts to 24 leading Protestant de- Christ you find the motive power Forman Christian College, nominations in the United States which makes human freedom Lahore, has been a pioneer in and Canada. possible. Therefore, Christians many lines. It was the first to Total gifts to the 24 commumust place before the depressed form a Graduates' Association nions were $315,438,747 in 1936 classes what they have, not in a in 1896, the first to open a Bi- as compared with $304,692,499 spirit of competition, but merely ology Department in 1898, the for 1935. This means a per as a witness to the liberating first to adopt coeducation in capita increase from $12.10 to power of Jesus Christ. Such a 1902, first to conduct medical ex- $12.46. Gifts for congregawitness must not be, however, amination of students admitted tional expenses increased from accompanied by any promise of to the College (1914). Her stu- $251,347,435 to $258,167,763, a economic help or political status. dents were the first to receive per capita increase from $9.98 Any attempts to enter into a the degree of B.Sc. from the to $10.20. The per capita inbargain with the depressed University of the Panjab. Dur- crease in gifts for denominaclasses for political purposes, or ing the past four years the Col- tional benevolences is a little less with the hope of increasing num- lege, now under the principal- proportionately than in those for bers is against the very spirit of ship of Dr. S. K. Datta, has congregational expenses – from our religion and we must set our made some vital changes; a new $2.02 in 1935 to $2.12 in 1936. face against it. At the same office was created in 1934 to fol- In 1936, as in 1935, the Church time we cannot but hope that the low up the progress in his of the Nazarene gave the largest depressed classes may find in the studies which each intermediate total amount per capita, $25.55. principles of Christ the abun- student makes. An annual camp In 1936, as in 1935, the United dant life for which they are is held for first-year students Presbyterian Church gave the searching. The decision must be where for two weeks they work largest amount per capita for their own. Whatever the deci- and play together. The effect of denominational benevolences, but sion, it should be our duty to help this novel experiment appears have decreased their gifts from remarkable, especially when one $7.18 per capita to $6.53. them. in their struggle. "However, we must confess looks at it in the light of the Three denominations in the that even in Christian churches communal shackles that fetter United States gave less per capthere has been class discrimina- India in general and the Panjab ita than in 1935; all the others increased their gifts at least a tion.· A challenge comes to the in particular. -Indian Witness. little. Christian Church to reexamine Of the three Canadian com- itself and to purge itself of all munions the gifts of the Cana- dian Baptists and the Presbysuch distinctions and all such New Life for Siam evils that come from our human failure to live up to the ideals Dr. Charles T. Leber, the new terians decreased both for dewhich we hold and which are a secretary of the Presbyterian nominational benevolences and sacred trust from our Master." Board and now on a tour of mis- for congregational expenses; sion fields in Asia, urges a new while the United Church in- united program for Siam. Here creased its per capita gifts Headliner are some of his observations: for denominational benevolences During a three days' com- The National Church is still young slightly, but decreased its gifts munal riot in Bombay the reg- enough to be enthusiastic, willing and for congregational expenses. ular city street cleaning service pliable. -Federal Council Bulletin.
Missionary
Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information ~,,============================== Rats, Plague and Religion. John most the number of the popula- Ambedkar movement as an in- Spencer Carman. 250 pp. $1.25. tion of the whole of the United troduction to the whole question Judson Press. Philadelphia. 1936. States are without any skilled medical help in India? Those of our Western churches' contri- This is as interesting a book who have in hand the prepara- bution in the past and our re- tion of textbooks for the study as its title would lead readers to of India in 1938-39 should have sponsibilities for the future. this book in mind, and some pub- Thus while bringing out Dr. expect, and is the best collection lisher would do well to issue a Pickett's survey conclusions in cheap edition to ensure its win- simple fact and figure, he has we know of stories concerning ning its way into the homes and led us to the brink of the future, hearts of the American people. medical mission work in India. with the vast need of India's J. F. EDWARDS. teeming Untouchables upper- Dr. John Spencer Carman of the Missionary Stories to Tell. Compiled most in our sympathies. Victoria Memorial Mission Hos- by the Children's Committee of the The author not only interprets Missionary Education Movement. pital at Hanumakonda in the 178 pp. Cloth, $1.00; paper, 50 the nature of the so-called "mass Hyderabad State (Nizam'& Do- cents. 1936. movement," but describes the minions) has had the help of his actual process of Christianizing capable wife who contributed Every teacher knows the edu- these depressed classes. Vivid several of the stories. They il- cational value of a well-told glimpses from current reports, lustrate how much can be done story. Through this collection latest figures of numerical progby a faithful missionary couple of 38 stories, boys and girls will in their first six years on the not only learn the facts about ress, eye-witness descriptions of field. Would any ordinary busi- modern missions, but will gain village life, all bring to the ness concern, in any part of the an understanding of world fel- reader a sense of the vital world, show equal results in so lowship and racial brotherhood. drama-spiritual, social and ecobrief a period? The stories are The stories are especially adapt- nomic-now proceeding in Innot only fascinatingly told but ed for telling, and are of tested they reproduce the Indian at- value to leaders of children in dia. mosphere with surprising cor- introducing boys and girls of the The author's review of the inrectness. Happy must have been Americas, China, Japan, Korea, the American audiences that India and Africa. creasing contributions of govheard them. No wonder the ernmental and non-Christian doctor and his wife have been The Untouchables' Quest. Godfrey agencies is appreciative; he urged to give their addresses Phillips. 96 pp. 40 cents. Edinthis permanent form which de- burgh House Press. London. 1936. commends them to Christian apserves wide circulation. Books proval and assistance, though he by India's medical missionaries This unpretentious book, tak- shows how justified is the Chrisare too rare, a simple and suffi- ing less time to read than the tian conviction that the changed cient explanation being that Book of the Acts, is a chronicle every medical missionary in' In- of modern "Acts" of the Holy inner life based on vital relation dia is already greatly over- Spirit. Inspiration and chal- to Christ is fundamental to any burdened with work on the field lenge are presented by facts lasting improvement in individand their furloughs are taken clearly expressed and forcefully ual and corporate life of the Unup by home churches that wish emphasized. Mr. Phillips, an to hear their moving stories. If English exmissionary (now a touchables. every missionary on furlough Board Secretary), has sought to could have as useful a "father- bring forth into the common Among portions most useful to the in-law" to help prepare his man- knowledge of the British and reader, and to one who desires to use uscript for the printer then American churches the great the book for preparing addresses or many more entrancing mission- study by Dr. (now Bishop) J. for classes are those dealing with ary books might be published. Waskom Pic k e t ,t, "Christian (a) the three years of experience The ignorance of home churches Mass Movements in India." Mr. since Mr. Gandhi's dramatic fast for about mission lands must be dis- Phillips has used the important the untouchables; (b) the startling pelled by some method or other. superiority in literacy of the Chris- How many people in the Amer- tians over Hindus and Moslems; ican churches realize that al- (c) difficulties and achievements in self-support, and (d) multiplying evi- dence that from the witnessing lives of transformed outcastes higher castes are being won to Christ in large numJers, and the emphatic chapter entitled "Everything Depends on Teaching."
Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the REVIEW publishers on receipt of price.
[ 268] The author closes with the ners-one as an American Con- Almost nothing is said about the note of urgency and warning, gregationalist and an interna- many people of wide usefulness recognizing the long road ahead tional evangelist who went whom Mr. M90dy led to Christ. for Christian forces. In blunt everywhere preaching; and the There is no index. language he says "this thing other as a metropolitan Baptist The fact that Mr. Day never which is too big for us already preacher who drew people trom saw D. L. Moody and was not is going to become far bigger." everywhere to hear him in his intimately acquainted with his B. C. HARRINGTON. London tabernacle. Both estab- work explains many of the lished educational institutions- omissions and inadequate lights Missionary Romance in Morocco. Spurgeon a Pastors' College and and sidelights on the great evan- By James Haldane. Illus. 8vo. 189 pp. 28. 6d. Pickering & Inglis. orphanage, and Moody a Bible gelist. As a balanced biography London. ·1937. Institute and two schools for it is lacking but as Mr. Day's struggling young men and young estimate of the man and his Morocco is one of the less message it is interesting and familiar countries of the world. women. Both were Bible stu- shows a man whom God used. It is out of the line of tourist travel and is inhabited by Moors dents and published books and A History of Jewish Christianity. and Berbers who are not over- tracts which have sent the Gos- From the First to the Twentieth friendly to Europeans. While pel in print all over the world. Century. By Hugh T. Schonfield. there are representatives of sev- Both were men of prayer and London. Duckworth, 1936. eral Protestant missionary so- depended on the Holy Spirit for cieties in Morocco, the field is power. Both were endowed with This important book has asnot an encouraging one because sembled valuable facts related to of the fanatical character of the a sense of humor and "common a phase of ecclesiastical history Moslems. Mr. Haldane intro- sense." Both died in their prime that has been almost entirely duces us to the people and prob- -Spurgeon at fifty-six, and overlooked, for church historians lems in a very entertaining and Moody at sixty-two, and both have attached little importance illuminating series of chapters left an enduring work behind to the place of Jewish Christhat relate his observations and them and children to carryon. tianity in the course of the experiences during the past 25 Christian centuries. This book years. He is a missionary and The material for Mr. Day's seeks to furnish a continuous ac- Field Superintendent of the story of "The Great American count ·of Jewish Christianity and Southern Morocco Mission, with Commoner" are largely gathered its influence from Apostolic headquarters in Mazagan. There from Mr. Moody's youngest times to our own. In spite of are few, if any, recent books that sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Moody many a hiatus in the records we give as vivid a picture of the have the results of extended products of Islam in North Washburne of Racine, Wiscon- research and a valuable contri- Africa. sin. For the most part it is not bution to the study of the sub- new but gives some fresh and ject. interesting glimpses of D. L.
Moody, his family and asso- ciates. The author's philosophy and personality are even more prominent here than those of his The aim of this history is ex- Bush Aglow. Life Story of D. L. subject but the book pictures a . pressed in a quotation taken Moody. By Richard E. Day. Illus. great soul, a love – motivated from Basil Mathews' "The Jew 331 pp. $2.00 net. Judson Press. soul-winner, and one filled with and the World Ferment." He Philadelphia. 1936.
D. L. Moody, who was born in the Holy Spirit and who built says: "We do not believe it to poverty just one hundred years both for time and eternity. be in the purpose of God that the ago, was a remarkable man. His One peculiarity of this biog- Jewish Christian should be delife seems to offer almost inex- raphy is its omissions. Little is prived of the opportunity of haustible material for biogra- said about the institutions that making his own distinctive phers. Three new volumes have D. L. Moody founded and that racial and cultural contribution recently come from the press he sometimes said represented within the Christian Church." thirty-seven years after his his most abiding work. The The principle, as thus stated, is Moody Bible Institute is given in full accord with the science of death. The new biography is by the six pages out of 333, Northfield modern missions. It is when we author of "The Shadow of the one page and Mount Hermon come to consider, however, what Brood Brim," a life of George two pages; almost nothing is was the "distinctive racial and H. Spurgeon, the great English said about the Northfield Con- cultural contribution," w h i c h preacher, who was born just a ferences and little about the Col- Mr. Schonfield thinks Jewish year before D. L. Moody. The portage Library; the names of Christians should make within two men had many points in many of those most vitally asso- the Church, that we find ourcommon – both were born of ciated with Mr. Moody are selves in disagreement. poor and obscure parents, had omitted; while others of little The author claims the right comparatively few educational importance are included; noth- for Jews who accept the Mesadvantages, were soundly con- ing is said of the work of his siahship of Jesus to remain withverted in youth and became sons and son-in-law in carrying in the Jewish community, to confamous preachers and soul-win- on the institutions he founded. tinue the observance of the
peculiar customs of their people, ment of Jewish Christians from women and children of wealth, and to cherish the heritage of their own people and the loss of holding them for ransom, bru- Israel. He believes that the their testimony within the House tally executing them when ran- Jews would thus "banish forever of Israel. We have here a fresh som was not forthcoming or the pain of the broken family study of the relationship of when captives failed to keep up circle," and be able effectively to Jewish Christians to the Chris- with the rapid marches. The "open the eyes of their brethren tian Church and suggestions as hope of a large ransom led the to the saving truth that Jesus is to how their testimony for Communists to save the lives of the Messiah." He also seems to Chdst can be made more effec- the two missionaries. Mr. Hayapprove of a return by Jewish tive in reaching their unrecon- man alone was released on the Christians to the view of Jesus ciled brethren. J. S. CONNING. payment of ten thousand Chi- held by certain followers of nese dollars by a Chinese friend, Christ in the first Christian cen- The Restraining Hand. By R. A. though the release of both had turies, known as Ebionites. Mr. Bosshardt. 288 pp. Price, $1.50. been promised for that sum. Schonfield says, "Their Chris- Hodder & Stoughton, London. 1936. Five months later, Mr. Boss- tology was a simple one. They This record of the "Captivity hardt was released without ranbelieved that Jesus was the nat- for Christ in China" of two som when it occurred to his capural son of Joseph and Mary, members of the China Inland tors that, as a Swiss, he did not elected to the high office of Mes- Mission, Messrs. Hayman and belong to an imperialist nation! siah by virtue of His Holy life Bosshardt, for periods of 413 For a picture of Chinese Comand Davidic descent; that He and 560 days respectively, is a munism in its horrible reality, had been so designated at His fit companion for the narratives baptism by the entering in of the of "Boxer Days," of fiery trials not as the theorists portray it, Holy Spirit and by the Voice that in the Church's various persecu- one should read this book. It is proclaimed, 'Thou art My Son, tions, and of the experiences of this day have I begotten Thee.' the Apostle Paul so briefly yet so a modern parallel to parts of the They also believed that after graphically recorded in the Acts eleventh chapter of The He- brews. COURTENAY H. FENN.
proclaiming the Kingdom of and the Epistles. The book Indians of Today. Edited by Marion God, He laid down His life for might have a wider reading and E. Gridley. 128 pp. $2.50. Pri- the salvation of Israel, was produce a deeper impression if vately published by the Indian buried, rose again from the it had been cut to half its length, Council Fire, 108 North Dearborn dead, ascended into Heaven, and yet the interest of the reviewer St., Chicago. 1936.
would shortly return again to set was maintained through a com- When it is no longer thought up His Kingdom and reign over plete reading of the simple story, necessary to introduce American despite the natural sameness of citizens of aboriginal descent the House of Jacob forever." Students of history will recog- its detail of daily hardship and with the sound of tomtoms and nize at once views over which peril. The heart-sickness of a display of war-bonnets when many a battle royal has been "hope deferred," the dreary they are accepted without fanfought in other generations. loneliness of separation from fare as our equals and contem- Yet Mr. Schonfield looks forward' loved ones and association with poraries, then we shall no longer hopefully to "the return of the murderous ruffians, the deprivagreat Gentile churches to the tion of books – even with no have need for an Indian Bureau, simple faith and Christology of Bible for most of the time-the for "Indian" organizations, or for exclusively Indian schools.
the early Jewish Christians," lack of proper food and clothing, Until that day-which some of and to the time when they will the inability to bathe with conse- us believe may not be far offenunciate "g,imple and universal quent infestation by. verrllin such a. compilation as "Indians principles of belief in which the picked uP from filthy lodgings of Today," sponsored by the In- Unity of God and the Messiah- and associates-all these things dian Council Fire of Chicago and ship of Jesus will be the funda- made it impossible for anything edited by its secretary, Marion mentals." Such a faith he con- but the most impUcit faith in E. Grid,ley is welcomed as an inceives would be "acceptable God to sing songs, give thanks dex of progress already made and preach Christ "in season and toward the goal. alike to Jew and Gentile."
But the author's facts, quite out of season." The late Charles Curtis, a apart from his interpretation of Their captors were the Com- former senator and vice-presi- them, command our attention munist Army as it was driven by dent of the United States, whose and interest. They bring us face the Government troops through minor strain of Indian blood has to face with the tragic failure of the provinces of Hunan, Kwei- been widely publicized, tells us the Church to commend Christ chow and Yiinnan toward the in his Foreword what those to the Jew, with the spiritual northwest borders of China. whose stories and portraits ap- homelessness of Jews who be- Bombing airplanes constantly pear "have achieved in the face come believers in Jesus, and the harassed the Communists, yet, of terrific handicaps." Together lack of fellowship which they so dodging and fleeing, they cap- with hundreds less well known, often encounter within the tured towns and villages, looting they are filling a worthy place Church, and with the estrange- and destroying, kidnapping men, in our modern civilization. The
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
.editor does not pretend to cover strange land for the first time. not merely to sugar coat misthe ground fully. Some Indians The author shows that all Africa sionary and other religious in- who well deserved mention were is not jungle but that there are formation but is especially to inunknown to the editor, while great and modern cities, high spire and motivate practical others preferred not to be listed. mountains, railroads and their work in church groups. The The analysis of 101 short stations, automobiles, mines, author has endeavored to make biographies shows that about waterfalls, plantations, 0 pen the staging and costuming one-third of those included claim rolling grass land, yes, and dense simple so as to be within the to be "full bloods." . One-fourth bush. Of course a children's range of the average church. It are less than half Indian, al-· book must mention lions, leop- is to be regretted that these though only Mr. Curtis, and ards, elephants, hippopotami, sketches were not revised so as Mrs. Roberta Campbell Lawson monkeys and Africa's other ani- to meet the new legal, social and (granddaughter of a native Del- mals. religious conditions with which aware missionary, and now pres- Living in these pages are also, the Christian Church has to ident of the General Federation and mainly, people-boys herd- deal, since the plays were first of Women's Clubs), are below ing flocks, taking turns going to used. Missionary motives, con- one-fourth degree. school where they learn songs versational style and facts have About one-third of those and Bible stories which they changed so markedly that little whose stories are presented live carry back to their fellow herds- of the material could now be and work among the general men. We read of little Ponsiwe used without considerable adap- population of America, as min- whose mother tried to hide her tation. If this is done the dra- isters to white churches, doctors, from evil spirits; there are matic basis of these plays and lawyers, scientists, business men Zepheniah and Sarah, the twins, pageants will be found helpful and others. Members of one who with their mother were as suggestive material well ar- considerable group serve under lepers; and there is Mary, one ranged. E. S. AITCHISON.
the Indian Bureau or as mis- of the children rescued by the sionaries on reservations; over missionaries during the famine. Heritage of Beauty. Pictorial Studies one-third are artists, singers, Wide territory was covered by of Modern Christian Architecture lecturers and writers on Indian in Asia and Africa. By D. J. Flemthemes; many entertainers have Miss Reed in her visit-Natal, ing. $1.50. Friendship Press, New Transvaal, Cape Colony, Orange York. 1937. been omitted. Twenty-two wom- Free State, Portuguese East .en are included, and several men Africa and the Belgian Congo. Many mission churches and Instructive notes are added to schools in foreign lands are so who have won fame and money each chapter, giving facts about crude or foreign that they are as successful athletes. Eleven each of the provinces. an offence to cultured natives and do not stimulate worship. are or have been Christian min- MYRTA PEARSON Ross. This is in spite of the fact that isters or pastors. Three of the such countries as India, Burma, Missionary Plays and Pageants. By Persia, Siam, Japan and China names are found in "Who's Who Mrs. Fannie Smith Gray. Crown in America," and others appear boast of many very beautiful in special books of reference. 8vo. 277 pp. $2.75. Western Bap- non-Christian temples. tist Publishing Co., Kansas City, Missionary groups will do well Mo. 1936. Dr. Fleming, formerly a misto study this compilation, the first of its kind, and it should be The demand for missionary sionary in India, has prepared made available in libraries, espe- material in dramatic form has ,cially those of schools, colleges, increased in late years as this attractive volume wit h .and historical societies. churches and other religious or- ganizations have come to realize forty-five photographic produc- ELAINE GOODALE EASTMAN. the dynamic of the visual pres- entation of truth. These 25 tions, with a view to promoting 'World Treasure Trails: Africa. By dramas and pageants cover a Nellie A. Reed. 127 pp. $1.00, range of subjects, including tem- and preserving in every land cloth; 50 cents, paper. Women's perance, sketches for special oc- Missionary Society, Free Methodist casion and various phases of national ideas of beauty in Church, Winona Lake, Ind. 1936. missionary work. The appeal is mostly to women and young Christian Church architecture. The author is a Free Meth- people. ·odist, who was sent out to Africa In these studies he shows the by the children of America, and The author was for 13 years now brings back a message to Baptist State Secretary for Kan- beautiful, appropriate, adretsiisgtinc~ young and old. She knows and sas and served as leader in the dignified and worshipful loves children of all races and Woman's National Jubilee and has drunk deeply from the foun- in some Christian churches ; tains of experience. others are dignified but seem out of place in their environ- ment. He also calls attention to art, symbolism and reverence in connection with churches. Every missionary, charged with build- ing houses of worship in other Here is an :atmosphere of ad- Continuation Campaigns of the lands, should examine this volventure that every missionary Northern Baptist Convention. ume and profit by Dr. Fleming's ,experiences :as he goes to a The aim of these productions is studies.
Kolerat Pitsiulret or True Stories of As his first wife, he married sketch of the Religions of China the Early Days of the Moravian Miss Lucy Guinness, a daughter is followed by a chapter on Mission on the Kuskokwim River, of Dr. H. Grattan Guinness of Christianity in China, from the Alaska. By S. H. Gapp. 106 pages. London. coming of the Nestorians to the 50 cents. The Comenius Press (The The story of this life, dedi- most recent developments in the Moravian Book Shop), Bethelehem, Pa. 1936. cated to God for Africa, is National Christian Council and The Moravian Church began deeply interesting from many the expanding ideal and realizaits work among the Eskimos of points of view. We read of wild tion of the Indigenous Church. the Kuskokwim District in 1885, elephant hunts, as well as adven- The author's picture of the Life and this booklet records in tures with wild men, but the . and Leadership of the Chinese graphic and gripping sty 1e traveler's chief interest was in Church, in country and city, talstories of what was involved in bringing men into vital relation- lies closely with the reviewer's pioneer missionary work fifty ship to Christ. Kumm met own 34 years of observation and years ago in subarctic Alaska. many famous men and spoke at participation in bot h. The What perhaps adds peculiar in- great assemblies. These contacts Church's virtues and frailties terest to these, at times, thrill- form the basis for some rich ex- are not very different from those ing narratives is the fact that periences that reveal the man's of the Western Churches, and one of the pioneer missionaries, strong character and wide in- the great need is the same-that who for the first time brought fluence. He died in California of larger dependence upon God's the Gospel to these neglected on August 29, 1930, but the Spirit for a fuller and more enpeople, was a full-blooded Del- work of the S. U. M. goes on ergizing life. It is a felt need aware Indian, the greatgrand- with many signs of the blessing and Chinese preachers and itinson of the famous Chief Gelele- of God. erant bands have been raised up mend of Revolutionary fame. to meet it as never before, in The first chapters give a review China Calling. By Rev. Frank more extensive and intensive of his life. After his death his Houghton, B.A. 80 pp. Paper, 50 evangelism and the development widow gave to Dr. Gapp all her cents; cloth, $1.00. China Inland of the spirit of independent selfdiaries, from which he has Mission, Lon don, Philadelphia. support and self-propagation.
1936.
gleaned this remarkable tale, It would be hard to find else- But lest any should think that which he has been permitted to where as many interesting facts the missionary is no longer publish now that she too has about China, the country, the needed in China, the author gone to her eternal reward. The people, their history, their char- draws attention to the still small acter, their attainments and number and the poverty of the book gives a vivid picture of their needs, in equally small 500,000 Chi n e s e Protestant missionary activities amid the snow and ice of Alaska, and also compass. The Editorial Secre- Christians among nearly 500,- of some of the experiences- tary of the China Inland Mis- 000,000, and the vast populasometimes tragic – of the early sion, and now a Bishop in tions entirely unevangelized. In Eskimo converts. P. DE S. Szechuen, has made full use of his mind there is not the slight- Pools on the Glowing Sand. The earlier books on China and the est question that "none but Jesus Story of Karl Kumm. By Irene V. Chinese, but also, with unusual Christ can do helpless sinners Cleverdon. Introduction by Samuel opportunities, has made equal good," therefore China presents M. Zwemer. Illus. 8vo. 194 pp. 58. Specialty Press. Melbourne, use of eyes and ears and mind on the world's loudest call and present-day China. He has pro- greatest opportunity to those Australia. 1936. duced a book which should find who follow the Master in being Karl Kumm was a pioneer a large place in the study classes lovers of souls. "Love never missionary traveler in Central of churches and societies as af- faileth." C. H. FENN.
Africa and described his inter- fording an admirable bird's-eye esting observations in two vol- view of that long-lived race in God in the Every Day. By Hugh urnes: "The Lands of Ethiopia," the weakness and strength of its Redwood. 8 vo. 117 pp. 28. 6d. and "From H a usa 1and to past, its modern progress and Rich and Gowman, London. 1936.
Egypt." He had outstanding problems, its resources, its need Another book by the religious gifts as a Christian scholar, an of "What Jesus Christ alone can edi,tor of the London D ail y effective speaker and missionary give." Hence this book's stir- Chronicle is always welcome. explorer and was one of the ring call to the Christian Church Like "God in the Slums" it is founders of the Sudan United in Great Britain and America to the story of how Christ finds Mission and its General Secre- seize the present unequalled op- men and women and saves them tary. portunity. Its appeal is by: no from sin and destruction. It is Karl Kumm was of German means limited to the C. 1. M. and illustrated by individual experiparentage and was born in Os- its supporters. The style of the ences and one chapter of espeterode, Hanover, in 1874. Later book is easy and the author's cial interest is autobiographical. he became international in his sense of humor is frequently in Every pastor, teacher and percontacts and allegiance, with evidence. sonal worker will find it a rich Great Britain, America and Af- After a description of the storehouse for inspiration and rica as his adopted countries. land and people, an excellent illustration. .
Born-And Then? By An- know the Hindu people, their DO YOUR S.S.PAPERS
drew Gih. Edited by J. Edwin Orr. system, customs and problems. 12mo. 128 pp. Is. Marshall, It was a great experience which ~ Morgan & Scott. London. 1937. they have capi,talized to good advantage. He describes each BIBLE TBUTH~ Andrew Gih is a Chinese separate caste from Brahman to Christian, still a young man, an dancing girl and then tells of the ~- HAPPY HOURS evangelist of the Bethel Mission service system, payment, conin Shanghai. Recently he has cessions, and its disintegrating '– ""'"""'- For.he Primacies not only traveled widely in features. The laws of compen- -…….. China, preaching the Gospel, but sation and rights are studied, Sample. of 011' has been on a world-wide evan- and the advantages and disad- Paperl and Ouartedi.. gelistic tour and has given his vantages of the whole system. message very effectively to large It is a valuable study for any sent free on recpest audiences in America and Eng- missionary or student of social E5T.1886 land. Now friends have per- science. suaded him to write the story of CBHISTIAN PUBLICATIONS INC. his early life, his conversion, his The lessons Dr. Wiser draws Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg~Pa. Christian ministry and his mes- from the system are fifteen. The sage. All has been edited by J. features that should be retained Education for Missions in the Local Edwin Orr, the young British include: Church. E. Mae Young. 89 pp. evangelist, aut h 0 r of "Can 35 cents. Methodist Book Concern. God-?" and other volumes. 1. Contentment and peace. 2. The individual wishes subordinated New York. Andrew Gih's story is strik- Landlord and Peasant in China. A ing and stimulating. His faith to the group. Study of the Agrarian Crisis in is clear, his spirit is Christlike 3. A federation of groups leading to China. Chen Hanseng. 144 pp. and his message is Biblical. The $2.00. International Publishers. book well repays a careful read- solidarity. ing, though its style is conversa- 4. The farmers living at the center New York. tional, rather than literary and Revisiting My Pygmy Hosts. Paul the life-story would be improved rather than in scattered homes. by condensation and reediting. 5. The village community as the pri- Schebesta. Trans. by G. Griffin. The Scripture messages deal llIus. Map. 288 pp. 18s. Hutchwith the Holy Spirit and are in- mary unit of society in India. inson. London. tended particularly for Chris- 6. Education and religion as playing Stone Age Bushmen of Today. Life tians who need cleansing, and and Adventure Am~mg a Tribe of power. They will be helpful to a large part in creating unity. Savages in Northwestern Australia. any earnest Christian of any 7. The greatest factor contributory to J. R. B. Love. Illus. 220 pp. race, in any land. 8s. 6d. Blackie. London. a sense of security is a recogni- Native Education and Culture-Con- The Hindu Jajmani System. By tion of common responsibility. tact in New Guinea. William C. Wm. H. Wiser. Paper bound. 192 Groves. 179 pp. 6s. University pp. Lucknow Publishing House, He says in conclusion: "Just Press, Melbourne; Oxford Univer- India. 1936. as India is helping us to under- sity Press, London. stand more clearly the Galilean Wm. H. Wiser has been for Master's teaching of passive re- Christ the Hope of the W orId. Resome years a missionary in the sistance, it can help us' to under- port of the Twelfth World's Sunday United Provinces of Indian and, stand His teaching that no man wSceh.ooml Cuosn. ve3n5t0iopnp. . Alexander Gamwith his wife, wrote a fasci- has a right to live entirely unto $1.00. World's nating book of Indian village himself and that they who are Sunday School Assn. New York. life, called "Behind Mud Walls." strong are under an ethical obli- Now Dr. Wiser has published gation to bear the burdens of Christianity and Our World. J. C. another and more detailed study the weak." Bennett. 65 pp. 50 cents. Assoof one of the features of the Village System-the "Jajmani" or New Books ciation Press. New York. relationship between employer Church and ,state on the European and 'employee. This system is Ablaze for God. Life Story of Paget Continent. Adolf Keller. 6s. Epcomplicated because of the Wilkes. Mary W. Dunn Pattison. worth Press. London. twenty-four castes and out- 316 pp. Japan Evangelistic Band. castes, with their traditional oc- London. ON SHIPBOARD cupations and taboos. For example: the Brahmans may be The Foundations Must Stand. P. E. An unusual gathering, sayS a corserved by anyone of the twenty- Kretzmann. 123 pp. 75 cents. respondent, was held lately on board four castes while the sweeper Concordia Publishing House. St. the P. and O. steamer Carthage, bound can only be served by a few. Louis. for China. Under the heading "Why we are going to China?" several young For five years Dr. Wiser and Letters by a Modern Mystic. Frank men going out to the China Inland his family lived just outside a C. Laubach. 46 pp. 25 cents. Mission for the first time gave their village, which they called Ka- Student Volunteer Movement. New testimony in front of 250 passengers York. and ship's officers. The speakers, who rimpur. Here they learned to had taken a prominent part in the A Theology for Christian Missions. usual deck sports, all told how they Hugh Vernon White. $2.00. 220 had been led to realize that tqe ac- pp. Willet Clark & Co. Chicago. cepting of Christ as their Saviour was a real and personal matter, and how Alaskan Adventures. By Loyal L. in different ways they had received Wirt. $1.50. 124 pp. Revell. New the call to China.-British Weekly. York.
Twelve Mighty Missionaries. E. E. Enock. 95 pp. Is. Pickering and Inglis. London.
They Found God. M. L. Christlieb. 152 pp. 58. Allen and Unwin. London.
NOT MISS THESE ARTICLES IN
JUNE NUMBER OF THE THE MISSIONARY ~~WORLD CHRIST AND RURAL AMERICA Some Back Road Problems ………………………………….. Eunice B. Buck The Challenge of the Rural Community ……………………… Mark A. Dawber The Murdock Trail …………………………………….. .Alvin E. Magary Neglected Fields in Rural America ………………………….. William R. King Unity and Cooperation for Rural Churches ………………… .Edward D. Hamner As a Farmer's Wife Sees It ……………………………… .Mrs. A. W. Hewitt Case Work in Rural America ………………………………… .Hilda L. lves A Colporteur's Experiences …………………………………. , ohn C. Killian Tenants, Share-Croppers and the Church …………………. Charles M. McConnell Keeping the Fountains Clean ………………………. , .. .Henry W. McLaughlin The Work of Rural Sunday Schools ……………………… .'ohn M. Somerndike The Country Pastor's Job … , …………………….••…………. .Mark Rich The Larger Parish Plan ………………………….•……. Ellsworth M. Smith What Rural Churches Are Doing ………………………….. W. H. Thompson Woman's Work in a Country Church ………………………. .Mrs. ,. D. Wyker Volunteers in Rural Church Service ………………………….. Louis C. Harnish Best Books on Rural Life Porblems …………….. ; ………… Benson Y. Landis ORDER COPIES FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SOCIETY, BEFORE THE EDITION IS SOLD OUT.
25 cents a copy. $20.00 a hundred $2.50 a year THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD ROBERT E. SPEER, President DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor
The Missionary Review of the World — March 1937
MARCH,1937
Changing and Unchanging Things in Foreign Missions Robert E. Speer The American Indian and His Religion Elaine Goodale Eastman What Christ Has Done for Untouchable~ v. s. Azariah A Firebrand for Christ in Iran J. Christy Wilson Japanese Shrines and Emperor Worship By a Resident of Japan Modern Missionary Motives w. B. Anderson Christ, the Church and Modern Youth Daniel A. Poling 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember PLAN NOW to Spend Next Summer's Vacation with
ica's Greatest Theological Teachers. March ll-15-Annual Meeting, Wom- an's Missionary Council, Methodist Winona Lake School of Theology, Winona Lake, Indiana Episcopal Church, South. Colum- bia, S. C. For Ministers. Teachers, Missionaries. Sunday School Workers and Laymen SO May ll-General Conference, United Courses leading to Regular Theological Degrees, Cost Reasonable Free Brethren in Christ, Chambersburg, July 7 to August ll···Two Terms 15 Days Each.•·lnterdenominational Pa. Rooms Evangelical Faith and High Scholarship Combined May 18-21-National Convention of Dr. W. E. Biederwolf. Director (Ask for free Prospectus) Dr. J. A. Huffman. Dean the Evangelical Women's Union, St. Louis, Mo. and of all Christians in order to rid ~!,mn~ the world of leprosy. May 20-25 – Northern Baptist Con- vention, Philadelphia, Pa. *** of tbt May 26 – General Assembly, United Miss Laura M. White, a mIsslOn- Presbyterian Church, Oak Park, Ill. ary in China for over forty years, May 27-General Assembly, Presby- died in Germantown, Pennsylvania, ((bri~tian terian Church in U. S. A., Colum- on January 25. She was born in bus, Ohio. Philadelphia, where she was grad- Obituary Notes uated from Temple University and lLift Mrs. Amy Wilkes Zwemer, the went to China in 1892 under the Womwife of Dr. Samuel M. Zwemer, of an's Foreign Missionary Society of cA. BOOK of worship in song, com- Princeton Theological Seminary, died suddenly of heart disease in New York the Methodist Episcopal Church. For bining a hymnal for general Citv on January 25. Mrs. Zwemer fifteen years she was editor of The was born 71 years ago in Woolver- Christian Literature Soc i e t y of church use, and a song book for evanhampton, England. After being graduated as a registered nurse she served Shanghai. gelistic purposes. Only songs sound in a hospital in Sydney, Australia and *** volunteered for mission work in Bagh- Mrs. Lillie Campbell Orbison, wife in the faith and inspirational in chardad, Iraq. She and Dr. Zwemer were married in Arabia in 1896 and con- of Rev. John H. Orbison, recently a acter included—emphasizing Evangeltinued their missionary service for member of the Punjab Mission of the Moslems, residing in Arabia and Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., died ism, Missions, and the Deeper Life. Egypt until 1930 when Dr. Zwemer on February 5th in Hoshiarpur, India. Many of the new-·-the best of the old. became Professor of Missions and Comparative Religions at Princeton Dr. and Mrs. Orbison were honorably 504 Songs Responsive Readings Theological Seminary. One of Dr. retired in 1932, after nearly fifty Topical Index Gold Embossed Zwemer's daughters, Mrs. C. L. Pickens, is the wife of a missionary in years of service in India. Mrs. Orbi- Published in round notes and Roxite cloth Hangkow, China; two other daugh- son was born in Manayunk, Pa., 78 edition only at $65.00 per 100···an especially ters and a son, Dr. Raymond L. years ago. low price. Single copy, S5c postpaid. Zwemer, of New York, also survive *** the mother. Mrs. Zwemer was author Write today for returnable sample copy of "Two Young Arabs," was joint author of "Topsy Turvy Land," "Zig- Mr. Frank Thompson, who died in Zag Journeys in the Camel Country," and was one of the editors of the CRUSADE SONqS London on November 22, in his 84th volume entitled "Moslem Women." year, was known for his long associa- '" Wellesley C. B'a" ile'"y, founder and tion with Spurgeon's Tabernacle and cA CHOICE selection of 105 hymns and retired secretary of the Mission to its allied institutions. He was also choruses for Revival Services, Bible Con- Lepers, which he founded over sixty years ago, died in Edinburgh, Scot- for nearly a quarter of a century a ferences, and Missionary Conventions. land, on January 28th at the age of member of the Baptist Missionary 90. Mr. Bailey was born in Thorn- Society's General Committee. One Strong manila binding, 15c each; bury, Ireland, on April 27, 1846, was son, Stanley, served in the Congo $12.50 per 100. Carriage extra. educated at Kilkenny College and after a brief period in New Zealand until retired because of broken health; CHRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS,Inc. became a Presbyterian missionary at another son, Cecil, is Secretary of a Ambala, India. There he opened the British Mission Auxiliary. 1502 North Third Street first missionary leper asylum in 1869. Five years later he founded the Mis- '" '" '" Harrisburg, Pa. sion to Lepers, during his furlough in Ireland, and in 1886 became gen- Sir Andrew Wingate, son of Rev. eral secretary to the Mission, a post Wm. Wingate, missionary to the Rev. Robert Tahupotiki Haddon, which he held until 1917, when he be- Jews, died in Switzerland January 1, Maori chief, died November 5. The came Honorary Superintendent. Mr. at the age of 90. Sir Andrew entered Methodist Times says: "Mr. Haddon Bailey emphasized the necessity for a the Indian Civil Service nearly sev- was a chief of high rank who could threefold objective, preaching the enty years ago, becoming widely trace his ancestry back a millennium. Gospel to lepers, supplying their known as Famine Secretary during He stood over six feet in height, erect simple wants, and relieving their suf- the great South India drought of as a spear, with flashing eyes in a ferings through medical care. Since 1877. On his retirement in 1902, he rugged, kindly countenance. He was then the Mission has sought also to gave himself wholeheartedly to volun- ordained to the native ministry in win the cooperation of governments teer missionary work. He was espe- 1904, and for over thirty years he exercised a faithful ministry. Mr. cially interested in the Bible Society's Haddon twice advocated the claims of activities, in Jewish missions, and in his people in New Zealand Parlia- Anglo-Indian Education. ment.
'" '" '" The Rev. Dr.'"Jam* es*S. Gale, author Dr. Thomas J. Porter, Prof. of of "Korean Sketches" and other vol- Church History at Campinas, Brazil, umes and for forty years a mission-' until his retirement in 1932, died sud- ary of the Presbyterian Church, denly in California, December 26. U. S. A., in Korea, died in Bath, Eng- Dr. Porter was a missionary in Persia land, on J.anuary 31 at the age of from 1889 to 1896, and after a period seventy-five. James Gale was born of iII health took up the professorship in Pilkington, Ontario, graduated from Toronto University and went to at Campinas.
'" '" '" Rev. N. Odinzov, President of the Korea in 1888 as a representative of All-Russia Baptist Union, recently the Y. M. C. A. Three years later he died in the Yaroslaw prison. He had joined the Presbyterian Mission and refused every temptation to renounce retired in 1928. to live in England. his Christian convictions. (Concluded on third cover.)
MISSIONARY Personal
REVIEW OF THE WORLD Dr. Julius .Richter, of Berlin, is TBE DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor now in America, lecturing at the ORI.ENT VOL. LX MARCH,1937 No.3 , Biblical Seminary in New York. In Publication and Business Olllce– Record Time! Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. * * … Mr. William M. Danner, for over Go direct fromVancouver and Editorial and Executive Olllce– Victoria in 10 days by Em- 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. twenty-six years the General Secre- press of Asia or Empress of Entered as second-class matter at Russia. Only 3 more days via tary of the American Mission to Hawaii by Empress of .lapan Post Olllce, Harrisburg, Pa., under Lepers, has been honorably retired. (fastest ship on the Pacific) Act of March 3, 1879. or Empress of Canada. Con- So far as his health permits, he will nect at Honolulu from Cali- 25 cents a copy–$2.50 a year. continue to serve the cause of the fornia ports. Low round-trip Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. fares include passage from Published monthly, except August. lepers by public addresses and in con- and to Seattle. All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1937. British agents – Marshall, Morgan sultation on the affairs of the Mission. ~fI.+ and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, .. * .. For rates and sailings, see 10 shillings a year. YOUR TRAVEL AGENT or Cana- The Rev. Emory Ross has been dian Pacific: New York, Chi- MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB~ ca~o, San Francisco, 38 other LISHING CO., INC. elected General, Secretary of the citIes in U. S. and Canada.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS American Mission to Lepers. He was, ROBERT E. SPEER, President A. L. WARNSHUIB, Vice-President for some sixteen years a missionary in WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary the Congo. … …
SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT Rev. T. C. Wu, General Secretary WILLIAM I. ClLumlDRLAIN D. J. FANT of the Chinese Mission to Lepers, has MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD WM. B. LIPPHARD resigned after more than ten years'
Emc M. NORTH service. As leader of the Chinese SAMUEL M. ZWEMER Mission to Lepers he has placed that Editorial Chat work on a high level of efficiency.
The annual meeting of the REVIEW * * … was held on February 18th for the Rev. Thomas Alfred Tripp, of consideration of annual reports and the election of directors for the en- Mystic, Connecticut, has become Assuing year. sociate Director of the Town and *** The June issue of the REVIEW will Country Department of the Church be devoted to the Home Mission study subject for the year, "Christ and Extension Boards of the Congrega- Rural America." (See notice on back cover of this issue.) tional churches. * * .. *** Rev. Ernest E. Grimwood has been Will you help acquaint friends with the REVIEW as a means of increasing appointed Director and Chairman of interest and cooperation in Christ's work throughout the world? Send the Central Asian Mission. Prior to names and addresses to the Circulation Department, 3d and Reily Streets, the War, he served the Mission as Harrisburg, Pa., and we will send honorary secretary and editor and free sample copies. later was honorary secretary of the *** Sudan Interior Mission, which posi- Here are the unsolicited estimates of the value of the REVIEW, received tion he resigned… in No… vember. recently from missionary readers: … "The REVIEWS that you are getting out are exceedingly fine. I do not Rev. William Henry Fonger has think that in all its history THE RE- been elected secretary of the Philip- VIEW has done as good work as it is pine agency of the American Bible doing now, and unless I am very Society, where he has served as actgreatly mistaken God is using it and ing agent since March, 1934. other influences with it, to get the missionary enterprise back on its own *** even keel again." Dr. Roy ,B. Guild and Dr. Worth DR. PAUL W. HARRISON. M. Tippy, Executive Secretaries of Muscat, Arabia. the Federal Council, became emeritus *** on January 1 and they will continue to give part time service to the Coun- "We enjoyed the Africa number of cil through 1937, carrying on certain THE REVIEW and hope that it will be important duties and being available possible for you to have a China number before very long. as counselors. … … …
REV. G. W. ROYALL. Dr. W. B. Bagby, Baptist mission- Shangtung, China. ary to Brazil since 1881, lives to see 600 churches with 50,000 members, five colleges, two seminaries, ,a publi- cation society, a home and foreign mission board carrying the gospel to the far interior of Brazil, to Portugal, and from Portu..g. al… to …Africa.
Dugald Campbell, F.R.G.S., who for several years has been in the serv- ice of the National Bible Society of Scotland, circulating the Scriptures through the Sahara, has found it necessary, from repeated heart at- tacks, to relinquish responsibility at Tamanrasset. This is an important development of the Society's work in the Sahara; it will now be under the direction of M. Jules d'Allmen.
(Concluded on third cover.) [113 ]
by Bureau of American
A RELIGIOUS TORTURE RITE OF THE AMERICAN I;lDIANS OF THE PLAINS THE RAIN DANCE OF THE ZUNI INDIANS OF NE.W MEXICO (See article on "The Amerkan Indian and His Religion," pages 128 to 130) REVIB ORLD VOLUME LX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 3 MARCH,1937 Topics of the ·Times YOUTH – THE GREAT AMERICAN jority .of American yQung people are tQday spir- MISSION FIELD itually illiterate. But just because they are in this conditiQn, From all quarters today is heard the cry fQr revival. Religious leaders are joined by men young people constitute a great and fruitful misprominent in business and professiQnal life in de- sion field. For, whether we who had our educaelaring that modern problems have .their roots in tiQn more than fifteen year,s ago like to admit it moral and spiritual ills. One of the recent addi- or not, our schools and colleges are today almost tions to the chorus insistently calling fQr revival completely secularized. Of course, there are still is Mr. John Edgar Hoover, chief of the Federal a few Christian institutions left, but, compared G-Men. Commenting upon the huge crime bill of with the total student population .of the land, their the nation, he says, "We are in dire need .of a number is very small. President James Bryant spiritual awakening. We must place the rejuve- Conant, Dr. Eliot's successor, once remQved, nation of national morality above mundane am- spoke in his first annual report of the aim of the founders of Harvard and that early Puritan herit- bitions. . . ." age .of the university whereby educatiQn and the- There is nothing very remarkable about such a ology were united. And then with perfect candor statement. Mr. Hoover's work brings him face to he continued, "It is hard fQr us to recapture their face with the fruits .of godlessness. In the great [the Puritans'] point .of view; today, learning has army of youthful criminals he sees the logical re- become secular." And so it has. It has become suIt of the fact that vast numbers of American so secular that President Nicholas Butler, .of Co- parents have heedlessly left God and religion out lumbia, protests as follows in one .of his reports: of their lives and out of their homes. In an essay "So far as tax-supPQrted schools are cQncerned, published in The Atlantic Monthly, in 1924, the an odd situation has been permitted toO arise. The late Pres,ident Charles W. Eliot, of Harvard, separation of Church and State is fundamental in pointed toO the forty or fifty milliQns .of Americans our American political order, but as far as relinot connected with any church or religious or- gious instruction is cQncerned, this princip,le has ganization whatever. After remarking that the been so far departed from as to put the whole children .of such parents receive no religious in- force and influence .of the tax..supported school on struction at home .or abroad and are therefore the side of .one clement .of the population-namely, densely ignorant .of fundamental moralities and that which is pagan and believes in no religion even gQod manners, Dr. Eliot wrote these trench- whatever." ant words: "N0 such experiment on SQ vast aYes, the young people of America are a great scale has ever been tried since time began, as this missionary challenge. And this applies to uniconsiderable fraction of the American people is versity students as well as to secQndary and elenow trying-namely, bringing up their children mentary pupils. As the Editor of this REVIEW without any religious instructiQn." The great remarked, after lunching with some leaders at a New England educator published those words recent Student Volunteer C.onventiQn, the delethirteen years ago. Has the experiment paid? gates were a missionary field in that many .of them Every judge, every minister, every spiritual- had never yet really faced the claims of the Gos:- minded educatQr knows that it has not paid. pel .of Christ? If ever the words of our Lord re- Rather has it cost a dreadful price; the great ma- garding "the fields white unto the harvest" ap- [ 115 ]
plied, they apply to. yQung people tQday. But, line-"The hungry sheep look up and are not fed." thank God, it is a fact that Ameriean youth is Let all missionary-minded Believers in Christ resPQnsive to. the Christian message. Black as the pray and wQrk to the end that the dreadful repicture of s,piritual illiteracy amQng our YQuth proach of a younger generatiQn spiritually starvmay be, it has anQther side. The great missiQn ing in a nominally Christian land may no longer field of American yQuth :is responsive to. Christ! rest upon the Church. FRANK E. GAEBELEIN. When He is truly presented, they listen and as they listen many yield themselves to Him. CHIANG, CHANG AND CHINA This is the mQst encQuraging fact in the reli- Oriental diplomacy is largely unintelligible to gious life Qf our cQuntry today-that the stirrings the Occidental mind, even ,to those who have spent of a spiritual awakening are being felt especially a lif~time in the Far East. China and Japan, in amQng the youth. SQme significant facts substan- any given circumstances, seldom s.ay or do what tiate that statement. First, there are the inter- Great Britain or America WQuld have said Qr denQminational ,summer cQnferences for young dQne, and their explanations of processes and repeQple. At a SCQre of centers throughout the land sults rarely meet Western requirements as to great numbers of students, many of them from lucidity Qr adequacy. colleges or universities, assemble for Bible study and spiritual fellowship, usually fQr periods of a One of the most mysterious and apparently irweek. Anyone who has been a leader in such con- rational performances in recent histQry is the ferences must have been struck with the intellec- sudden "kidnapping" and the unexpected release tual and moral calibre of the delegates and, even Qf Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek, the head of more, with their eager response to. the preaching the Nationalist Armies, together with the surof the sovereign claims of the crucified and risen render, trial and treatment of his erstwhile cap- Christ. To see college men and women, to say tor, Chang Hisiieh Liang, a subordinate officer. nothing of the many high school students who. go The Generalissimo had just ,achieved such marvelto. these cQnferences, enter into a personal rela- ous success in uniting all the provinces of China tionship with the Lord gives Qne new hQpe for a under a central gQvernment, after personally leadcoming revival in America. ing National forces in driving the murderous CQmmunist hordes ,to the northwest borders, that There are also Bible study groups in leading the world, in its reawakened hope that China was universities. A few months ago. the writer had winning a new lease of life, was startled and horthe privilege of 'speaking at a great technological rified, early in December, by the report that institute. He was invited by a Bible study club, Chiang Kai Shek had been seized and held prissponsored by a group of students and faculty. oner by Chang Hsueh Liang, his subordinate of- The meeting was not large, but its very existence ficer in Shensi whom he had gone to consult. Many was remarkable. After it was over a professor of Chiang's military escort were slaughtered at said that it was only the second time he had ever the time and Chang was even reported as brQadseen a speaker with a Bible in his hand on a plat- casting to. the world his execution of the Genform at that institution. And many anQther great eralissimo. educational institution has a similar group of earnest Christian students and faculty, seeking The so-called "Marshal" Chang, son of Chang to. give a real witness for our Lord. Tso Lin, the ex-bandit "War-lord" of Manchuria, unable to hold Manchuria and other territory Again, any .pastor who is preaching the Gospel against the Japanese and for some time in retirewith power to a fun church, will say that his mQst ment, was ostensibly engaged in completing the resPQnsive hearers are his young people. So has suppression of the CQmmunists in Shensi and it ever been. The disciples came to Christ as Kansu. He seems, on the contrary, to have made young men. As young men the greatest mission- common cause with those outlaws in demanding aries have gone out to. preach the -GQspel. for the Communist party a share in ,the govern- ment and cooperation with the gQvernment troops The spiritual illiteracy of American YQuth is an ina crusade to drive out the Japanese. The appalling problem. It is heart-breaking to see seizure of General Chiang was for the purpose . millions of them being educated in bQdy and in of cQmpelling the adoption of ,this PQlicy by the mind, but with spirits starved for want of the Nanking government. Bread of Life and the only thirst-quenching Water of Life. What a challenge this mi'ssiQn Profoundly stirred by the rebellion and es,pefield of youth, in yQur city or town and in mine, cially by the threat against the life of the leader in your very neighbQrhood, makes upon us to to. whom all were looking for the safety of China, whom God has entrusted the only Message that the Nanking authorities despatched large fQrces can give our young people the joy and fruitful- fQr Chiang's rescue, but hesitated to. apply force ness of the new life in Chdst Jesus. In his great immediately lest it provoke his murder. Negotiaelegy, "Lycidas," John MiltQn has this poignant
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
tions w1th the rebels were undertaken and Mad- times, as heretofore, but something very near personal ame Chiang, with her brother T. V. Soong, flew concern for the safety of an admired, if not loved, figure. to Sian, the capital of Shensi, to intercede on the Our teacher, who came to Nanking rabidly anti-Chiang Generalissimo's behalf. On Christmas Day came three years ago, was so upset that he could not eat or sle'ep the word that not only had Chiang been freed but and was ready to weep. He said, "If only people knew that he was flying to Nanking with his captor! how much Chiang has done for the country!" Most of On their arrival both professed "penitence": the students were fearfully depressed and then went wild Chang for the rebellion and Chiang for the lax- when the news of Chiang's safety came. There are thouness of discipline which had rendered that rebel- sands who would be only too glad to kill Chang (Hsueh lion possible. Chang was tried, convicted, and Liang). pardoned, but retained in custody, while Chiang retired ;to his old home in Chekiang "for a rest." It is impossible to apportion the measure of Recent reports, like the earlier ones, are sadly tragedy and of melodrama in this whole series of conflicting. On the one hand they visualize a events. We may never know how much blood was concentration and stiffening of the rebellion actually shed or how serious was the actual threat under the leadership of Communist generals and of Chang Hsiieh Liang .against the life of his under the inflammatory radio broadcas,ts of a superior officer; but this much seems evident that woman radical from America. On the other hand not only China but the world has been led to realthey present a picture of the surrounding of rebel ize how much Chiang Kai Shek has already acstrongholds by government troops and the nego- complished toward the rehabilitation of China and tiation, at Sian, of peace ,to be secured by the how indi'spensable is his continued activity for withdrawal of all forces opposing the government. the completion of that enormous task. He has Only time will disclose the actual facts, or per- long been hampered by internal jealous.ies and haps only a small proportion of them. ambitions and by Japan's unwillingness to see China become a strong nation. China and the As to the missionaries of Shensi and Kansu, world shuddered at the reports of Chiang Kaireports have indicated their widespread peril, Shek's capture and execution; China and the with 'some of them held in Sian as hostages, world, in spite of the mystery of the transactions groups of rescuers were proceeding from Peiping at Sian, have exulted in the outcome'with its prosand elsewhere for their relief. By airplane and pect of better days to come. Once more China and the world have been made conscious of the other transportation many have left Shensi.* fact that, not only the Generalissimo and his wife, but also most of the other Chinese, prominent in Letters written at Nanking immediately after the building of the New China, find in Christianthe release of the captive Generalissimo give ity not only their own hope but the supreme hope forceful expression to the universal joy: for the future of the nation.
The word just received of Chiang Kai Shek's safe ar- COURTENAY H. FENN. rival in Loyang (Honan) was the most longed-for and welcomed of all Christmas gifts. The whole city and coun- WHEN DISASTER COMES try has been wild with joy. No one can realize how both he and Madame Chiang have endeared themselves to the Recent floods have devastated large portions of Chinese people. The loyalty and affection which is felt the Ohio Valley by raising the river level over for them is such as no one in China has ever before ex- sixty feet and have also threatened those 500,000 perienced. Just an hour ago the sky above us was filled people who live along the banks of the Mississippi, with airplanes going out to greet General Chiang ashe in the 1,200 miles from Cairo to the Gulf. It is returns to the city. Firecrackers are popping everywhere; reported that there is over $700,000,000 damage the streets are crowded with eager faces and the vicinity to property; nearly 1,000,000 people have temof the airdrome is filled with the joyful crowd waiting to porarily been driven from their homes, business greet the leader of China. has been disrupted, churches and schools inun- dated, and as a result over 500 people have died *** by drowning, accident, exposure or disease.
The situation at Sianfu (Shensi) has cast a pall of It seems incredible that with one hundred and gloom over everyone. So you can imagine our joy at six sixty years of national history, with immense o'clock Christmas Day at hearing that Chiang was safe wealth, great unemployed man-power, most modand in Loyang. The city went wild, with the streets ern powerful machinery, and efficient managers j.ammed with people and a din of firecrackers. It was a 'Of big business, no way has yet been found to perfect Christmas gift for the Government and many of prevent such destruction of life and property and the people. Indeed the most remarkable thing about the such disruption of national life. Some steps have whole affair has been the unprecedented concern of the been taken by certain towns and cities along the man on the street. I've never seen anything like it before Ohio, .as by Dayton, Ohio, and along the Missisin China. It was not fear of looting or financial hard sippi River, and $325,000,000 have recently been • Newspaper reports indicate that in the settlement with Communists and with Yang's and Chang's forces, the Nanking Government has recognized Communist control in North Shensi (where Swedish Baptists have a station), and gives Yang Fu-Cheng control over a central section where the Scandinavian Alliance Mission (C. 1. M.) has several stations. In Kansu, under the control of Chang's ex- Manchurian armies, there are stations of the Scandinavian Alliance, Assemblies of God, Christian and Missionary Alliance, and Tibetan Tribes Mission.-Ep~TOll,
expended by the United States Government in and coordination of all life. Some nations claim flood-control work on the Mississippi. that this ideal can be reached by strong military measures, some by the rule of the proletariat, But while levees and spillways have proved some by human dictatorship and a totalitarian their value, they do not solve the problem. The State. Christians know that the solution is in the floods carry off top-soil, which the raging torrents recognition of the sovereignty of the Almighty, bring down and deposit in such abundance that the all-wise and loving God, as revealed through Jesus bottoms of the riverbeds are continually rising Christ as the Way, the Truth, the Life. The pracand levees must be built higher and higher. Pitts- tice and the making known of this Way of Life burgh, Cincinnati, Cairo and Louisville are among is what constitutes the reason for existence of the the large cities that have suffered and President Christian Church. Is there any doubt that Amer- Roosevelt placed the entire Government on a "war ica and every other country in the world needs basis" to administer relief to the stricken areas true missionaries of Christ? – rushing airplanes, trucks, troops, doctors, nurses and conservation workers to the scene. CHURCH GROWTH IN CHOSEN As in other cases of sickness, sorrow and loss, The growth of Christianity among Koreans is Christians are not exempt. Churches, parsonages, one of the most enheartening evidences of the schools, homes and business, belonging to follow- work of God's spirit in the world. In the Presers of Christ, suffer with the people and property byterian Church alone there has been a growth who do not recognize Him. This causes some of of 75 % in the past six years-compare that with feebler faith to question the love of God or His a 10% growth of members in Presbyterian and power to protect His own. But the situation is Methodist churches of the United States. not new. Followers of God have always suffered with their fellow men who are unbelievers, but the In Chosen there were only 150 "adherents" remoral and spiritual effects on the two classes are corded for Presbyterian missions in 1890, six not the same. Disasters and trouble draw some men to God and turn their thoughts to the great years after the work was started. During the abiding realities, to the things that make earthly life effective and they have the assurance of next ten years the number increased to 13,569 or Eternal Life beyond this. Distress and disaster also develop human sympathy and sacrificial serv- 9000 %. Since 1900 the work has steadily grown ice, as has been shown so often. Sickness and calamity always stimulate human minds to study until now the adherents number 341,700-and the preventive measures, and to apply remedies. New cities and new men rise on the ruins of the old, Church is self-supporting and self-governing with when there is a vision of better and more abiding things. "No affliction (chastening) for the pres- its own Presbyteries and General Assembly. From ent seemeth to be joyous but grievous-nevertheless afterwards it yieldeth the peaceful fruit of 1930 to 1936 the church growth, as stated, was righteousness to them that are exercised thereby." seventy-five per cent in the number of Koreans on But if blessing comes through physical disaster Presbyterian church rolls. Adherents include bapwhat shall be said of sorrows, destruction and death that come through human selfishness and tized church members, enrolled catechumens, chilcruelty. In Spain, Italy, Germany, Russia, Japan and elsewhere the self-will of the natural man that dren and regular attendants at church services. is "at enmity with God, and is not subject to the law of God," brings untold suffering and loss. In The roll of baptized communicant members has America the reign of lawlessness in criminals; the selfish disregard of human rights on the part increased from 100 in 1890 to 112,987 in 1936. of many employers and employees; the selfish weakness of many unemployed; the strikers that The net gain for each decade has been from refuse to work, or to allow others to work-all 331;2% to 3600% in membership. The number add to the present nation-wide unrest and suffering. Even the most materialistic thinkers are of churches has grown from three in 1890 to coming to realize that what this nation needs, and every other nation, community and individual, is about 3,600 in 1936, with 3,254 church buildings. an all-wise, benevolent and all powerful Ruler who will insure righteous laws, impartial justice, There are nearly 19,000 unsalaried Korean evanunselfish and wise officials, and effective control gelists and local church leaders and the Sunday school pupils number about 35,000. Christian Endeavor societies report 37,695 members. The church contributions for the year 1936 amounted on the average to ten days' wages per member.
How about America? .
One of the most vital factors in the life of the Church in Chosen is found in the Bible institutes held at various times in the year. These bring together over 182,000 Korean Christians – one- half the church membership-for from one to six weeks for Bible study, prayer and training for Christian work. Is it any wonder that the Church is alive and grows?
and Unchanging Things I•n
Foreign Missions* l By ROBERT E. SPEER, New York -"-If:1~. ,-;;;;_""==A""ut""h""O",,r""0,,,,'"""""C""h""rCi""sht""ri.ai"s"nt""R"t"oe""a"M"li""tei",,e"s"",'"e,,'"t"c".""T""he=M""e""a""nt""'n,,,,g""O""'==-:.I}3e– T ET me begin rather indirectly. Some time ago deeper problem – which is the real one – is our L there appeared in the International Review relationship to history and experience. of Missions a review of a volume entitled There are those who thrust their heads into the "The Finality of Jesus Christ." It was a some- sand and say that there is no such relation, that what severe review and culminated in the criti- the imaginary present is wholly separable from cism that the book represented "the Presbyterian the past. Shortly after the World War a little orthodoxy of fifty years ago." Some time later group of students in one of our eastern univer- the publisher of this volume issued another book sities, feeling greatly bewildered and confused, by the same author which he sought to have ac- went off for a week-end retreat, and invited with cepted by one of the committees recommending them as a senior counsellor the late Dr. James monthly books to the reading public. He told me Harvey Robinson. One of the boys told me after- that the member of the committee of selection wards that in his first talk Dr. Robinson unequiv- whom he had approached remarked in reply that ocally advised them "to cut loose from every idea the writer of the book "was a good fellow but he and institution of the past." Some time after- was a hundred years behind the times." ward I was talking with the president of one of I am rather well acquainted with the author of our largest railway systems with regard to one both these books-somewhat too well acquainted of our best-known American preachers, for whom -and I know that his only complaint with regard my new acquaintance was expressing the greatest to these criticisms is that they make him out en- admiration, on the ground that he had no respect tirely too much of a modernist! His purpose in whatever for the past and, frankly abandoning the first book was not to set forth the orthodoxy its positions, was striking out on wholly new of fifty years ago but to go much farther back and ideas.
to declare what he believed to be the orthodoxy To these two illustrations let me add one more, of the New Testament. And so far from being namely a full-page advertisement of a fortnight only a hundred years behind the times his earnest ago of the Bernarr Macfadden pulp magazines effort had been to get wholly behind them, be- which declared that these magazines were "keyed hind all time, and to set forth the eternal truth to the present and future" and not to the past. which is beneath time and beyond time. Pulp is a material which has no past. It is a sort of mushroom product and is a fitting material on The question here of perennial interest is of which to print magazines which instantly on course the question of the relation between the their publication vanish into the past which they present and the past. In a sense, to be sure, any despise. such issue is purely fictitious, for what we call the present is a vanishing line. It is simply the fu- These illustrations will suffice. What a queer ture flashing by into the past. In reality, the and yet entirely natural reaction they represent! present is nothing but a compound of the imme- A few years ago the dominant formulas of diate past and the proximate future. The ques- thought were "heredity" and "determinism"; tion is how much of each enters into what we call they bound us hand and foot to the past. Now we the present. I suspect that the ratio differs with are swinging to the opposite extreme. But what different people but that in general the present is an utterly impossible view the new view is! Dr. simply a word for the period made up of perhaps Robinson was advising the boys to reject every seventy-five per cent of the immediate past and idea and institution of the past. I suspect that if twenty-five per cent of the proximate future. The they had looked at him carefully they would have • President's address, somewhat abridged, delivered at the Forty- seen a twinkle in his eye and his tongue in his AfomuretrhicaA, n(n.uJaanl uSaeryssiIoi ntoof8,th1e93F7o)r.eign Missions Conference of North cheek. He was giving them this advice through [119 ]
a language which was the supreme embodiment maica and Sierra Leone and then at home had and achievement of the past; and his chief instru- done his work in the destruction of British slavment of action as an author was books produced ery, and who represented in his own mind and and circulated by means of inventions of the past. character the great Christian tradition of his race. "Some, perhaps," said Trevelyan, "will re- The railroad president wanted the past re- gard such motives as old-fashioned and such conjected. What would his board of directors have victions as out of date; but self-abnegation, selfsaid if he had proposed that the capital of the road control, and self-knowledge that do not give to accumulated in the past, its rolling stock manu- self the benefit of any doubt, are virtues that are factured in the past, its right-of-way acquired in not old fashioned, and for which as time goes on the past, should all be discarded and the road be- the world is likely to have as much need as ever." gin anew? The other quotation is from "The Life and Let- Would our friend, the book-recommender, pro- ters of Thomas Hardy." "Conservatism," wrote pose to discard everything more than a hundred Hardy, "is not estimable in itself, nor is change years old-Shakespeare and Milton, Raphael and or radicalism. To conserve the existing good, to Michelangelo, Plato and Phidias and Homer? supplant the existing bad by good, is to act on a What silly talk this is and how utterly stupid in true political principle which is neither conservaits failure to realize that time is not mechanical tive nor radical." but organic; that the present is only the projected and continuing past; and that the past, so All this just as background for the theme on far from being closed and complete, is all open which I wish to speak, namely, "Some of the and contingent, waiting for the full determination Changing and Unchanging Things in Foreign of its character upon the loyalty or disloyalty of Missions." the present and the future. Changing Personnel At Northfield long ago one of the best loved and most original veterans of the Civil War, the late Of the changing things, each one will be think- Chaplain Henry Clay Trumbull, made the Fourth ing first of the changing personnel. In this comof July address on the theme "Our Duty to Make pany there is not one person besides myself who the Past a Success." He took his text from the was present at the first of these conferences forty- Epistle to the Hebrews where, after the great roll four years ago. The conferences began at the inof the heroes and heroines of Israel's history, the stance of the Committee on Foreign Missions of writer declares: "And these, all having obtained the Western Section of the Alliance of the Rea good report through faith, received not the formed Churches holding the Presbyterian syspromise; God having provided some better thing tem. That committee called a conference of the for us, that they without us should not be made representatives of the Foreign Mission Boards of perfect." the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches of the Uuited States and Canada to meet on January 11, So! How often during this past football sea- 1893, at the old Presbyterian Mission House on son did we see the ball on the five-yard line, with the corner of Fifth Avenue and Twelfth Street in the whole stadium seething with excitement, with New York City. There were present 38 repreone team seeking to carry the ball the last five sentatives of the eight boards of these Presbyyards and the other team resisting with every terian and Reformed Churches. There are only ounce of its power. How did the ball get there, two survivors of this group- Dr. Avison, who if the past is of no consequence? On that phi- has just retired from his rich service as a medical losophy, why not take it back to the middle of the missionary in Chosen, and myself. The following field where it will stay forever, on the theory that day there met in the same place 78 representathe present is to have no use for the past? All tives of the 23 foreign mission agencies of that the struggle that went before was futile unless day, including almost everyone of our denominanow in this fleeting moment the present does its tional boards and also the China Inland Mission duty to the past and fulfils its own mission in the and the Christian and Missionary Alliance. The discharge of its trust. Lutheran Church was not represented at the first conference but was present at the second and . Noble things the great past promised, thereafter in the person of a grand Christian Holy qreams both strange and true; man, Dr. Scholl. – There are only five survivors of the 78 delegates at this first conference-Dr. Avi- But thE{present shall fulfill them, son, Dr. Mott, Dr. Campbell White, William D. What he promised she shall do. Murray and myself. The names of almost all who were present come back to me now: Dr. N. G. All can be found in two noble quotations from Clark, Dr. A. C. Thompson, Dr. Judson Smith of two books I have just read. The first is from the American Board; Dr. Duncan, and Dr. Henry Trevelyan's "Life of Macaulay," regarded as one of the half-dozen great biographies in the English tongue. Trevelyan is speaking of Zechary Macaulay, Lord Macaulay's father, who in Ja-
CHANGING AND UNCHANGING THINGS IN FOREIGN MISSIONS
C. Mabie of the American Baptist Missionary who came to perpetuate the ministry of Christ Union; Dr. Tucker of the Southern Baptists; Mr. and to make the Christian Church the most tire- Kimber and Dr. Satterlee of the Episcopal Board; less, the most inventive, the most persistent, the Dr. Stephen C. Baldwin, Dr. A. B. Leonard and most persuasive agency of human history.
Dr. Peck and Dr. Walter R. Lambuth from the I have seen so many attitudes change, and so two Methodist Churches; Dr. R. M. Sommerville many issues rise and disappear, that I can view of the Reformed Presbyterian Church; Dr. Henry with a calm mind many of the eddies and drifts N. Cobb of the Reformed Church in America; of the present day. I was a schoolboy in Phillips Dr. Dales and Dr. Barr of the United Presby- Academy at the height of the Andover contro- terian; from Canada came Dr. Sutherland, Dr. versy and the contention in the American Board MacLaren, Dr. R. P. Mackay, John Charlton and over the question of the "second probation." We others. Most of the glorious company whom we have seen the humanism of the last generation met in these conferences across these forty-four rise and begin to pass, and have heard Berdyaev years are gone now. How fast they pass! Soon and many another sing its requiem. Professor the new generation will be taking our places. Julius Richter, on his last visit, described with Not only does the personnel of missionary humorous disdain the burial in Germany of many workers at home change but how fast has changed of the philosophies which had been born and had also the roll of missionaries. We could profitably died there and which were still influencing thought recall tonight the men and women who have gone in America. We have all seen the rise of the out from our churches, served the three genera- Barthian emphasis, which surely is not the whole tions of our foreign mission history by the will of of the Gospel but is an essential recovery of cer- God and who are engaged now in an ampler serv- tain aspects of truth which will not be so easily ice and an immortal liberty. lost again.
One would also recall the great list of national Some of our changes of attitude are not as great leaders; Dr. Schneder and I were speaking today as we sometimes suppose. In the January issue of that company of powerful personalities which of THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD I founded the Christian Church in Japan and were quoted the substance of a letter which the late remembering the three survivors who are still Dr. J. P. Jones wrote to The Harvest Field in with us-Ibuka, Kozaki and Ebina. We sorely India in 1903. He was one of the wisest and miss the men who have gone-Goreh and Chat- ablest missionaries of his time. After he had terjee, Arcadio Morales and Alvaro Reis, Eduardo been traveling among the churches on furlough, Pereira and Erasmo Braga, and scores of others he wrote for his friends in India his impressions who were with us and are not with us now, save of the missionary situation in the home church.
in the invisible company. The personnel of our If he were describing the situation today his de- missionary enterprise changes fast, and this scription would not differ greatly from his ac- change alone brings with it the inevitable changes count of what he found a whole generation ago.
due to new times and new duties and the new per- There have been changes of emphasis and of atti- sonalities which rise with them. tude, but the essential issues have not changed so The Changing Methods much as some suppose. The change of attitude has probably been far The methods of the missionary enterprise have greater on many of the mission fields. The non- also changed and are ever changing. Perhaps Christian religions have changed as Christianity these changes have not been as great as we some- has not. Noone can overestimate the radical times suppose, or as we might desire. There are changes they have undergone and are undergoing.
new forms of evangelism, by newspaper adver- I have been reading the issues of the Bombay tising and radio (still in its infancy as a mis- Guardian under the editorship of George Bowen.
sionary method), and some old activities, such as He was one of the most remarkable Christian per- street and chapel preaching, are less practised sonalities of the nineteenth century-remarkable than they were. Many of us feel that the change for his intellectual ability and cultivation, for his has been too great in the diminution of mission- spiritual character, for his personal influence.
ary itineration. But the great basic method of The Bombay Guardian under his editorship was human influence and persuasion cannot change. one of the ablest religious papers in the world.
Preaching, teaching and healing were the meth- It is interesting to read today the articles on reli- ods of our Lord and they are the obvious and per- gious life and thought in India in his day; on manent methods of evangelism. One would like Hinduism and the reform movements, and to note to see still more ingenuity, more fertility of inven- the almost incredible changes which have come tion; not more reliance upon the promotional about in the past half century since Bowen wrote.
methods of modern exploitation but far more re- I do not remember Mazoomdar's visit to the West, sponse to the suggestions of that Living Spirit but I remember the swath cut by Swami Viva-
kananda. Many a Swami has followed in the conditions which the missionary enterprise had path which he blazed, all of them unconsciously to meet seventy-five or a hundred years ago-con- witnessing and contributing to the doom of that ditions of ignorance, of prejudice, or of racial and which they were seeking to preserve. And all religious selfishness. We are lacking today the these changes of past attitude are only predictions tidal wave of interest and sympathy which we had of further changes, not all of which will be for a generation ago in the old Laymen's Missionary good but none of which do we fear. Movement. Those who did not feel the hopeful The Changing Problems joyous surge of that spontaneous movement among the laymen of our churches cannot appre- Problems also have changed and will change; ciate what we have lost. Our new problem is to most of them superficially, but some fundamen- know what can take the place of such movements, tally. The political problem has changed greatly how the missionary enterprise can be so formu- within my memory. Mr. H. V. Morton's book, "In lated and so presented now as to draw forth the the Steps of St. Paul," reveals the change in the resources needed for the new opportunities.
freedom of the missionary movement since Paul's Changing Opportunities day. Paul was able to pass from Jerusalem to Spain without a passport, crossing no interna- Of the many changing things which I might tional boundaries on his way. Mr. Morton speaks mention, I will speak only of the changing oppor- of the contrast in his own experience, in passing tunities and resistances which are upon us and only from Antioch to Rome. ahead of us. Nobody any longer talks of the "im- In the last fifty years there has been a vast movable nations" as they were described in Rob- change for the worse in this matter of the free- ert Barr's book, "The Unchanging East." That dom and trustfulness of human intercourse. was the commonplace idea in regard to Asia fifty When I first visited Asia forty years ago it was years ago. One of the most authentic books of not necessary to get any vises on passports, and that time was "Asia and Europe," by Meredith we were not asked to show our passports more Townsend, who lived for years in India and suc- than two or three times in crossing a dozen or ceeded George Smith, Sir George Adams Smith's more nations. Now at every national boundary father, as editor of The Friend of India. Then he the barriers stand. We have lost the freedom of returned to England to succeed Richard Holt world movement of the Roman Empire, but alas, Hutton as editor of The London Spectator in the we have got back its worst political principle in days when the Spectator was one of the three most the deification of the State. Mr. Michael Williams, influential journals printed in the English lan- editor of The Commonweal, has pointed out the guage. No man was better informed regarding fact that the old concept of the "Cresar-god" is the relationships of the East and the West, and back again, with all its ominous significance as to yet the unchanging and yet constantly varying the relationship of the State to the freedom of the thesis of his book was the unchangeability of Asia.
human spirit. This problem of religious liberty Townsend held that Asiatrc races were sterile; has taken on accordingly a new aspect. I am not they had had their history. They were burnt out referring to the issue of missionary freedom, al- and no movements of living change could be gen- though that is significant enough. I am thinking erated among them. What must Mr. Townsend of those principles of religious liberty which we think as he looks down today upon the peoples of believe to be of universal validity and to enshrine Asia, representing one-half the population of the the basic rights of the human spirit. world, swung completely away from the old moor- It would be well for all of us to read some of ings, which he thought were perpetual, and that the recent books which deal with this issue, such are now adrift before mighty tempests on the vast as Christopher Dawson's "Religion in the Modern waters of time!
State" ; Adolph Keller's "Church and State in These nations have not changed more than Contemporary Europe"; William Adams Brown's some of our Western nations have changed; "Church and State in Contemporary America"; among them no change has been greater than the and Carl Heim's "The Church of Christ and the place of our own among the nations of the world.
Problems of the World Today." We have no time I remember well my first crossing of the boundary to discuss this here but it is a very different prob- between Persia and Mesopotamia, then under the lem today from what it was fifty years ago. Our rule of Turkey, just forty years ago. We were present situation is a throw back to darker days held up in the villages of Khanikin and Kasr-i- from which we had hoped we had escaped forever. Shirin by a Turkish quarantine. It was an in- Weare confronting another set of new prob- teresting place, near the old palaces of the lems in the promotional work of the missionary Khosroes. Mrs. Speer and I sat on those great enterprise at home. In one sense these problems terraces, where the marble pillars had held their are not new; they represent simply the revival of marble roofs, and recalled Browning's "Love
CHANGING AND UNCHANGING THINGS IN FOREIGN MISSIONS
Among the Ruins." When at last the quarantine India now than there were in the entire world in was lifted, for almost the only time on that trip, the year 300. There come to my mind again the we showed our passports to the Turkish officials. names of the leaders of these churches, of whom They gathered around Mr. Hawkes of Hamedan I was speaking a little while ago, men and women who had brought us to the border, and we over- who are the peers of any in our Christian heard in their discussion the words "Yangi churches in the West and with whom we rejoice Dunia." I supposed it was some barbarism for to step forth, brother clasping the hand of "Yankee Doodle" but we learned from Mr. brother, fearless amid the welcome changes of the Hawkes that they were the Turkish words for new days. "New World." The dispute was as to whether there really was any such country as the United Things That Do Not Change States of America and if so where it was and what it was. In those days the sight of the Amer- Now one rej oices to turn from these, and the ican flag was a rarity, and only once or twice in innumerable other changing things representing the waters of Asia did we see it on any American both gain and loss, to the consideration of some ship. As one goes across the world today no of the things that do not change. words can exaggerate the difference, whether it be for good or for ill, in the knowledge and in- First there is God, the same from everlasting fluence of America. to everlasting. I recall most vividly the meeting of the general War-time Commission of the To this plasticity of the fixed nations, and to Churches in Washington, during the World War. this unlimited influence of our country, one adds There were three speakers, Archbishop Soderblom the amazing change represented in the rise of of Sweden, Bishop Gore of England, and Dr. the Christian Church. There is enough to dis- Harry Emerson Fosdick of America. Who that courage us in the problems of self-support, true heard those three notable addresses could ever independence, literacy, and self-propagation, and forget them! Dr. Fosdick had just come back the true spirit of autonomy in these churches. I from France and closed his address by quoting have seen the abandoned parasite churches which the familiar hymn which was the favorite of Engdied when the subsidies failed. But these discour- lish-speaking soldiers from whatever land, "Abide agements are offset tenfold by the miraculous with me, fast falls the eventide." Standing out· growth and progress of these past years. How for the soldier most distinctly were the lines, easy it would be to recite many concrete evidences "Change and decay in all around I see; 0 Thou of the change. I know of hardly anyone more who changest not, abide with me." Thank God, dramatic than the Lushai choir. Half a century He is unchanging. ago the Lushai people lived in terror and suspicion of each other. "Chief rose against chief, village Turn back again and read sometime Bishop against village. Prisoners were taken and car- Brent's address on next to the last evening of the ried back in triumph by the conquerors who used Edinburgh Missionary Conference in 1910 on the them as serfs, or cut off their heads and put them theme "The Sufficiency of God." Time swings by on poles outside the villages. The Lushais were in its ever rolling stream, bringing its unceasing head-hunters. When they died those who had the change; but this work that we are doing, however required number of heads were allowed to enter much its form and conditions may shift from year the Lushai paradise." Today there are 300 Chris- to year, is mortised in One who changes not. tian churches among them with 50,000 members, and the Lushai choir travels all over India singing o God, the rock of ages, Gaul's "Holy City" and Handel's "Messiah" as well as they can be sung by the great choirs of Who evermore hast been, the West. What time the tempest rages, About a year ago we celebrated the jubilee of Our dwelling place serene; missions in Chosen. I was in Korea shortly after the organization of the first church in Pyengyang Before Thy first creations, and could appreciate the feelings of Dr. Samuel Moffatt who founded that church as he watched o Lord, the same as now, the jubilee procession of Christians seven miles long and could reflect that there are more Chris- To endless generations tians in Chosen today than there were in the The everlasting Thou. Roman Empire at the end of the first century. The last news bulletin of the United Lutheran This metaphor of the rock, which the Old Testa- Church called attention to the fact that according ment used with regard to God, is equally relevant to the last census there are more Christians in and came naturally to the thought of the writers of the New Testament, with regard to Jesus Christ. He is "the same yesterday, today and forever." I do not say that He must be the same to us. If He is what the New Testament repre- sents Him to be, and what we believe Him to be -the fullness of the Godhead, in whom are hid all the riches of grace and knowledge-then He cannot merely be to us the same from day to day,
but must every day be something more, as we two of the ablest Greek scholars in England, Sir grow in the knowledge of God in Him, and move Edwin Hoskyns and Noel Davey. There has been "in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of no more thoroughgoing acceptance of the analyt- the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the ical criticism of the synoptic Gospels than this. measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." But its conclusion is that, dissect the Gospels as We want no misunderstanding of our position; you please, you will have, when you come to your whatever the materials or the plans of our build- most destructive end, a Person from whom there ing, there is one unchanged and unchanging foun- is no escape, One who believed Himself to be God dation on which we bUild. Everything else may and whose belief His disciples shared. It is inter- shift and alter but not this. We thank God for esting to note that, in the hands of some, the Grundterg's noble Lutheran hymn: "form criticism" of the Gospels is taking this same reverse turn. It was formerly held that the evan- Built on a Rock the Church doth stand gelists had overdrawn the picture of Jesus, that Even when steeples are falling. love and devotion had read into the story what was not there. But now there are those who hold Crumbled have spires in every land that the evangelists underdrew the picture, and Bells are still pealing and calling. that Jesus, being what He was, it was inevitable that His picture should be underdrawn; th8t do Let the steeples fall if they will, and more surely their best, men could do nothing more than touch still the minarets and the pagodas and the towers, as it were but the hem of His garment. "Jesus but the great Rock Foundation stands is greater than the traditions about him," says Deissmann, and I think that we are on the thresh- Whereon our feet were set by sovereign grace, old of a day when the godlikeness of Jesus will Nor life, nor death, with all their agitation displace, perhaps overmuch, the humanitarian Shall thence remove us if we see His face. interpretations of His person. Let the interpre- tations come and go-He is what He has always One of the greatest services ever rendered by been, and we stand on His unchangeable reality, our friend Dr. William Douglass Mackenzie, who Son of God and Son of Man. belonged by birthright and conviction in this fel- lowship, was the work he did in his latest book, Onr Unchanging Faith "The Christ of the Christian Faith." In the .finality, the absoluteness, the sufficiency, the Our fourth great unchanging inheritance is our uniqueness, of this supreme Personality the mis- common catholic faith. Weare often reproached sionary enterprise believes, and here it unalter- with our divisions and disagreements but as a ably stands. matter of fact these are trivial in comparison with the broad basic unity of our common Christian Unchanging Facts of History mind. Weare often told that we shall never be able to get together in our Christian opinion and The facts of Christian history and the record that we should turn accordingly to cooperation of those facts in the Gospels also stand un- and practical service, where it is assumed that changed. We are not ignorant of, neither are we we can unite as we cannot unite in our underlying disturbed by, the historical and literary criticism convictions. "When there is a great fire," we are of the early Christian documents. What the facts told, "see how men of every opinion unite. Reliabout Jesus Christ were, they were and are. No gious and political differences are forgotten in the criticism of history can alter the facts. It can common effort to deal with the great emergency." alter the interpretation of the facts. It can cor- Nothing of the kind. The opinions that are not rect any misrepresentation of the facts. But what relevant to the emergency are temporarily held in happened happened; and we are absolutely sure abeyance, but there is no cooperation in work that that whatever changes may take place in the form does not rest upon intellectual agreement in that of the New Testament criticism will leave us with work. The fire extinguishers are united in their the fact of Christ, and the facts of Christ more opinions about the fire and the method of its exsure and certain than ever. As Harnack said, in tinguishment. And as a matter of fact the area closing his famous address on "Christianity and of our intellectual agreement in Christianity goes History," "Let the plain Bible reader continue to far beyond the measure of our practical cooperaread his Gospels as he has always read them; for tion. It was a significant thing that at the first in the end the critic cannot read them otherwise. "Faith and Order" Conference at Lausanne the What the one regards as their true gist and mean- only commission's report which could be adopted ing, the other must acknowledge to be such. . . . was the report on the common faith, a report This evangelical faith need fear no test that can which was embodied in the message of the Jerube applied to it. It can bear a strict and me- salem Missionary Council. That Council too could thodical scrutiny of the facts which form its historical foundation."
One of the most significant books of recent months is "The Riddle of the New Testament" by
CHANGING AND UNCHANGING THINGS IN FOREIGN MISSIONS
never have been united in anything except its ac- Two specially great and inspiring books that ceptance of the common Catholic faith and par- I have read recently are "The Autobiography of ticipation in the common Christian experience. Jawaharlal Nehru" and Seaver's life of "Wilson We have seen this very richly in the recent Na- of the Antarctic." Jawaharlal Nehru, now presitional Preaching Mission, where men of many dent of the India National Congress, has been for divergent denominations and dissimilar methods years one of the outstanding younger leaders on found themselves absolutely united in their proc- the Nationalist movement in India. He is the delamation of the essential Christian message. voted friend of Gandhi, though they differ almost What we need is not so much more doctrinal by the width of the world in their ideologies and agreement: it is the implementing of our exist- philosophies. He wrote his book in prison and ing agreement in the instruments of united action. the shadow of his wife's illness lies over the last pages. As a Socialist drawing near to commu- In the world at large today we face the same nism, Jawaharlal frankly repudiates all religion. situation. Whether it likes it or not, the world is It is open to question whether his methods may unified today in its economic life and in its real not frustrate the very ends which he seeks, but political self-interest. Our trouble is that we are there can be no question as to the glorious deseeking to deny facts and that we have not pro- votion of the man, his steadfastness, his patient vided, either in the League of Nations or other- endurance, his self-sacrifice, his disregard of wise, the instrumentalities through which the everything else in his loyalty to his cause. One common life of humanity can express itself and asks himself, as he lays down the book, whether fulfill its functions. Many changes are called for his Christian loyalty can match this Indian's conin the world and in the Christian Church today secration and how soon, in the Church on the misbut underlying all of these the hopeful thing is sion field and the Church at home, leadership can that we have already existent a great body of be raised up that will surpass in the Christian common faith and life extending far beyond our cause young Nehru's leadership in the cause of achieved, united and cooperative action. Indian Nationalism.
The Great Fundamental Aim and Method The other book is more wonderful still. One feels unworthy to read the story of such a life. After all, the great fundamental aim and cen- Wilson was a biologist, an artist, a naturalist, a tral method of the missionary enterprise remain physician. lIe was the doctor and the spiritual unchanged. What is that aim? It is all expressed mainspring of Scott's expedition to the South in our Lord's prayer: "Thy kingdom come, thy Pole, where he died with Scott and two other comwill be done on earth as it is in heaven." This panions as they were returning from the Pole in formula may seem to over-simplify the task. their effort to reach their base of supplies. I have What is the Kingdom of God? The phrase is used never read a life of purer inspiration. When the with half a dozen significances in the New Testa- bodies were found by the expedition that came to ment. What is the will of God? Much of our seek them two letters. were taken from Wilson's philosophy and theology reads the evil of the breast addressed to his wife. Let me read them world into the Divine Will. I do not believe that now: any sanction can be found, or any rationalization either, of sin and unrighteousness in the will of To My BELOVED WIFE: the righteous and holy God, the Father of Jesus Christ. Dishonesty, murder, adultery, rapine and Life has been a struggle for some weeks now on this lust and crime are not the will of God. return journey from the Pole-so much so that I have not been able to keep my diary going. Today may be the last But the difficulties do not touch the central effort. Birdie and I are going to try and reach the Depot simplicity. Our business is to live and work to eleven miles north of us and return to this tent where bring the life and work of the world into con- Captain Scott is lying with a frozen foot. . . . I shall formity with the pure and righteous and loving simply fall and go to sleep in the snow, and I have your will of God, as revealed in the mind of Christ. little book with me in my breast-pocket. . . . And the central motive must be what it has ever been, what it was to St. Paul: "The love of Christ Don't be unhappy-all is for the best. We are playing constraineth me." Does that love adequately con- a good part in a great scheme arranged by God himself, strain us? There was no one in st. Paul's day and all is well. • . . I am only sorry I couldn't have seen whose devotion to any master or any cause shamed your loving letters, and Mother's and Dad's and the the devotion of St. Paul to Christ. Are we sure Smiths', and all the happy news I had hoped to see-but that we should feel no shame as we set our devo- all these things are easily seen later, I expect. . . . God tion to Christ today over against the devotion of be with you-my love is as living for you as ever. men and women around about us to the causes which command their minds and wills and their I would like to have written to Mother and Dad and all utmost sacrifice? at home, but it has been impossible. We Will aU meet after death, and death has no terrors. . . . We have done what we thought was best. My own dear wife, good-bye for the present.. . I do not cease to pray for you-to the very last. . . •
To My MOST BELOVED WIFE: than our predecessors had then. The trouble is, God be with you in your trouble, dear, when I have we do not think enough on the continuity of life gone. I have written another short letter to you. . . . and time. We have too many ephemeral notions -they spring up this morning and will fade to- I leave this life in absolute faith and happy belief that night. We need to do our thinking deeper down if God wishes you to wait long without me it will be to some good purpose. All is for the best to those that love God, and oh, my Ory, we have both loved Him with all in the organic unity of the enterprise. There is our lives. All is well. . . . a bit of verse I came upon recently in a little Eng- We have struggled to the end and we have nothing to lish book, "A Cotswold Year": regret. Our whole journey record is clean, and Scott's God guard me from those thoughts diary gives the account. . . . The Barrier has beaten us Men think in the mind alone. -though we got to the Pole. He that sings a lasting song My beloved wife, these are small things, life itself is a Thinks in a marrowbone. small thing to me now, but my love for you is forever and a part of our love for God. . . . I do not cease to pray for And the moral principles abide. A New York you and to desire that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will. (Later.) God knows I am sorry to be minister in a sermon on the recent tragic experi- the cause of sorrow to anyone in the world, but every ence of the whole English-speaking race depre- one must die and at every death there must be some sor- cated the persistence of the old ethical ideas. The row. . . . All the things I had hoped to do with you after Ten Commandments, he held, were antiquated this Expedition are as nothing now, but there are greater relics of a social life lived in the desert long ago things for us to do in the world to come. . . . My only and were irrelevant in our present time. Let a regret is leaving you to struggle through your life alone, but I may be coming to you by a quicker way. I feel so word spoken by Walter Lippmann at the inauguhappy now in having got time to write to you. One of ration of President King of Amherst answer this my notes will surely reach you. Dad's little compass and poor preacher's folly: "What the world needs Mother's little comb and looking-glass are in my pocket. most of all from the colleges," said Mr. Lippmann, Your little Testament and prayer book will be in my hand or in my breast-pocket when the end comes. All is well-. "is not medicine for its pains but the maintenance So they left him there, covering the little group intact, amidst all the distractions of life, of its with a clean snow monument and setting up over standards of excellence." The mariner's comthem the simple inscription: "To STRIVE, TO pass does not change with the moral caprices of SEEK, TO FIND, AND NOT TO YIELD." For the joy men; and the spiritual principles are equally sethat was set before Him our Lord endured His cure and unshifting. It would be well if we would cross; for the love of such a Master, St. Paul set ourselves individually and collectively, to diswalked the roads of the Roman Empire, crossed cern and draw out these principles. A great deal its seas, and died outside the walls of Rome. Is of our confusion is due to our failure to apprethe unchanged motive dominant within us today, hend them. We are seeking, for example, to furor has our changeableness and vacillation held us nish leadership today for our youth movements back from the pure devotion that has been the and to see what can be done to vivify and maincentral spring of the missionary enterprise tain these movements, including the Student Volthrough the centuries? unteer Movement. Leadership will not be sup- plied to these movements from without-it must I have been reading Thomas Traherne's "Felici- spring up spontaneously from within. We need ties" with their contempt of the "Cursd and to remember, too, that the greatest spiritual lead- Devisd Properties" which robbed his eyes of ership is often the humblest and the least pubsplendor, and kept him from the glory to which licized. The things that have happened in his- God called all obedient life. Are the proprieties, tory, that we do not know about, probably outthe conventions, the accepted respectabilities, the weigh in their eternal significance the things that unbelieving naturalism, the fear of wonder and happened and that we do know about. Some auof miracle, keeping us in grooves from which we thentic unrecorded history is vastly more imporshould. break out, with self-forgetfulness, in striv- tant than some authentic recorded history, and ings and in achievings transcending the sacrifies still more important than the recorded history of nationalism and of exploration? This is the that is not authentic at all. And what is true of unchanging call. history is still more true of personalities.
Unchanging Spiritual Issues Some time ago I sent to one of our able mis- There are great spiritual principles and issues sionaries a little statement of suggested items·of that after all change little if at all. Read the missionary principle and policy, one of which.I resolutions adopted by the early Foreign Missions am afraid slipped into just the error of which I Conferences. The resolutions adopted long ago am speaking. It read, "Perhaps the largest part at tl;Ie meeting of this Conference in the rooms of of our whole problem is to find and prepare men .the Board of the Reformed Church in America and women who know what the Gospel is and who dealt with just the issues that we are facing now. are intellectually and spiritually capable of com- They show that we have no more wisdom today municating it and of doing today the work that
CHANGING AND UNCHANGING THINGS IN FOREIGN M'ISSIONS
needs to be done by great evangelists, apologists automatic self-progression of humanity. As Dr. and theologians, as well as by common men and Adolph Keller wrote recently fr:om Geneva, as he women who simply know how to love and serve." surveyed the European scene: "We are coming back to the first Christian conception of the world. The good and wise man to whom I sent the The world is not plastic material to be easily statement replied: moulded by Christian influence. There is a hos- tile demonic element. The Church has to fight Will you forgive me too if I fail to respond, as I perhaps stubbornly against principalities and powers for should, to the mention of the great names of the past as its faith and liberty, for the conversion of peoples necessarily suggesting more heroism than is evident today, and the spread of the Gospel." under conditions not so difficult in many other ways? I am sorry also to say that the really great names of the This was Paul's view. "For we wrestle," said missionary enterprise, as of any other enterprise, are never he, "not against flesh and blood, but against prinmentioned, and that makes me wince a bit at the last line cipalities, against powers, against the rulers of of your paragraph 11. I am so much of a heretic in the the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickface of present plans and propaganda that I believe that edness in high places." If any of you have lived the strength of the missionary cause is in "the common such placid lives that you do not realize this, if men and women who simply know how to love and serve." you still think that life is a bright and happy un- folding of its: own latent nature and possibilities Unfortunately, too, the solution of our personnel diffi- of good, I hope you may be spared those deep culty does not seem to lie alone, or even predominantly, tragedies through which others of us have had to along the line of preparation. This is not to discount the pass, tragedies which have taught us the truth of importance and necessity of the very finest preparation Paul's interpretation. We do believe, as the hymn available, but there is a real sense in which a preparation in our conference hymnal declares: too intense and technical and American, reaches a point of supersaturation which really unfits a person for the God is working his purpose out main essential in missionary living, which is simple- As year succeeds to year: hearted adaptability to the situation in which he finds himself. The problem of reconciling these two is a very God is working his purpose out, difficult one, and I don't think that we have reached the And the time is drawing near; solution. Nearer and nearer draws the time, The truth that we need to learn and keep ever The time that shall surely be, in mind St. Paul set forth long ago in one of his letters: When the earth shall be filled with the glory of God As the waters cover the sea. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many We believe this. If Paul could believe it and noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things declare it in his letter to the Philippian Christians of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen written from jail, from discouragement, from the weak things of the world to confound the things which loneliness, from the treachery of fellow Chrisare mighty; and base things of the world, and things tians, surely we can believe it and declare it towhich are despised, hath God chosen, yet, and things day. But the purpose will be accomplished only which are not, to bring to nought things that are. as the end of a great struggle: a struggle that cost the life of the Son of God, a struggle that is Here once again is the everlasting paradox. calling today for everything that is within us, that Who was the man who wrote these words? We is demanding of us more than all that Jawaharlal see him now not as weak and foolish but as the Nehru is giving to his Nationalism, all that Edmightiest figure in human history, next to his ward Wilson gave to Antarctic exploration, that Master. David Livingstone gave to those dark journeys which lifted the somber fringes of the night and The Nature of the Christian Life let light in upon Africa, all that Jesus Christ asked and is asking still, "If any man will come Lastly, among the unchanging things of which after me, let him deny himself and take up his I would speak there is the real nature of this life cross and follow me." This is the summons that that we are trying to live and this work that we is unchanged and unchanging. are seeking to do. It is a conflict in which we are engaged-a conflict ever changing and unchanging. We are passing beyond the easy conception of the last generation or two with regard to the We need, not simply education, but Christian education – training that issues in religious conviction and Christian personality. Our strength lies in the intelligent religious convictions of our people. In the more comprehensive sense of the term the whole problem of the church is now more clearly seen to be one of education. We have to bring every available resource to bear to make the home, the pulpit, the Sunday school, the day school, the university, the the- ological seminary, all our educational factors, efficient in carrying out the great task of train- ing men and women in Christian character. R. E. S.
American Indian and His
Native Beliefs and Customs and the Christian Missionary Motive -4£{ By ELAINE GOODALE EASTMAN Author of "Pratt: The Red Man's Moses"
THERE are undoubtedly inherent values in right in assuming that their religious associations many primitive religious beliefs., and there are not likely to alter radically "so long as the is an essential human dignity in black, brown culture pattern holds firm." Among our own and yellow men. But the recognition of these American Indians the opposite condition obtains. values has gone too far in many cases, as for ex- Nearly all of them have been compelled by circumample as regards the relatively small group of stances to turn for a living to agriculture, cattlepartially assimilated American Indians. raising or sheep-herding, modern industry or other civilized employment, and schooling has Recent writers have indulged in what may well been general in most tribes for one or two genbe termed extravagant praise of the original In- erations. dian religion and culture. Ernest Thompson Seton's "Gospel of the Red Man: An Indian The Decline of Primitive Cultures Bible," is a brief summary of the "highest and best" ethical teachings of many tribes. The au- The early missionaries, foreseeing this radical thor quotes nine passages, covering almost every shift of cultures, knew that a decay of faith and point made, from Dr. Charles A. Eastman's "Soul ritual based on war and the buffalo hunt must of the Indian" (published twenty-five years ago), inevitably follow. "So far as this tribe is con- and closes with the words: "We advocate his (the cerned," writes one who passed a lifetime among Indian's) culture as an improvement on our own." the Sioux," there never was any use of force to Having long been keenly sensible of the charm turn an Indian away from any religion or toward of the primitive, I have insisted upon the native any religion." Such men were not unwilling to virtues of the untutored Red Man in a day when admit the merits of a culture they saw as doomed. such an attitude was frowned upon as sentimen- Aware that some loss was unavoidable, they tality. Until well into the nineteen hundreds, the sought to balance the loss by greater gain, usually Indian was looked upon as a "savage" and a with marked success. "heathen"-no less! The time came when I was Although a few literal-minded officials and privileged to assist in the preparation of Dr. East- over-punctilious clergymen did try to root out man's idealization of his ancestral philosophy, as everything "native" just because it was native, filtered through a modern mind-a study of this I think this was never a typical attitude. I know subject which has perhaps never been surpassed. that missionaries made some of the finest collec- Yet the Sioux author would not go so far as to tions of aboriginal art, and in some cases built up claim, as has another college-bred Indian, that his a profitable trade in these articles for the benefit race "has contributed more ideas of freedom, of native craftsmen. The Mohonk Lodge in Oklaequality and brotherly love than Christ ever homa is an example. While encouraging the pro- dreamed of"! Nor did he ever assert with Seton duction of things beautiful and serviceable, they that theirs was "the most spiritual civilization the could not be blind to the existence of objection- world has ever seen!" If these things were true, able habits and demoralizing superstitions. Di- what had we to offer them? In defense of the vi- reet attack upon these is, however, a less effective tality and persistence of the Christian missionary method than the friendly offer of something better motive, let us set beside the misleading half- in their place. Every normal personality instinctruths of the new school of Nature-wors'hippers tively seeks it consistent, well integrated philoso- the other half of the story. phy, and the adoption, even in part, of a modern Frank G. Speck, in his book on the Naskapi, the viewpoint implies the rejection of such naive ex- "savage hunters of the Labrador peninsula," as- planations of natural phenomena as that lightning serts that long-time missionary enterprise among proceeds from the beak of an enormous bird, or this people has basically failed. They are still that disease is the work of a malicious spirit. nomadic hunters, ,and the scientist is probably Sterling traits of character, present in some de- [128 ] gree among all mankind, are by certain extremists Photo by Bureau of American Ethnology labelled typically "Indian." Actually, there is HOPI INDIAN SNAKE DANCE little reason to suppose that the ordinary Indian surpasses the common man of another race in courage, generosity, truthfulness, or any basic virtue. In any group these traits vary widely with the individual. Neither, we may assume, is he in reality more "spiritual." True, a state of chronic warfare develops aggressiveness and continual hardship teaches endurance, while such vices as theft and avarice are hardly to be looked for in a moneyless society, whose few possessions are unprotected save by public opinion. On the other hand, those who live close to the soil are constantly preoccupied with primary needs and desires. The day-by-day talk of a primitive Indian camp deals first of all with food-a material necessity; after that, with a never-ceasing flood of incredibly petty and often spiteful neighborhood gossip.
The acceptance of civilization and Christianity makes life more complicated. Along with new temptations, it presents higher standards and a far wider outlook. I am fully aware of the difficulty of making so fundamental an adaptation. I know, however, from first-hand observation, that it may be and has been achieved, in numerous cases. Doubtless the ancient mores at its best produced some fine characters-an earnest of the strength and richness of those that have been developed under Christian teaching.
Some Harmful Indian Customs munities, some attention to the laws of health and preventive medicine is required by law. Both the literary fashion of lauding pagan cults, and the activity in their behalf so recently 2. The Hopi snake dance, theoretically a prayer undertaken by the Indian Office, have put our for rain, is now a well-advertised tourist attracmissionaries more or less on the defensive. With tion. The question arises: Do religious saturnalia no desire to call in question the existence of good of a sensational character, especially after they in all religions, it may be well to specify a few begin to be exploited for money, tend to exalt huof the old-time Indian customs which the mission- man dignity? A correspondent of The Christian aries hold to be definitely opposed both to moral Century commented, a year or so ago, on a someadvance and civic progress. what similar affair staged by Southern "poor whites." "Teester's performance," he wrote, "has 1. The occult arts and weird incantations of brought on such a widespread orgy of snakethe medicine-men, who are doctors as well as handling in tent and crude tabernacle meetings priests, not only fail to cure the sick-unless to that something will have to be done about it. . . . a limited extent by hypnotic powers – but they Press and sound news reel have made capital of often spread disease among the well. For one ex- the frenzied spectacle." ample out of many, take the Reverend J. C. Morgan's description of the ye-ba-chai, sacred healing 3. Rites involving public torture and mutilation ceremony among the Navajos. Mr. Morgan is a once climaxed the Sun Dance of the Plains people. native missionary. He writes: "In this dance These were banned by the government; but it is many men take part, each wearing a snugly fitting said that in some pueblos there are still ceremonial buckskin mask. One after another wears the whippings. same mask all night long. Some have sore eyes; some have tuberculosis; the masks, become sat- 4. Belief in witchcraft is almost universal urated with breath and perspiration. I believe among primitive Indians. Some tribes execute many are infected with trachoma or tuberculosis persons suspected of being witches. or both." This dance lasts nine days and nights and costs much money. In most enlightened com- 5. Fear of "ghosts," really fear of the dead and their power to harm, is extremely common. It causes a great deal of unhappiness and leads to
lending one's wife to a visitor, will hardly be de- fended as worthy of perpetuation among United States citizens..
11. The tradition of incessant petty warfare against "enemy tribes," usually near neighbors, dominated the society of the leading Indian na- tions. No youth might honorably seek a wife until he had shed the blood of an "enemy," often that of a solitary hunter with his helpless little family. Next to taking the life of a member of another tribe, either man, woman or child, in a kind of private "war," most renown was to be won by "stealing" his horses or other property.
REV. BEN BRAVE – SIOUX INDIAN The Need for the Christian Message practices injurious to the living, such as the de- It will be said in reply that no one has proposed struction of a dwelling in which a death has oc- going to logical extremes, but merely that the curred. Extreme mourning customs, the cutting "best" of the ancestral tradition be perpetuated. of the hair and flesh, burying or giving away all This means that the much eulogized "native culpossessions, add needlessly to the pain of bereave- tures" must first be judged by wholly alien standment. ards. After the process of sifting, only a few selected items remain, and these usually among 6. It has been said in praise of the old-time the least characteristic and important. Customs Indian that "his ambition was not to possess shocking to our moral sense, such as kidnapping, wealth but to give it away." At the same time, slavery, massacre of noncombatants, torture of property must first be accumulated, before pres- prisoners and many others, though sanctioned if tige can be acquired by its distribution. Probably not enjoined by various Indian religions, are supthere was little pure altruism connected with the pressed by Seton in his "Indian Bible" as well as tradition of public giving, which was on the whole by certain spokesmen for the Indian Office. The a form of display. The leading men of some tribes widespread injury to health from the use of collected and destroyed great piles of savage peyote, and the activities of native medicine-men, wealth as the surest :r;oad to personal distinction. are glossed over or ignored. If it were actually possible to reestablish the "integrity of the old 7. The Peyote cult, borrowed from Old Mexico, order," as some enthusiasts have seemed to advocenters about the use of an intoxicating drug for- cate, we should once more have tribal leaders of bidden by the laws of several states. Missionaries the type of Geronimo, Sitting Bull, and Kicking and other close observers have invariably con- Bear – high priest of the Messiah craze. This demned it as harmful. It is tolerated, however, would be genuine "Indian leadership," promoted by the present Indian administration. by strange forms of religious excitement and find- ing vent in intertribal feuds, as well as in undying S. Religious taboos against many common hostility to the white man! foods, such as fish, or the totem animal of the individual, cause needless privation and inconven- On the other hand, our present-day Indian leadience. ers have been trained by Christian men and women to lead away from, not back to, the primi- 9. Isolation of the menstruating woman, often tive. Most of them are of mixed ancestry, and with inadequate fire and food, is a common cul- the same is true of an estimated two-thirds of the tural trait based on superstitious fear. It involves Indian population, so-called. Intermarriage, says great discomfort and probable danger to health. the Dutch scientist, Schrieke, in his book, "Alien Americans," is "America's greatest contribution" 10. Polygamy, and especially the claim of a to the solution of the Indian problem. The inman to any or all of his wife's sisters as second- evitable transition is now far advanced. Surely ary wives, regardless of their preferences, to- the future of-these aspiring contemporary Amer.igether with the custom of sexual hospitality, or cans cannot, to any significant extent, lie along aboriginal folkways? If not, the "missionary mo- tive" is still valid, and Christ not only offers an advance upon any and all native religions but a new conception of God and the way of life for man.
Christ Has Done for Untouchables*
By v. s. AZARIAH Bishop of Dornakal, India THE whole of India has been agitated by the They cannot lose government help, simply because declaration made by Dr. Ambedkar that all they change their religion. Some others say that who are known as Depressed Classes should Hindus are reforming themselves, and there is give up Hinduism and seek to join some other re- much change nowadays compared with former ligion that will give them the fullest opportunities times, and that the Depressed Classes must wait of developing themselves. Dr. Ambedkar char- in patience. Dr. Ambedkar says in reply that he acterized Hinduism as a contagion; those who has now waited for many years and nothing is wished to escape the evil effects of this contagion really done; that the nature of Hinduism is such must flee from it. that nothing much can be done within it and the fact that some people have changed does not prove Dr. Ambedkar has been in Europe, England, that his people's lot is going to be very different and America and has spent several years in those from the past. countries for advanced study. Owing to his Depressed Class origin, however, he was put to great It is not for us to say what religion Untouchinconveniences when he began work in the Baroda ables must join; and what religion will give you State and in the Bombay Presidency. He is now what you seek. We place before you what the practicing law in Bombay and is also the principal religion of Jesus Christ has done in the past for of a law college. Thousands of those hitherto your brethren who have become Christians. known as Untouchables in all parts of India have declared their willingness to follow Dr. Ambedkar We have in the Andhra Desa about a million and renounce Hinduism and join some other reli- Christians. Of these nine-tenths must be people gion. who themselves or through their forefathers were in the so-called Depressed Class groups before Hindu leaders naturally are advising the so- they became Christians. What has Christ done called Depressed Classes not to abandon Hindu- for us who are converts and your brethren? ism. Some reformers urge that Hindu temples must be open to Depressed Classes. But "ortho- 1. He has lifted us socially. We have had edudox" Hindus vehemently oppose ,this. Pious Hin- cational facilities given us by missions. Adults dus would no longer visit the temples If they were have learnt to read. Our children live, study, and polluted by Untouchables. It would be reasonable eat alongside of any who may have come into our to ask why the Depressed Classes should now in- religion from any other caste. We have risen in vade Hindu temples where they have never wor- the estimation of other castes because of our edushipped before and hurt the feelings of the devout cation and character. Our original caste and the orthodox people. Many Depressed Class leaders ca11te of our forefathers are thus being forgotten. have publicly said that they do not want this. Some of our men are occupying positions as Deputy Collectors, Tahsildars, Sub-Magistrates, Some Hindu leaders have argued that the De- Municipal Commissioners, Revenue Inspectors, pressed Class people will not gain anything by etc., throughout the Andhra Desa. Most of our giving up Hinduism, because only when they re- pastors and teachers are from our own people; main in the Hindu fold will they be entitled to and these have under their care Christian conenjoy those political privileges and government verts from all castes. There are hundreds of favors which they now get as Depressed Classes. Christian pastors and thousands of schoolmasters But Dr. Ambedkar asks: "What is the use of all over the country. Converts from the Brahmin, privileges when we are to he eternally called 'out- Kshatriya, Vaisya, and Sudra castes are taught castes,' 'untouchables' and have to live under this in Christian schools and are given religious mindisgrace?" And he is right. Moreover, he is con- istrations by converts from the Depressed Classes. vinced that the government is certainly not going These things. are not unknown to you. to do any such injustice to the Depressed Classes simply because they choose to revolt against the 2. He has raised our womanhood. The Chris- ~osition in which Hinduism has placed them. tian women stand higher than Hindus in educa- tion. In English education they stand highest of *N~~t~~~e~i~~~r distributed by the Foreign Missions Conference among Indians. Among them are found many doctors, and B.A.'s who are occupying responsible [131 ]
positions in the Andhra Desa. A few are in gov- ment in the higher things comes to us and these ernment service. These are respected by all who inevitably lead to enlightenment of mind and adknow them. Infant marriages are unknown vance in general culture. The light of Jesus among us; purdah is unknown, and this gives Christ has shone into our hearts and minds, and our women the opportunity of going on to higher is illuminating us. This may be noticed in any education and making themselves useful in public village in the Andhra Desa. life. Our home life is generally known to be pure and happy. Taken as a whole, our women and (e) Christianity has brought us fellowship and our girls enjoy life, full life and happiness, be- brotherhood. It has treated us with respect, and cause of our religious injunction-one man-one it has given us self-respect. It has never despised wife, and both equal before God. us because of our lowly origin, but on the contrary has held us as individuals who are as valuable be- 3. He has removed the customs and habUs that fore God and man as any man of any origin. We have been the causes of our past degradation. believe it has been the working out of the will of God, that probably more than seventy-five per (a) As we have already said Christian mar- cent of all the great efforts Christian missions riage law has given us happy homes. How con- have made in the past two centuries, has been for stantly, among the so-called Depressed Class peo- us, the Depressed Classes, for whom previously ple, men took liberty to give up one wife and take no one had shown any interest or care. All this another without making any provision for the has been in accord with the life and character of first wife? It was possible, too, for a man to take the Lord Jesus, who said, "I am come to seek and more than one wife. The result of this was un- save that which is lost." We, your blood and happy homes, wrecked lives, bitter tears, Quarrels, brethren, can witness to you what a blessing it and sometimes even murders. All this has now has been to be "found" of Him. changed. (f) Best of all, Christianity has given us hap- (b) The Christian religion has combated the piness and joy that can only come by the knowlcurse of drink. There is no doubt that one reason edge that God has forgiven our sins and has made for the poverty of the laboring classes is that half us His children in Christ. We consider this as the the earnings of men is usually wasted on drink. foundation cause of all that we have received Drink has also led to quarrels, riots, and court through this religion. The fact that Jesus Christ cases. Christianity has opposed this; and we can died for us makes us hate sin, and live new lives. point out many whole villages from which drink He lives now and enables us to give up our old, has altogether been driven out. This has in its bad habits and grow in newness of life. "If any turn brought prosperity. We know-we can cite man is in Christ there is a new creation," say onr names-all over the Andhra Desa, of Christians Scriptures. (who were known formerly as Depressed Classes) who have given up drink, and thus after a short All this has not been accomplished through any time have been able to payoff old debts, and a magic, or done in a day. It has been the result of little later have been known to possess bullock- years of service, patiently and with love poured carts, and earn an independent livelihood for out by thousands of consecrated Christian men and themselves. Decent houses have been built, and women, both Indian and foreign who have labored the general level of life raised, after the people to improve our lot. It has been the result of conbecame Christians. stant teaching, care, and instruction. It has been accomplished moreover, because we ourselves, (c) Christianity has made the people cleaner. freed by Christ from chains of ignorance and The Christian religion requires us all to meet in fear, have found within ourselves new courage, our churches every day, and most of all on Sun- new hope, new strength to struggle upward. It is days, together for the public worship of God. still a process going on; we are not a finished This regular worship of God has inculcated in us product (you may no doubt find many faults habits of cleanliness and self-respect. within us) but no man can deny that we are grow- ing, moving toward the goal. If you, like us, (d) Christianity has also improved our intel- should choose Christ in your momentous choice, lectual powers. The Christian religion enj oins on you will find in Him, not empty words, but ~n opall converts a certain amount of knowledge of di- portunity for an abundant life. "I am come that vine things. As soon as we are enrolled as Chris- ye might have life, and that more abundantly." tians regular instruction begins. A teacher and his wife are sent to live in our midst, and they All over India the Depressed Class people are guide us to knowledge in divine things. Our Sun- wistfully looking in every direction for a new reday worship includes instruction in religion. As ligion. The decision must be yours. What we a rule during daytime the teacher conducts a have tested and found that Christ is doing today school for our children. Men and women and for millions of your brethren, He can do for you children are thus lifted to a higher level of life; also. and by daily teaching and daily lessons, enlighten-
A Firebrand for Christ in
By the REV. J. CHRISTY WILSON, D.D.
American Mission, T abriz, Iran "I WANT to enter the school, and especially to study the New Testament, and learn more of Christ."
These were the first words of a Moslem village boy who came to the Mission School at the begin- ning of the fall term. Though he did not show much promise as a student his purpose was un- usual. In his case there was no prejudice against Christianity to break down. Somewhere he had learned to read Syriac, and the story of Jesus had captured his imagination, if not his heart.
Like many another boy in lands around this old world, he explained, "I have no money for tuition, nor even for books, but I am willing to do any kind of work."
Our drinking water was carried from a mission compound a mile or two outside the city so that his first job was to carry water in an earthen jar, like the woman of Samaria. That task led her to the well where she found Christ.
During the few busy days before the opening of school I saw much of this boy. At every meet- ing in the church or school he was present. He even appeared at teachers' meeting! A hunger to hear and learn everything he could made it un- necessary to urge him along "the flowery path of knowledge." At first he had appeared to be a very ordinary village boy but we were soon aware SAMUEL NARY – A MOSLE'M WHO FOUND CHRIST that his was no ordinary zeal for learning. He was sixteen or seventeen years old, but because from Islam, most of them develop gradually into of little previous schooling he was enrolled in the full-fledged Christians, but not so this boy. He third grade. gavehis heart all at once in full and complete sur- His name was "Seif Ali," he said, but he asked render and he was transformed. In an instant, that we enter his name as "SamueL" The reason it seemed, the village Moslem boy had passed he explained, "My name means 'The Sword of away. Before us there stood a new creation.
Ali,' who was the son-in-law of Mohammed the From that moment he became a firebrand for prophet. The name does not suit me, however. Christ.
I prefer to be called Samuel, that was the name Samuel went on with his studies and before of the boy whom God called and who later became long began bringing others to our house to talk of a great prophet." So Samuel it was. Jesus. They were for the most part common men In a Moslem country like ours, Friday is a from the bazaar, but they had been prepared for school holiday and on that morning a class of the interview. If they could read, Samuel had boys, who were interested, came by invitation to given them Christian literature and portions of study of Christ. Samuel drank it all in. Inside the New Testament. Instinctively they had real- of three weeks he was leading us in beautiful and ized that this boy's great and sincere desire was effectual prayer, and before three months he had to share with them the glorious new life he had confessed Christ. I have seen many converts found in Christ.
[133 ]
Following a shorter period of probation than you want me on your account to break a law of usual, Samuel and another boy who had accepted the school?" Christ about the same time were baptized, after being examined and accepted by the elders of the "My dear Sir," the boy responded, "I am not church. He began to wield a great influence under law; I am under grace." among the boys in the school and in the dormitory and the church. His surrender to Christ, his He continued in school through the sixth class Spirit-filled life, and his sincerity were so appar- and soon after was called by the government for ent that his faith could not be doubted. His zeal two years of military service. He went gladly to was contagious, and Christians who had grown serve in the army, saying that he had two great cold were warmed into new fervor by the fire that duties, one to serve God and the other to serve his burned in his heart. There were more than two country. He was anxious, however, to get the hundred boys in the school, many of them born patriotic duty out of the way, so he could devote and reared in Christian homes, but before the end his time more fully to what he conceived to be the of the year this' boy knew his Bible better than greater task. During his army service he conany other in the school. He seemed to have an tinually witnessed for his Master and became answer for every question in the words of Scrip- known as the most willing recruit in all his conture. It may have been that his influence had a tingent. Some years later, when another Chrisgreat deal to do with the fact that before the year tian convert boy went to serve under the same was over more than twenty of the students and hard-boiled drill sergeant and the latter saw how teachers expressed a desire to dedicate themselves gladly he obeyed even the most difficult assignto full-time Christian service. ments, he said, "What do we have here, another Samuel Naby?" At the time of his baptism Samuel asked to be called "Samuel Naby" or Samuel the Prophet. Periodically the boy in uniform came to ask for When he returned to his village his first concern Christian literature and Gospels, which he diswas ,to witness for Christ to his own relatives and tributed widely but with great care. Then no friends. There was some property of which he word would come from him for a time as he would was part owner and the members of the family be off in a distant area of the province. News took legal action to obtain his share of the prop- came from him at times and in various ways. erty on the grounds that he had become a Chris- Once two Jews walked about fifty miles to the city tian. He did not contest the action but remon- to get aNew Testament in Hebrew; they had strated with them for attempting to take away by been interested in Christ and His Way through force what he would have been willing to give the testimony of the boy doing military service them freely. His was the spirit of Him who said, in their mountain outpost. "If any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also." One day the officer in command of his compaJjY found Samuel reading. He asked what book it The vacation period passed and the principal of was-and the boy, standing at salute replied, the school, in whose place I had been substituting for the year, returned from furlough. Samuel "The New Testament, Sir." came from the village to enter school again. He "Put that book away, you have enough to study asked if he might skip a class, and tryout in the in your guard manual," was the command. grade ahead, since he was older than the average of his classmates and had been studying in the "Sir," Samuel answered, "it is because of this summer. As reported to me the conversation was Book that I have in my hand that I stand here somewhat as follows: saluting you. Had I not learned from this Book my duty to my king and country, I should have "I shall be glad to have you enter a grade fled like many of my companions across the borahead," said the principal, "but you shall have to der to avoid military service." pass all the examinations of the class you wish to skip before you can enter the advanced grade. The officer did not answer but passed on. This is a positive rule of the school." Some ,time later the company to which Samuel "Please let me go in the higher class and try belonged was ordered to the extreme northwestern out there," Samuel replied. "Inside of a few frontier for a campaign against unruly Kurdish weeks I shall know perfectly well whether I can tribes. The going was hard and many wounded carry the work or not. If I cannot keep up you and sick were brought in to the military hospital will not need to say a word, I shall go back in the in the city where we were living. One day w·e other class of my own accord." heard that Samuel was there. I called on him. and found him as full of zeal as ever, though suf- "I should like to do it that way," the teacher fering from a severe case of pleurisy, contracted answered, "but our rules must be kept. Would from exposure and sleeping on the ground. I had taken him some books, which he began to pass on to others before I left his bedside. When my visit was about to end he shouted to all the sick
A FIREBRAND FOR CHRIST IN IRAN
and wounded men in the big ward, "Now be quiet Naby. His teacher in the training school for a minute, you fellows, this man is going to lead evangelists testified, "I have never received so us in prayer." There was absolute silence as I much spiritual help in my life as from that boy prayed-in the government military hospital. The in the three months he was with me." It will next time I came I was besieged for books and take much in sacrifice, and life itself, to found the tracts. church which God is calling out of Islam in this land, and this young friend would deem it a rare In due time the boy was well enough to return privilege to be one of the foundation stones-beto his home city to complete his military service. neath the ground if need be–in that church. When released from the army he started on a tour of near-by villages, busy at once in evangelism on The Great Teacher of us all has told us that: his own initiative. I was later told that many "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and Christians asked themselves the question, "Must die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth we wait to be shamed by this former Moslem boy forth much fruit." In Samuel Naby I have seen before we begin to witness for Christ?" the absolute living proof that the Spirit of Christ can change, in a moment of time, an ignorant vil- Samuel expressed his desire to become an evan- lage Moslem into a radiant, powerful Christian. gelist and give all his time to that service. He wanted to be free to work anywhere that God WILLIAM CAREY'S COVENANT called him and said, for a time at least, he would like to travel like Mansur Sang, the Christian Weare thinking much of missionary methods dervish. The Mission decided that he should go in these days. Carey and his colleagues, in the histo the distant city of Isfahan to take up training toric Serampore Covenant, expressed convictions in the school for evangelists. He already had the which never grow oldprime requisites, a heart full of love, a yearning to lead people to Christ, a burning zeal, and a 1. To set an infinite value on men's souls. good knowledge of the Bible. He was, however, 2. To acquaint ourselves with the snares which anxious to get the best possible training before he took up his, life work. hold the minds of the people. 3. To abstain from whatever deepens India's On his way to the training school he stopped for a few days in our city where he spoke in prayer prejudice against the Gospel. meeting and made the prayer at the general Sun- 4. To watch for every chance of helping people. day service. Many people caught a spark of his 5. To preach "Christ crucified" as the one great fire and he was mentioned scores' of times after he had gone on his way. means of conversions.
Reaching Isfahan, Samuel plunged into his 6. To esteem and treat Indians always as our training with keen delight. He was hungry for equals. instruction and worked with a will at these lessons under a young English missionary. He still 7. To guard and build up "the hosts that may be had time, however, to work among patients in the gathered." hospital, with men in the street, in the bazaareverywhere he carried on his intensive witness for 8. To cultivate their spiritual gifts, ever press- Christ. No necessity for others to plan "field ex- ing upon them their missionary obligation perience" for him in connection with his course – since Indians only can win India for of study! Christ.
After some three months of this training he 9. To labor· unceasingly in BibHcal translation. had some trouble with his throat and it was suggested that he have his tonsils removed. He ac- 10. To be instant in the nurture of personal recepted ,the proposal gladly, and when the time ligion. came went to the operating room laughing and saying to his friends, "I'll be out in just a few 11. To give ourselves without reserve to the minutes." Chloroform was administered for the Cause of Christ, "not counting even the operation and under the anesthetic Samuel lost clothes we wear as our own." consciousness but never regained it in this life. "Brainerd in America poured out his All efforts to revive him failed. very soul before God for the people. Prayer, secret, fervent, expectant, lies at Why God called him, at what to us seemed the the root of all personal godliness. A combeginning of his wonderful ministry, we do not petent knowledge of the languages current know. From our viewpoint the three years min- where a missionary lives, a mild and winistry of our Lord would have seemed all too short. ning temper, and a heart given up to God One thing we know is that many lives were stirred – these are the attainments, which more into new consecration by the passing of Samuel than all other gifts, will fit us to become God's instruments in the great work of hu- man redemption." It is written of Carey that "his whole desire went out to meet the Will of God."
Shrines and Emperor
–<!IIi By a R",;d,nt of Japan III>– T HE tradition of the descent of the Japanese that shrine w,orship is a secular ceremony, both ruler from the Sun Goddess has seen a strong scholars and the general Japanese and K'Orean r·evival during recent years. Ten or fifteen public look upon such acts as religious. The leadyears ag,o liberal Japanese leaders were inclined ers of the present reactionary movement (the to interpret this traditiDn as meaning only that Fundamentalists of Shinto) have succeeded in the line of EmperDrs, to quote the constituti,on, demonstrating that the act of paying reverence at "is coeval with Heaven and earth," leaving the a national shrine is an act of worship. The leadattendant mythology to fade into the background. ing authorities ,on National Shinto are c'Oming to Others even pr,ofessed to hope that Japan would devel,oP into a constitutional monarchy of the the position that the national cult is a religion. * British type. All 'Of this has a vital relationship to Christian Today, however, no 'One dares to express such education in Japan because the larger percentage opinions 'Openly. The world "Emper,or" and pro- of the students in all ,of the missiDn schools (exnouns applied to Him must be capitalized when cept the theol'Ogical seminaries) are n'On-Chriswritten in Western languages. The Japanese tians, and parents and guardians are consequently SChODl books state, "We Japanese lODk up to our non-Christian and very susceptible to influences Emperor as to a God," and "The Japanese Em- surrounding them. Non-Christian alumni and peror is divine." Last year the word used in offi- parents, s,ometimes instigated by pr,ofessiDnal "pacial documents for "Emper,or" was chang·ed from triDts," have demanded that the schools "clarify kotei (the general term for emperor) to Tenno, the national polity" by speaking 'Out clearly CJnor "Heaven-ruler." The Japanese are quite con- cerning the divine nature ,of the Emperor and the cerned because the Eur,opean word "emperor" is Sun Goddes·s. used with r·eference to the emperor of India and the emperor 'Of the Roman Empire, so that SDme This present-day interpretation of Japanese call their ruler Tenno even when speaking a fDr- nationalism forces several serious pr,oblems ,on eign language, and refer to Japan as a Tennocracy the attention ,of Christian schools in Japan, rather than an empire. It is forbidden to refer to Chosen and Form'Osa. the Emper,oras a man even in praise, and mDst Western j'Ournalists adopt the policy ,of referring 1. The moral basis ,of Japanese education is laid to His Majesty as seldom as possible in order to in the "imperial Rescript" on education, drawn avoid giving ,offense. They dare not ever refer up by the Department ,of Education in 1890 and to the Emperor Meiji as a "truly great man." issued under the name and seal of the Emperor Japanese express amazement that Christians Meiji to offset the flood of Western ideas. The should be S,o fD'Olish as to believe that one person Department of Education ordered that it should (Jesus) might be both human and divine. be read, with appropriate ceremony, 'On stated 'Oc- casions in all the schools. Recently another movement has revealed an unmistakable demand that loyalty to the present Within the past ten years, the Rescript has been Empel'or shall be equal to the loyalty to the Sun exalted n'Ot only as the basis 'Of Japanese educa- Goddess, and that the test 'Of national lDyalty is tion but as the Apostles Creed ,of the Imperial the worship 'Of the "Ancestress 'Of the Imperial Cult. The Rescript itself is held to be without line." Some years ago many scholars interpreted err,or and beyond criticism. Its morality is C,onthe Sun Goddess merely as a personification of fucian but it clearly states the divine ancestry 'Of one 'Of the tribes which invaded Japan in prehis- the Emperor. This element has caused it to be toric times. Today loyal subjects of the Emper'Or esteemed highly by those wh,o wDuld stem the tide· must accept the Sun Goddess myth just as it of present-day _Western doctrines. In recent stands. months all schools have been f'Orced to lay more emphasis upon this liturgy-the method 'Of read- In Korea most 'Of the shrines are dedicated to ing, the white gloves 'Of the reader and the bowing in reverence. In most Christian schools these the Sun Goddess, whereas in Japan most are dedicated to Japanese herDes. Japanese officials say • See article by D. C. Holton in the Japan Ohristian Year Book f~~ ~;i~6 q~Oe~tton~ummary of present-day scholarly opinion concern- [ 136] ceremonies are acc.ompanied by hymns, Scripture tion." Christians never know how the Rescri.pt reading, prayers and a short explanation .of the will be interpreted next. meaning .of the cerem.ony, but it is doubtful whether this can long continue since it is looked A few years ago when the service of a certain upon ,as an opportunity to teach the Christian d.oc- church was being broadcast at Christma's time the trine of God and to inculcate a Christian attitude phrase, "Lord save the Emperor," caused the of l.oyalty to the State. church such difficulty that a revision of the prayer book was necessary. The phr&se "King of kings In N.ovember, 1936, the Department .of Edu- and Lord ,of lords" was indicated as unacceptable cation required all schools to present copies of the for Christian worship. Recently Paul Kanamori's program used at the Rescript ceremony, and to "The W,ay to Faith," was withdrawn from cirexplain the nature,Qf the care taken of the sacred culation because of its monotheistic arguments. d,Qcument. The public press has also criticized the Christian doctrine of the Kingdom of God because its basic 2. In Japan most Christian schools accept the virtue of love is contrary to loyalty, the basic virstatement of the Government that the ceremonies tue of the J.apanese Empire. Hymns used in at the shrines are nonreligious and permit their Christian services (both English and Japanese students to go there to pay respect. These Chris- translations) might be oonstrued as treasonable. tian schools have not adopted the custom of volun- Opponents of Christianity are looking for the tarily, but thr.ough social pressure or demands slightest deviations from the present interpretafl'om patrons. In some Christian schools attend- tion of national loyalty. Christi.ans are concerned ance at the shrines is optional; in others the en- lest they should be forced to ,teach dogmas which tire student b,Qdy is taken under the direction of run counter to fundamental Christian principles. the military officers to pay reverence. In one boy's school the military officer invariably chooses Japanese Christians are concerned about these a Sunday to take the students to the shrine. In problems, but their concern is modified by two or T,Qkyo and vicinity the authorities are more three modifying factors. lenient than in other districts, a proof of the truth of the Japanese proverb that "The foot of the 1. The J,apanese Christians feel that officials lighthouse is in darkness." charged with the enforcement .of the law are friendly. All of the leaders .of the missi.on schools 3. The Japanese consider it a great honor for who have been called to confer with the officials a school to receive a Portrait of the Emperor. of the Department of Educati,Qn have been treated The Portrait must be kept in a fireproof safe with great oonsideration, and the men in charge when not in use; a teacher must sleep each night seek to make everything as easy as possible f.or in the same room ready to protect the sacred the sch.ools and churches to abide within the law Portrait with his life; acts of reverence must be without offense to conscience. The officials themmade when passing the Portrait or the container selves are being pres'sed by the Shinto Fundamen- ,of it, and the Portrait is on display only on the talists into a positi.on which they would not take ceremonial occasi,Qns when the Imperial Rescript if left to themselves. They are willing to make is read. Most Christian schools have avoided re- almost any compr,Qmise to avoid a public scene ceiving the Portrait by pleading that they had no that might involve them in lese majesty. These suitable pJ,ace in which to keep It. In the autumn men who are enforcing the law are not followers of 1936 all Christian higher schools were called of any particular religion. They are atheists or to the Department .of Educati.on to explain if they agnostics. The men .of the Meiji Restoration, who had a copy of the Portrait, and if not why not, devised the present cult of National Shinto, were and .if so, how It was treated. Leaders of the Na- rationalists and ,&theists. The J.apanese Christional Chdstian Education Ass.ociation advised all tians, therefore, conf.orm to many ceremonies Christian schools to apply f.or the best.owal of the without scruples, which would be impossible to a Portrait. Officials of the Department .of Educa- people (such as the Koreans) who do not have tion have recently advised Christian schools that this historical understanding. The men in charge a chapel, having symbols of the w.orship of the .of enf,Qrcing the law realize the necessity of not Christian God, was not an appr.opriate place for violating the constitutions guarantee of freed.om the display ,of the Portrait. .of religi.on, and will not force an issue which will antagonize the strong theistic sects of Buddhism, 5. In recent years the Government has been as well &s the Christian churches. emphasizing the importance of religious education in schools. A distincti'on is made between culti- 2. The Japanese Christians bend but do not vating the spirit .of religion in the pupils and break easily. Historically the cult of Shinto was teaching the doctrines of any ,specified religion. not intended to be religious, and many believe that The Government memorandum stated explicitly when this present tension has passed the .original that "n.o religious teaching will be permitted that purpose of the founders of the constituti.on will runs contmry to the Imperial Rescript on Educa- be maintained. Therefore, if the Government
will consistently maintain that the shrines are gone through controversies with the Government nonreligious and that reverence paid there is an in the past with credit and if they cannot find a act .of I.oy.alty and not .of religi.ous worship, they way out of this present crisis, they are ready to will foll.ow. Meanwhile they insist upon the re- pay the price in persecuti.on. form of Shinto and the removal of religions elements from shrines. Christians in Japan are fear- Finally, Japanese Chdstians are unwilling to ing a new era .of persecution, but d.o n.ot wish to create an issue out of what really seems to many precipitate it. a min.or matter, f.or they realize that far more important issues are in the air. 3. One question involved is, What does the Government mean by the words used for "God" for 1. A definite and well-directed anti-Christian "worship," for "divine"? It was unt:ortunate that m.ovement is .on foot in Japan, the extent of which the word adopted for "God" (kami) in Japan is is being revealed. The Government and the offithe same as that used for the Shinto divinities, cials ,are generally on the side .of the Christians, who are spirits of nature and deceased nati.onal seeking to avoid any overt act that would precipiheroes. The significance of the w.ord is little more tate a crisis. Ina certain city the l.ocal authorithan "eXialted being." Many Protestant Chris- ties recently issued orders that every house should tians refer to God by the term "Heavenly Father," erect a Shinto god-shelf. In another city placards .others ,always qualify the w.ord kami by phrases denouncing Chdstianity as a disl.oyal sect apasserting the uniqueness, the eternity and the fa- peared .on the streets one morning. In these plactherhood .of the Christian God. Although the ards the situation was analyzed so clearly that Shinto FundamentaHsts, ,and many .of the common it made one feel that, if a concerted effort were people, may think .of the Sun Goddess .or of Im- made by the enemies of the Gospel, there would perial Ancestors as possessing attributes of deity, be little difficulty in persuading the nonthinking the Christians know that the ideas differ greatly populace that Christianity is a traitorous religion. from the ideas which ,the Christians hold concern- At least many of its fundamental concepts run ing the Heavenly Father. Unfortunately, owing directly contmry to the stream of nati.onalistic to the hysterical state .of many "patri.otic" leaders, thought current in Japan at present. Certain it is impossible to air the differences involved, but hymns, certain secti.ons from St. Paul's Epistles, the Christians are thinking things through and from the Prophets, from the Book .of Revelati.on, discussing them in small groups. and from the Westminster Gonfes,sion, if pub- lished .on billboards, would precipitate trouble. Worship is paid by people to the spirit of a The situation is, as the Japanese would say, "delifaithful dog, whose statue stands at the railway cate." station where he awaited the return .of his dead master. Buddhi,st mas,ses are regularly held for 2. Another 'element of danger lies in the milithe spirits .of needles broken while sewing, and tary faction which use,s the Shinto reactionaries for ,the spirits of broken dolls. B.owing the head and Loyalists to further its policies of nationalistic is not reserved for what Westerners term "reli- expansion. This is.a subject concerning which it gi.ous" occ'll;sions. The sentiment .of awe at the is not prudent to write. There is clearly a rift center .of the Japanese idea of w.orship enters into between the civil ,authorities and the military. We many social conventions and habits. It is P.ossible are told that soldiers attempted to prevent the f.or Christians therefore to b.oW at shrines, even reentry of Dr. Kagawa, who was forced to appeal though thes~ same shrines may be used by .others to the governor of the prefecture before he could for religious purposes. It means little more to enter Kobe. them than taking off our hats at that same shrine would mean to us. The military authorities today are acting as if another war were imminent, and they look upon But many Japanese Christians will n.ot g.o vol- missionaries as enemies of their country, because untarily to the shrines or, adopt these methods .of they are foreigners; they look upon Japanese showing their loyalty. Well-known Christians are Christians as semitraitors because of their connot afraid to state that they or the'ir children d.o necti.on with the missions and because of the libnot worship at the shrines. If an issue is pressed, eral political and social ideas held by many Chrish.owever, they W.ould conf.orm rather than precipi- tian leaders. These things have had the effect of tate a crisis which might be far-reaching. drawing the Japanese Christians closer to the' missionaries, for in the event of a crisis both When such vague notions are common in Japan would suffer equally. regarding the meaning of "God," "worship," and "spirit," many missionaries feel that it is better The situation in Japan is more serious than that to leave the distinguishing .of the things that involved in the Shrine problem. Japanese Chrisdiffer to Japanese Christians. They are men and tians are seeking to avoid any open break with w.omen of a high .order .of intelligence, they have the authorities which would give additional oc- casion for their enemies to attack them.
Nagao-a Japanese Christian
By the REV. WILLIAM AXLING, Tokyo, Japan American Baptist Foreign Mission Society; Author of the "Life of Kagawa"
HAMPEl NAGAO was one of Japan's front- young Mr. Nagao has forged his way to the front line Christian leaders. While a student in and has become a conspicuous figure in the na- Tokyo he enlisted in the Christian life and tional life of Japan. On the staff of the Colonial this step ushered him into an entirely new world. Administration of Formosa, as Japan's represen- Everything he saw, the sky, the sea, the moun- tative on the International Railway Commission tains, the trees, the flowers, spoke to him about his in Siberia during the World War, as Chief of the new-found God, as revealed in Christ, a God who Southern Division of the Imperial Government is not only great and powerful but his Father, his Railways, as Head of the Municipal Street Car Friend. System of Tokyo and as a member of Parliament With unspeakable eagerness he looked forward he has rendered a significant service.
to the summer vacation when he would return to Through it all he has stood s.taunch as a Chrishis country village and share this new experience tian. Again and again he paid a big price for his with his parents, his brothers and his sisters. Christian conviction. He lost his seat in Parlia- Slow-footed summer ~rrived at last and hurriedly ment because the liquor interests combined he started for home. In his letters he had at- against him. But he lost it with a smile, saying tempted to prepare the way so that his family that his Christian principles were far more knew that he had become a Christian. precious to him than the coveted seat in Parlia- When he reached his village and opened the ment.
door of his home, the family rushed forth to greet Although constantly carrying heavy official re- him. All but his father. He was not to be seen. sponsibilities he was never too busy to respond to This seemed to augur ill. The father sent word a call for Christian service. For over twenty demanding that he must renounce his new-found years he was a trustee of the Tokyo City Y. M.
Christian faith before he would be received. C. A. and for a part of that time served as Chair- Worse still the father refused to allow the son to man. He was one of the organizers and a trustee cross his threshold. This was like a blow in the of Tokyo Woman's Christian College.
face. All the happy anticipations. of his home He was a flaming crusader in the temperance coming were shattered and he stood stunned. cause and a passionate advocate of church union.
The lad's reply was that he would do anything In these two fields his contribution was unique.
within his power to please his father but he could He was one of the prime movers in the movement not give up his faith in Christ. The father in which enabled the Christian Literature Society turn sent word that he was then no longer a son and the American Bible Society to secure their and this was no longer his home. Members of the present quarters. He passed into the life beyond family interceded, but the father's only reply was a few months ago and now that he is gone, the that the son had brought such dark disgrace upon battIe for everything that is Christian and good, him and the home that he was strongly tempted to will be lonelier and more difficult. atone for the son's sins by committing "harakiri" When Mr. Nagao died thousands of people in true traditional Japanese fashion. gathered to pay their respects in one of the With the tears streaming down his face Nagao largest auditoriums in Tokyo. Ministers of state, took his New Testament and, with a prayer, laid ex-ministers .and members of Parliament paid it on the threshold, sending word to his father, high tribute to his life and Christian influence.
asking him to read that book and judge for him- One other word of thanksgiving must be added: self whether Christianity was the evil religion His father read the New Testament which his which he supposed it to be. Then bidding good- sort left on the doorstep that fateful summer eve- bye to the members of the family and sending his ning and too found it to be Good News. He belove to his father, the boy turned away, weary in came an earnest Christian and the whole family body and broken in spirit, to retrace the long, long found their way into the new life in Christ. Even- miles back to Tokyo. tually the son was welcomed back into the home This happened fifty years ago. Since that time from which he had been banished.
[139 ]
Missionary Motives*
By the REV. w. B. ANDERSON, D.D., LL.D., Philadelphia, Pa.
Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions of the United Presbyterian Church A WIDELY read book on missions, recently or of Robert Hockman of Ethiopia. They do not published, makes an astonishing statement sound familiar to those accustomed to listening of its authors' conception of foreign mis- to the missionary purpose as stated simply and sionary motives. They are attempting to state earnestly in gatherings of students, or from mis- why, in their opinion, men and women have be- sionary platforms, or read in mission offices. This come foreign missionaries. Summed up briefly, analysis of foreign missionary purpose looks their motives are as follows: . somewhat unattractive, and does not promise en- (1) The ardent desire of all religions to com- during energy and vital strength. municate what is spiritually valuable or of su- Fortunately we are not left to speculation at preme importance or unique (found particularly this point, but can determine the actual facts, in the followers of Buddha, Jesus and Moham- since each candidate for missionary appointment is always asked to state clearly his or her motive med). (2) Conviction as to the greater need of those for seeking appointment to foreign missionary service. The reply is personal and confidential. in the Orient. (3) Hopes of a greater return for given evan- Since the beginning of the foreign missionary work of the United Presbyterian Church, 761 misgelistic effort.
(4) The danger that those unevangelized would sionaries have been appointed. We have studied records showing the dominating motive of 308 go to eternal death. men and women in seeking appointment and these (5) The vision of a world-wide Church. include those enlisting over a period of the past (6) The desire for world unity. (7) A subconscious impulse to achieve one's 50 years.
growth through giving to others. The documents of the group were examined, This seems to be their analysis of the foreign and records made, some years ago. In many cases missionary purpose into its contributing personal statements contained more than one motive, but motives. an attempt has been made to select the predom- inant motive. No statement has been omitted be- A high school girl came into the laboratory cause the meaning of a writer was obscure or where the teacher in biology had spread out upon might be misunderstood. The dominant motive a tray the various parts of a flower. When asked that contributed to the missionary purpose of each if she could believe that this was a morning glory, individual is placed in a group, with the number she replied that she did not think that it was a given to those stating the same motive: morning glory, but only the stuff of which a morning glory was made, "For," she said, "life must Obedience to Christ ………………………… 58 bind all this together into a flower; and really the Appeal of the need ………………………… 52 life is the flower, is it not?" To lead others to Christ …………………….. 36 Love for Christ …•………………………… 34 These motives seem to me to lack something Desire to serve ……………………………. 17 that is found in the missionary purpose as I have To preach the Gospel ………………………. 16 To make the best investment of life …………… 15 known it in students and in missionaries. These To serve with her husband ………………….. 1~ motives, and others, may be variously combined To respond to a definite call to serve abroad ……. 12 in certain individuals, but a true Christian mis- Enlisted through -the influence of others ……….. 11 sionary purpose must have something that is not To advance Christ's kingdom ………………… 1 For God's glory …………………………… 1 present here. To promote Christian civilization ……………… 1 These motives in any combination seem to lack something vital found in the purpose of Jesus Not one of these candidates for foreign mis- Christ, or of the Apostle Paul, or of Livingstone, sionary appointment failed to recognize his faith * Condensed from The United Presbyterian (December 3, 1936). in Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, and [ 140 ] loyalty to Him as personal Saviour and Lord of groups, moved by the passion of love for Christ his life. Whatever motives may have entered into and loyalty to Him, going out at any cost to lay the decision, it was this vital essence of Chris- down their lives in service for their fellowmen. tianity that bound them together into an indomitable purpose. Without this faith and loyalty, The only true Christian foreign missionary purthere can be no Christian mission any more than pose that can be found outside books, and that is there can be a morning glory composed of its effectively operative in the world today, is the parts without the vital spark of life which is the purpose derived from love for the risen Christ morning glory. and 10Yfl.1 obedience to Him. Because this purpose is inherent in His life, and has been imparted to This study of the subject of foreign missionary His followers, this purpose cannot cease. The motives is confined to the missionaries of one de- only Christian missionary purpose springs from nomination, but for us its conclusions should be motives that are stirred by personal love for, and reassuring as we face new opportunities for ad- loyalty to, Christ who is a living, ever-present, vance, knowing that there is no hope for true ad- ever-ruling Saviour and Lord. When this purvance and permanent results apart from the pose, springing from this love and loyalty, has eternal Gospel of the Son of God, and personal been fixed in the life of every Christian, those loyalty and obedience to Him. who go and those who stay, nothing can stop the accomplishment of the Church's mission in the I have had the opportunity of knowing many world; but merely human "religious" motives missionaries of other churches during my years of and purposes, however powerful, will always conservice abroad and at home. With them I may tinue to fail. have differed in race, nationality, social background, degree of education, creedal statement, Three years ago a group of college students definition of theological terms, form of church were discussing how the students on the campus government, or missionary methods, but with the could be interested in foreign missions. After exception of two or three such missionaries, every several had been heard, one of the leading men of one I have known personally, in his own statement the college arose and said that it was his convicof the creed has been a professing believer in the tion that the only way in which men and women one vital essence of the Christian faith. could be effectively enlisted in the foreign mission- ary enterprise was by causing them so to know The attempt being made today to rationalize Christ that they would in personal devotion to Christianity, by eliminating the miraculous Him submit their lives entirely to Him. Then he through the denial of Jesus Christ as God mani- made a statement of his own experience. This is fest in the flesh, is not some new thing that may not an ancient pronouncement, but it is made by destroy the Church. Agnosticism began this at- .a Christian student leader of today. The modern tempt in the first century, and under some form" missionary motive is devotion and obedience to human pride has ever continued this attempt. God in Christ, incarnate, crucified, risen and pres- Since the beginning of its history, the Church has ent in His people now. We thank God that in the had within it a group, or groups, of those deter", Church throughout the world the trend of convicmined to eliminate the miraculous from its teach:'. tion and faith seems to be strongly back to the ings by discounting the deity of Christ. The con: child-like faith in Him which is the door to the cern of such groups has ever been to secure for Kingdom of God, and to the simple devotion and the Church a place of esteem among human insti- obedience to Him which alone can ever inspire the tutions, and to escape from the "offense of the Church to evangelize the world. cross." But we do not find any record of such One of my classmates in the university was surpJ;'ised that I, whdihad taken an engineering course along with him, should set my face toward the mission field; Many unfamiliar with mission work think it is a far step from studies in electricity and mechanics to carrying the Gospel to the lost ones in Africa; but I would not trade jobs with any man. I have'seen automobiles, bicycles, and all sorts of machines broken, abused, and cast aside as worthless, brought to our shop. Old parts were taken out, new parts put in; and they were again put out on the job for which they were originally intended. With the repair of most of these I have had some responsibility. I have also seen men broken, abused and cast aside as worthless, led to Him who is able to do all these things well. In His hands they have been cleaned up, remade, old things have been cast away, all things had been made new, and they too have been sent out to do the service for which they were originally intended – for the praise of God as witnesses to His great Love. – EDWIN COZZENS, Cameroun, West Africa, in the Drum Call.
for the World We
By the REV. JOSEPH A. VANCE, D.D., . Detroit, Michigan ~..- Pastor 'of the First Presbyterian Church and former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
EVERY reverent and persistent student of the whom the whole modern world has gotten in the New Testament is impressed with its mar- Mosaic Law its moral backbone; in Greek, the velous inexhaustibility. As the late Bishop language of universal culture and philosophical .H. C. G. Moule, of Durham, wrote with his un- conquest; and in Latin, the language of universal .usual spiritual insight and experience, "After rule of the world-conquering Roman. Through fifty years of study, each fresh effort and difficulty the centuries since, Jesus has been turning this lays open to me something that adds to the com- unconscious prophecy of Pilate into history, and pleteness of the apostolic record." fulfilling His own promise, "And I, if I be lifted As one goes digging deeper and deeper for this up, will draw all men unto me." surprising treasure, he is made increasingly aware This amazing universality of Jesus embraces that it comes, in one way or an- four elements: other, from ,the person of Jesus 1. He breaks down all race Christ. He discovers that here barriers. The mother of Jesus is the life story, not of a mere was a Jewish girl. So far as provincial Jew, but of a more we know, he was never outside than cosmopolitan, eve n a the little land of Palestine. All .world citizen, who takes on of his recorded literary quota- himself the title, "Son of tions are from the He or e w Man." In this oompact life Scriptures, but the little village story of Jesus of Nazareth, we of Nazareth, where he grew come on ,the vast reaches of up, was at the crossroads of universality. Born of a Jewish the world, and its people be- mother, here is one Man who came the world-bridge that puts racial prejudices under mediated between the old and his feet, and brothers human- new worlds in civilization, and ity. Cradled in David's little especially in religion. So here town of Bethlehem we see a He had many a vision that pre- .Babe over whose birth :the pared him to brother men of 'angels proclaim a promise of every race and to disciple the universal peace and world-en- world for citizenship in His compassing good will. Kingdom.
In His career as a Teacher, 2. In the second place, Jesus Jesus not only wins a unique bridges the world's soc i a 1 place among his own people, REV. JOSEPH A, VANCE, D.D. chasms. He is no high-caste but sends his followers on a Brahmin or Nordic egotist. He campaign to win .all men of every nation to His is far more ,than an Occidental democrat. He , discipleship. neither denounces a man because he is an aristo- When sharp antagonisms bred a hatred that crat nor cold.,shoulders him because he is a social :,sent Him to the cross, a cynical oflicial nailed over outcast. He asks a cup of water from one and ' the victim's head, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King goes to dine with the other.
of the Jews"; .but even in attempting to pro- Jesus Christ has kept this spirit alive down the . vincialize the victim and ,humiliate those who vic- centuries. The uneducated ,toiler, and even the out- ., timlzed him, the Roman officiill became a prophet caste gone tothe gutter, is as sure of His sympathy : of his victim's world-wide mission, for he wrote and help as is the honest and cultured. He broth- , the inscription in three languages ~ in Hebrew, ers the streetsweeper and the premier of state, : !he tongue of the great religious specialist, from and brings them together in a bedside prayer.
[142 ] 3. The third of these universal qualities is His Thou hast no power, nor mayest conceive of mine, agelessness. Jesus is as much at home in the But love I gave thee with Myself to love, twentieth century as in the first. The world out- And thou must love Me, who hast died for thee. grows Plato and Aristotle, even Mohammed and Confucius, but it is never able to outgrow Jesus. Down the ages his followers have marched, We can picture Him as easily in a dress suit at a thrilling to its music by an unknown monk of the dinner party today as we can see Him dining at Middle Ages, singing: Bethany with Lazarus. His figures of speech are as eloquent in our day of airplanes and stream- Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler. of all nature, lined cars as among the boats and nets of Galilee's fisher-folk. o thou of God and man the Son!
4. His universality even stands the test of sex; Thee will I cherish, thee will I honor, and how amazing that is, few fully realize, even Thou my soul's glory, joy and crown. in our day of open doors for women. The ordinary man takes on womanly qualities at the ex- And an Oxford student also turned evangelist pense of his personal force, and the average with his immortalwoman pays with her charm for her approach to masculinity. But Jesus is history's unique blend Jesus, lover of my soul, of virility and tenderness. He blazes with wrath Let me to thy bosom fly. in the face of hypocrisy and injustice, but outwomans a mother in dealing with quarrelsome What place can this Prince of Peace find in this brothers or a wayward girl; His compassion for confused, cynical, warring world of today? the down and outs has sent His followers on a new religious crusade for social justice. Probably now is the greatest chance to redeem it that He has had in all the world's history. What is the secret, from the human side, of this Through sheer disappointment elsewhere, and amazing catholicity of Jesus Christ? Is it not to tragic despair as it slips into the maw of self-debe found in the fact that He ministers to those struction, the hour has sounded for the Galilean. needs of the human race that are essential and universal and ageless? He breaks through the Never perhaps in the world's history has the strange speech and the local color and the ephem- human race been so earnestly seeking peace, and eral external, and meets the needs of men, not as never has the world witnessed the creation of Jews or Gentiles, not as slaves or freemen, not as more orderly and seemingly adequate machinery ancient or modern, not as male or female, but as to create and maintain it. The world is deluged human beings. with unanswerable arguments for peace and for the futility and folly of war. Not only has prac- Every man, for example, is a sinner, and Jesus' tically every type of religious organization, J ew~ great mission is to save people from their sins. ish, Catholic and Protestant, declared war to be wicked and contrary to their essential tenets, but Every man has darkened and unworthy concep- pacifist organizations have multiplied. The signations of God. Jesus is "the express image" of tories of the Kellogg Peace Pact have pledged God's person, and. "the exceeding brightness of themselves not to resort to aggressive war, and the Father's glory." the World Court waits to settle all international disputes amicably. But despite these and the Every man is more or less enslaved to ignorance League of Nations, the nations of the world are and the indulgence of his lower appetites, and racing to out arm for possible war against each comes, sooner or later to face his inadequate other on land and sea and in the air. Italy has equipment for the moral struggle. Jesus brings defied the rest of the world to make military conto both individual and the race, power to win out, quest of Ethiopia, and the whole world seems to and to turn life from tragedy to victory. be slipping into the abyss of war.
Then, as a climax to it all, we come on the uni- Who can exorcise this bloody demon and loosen versality of the language in which Jesus makes his grip on the sons of men? His appeal. By way of His cross He revealed the universal language of love. "And I, if I be lifted Our only hope of universal peace is in men's up, will draw all men unto myself." "This he full allegiance to the universal Christ. said," adds the apostle John, "signifying by what death he should die." Anyone can understand Weare accustomed to find the essential causes that language: "He died for me." No mind is of war in commercial rivalry, class inequalities, too stupid and ignorant to feel the love back of racial antipathies the ambition of political leadthat sacrifice; no genius is so brilliant as to de- ers, the sordid greed that will plot wholesale spise it. murder in order to sell munitions. But underlying all of these is that something in the human soul o heart I made, a heart beats here! that thrills to the call of war and irresistibly rushes to its appeal. Face my hands fashioned, see it in myself! The universal Christ binds His followers in a brotherhood that abolishes racial hatreds and bridges social chasms, that links the men of all ages in ties of love and abolishes even the limita- tions of sex.
But Christ does far more: He enrolls the nat- SIR FREDERICK AND MRS. N I CHOLSON ural fighting spirit on the side of truth and human brotherhood. He furnishes an "equivalent After being graduated from Oxford, Frederick for war" in clothing His followers in the armor of righteousness and rallies them to "fight the good Nicholson went to India as a young, untried offifight of faith." He not only furls the black flags of piracy and the red flags of class hatred, but He cial from a Christian home. He was soon proranges over egotistic nationalism the Cross-emblazoned banner of sacrificial service. moted and became collector of a great district.
Raymond Guthrie confesses that he loves war There he found his wife, a lovely daughter of a because he finds in it all the things that are denied him in peace time; because it offers him missionary of the Church of England. It was my association with a great number of men in a common cause; it gives him a chance to put forth his good fortune to meet them as a young missionary, effort in a cause greater than his own personal concerns; it thrills him with a sense of its eco- escaping from the heat of Madras to the hilltop of nomic equality and its spirit of adventure. Yercaud. Their friendship for a young Amer- Ninety-five thousand people will throng to spend over a million dollars to see two pugilists batter ican girl, far from home, made life different for each other. The average man loves a fight, and if he cannot fight himself, he gets his delight the five following years of missionary service. vicariously from seeing others fight. Many beautiful surprises included frequent visits Life fascinates us only when it has some element of struggle and adventure, some cause for and aid for the mission work in Madras. In sickwhich to suffer, something for which one is willing to die. ness and sorrow Sir Frederick and Lady Nichol- Christ sublimates this fighting spirit, robs it of son were always helpful. He was deeply interits appeal to baser instincts, and sets to martial music the tramp of a holy army marching to uni- ested in developing industries for the Indians and versal philanthropy. Christianity calls to a world war against every evil demon within and without. discovered a very fine grade of clay with which "We wrestle, not against flesh and blood, but he started a pottery. This he gave to the mission against principalities and powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places." We thrill to the station to use for their Christian people who were call to put on the whole armor of God, and life's greatest adventure comes to us as we "fight the often thrown out of their homes after conversion. good fight of faith." Memories of fifty years of friendship linger to Kellogg pacts will continue to be but scraps of paper, and even World Courts and Leagues of this day. Sir Frederick rose to become a mem- Nations will prove vain attempts to promote world peace until we learn to sit at the feet of ber of the Viceroy's staff, and was knighted by Him who is both Son of Man and Son of God and find the Captain of our salvation in the Prince of the British Government. He was the man who Peace. developed the Agricultural Banks which have been The Son of God goes forth to war A Kingly crown to gain. such a blessing to India-and might offer a sug- His blood-red banner streams afar; gestion to progressive America. He also initiated Who . follows in his train? the plan for fisheries, and after visiting notable CHRISTIAN SERVICE IN CIVIL SERVICE examples in Europe, spent a summer in America In the passing of Sir Frederick Nicholson, the eminent statesman of India, the world has lost and carried back from Gloucester what he con: more than a Knight of the Empire of India. He died last summer at the age of ninety, in the hills sidered the best suited plan for India. If Maof South India, the Coonoor country to which he had given his life. His work for India was no- hatma Gandhi had the spirit of Sir Frederick he . table, even among the many ably British stateslnl;'!l} who have aided the Empire. might do more for men of all classes of India:. At his death the press, people and officers united in highest praise. In all his loyal service for the Empire he never lost sight of the Kingdom of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Lucy W. PEABODY.
Unevangelized Chinese
By H. FRENCH RIDLEY, Urumtsi, Sinkiang Missionary of the China Inland Mission FOR years the spiritual needs of the Moslem as they did after the rebellion of 1894-5. On my people (Chanteos) who occupy that little arrival at Korla the man from the Yamen came known district which lies to the east and south to see me and look at my passport. They asked of the great Takla-Makam Desert has been laid me where I was going. I replied: on my heart. When in Sining Kansuh, I would often gaze westward to that vast region, between "You know our business is to go where there us and Kashgar, without a single messenger of the are people." Gospel. I wondered if it would ever be my privilege to visit those regions. That was away back "Oh, yes, we know you Fuh-ing-Tang, you are in the nineties. On my return from furlough in good people exhorting people to be good." They 1913, I was asked to assist in Lanchow in the troubled me no more, yet still I did not feel per- Middle School for two years. During this time fectly safe until I got to Chaklik. my thoughts again turned to this needy field and in 1926 the way opened to come to Tihua to re- It was necessary to provide food for the whole lieve a fellow worker. During my three years way to Chaklik – sixteen days' journey. We in Tihua my thoughts were continually upon this stored up a lot of bread, the bread being kept soft field and I picked up as much as I could of the by mixing three pounds of mutton fat with ten Turki language. pounds of the flour.
In the year 1931, after the return of Messrs. On November 16th early in the morning, with Hunter and Mather from their visit to the Qazaqs a full moon shining down upon us, we set out on in the mountainl;! and IIi (Kuldja) I was led to our journey. As the books I had with me were take a journey as far as Karashar and Korla at limited, I divided them up so that I could leave a the northeast end of the great Gobi Desert. A Gospel in every place we passed through. We British officer had been refused the request to camped out in the open without tents the whole take the route just previously so I little expected way to Chaklik, with the exception of two places. that I would have much chance even if I tried. Desert, jungle and sand dunes made up the jour- But the Lord was laying it more and more on my ney, interspersed with a small village here and heart that now was the time for me to go. Don- there or scattered farmsteads. Choang Kul had keys could be procured easily and the innkeeper 20 families; UIugh Kul (Kul is lake), 30 famtold me that he would find a reliabie man as don- iIies; Kulslagh Camp, 70 families; Tikkenlik, 150 keyman. A cart road had been made all the way families; Kara Bais, 70 families. The last five to Chaklik to make the transport of food for the stages had not more than 10 families. Beside givtroops at Chaklik easy. The soldiers built a high- ing away Gospels, we left tracts in bushes and on way through the marshes which were impassable trees where by-paths led off to farmsteads. Four without a guide and very trying to the traveler. hundred and fifty soldiers were camped at Tikken- Canals had also been cut so that fresh water was lik. I disposed of quite a few books there and obtainable all the way. As the Roman soldiers, later saw one man sitting at his door reading the before the Christian era, built fine roads in all Gospel with seemingly great interest. We camped parts of their empire, making it easier for the near the river at Arghan. A shepherd came and messengers of the Gospel to carry the glad news, I gave him a Gospel and a Pilgrim's Progress. so once again the soldiers of this great empire Early next morning ere we had broken camp he had gone before, making it easier for another mes- returned for copies for two other shepherds. He senger to carry the glad news to the people of this said they had been reading the greater part of the region who had never heard it before. Mission- night and liked the books very much. Here they aries living in the province have an advantage were in the jungle with their sheep and cows four over travelers and explorers, because we are per- days' journey from Chaklik, days passing without mitted to go where we desire. Nevertheless I was seeing anyone. They were rejoicing over this gift doubtful about being permitted to go as there was of books which will be read again and again in still fear that the Dungan's, in case of being de- their loneliness, with plenty of time to discuss the feated in Kansuh, would fly to this said district, contents. May they, like Bunyan's Christian, find their way to the Cross with their burden of sin.
Nearing Lob Nor there was a terrible gale of wind called a "buran." Fortunately behind us.
[145 ]
The wind whizzed among the trees and just be- River and halted for the night. The following was yond was the open desert. Noone could possibly a lovely winter day. Our path first led through pass over the desert that day. In the evening, the jungle, then among the high reeds and rushes snow fell and from Fort Kuron to where we of Lake Choang to a little hut, the home of a shep- camped at Kashgar forty days' journey, snow lay herd. These huts are made of wattles plastered along our path. Lob was our last encampment ere over with mud, the walls falling two or three feet we reached Chaklik. We had to take fuel for our short of the r.oof, leaving plenty of room for fresh camp fire from Fort Kuron. The trek to Chaklik air. When we entered the hut the shepherd's wife is sheer desert, a long weary journey. and three naked children were sitting around the The First Contact with a Missionary fire on the ground in the middle of the room. No table, chairs or forms. We all squatted round the We arrived at Chaklik, a little town of 140 fam- fire, ten in all, and fared out of the same big ilies with probably some 500 families in the whole cauldron, inviting the family t.o join us at our district, at dusk. Over 700 soldiers were stationed sumptuous feast of mutton broth and bread.
there to check the Dungans. I sold all the books The following day we passed through much I could spare and gave away many tracts. The grassland and saw several flocks of sheep, crossed people were courteous and visited me in the inn. the Charchien River on an ice bridge and at dusk This was their first contact with a missionary. arrived at the village of Tatran where we were When I left on the 9th of December my donkey- informed that there was no inn. I then over- man pr.omised to go as far as Keria (19 days heard s.ome one say there was an officials' Rest further) but changed his mind, so I bought his House called a kong-kuan. Soon a door was donkeys and hired a man to help my servant. We opened and we entered a very cozy room, the floor replenished our store for the next seven days to covered with Khotan carpets. The caretaker and Charchien (Churchend on some maps). A 33-mile his wife and mother were exceedingly obliging, trek over sheer desert, flat as a pancake, we ar- soon had a fire lit and tea ready. All joined in a rived at Gillig, where a man has his hovel by the supper of mutton. The village elder and a few riverside. There are two little caves, without other men came in to see me and I gave them doors .or windows, dug out in the bank of the books.
river. We arrived late so found the caves occu- Good News for the Magistrate pied, but some merchants made room for me and my servant in their cave. They had brought fuel The next day we arrived at Charchien. Our with them, or we should have fared badly. I gave entrance into the town settled a little quarrel that was going on in the street, the advent of a forthem a Gospel. Another 30 miles brought us to the village of eigner being more important. The news caused Vara-shari, with some 120 families. We stayed a stir in the Yamen for no official information in the official Rest House. The young women of had been received of any foreigner coming and the household were keen to have a look at me and I had no escort. We had just gotten settled and made several errands to pass my door. Several I was having a cup of tea when a man came from men came to see me, and by the help of my serv- the Yamen demanding in a bustling and rude ant, I told them why I had come. The crucifixion, manner where I had come from and where I was death and resurrection of our Lord was fresh going. He stood asking for my passport. "Sit news to them. They asked many questions. We down," I said. "What is all your hurry, I am not rested a day to prepare for the heavy cr.ossing of going away again tonight; wait till I have finthe high sand dunes. Towards evening of the ished my tea, then I will give you my card.
following day we reached the foot of the dunes. He replied, "The magistrate is very anxious to There is only one hut and it is occupied by a fam- know who you are, as he has had no n.otice of your ily of five. There is no grazing land for cattle or coming." Finally he sat down and talked. When sheep and all the food has to be brought from I was finished I gave him my card but he wanted Vara-shari. They were glad to have a gift of my passport.
some white bread. In the evening the son and "I will bring it along tomorrow," I said, but he other tr~velers sang songs and played on the would not go without it so I sent my servant to banjo. The women folks were peeping through bring it back.
the wattle petition. I seized the opportunity of The next day r visited the official, an elderly getting in a word for my Master and gave them Chanteo gentleman from Kashgar. He received some books. me very graciously and returned my visit when The following day we crossed the sand dunes, he gave mean unique opportunity of telling him several hundred feet in height – heavy traveling the Glad News, as he opened the subject himself.
for man and beast. "Did Christ really die and rise again?" he Finally we reached the banks of the Charchien asked.
THROUGH UNEVANGELIZED CHINESE TURKESTAN
"If it had not been so I would not be here," I talk about the Gospel, and they all got books to answered. take away with them. In the afternoon the head- There was a big, listening crowd. Several de- man of the oasis, with a few friends, came to see sired books and one man surprised me when he me. He was from Yarkand and asked many ques- told those who stood by that what I had said was tions about the Gospel. Having asked my age, perfectly true. said, At Charchien we replenished our food supply, "Why, at your age, have you come this long des- as well as grain for the animals. Nine days of ert route?"
desert lay before us. Snow was on the ground "To do the will of my Lord and Master," I re- everywhere and the road was heavy with sand plied.
dunes. The first three langars (Rest Houses) "It must be done," he answered. I gave him were in charge of a father and two sons, living Mark's Gospel and a Pilgrim's Progress. Niya alone, thirty to thirty-five miles apart. Some- and Endere are the two places where Sir Aurel times for days no travelers are to be seen, so if Stein unearthed many interesting relics. Forty one of these men were ill and died the other mem- miles direct north from Niya is the shrine of bers of the family would not know for days. Imam J afir Sadik, the most famous shrine in all Around Endere there is a good deal of jungle, Central Asia. As my mission was to bring the therefore many wild sheep, cattle, horses, foxes richest Treasure that this world affords rather and pigs. One touching scene on the way is the than seek for earthly treasures, I had no time to lonely grave here and there marked by a long pole go so far out of my way. There is a small langar stuck in the ground and a yak's tail hanging on at 40 li (13 miles) from Niya. It seemed no top. Sickness had overtaken them far away from bigger than a dog kennel, but it is built in a hol- help. It may have been that they died of thirst. low, the smallest langar we saw and is in charge We passed a little group of four one day. The of two very old women. We had to stoop down to mother had been taken suddenly ill, could no get into the miserable hovel. They had prepared longer ride the donkey, so was lying on the ground a little mutton broth for passers-by. In the sum- with the remainder of the family standing around. mer when there is no snow the water has to be On the sixth evening from Charchien we ar- carried five miles.
rived at the Yak-toghrak Langar to find the inn In a Farmer's Home full of guests, so there was no room for us in the inn this Christmas Eve. After going three miles Next day we journeyed 35 miles, arriving at the we beheld a camp fire about a half mile off the oasis of Oy-Toghrak at dusk. There was no inn, road. It was a cloudy evening and dark. Slowly so the donkeyman took us to the home of a friend we made our way among the shrubbery, snow be- where we had a very hearty welcome. Our host ing quite deep in some places, and at last reached was a well-to~do farmer. To my surprise they in- the camp fire. Our fellow travelers had found a vited me into the women's quarters where there hole under the huge roots of a tree. My men un- was a fire. A wee laddie of five summers took loaded the animals, swept the snow off the ground, hold of my hand without fear. The old mother then went in search of fuel and soon had a roar- and one of the daughters-in-law came and sat be- ing fire. It was Christmas Eve again over nine- side me near the fire. There was a father, mother, teen centuries after that first Christmas Eve. two sons and their wives and two boys. One of Here was I, out in the desert, privileged to be the the sons is a mullah.
messenger of the same Glad News to a people who After supper all except the father gathered had never heard it before. It will be a never-to- round my fire, chatted and asked questions. The be-forgotten night for me. most interesting thing was my teeth. I told them Three days more brought us to the oasis of my errand and they listened very patiently. I Niya, about 20 miles in length sustaining a pop- had only a few tracts left, but had asked for Gos- ulation of 1,000 families. Just before entering pels to be sent from Kashgar to Keria to await the oasis we passed the grave of some holy men. me, so I promised to send some back with the There were two ram's horns on one grave, on an- donkey man. None of the women wore veils in other a ram's head, a third had a sheep skin, on the house. The old lady performed her evening a fourth hung the skin of a fowl, besides hosts of devotions while I was still in her room.
little flags upon which were written prayers, re- New Year's Day we reached Keria, a city of minding one of the Tibetan obos with their hosts 6,000 families and probably 40,000 in the district, of prayer flags hung on branches of trees stuck which includes Niya and Oy-Toghrak. Here was on the top of the obo. In the evening several mer- my first touch with a bit of Western civilization, chants came to the inn where I was staying; all the post office. There is no telegraph office nearer but one could speak Chinese as they had been to than Kashgar. I was invited to stay in the home Kansuh with their merchandise. We had a long of the Aksakal, an Indian Moslem who is the rep-
resentative of the British Consul General in Kash- lars all the way. To be away from the desert gar, appointed to look after the British Indian for a short while was a real treat. subjects. It was bazaar day when we arrived and the streets were packed with people. We first We arrived at Khotan at noon and were enterwent to the inn but were glad to be invited else- tained at the home of the Indian Aksakal. The where, for the room smoked badly and was so journey long prayed about was accomplished. dark that I needed a candle to read. Here is a Khotan had already been visited several years ago good center for a mission station. The city is by that intrepid missionary, Rev. G. W. Hunter, built on a high bank overlooking the river. There who has been traveling 25 years in the province are no gates of importance and only two main and knows it better than any other living person. streets, but lanes galore, running here and there The distance from Korla is 1,140 miles and the in a most tortuous manner that it was difficult to route naturally divides itself into two parts: find one's way around. There is a large popula- Korla to Vara-shari, with headquarters either at tion on the north side of the city. Except on Korla or Karashar. one and a half days further bazaar days the city presented a very quiet ap- north, Tatran to Khotan with headquarters at pearance. When I wanted to buy anything, I was Keria. The Swedish Mission hopes to occupy told to wait till bazaar day otherwise it would be Khotan soon. difficult. The people took little notice of me. In fact, along the whole journey, except in Char- From Khotan I went northwest to Yarkand and chien, the people were not a bit curious. How Kashgar and had the privilege of seeing the work they would receive missionaries it is difficult to of the Swedish Mission at their three stationssay. It would be necessary to visit the place a Yarkand, Yenghi-hissar and Kashgar. Between few times and do a little dispensary work to open Khotan and Yarkand the three cities of Suma, the way. The need is great and that in itself Kargalik and Posgam ought to be occupied. I constitutes a call. This field naturally falls under returned via the north road-Maral-bashi, Aksu, the care of the Swedish Mission who hope to open Kuchae and Karashar thus circumambulating the Khotan in the near future. great desert of the Takla-Makan, probably the first time it has been done in one journey by a After a twelve days' stay in Keria, I sold my white man, a distance of 2,625 miles. From donkeys and bought two horses. It was a long Karashar I returned home to Tihua (Urumtsi). stretch of forty miles of desert to Yar Langar I left Tihua on the 22d day of October and reand thirty-three miles more on the following day turned on the 24th of April, in six months and brought us to the town of Chira with a population two days having covered 3,300 miles, passed of 2,500 families in the oasis. All along the route through 18 cities and towns where there was no people had been saying that it was the coldest Christian mission station. winter in the memory of the oldest inhabitants and at Chira there was a great scarcity of water. The need itself is the appeal. Pray for God's Here are ten thousand people who had never had blessing on the books and tracts sold and given the opportunity of hearing the Glad News. Much away on this virgin soil, that He who blessed and land is yet to be possessed. In the oasis of Lob broke the five loaves and two fishes and satisfied there are supposed to be some 20,000 families. It five thousand men, besides women and children, joins up with Khotan-a vety rich district. From may so break the precious Word that many souls Lob to Khotan is 20 miles along a lovely road for may be fed in this wild desert region. In the day motors about 20 feet in width and lined with pop- when He gathers up His jewels may there be many found among His treasures gathered out of this land of buried cities.
As the sculptor works in wood and stone I would devote myself to the living soul. But I face the solemn thought that the sculptor cannot carve either in wood or in stone anything better than himself. All the lines of my carving Will but reveal my own soul. Gazing at my hand, at my chisel, I shudder. How long will it take for this human sculpture which I can never carve better or finer than my-own soul? How shall I escape! how escape from my pitiable, limited self, and rise to become a carver of God!
Happily there is a guide for me, One Who has opened the door of the sanctuary, One Who in His living flesh Has given us an image of the living God.
-Toyohiko Kagawa.
Eskimos-Old and New*
=B=U=T=Z=IN====!.lII~- –tIi{II.!;;!===B=y=th=e=R=E=V=.=A=RT=H=U=R=F=.
ARE the results of fifty years of continuous their faith and hope as they heartily sing: "We .r.. missionary effort equal to the price paid? shall sleep, but not forever." As they glance at Fifty years of the Moravian Church's the crosses marking the last resting places of northwestern venture has involved thousands of their own, they have in their hearts the assurance dollars. The human effort and sacrifices with the of a glorious dawn when they shall never part.
compensations and losses involved can never be The Old Religion and the New reduced to figures set on a balance-sheet.
But in answering the question let us contrast The medicine man, or shaman, was a conspic- the Eskimo of yesterday with the Eskimo of uous person in the old order. As direct repre- today. sentative of the tunrangaiyak (Devil) he was The ancient religion of the Eskimo was one of powerful. Many of them used this power diabolideception and fear. They summed it all up in the cally. Some were of a kindlier disposition, but words: "I fear." In their language there are all of them could easily become the tyrants of many synonyms for fear, foreboding and horror. foreboding and terror. Fear enslaved the people For this fear they blame one tunrangaiyak and to these men. A young native, dying of the dread his agents. He is "the Ruler out of the Dark- tuberculosis, said to me: "The shaman has bound me. I have begged him, but he will not ness." We call him the Devil. For the Christian Eskimo the ancient fears are unbind me. So I must die. If only he would unof yesterday. They have accepted the Saviour, bind me, then I could live." who has broken the bonds that once enslaved them That the shaman did have terrible power our to fear and horrors. They say with all believers: older Christians know. But they also know that a "This is my Lord, who redeemed me, a lost and stronger and a kinder One has come. A Christian undone human creature, purchased and gained Eskimo, also dying of tuberculosis, was besought me from sin, from death and from the power of by his father, still a heathen, to have the shaman the Devil." Some may still need to say: "I be- in. He would not. They begged him that they lieve; help Thou mine unbelief." But they are might take his parka to the shaman to pow-wow saying it sincerely. Christ has opened a new over. No, he would not. If his Saviour would, world of trust and hope to their hearts. He has he could heal him, but if He saw fit to take him brought them a real salvation from terrible bond- from earth to Himself, that would be best. But age and has also introduced to them the mighty in any case he would not now let his soul be soiled by the touch of the Devil. God as their dear and loving heavenly Father. Under the old regime death came with horror, A heartless religion engendered heartlessness. hatred and hopelessness. The loss of child, Our early missionaries repeatedly met with inmother, father, or other dear one, caused the stances where those enfeebled by age or disease were left behind to starve at the time of the spring usual natural heartache. In addition were the migration. When they realized this, our missionhorrors and terrors of apparitions of the de- aries prepared salt fish ahead and saw to it that parted. There was hatred for the shaman who they had sufficient ammunition to procure the might have caused the death. Added to these was necessary ducks and geese to feed such during the utter hopelessness. Life was gone forever. periods of scarcity of food. This kind forethought Death still brings to them the heartache and made its impression. The modern missionary feeling of loss. I have heard a Christian Eskimo still encounters a sad lack of deference and kindfather sob over his dying son: "Father have liness for the aged and feeble, but they are now mercy upon me." Later this father calmly spoke fed and cared for. There is a growing Christian to his people of the Home with the heavenly Fa- opinion that the aged should be dealt with conther and the Saviour, where he would meet his siderately. Most of our congregations have colown again. Easter has become the glad day for lections especially for such older and needy folks. bereaved Eskimos. At the sunrise service they tell Sometimes Sunday school classes gather gifts for * From 1'he .BIorav1an (Decenlber, 1935). them and sing in their homes.
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The orphan and the "half-orphan" (child of gether easy in that low, flat country of rain, Eskimo companionate marriage) shared the lot of water, slush and mud where dirt is a natural aged feeble folk. However, they could not be element. starved so readily nor was that exactly desirable. The people needed "slaves" to labor for them. And it is true that the persistent influence of Hard work, rough treatment and "garbage" food the Gospel is toward cleanliness. The old superand clothing fell to the lot of these. We have seen stitions thrived in filth and darkness. Jesus is the these "slaves" among well-fed and happy children. Light of the world. Light dispels darkness and They looked on while the others had their fill of destroys filth. This is the experience of the Good the choicest. When all were satisfied, they got News among the Eskimo. Napagiaghak village the crumbs, bones and dregs of the tea that hap- wanted a chapel. They could not build it without pened to be left. These things used to be com- help. In presenting the need of a chapel their mon, for there was no sentiment to forbid it. spokesman advanced as the cogent reason for it that it was not compatible to celebrate the Holy "Let the little children come unto Me," includes Communion in the dark, dirty and soot-covered the orphan. That part of the Gospel is being in- kashige. The younger set are eagerly learning terpreted by the orphanage. Again the Eskimo the truths of sanitation and gradually are formas a whole have responded wonderfully. From ing habits of cleanliness. all corners of our field comes approval. Native congregations give fish. Some have donated fur A Long and Winding Trail boots and other things. Before our eyes we see another advance. It is the Saviour's will that It has been a long, long winding trail from their none of these little ones be offended. primitive superstitions and fears to the devotion, thankfulness, hope and Christian fellowship ex- The Social Change perienced at one of the Communion services to- day. The pioneers met with stolid hostility, with The aboriginal Eskimo considered woman very dense ignorance and utter indifference. The Gosmuch man's inferior. She was man's servant. pel message was too immense for their minds. Her duty was to bear and rear children, and al- The trail through their hearts led to their souls. ways serve the man. She gathered the wood and The patient kindness and service rendered them cured and stored the fish. She removed and dried by the missionaries won their confidence. As one the pelts of the animals trapped by the man and ignorant Eskimo said to one of our missionaries, out of them made garments. Whenever a migra- "You are Christ to us." Any verbal interpretation took place, she helped the dogs haul the bag- tion meant nothing to that man; a Christlike life gage, or if by water, she and the children pro- did. pelled the boat, while the man sat in the stern steering it. She was "too dumb" to appreciate Today they listen gladly to the message and, anything better. Mentally she was considered a furthermore, they themselves have become detervery inferior animal. mined to have a share in presenting the invitation of Christ to fellow Eskimos who have not yet ade- That feeling still persists, but there is in prog- quately heard. Helper Neck is outstanding. His ress an adjustment. Husbands and wives now name is first in the "Eskimo Who's Who." He live together – some of them very peaceably. had come from the uttermost-a shaman of the They bring up their children together. As a fam- shamans, zealous. He had accepted Christ. Thereily we see them coming to church; the husband after his living was of Christ and for Christ. He is even carrying the baby in his arms; though he and a host of others have written the Gospel acwalks on ahead while she follows! The husband cording to the Eskimo. This interpretation of has begun to fetch the wood and water and lend Christ in living epistles is read and understood. a hand in the curing and storing of the food sup- Congregations have been touched by this Spirit. plies. In many of our congregations the woman They help support native preachers in the frontier has been granted the vote. Some of the more villages; when a new chapel is to be built, a coladvanced pray at their meeting and teach Sunday lection may be taken or a hand is lent in its conschool classes. struction.
*** Fifty years in the life of a race is but a day. It would be unreasonable to expect that in so short a Very much has been said and written about the period every vestige of the old superstitions and Eskimo and his foul igloo. The subject may seem fears should have been utterly destroyed. The over-emphasized, but only to such who have never older folk "know" experimentally that evil as imseen, smelt or touched it. Then, if it be true that personated in the shaman was powerful to bless cleanliness to Godliness is kin, some very notice- and curse, That same power stilI exists, though able change should be apparent in the person, held in check by the stronger power of a merciful home, and surrounding of the Christian Eskimo. God. We wilI grant them that cleanliness is not aIto-
the Church and Modern
By J,rnV. DANIEL A. POLING, D.D. I I r~"- Pastor of Baptist Temple, Philadelphia, Pa.
~==============================~, MODERN youth is incurably religious-not may stand between, youth presses toward the goal by the test of any particular human creed, at whatever cost. Youth does not and cannot not in the vernacular of fifty, twenty or escape Jesus Christ when He is released by those even ten years ago, but in deep reality. Modern who too often build about Him barricades of youth is incurably religious even though he may prejudice and petty sectarian difference.
deny the fact for the moment, by deeds as well as What is it that makes Jesus Christ unique as words. the Captain and Leader of youth? "I will follow William Lyon Phelps, who talks a language withersoever thou goest," declared a young lawyer that youth understands, has suggested a reason centuries ago as the Galilean Teacher moved tofor the basic religious..attitude of young men and ward Jerusa·lem and His crucifixion. Those words young women. "Youth responds to the spirit and of dedication were spoken deliberately, in the message of Jesus Christ," says Dr. Phelps, "be- light of known facts, after Jesus, by the test of all cause Jesus knew more about political economy human evidence, had apparently passed from than all the professors in all the colleges in the triumph to decline; they were spoken in the face world and He knew more about the human heart of impending physical disaster. This young scribe than did Shakespeare. Jesus Christ is the great- made his choice knowing full well that by so do- est leader, the most absolutely right Person, the ing he turned his back upon family and ambition, world has ever known. A complet~ change has that he invited tragic risks, that he flung wide his come over the world since the War, especially in arms to defeat and even death.
the emergence of individual leaders in times of Jesus was on the march, and it is life on the peace. StaHn is running Russia alone, Hitler do- march that captures youth. Jesus was moving ing the same thing in Germany, Mussolini in toward a great goal. The young man knew it, Italy. The whole world is in such a turmoil that and he would go along. The psychology of youth men are looking for leadership and saying, 'Who in every generation is the psychology of advance.
is going to get us out of this mess?' People may Progress, and not decline, is the key to the hearts be following some fallible human leaders for the of our sons and daughters; and Jesus Christ for- moment, but the leadership of Jesus Christ in our ever has that key. He has a destination in view, lives ought to be, may be, constant in everything. an immortal destiny. He could not be turned If I should say that the only way in which every aside by opposition and He would not retreat be- person in this world may be saved is by joining a cause of bitter dangers. It is not a Garibaldi particular church, you would rightly think me patriotism that discourages a young man today.
crazy. I am not out of my mind when I say the It is not a loyalty involving danger that dampens only way the world can be saved today is by ac- the ardor of a young woman. But an institution cepting and following Jesus Christ." or a leader that is not going somewhere, that is It is in the very heart of the vital matter that not headed toward some real and alluring destinawe find the great twentieth century issue for the tion, cools the fevered blood of a holy purpose in Christian Church. She cannot win youth by ask- the veins of a rising generation. ing youth to join her divisions but she can win Let the Church, with her allied institutions and youth by asking them to unite their lives to the organized activities, give heed today. Let any person and cause of Jesus Christ. Jesus in the church that does not have young people, and is flesh always attracted young people to' His com- not able to attract them, take account of stock and pany, challenged them with His message, won remember the man of twenty centuries ago who them to' His ministry. He was always going some- cried, "Master, I will follow thee whithersoever where and knew where He was leading them. thou goest."
Danger and defeat did not lose youth's allegiance, Saul of Tarsus was riding hard toward Damas- for always yO'uth is on the march and if the goal cus, but Jesus rO'de faster, overtook him in the is worth reaching, though reverses and disasters way, tumbled him into the dust and then lifted [151 ]
him to sweep him forward faster than horses and to make men and women truly good and powerful farther than the boundaries of Rome's imperial is adequate for this crisis. The editorial concludes world. This same Jesus overtook Rome herself at that this solution is to be found nowhere else than last and moved on ahead of all her legions. in Jesus Christ and the New Testament.
What was the destination of Jesus? Where is The world has a growing sense of need. Her He going? When He was on earth he went to find very terror in the presence of the machine age she the hungry, and He gave them food. He went has created may be matched by her desire to find with healing for the sick, and even the dead lived and travel the road that leads to a new world. It again. He went to reveal the true basis of brother- is as though the leader of this generation said, "I hood to a world filled with hates and fears; He will follow thee, follow thee whithersoever thou went to find the lost and to show them the way goest." But have they counted the cost? back to the Father. He is still on that mighty quest. He goes now to destroy armed conflict and One of the distinguished military leaders of the bring peace; He comes to right wrongs and to Great War declared it to be his reasoned concluoffer new life and youth flocks to His banner sion that "only the Church can save the world wherever it is lifted on high. from another and even more disastrous conflict." He added, "If another great war comes, the Where is Jesus, our Lord, going? He hastens Church will be to blame." Can the Church preto establish the sacredness, the divinity of human vent war? Can the Church destroy poverty? Can personality, when brought into vital relationship the Church secure justice for weaker races, and with God. For him a little child, the humblest classes? Can the Church solve the problem of baby of the poorest house is of greater value than lawlessness and actually Christianize civilization? all the wealth of a great city. No-the Church cannot, al'5 an institution with an institutional program. As an organization in her Jesus Christ travels on with the ever-lengthen- own right, however great and glorious in the light ing stride of eternal truth to free man's body from of sacred history, she cannot. But as the chosen its bondage, and to cure and save the soul of man instrument of this same Jesus Christ, the Lord of so that it will never die. All other leaders are Glory, the Church, united, humbled by the sense little men when compared with the divine Gal- of her human weaknesses, but with the knowledge ilean. They have their moment of acclaim, but of her infinite divine resources, the Church, folseldom more than one. Only when they join His lowing the l~adership of Christ, thus can save the company and are possessed by His Spirit do they world. This is the Church to which modern youth survive their generation – such were Paul and will come, as youth in every generation has Luther, Wesley and Spurgeon and Moody. The flocked to enlist for high adventure. Youth enlists youth of the world can be saved today only' by fol- today for dictators, and youth marches behind lowing Jesus Christ. the banners of Stalin and Hitler and Mussolini, moved by fear and hatred and self-interest. When In a popular magazine an editorial writer, who the lists of Jesus Christ are opened and His would resent being called a preacher, declared that trumpet is blown youth will march under His it is not by a "new thought" that the world can be banner. saved but that the regeneration of society demands new lives, and that only a Power sufficient LET THE CHILDREN BE HEARD You may hush every other voice of national and individual complaint; you may silence every other tongue, even those of mothers of destroyed sons and daughters, of wives of profli- gate husbands; but let the children speak – the little children, the wronged children, the crip- pled children, the abused children, the blind children, the imbecile children, the nameless chil- dren, the starved children, the deserted children, the beaten children, the dead children!
o my God, this army of little children!
Let their weak voices, faint with oppression, cold and hunger, be heard. . . . Let their little faces, pinched by want of gladness, be heeded! Let their challenge – though made by small forms, too mighty for estimate – be reckoned with! Let their writing upon the wall of the nation – although traced by tiny fingers, as stupendous as eternity – be correctly in- terpreted and read, that the awful robbery of the lawful heritage of their little bodies, minds and souls is laid at the brazen gate of ALCOHOL. – EVANGELINE BOOTH, General of the Sal- vation Army.
Christian Students and
–<!III By H. W. PEET, London, England 11"'- T HE student Christian Movement Quadren- The worst policy today is to maintain the status nial of Great Britain was held at Birming- quo; anti-Communist crusaders become too easily ham. This great gathering is held to bring the messengers of the "bad news" that things before each generation of students the needs of must remain as they are. The Church must realthe missionary work of the Church. ize that "The finest realities of the West are not in systems; forms of government are merely tem- The trend of student thought today is reflected porary ways of dealing with human affairs. We in the general title of the conference, "God Speaks must have a sense of proportion-or humor-and to This Generation." As Dr. Leyton Richards, of the idea that behind the facade of affairs are just Carrs Lane Chapel, Birmingham, said: frightened human beings. We must try to look God in the face and realize how ridiculous it is "After the war the emphasis was on social work for us to sit in judgment on one another, like and international matters. These are still press- archangels on the day of judgment. We must ing heavily on the students but they realize that realize that humanity is a band of sinners who they and the world around them have failed to should come to God and then stand side by side put things right, and they are returning to a helping to make a new world." search f.or a sure foundation for their faith in God." Dr. t'Hooft gave a vivid analysis of Great Britain today as an outsider sees her. He put his The early disciples of Christ started with the finger on the weak spots in British national facts of Jesus' advent, life, sacrifice and resur- armor, and quite frankly said that the world is rection. They found that these historical facts irritated with Britain because she seems so easily became for them the basis for a moral fact. As to find great moral reasons for acts of self-interthey tried to explore the moral fact and explained est. Britain must be willing definitely to conit they found that the Person they had known tribute to the peace of the world, apart from any just as a fact of history, and whom later they advantage such an act may bring to herself. recognized as the great factor of moral life, could only be explained as a spiritual fact, as One who An Anglican Father, Rev. W. S. A. Robertson, was the embodiment or incarnation of the very of St. Ives, who is d.oing a magnificent work in being of God. the midlands among tramps, presented an attrac- tive figure in his brown robe and course girdle. The gathering was attended by 2,000 people, Speaking on "The Reality of God," he said that, including many overseas students studying in even though his audience was so different fr.om Great Britain and others who came specially for those among whom he had recently been mixing the meeting from the continent of Europe, Asia yet they had much in common for all .of us must and Africa. come to God as "down and out" men and women.
Dr. Visser t'Hooft, the very capable Dutch sec- Rev. William Paton, Secretary of ,the Internaretary of the World Student Christian Federation, tional Missionary Council, spoke on his recent representing some 200,000 students in 45 coun- visit to the Far East and dealt with the political tries, spoke on "The 'Christian' West." He said: and religious ferments there. In his analysis of "We might as well talk of the 'Christian Jungle,' " the situation in Japan, where the worship of the recalling the tragically unchristian state of af- Emperor, inherent in the Japanese system, is setfairs which prevail today. "Nevertheless," he ting up a superreligion of extreme nati.onalism, added, "Christianity has been the central forma- he really gave a digest of his important book, tive element in all that is good in Western civ- "Christianity in the Eastern Conflicts." One of ilization. It has emphasized the worth of effort the speakers of the World Student Christian Fedand of individuals. Without Christianity the erati.on was Mr. Sen, ,an Indian who has just been West would be historically inconceivable. "What touring the United States. His illustration of the the world lacks today is a common point of ref- five fingers .of our hand representing what should erence. Several groups believe that they alone be the five chief elements in our life. The thumb can save Europe-and are willing to ruin Europe represents strength and courage for with it we in order to prove their thesis. The ideological grip things. The first finger represents leadership enemy is considered the representative of some satanic principle."
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and guidance, for with it we point. The center supplication, but rather with hand stretched ,out finger represents harmony. The third on which in cooperation." In a warm tribute to the misthe wedding ring is placed, stands for love. And sionary movement of the past hundred years, Mr. the little finger when we hold our hands in prayer Sun said, "It would be difficult to discover in hisfaces the aUar and, also, in the Indian meth,od of tory any group ,of men and women who have comsalutation, faces the person we honor. manded greater respect and admirati,on than those ,of the missi,on field. The world owes a greater The Archbishop of Y,ork spoke on "God in debt to these men and women than it sometimes Christ," recalling the first Quadrennial he at- realizes." tended in 1908. "Those who saw God in Christ in the first century," he said, "did not argue ab,out Africa was represented by Mr. J. C. W. Dougit. F1aith is a response of the wh,ole mind, critical all, the new Secretary of the Conference of British and constructive. Yet the essential wonder of Missionary Societies, who has spent s,ome years faith is much more like the feeling for a trusted in East Africa as educational adviser to missi,ons. and admired leader than it was like the Q. E. D. While all the most vital questions of international at the end of a geometrical proposition." relationships may be focussed in Africa at the moment, the most important fact Lor the future is Rev. Paul Rangaramanujam gave a stirring ac- that there is a Christian Church in Africa. count ,of the growth of the Mass Movement in the area in which he works. On the political situa- The urgent need for missionaries at present was tion Mr. Rangaramanujam said that India is emphasized by Miss Ruth Rouse, Educati,on Sec- retary of the Missionary Council of the Church of facing clear issues with high idealism, c,ourage England-who, incidentally, was one of the three and wisdom that are almost Christian. The Na- people present at this conference who were also tional Movement which used to have primarily a at the first Student Christian M,ovement Quadpolitical emphasis is n,ow beginning to embrace rennial in 1896. There are today 400 vacant P,osts social and economic pr,oblems. While earlier it in the Protestant mission field which can be filled wanted self-government because it did not want only by men and women who were now students to be g,overned by others, now it desires inde- -ordained men, teachers, doctors, nurses, women pendence for the noble purpose ,of serving India evangelists, agricultural engineers, builders, weland seeing that her P,oor, depressed and ,outcaste fare workers.· There are fields now where the pe,ople come into their own. Great Britain is average age ,of the missi,onaries is between 50 and called to send Christian men and women to G,oV- 60. New consecrated, well-trained missionaries ernment service, military and other forms of serv- are needed from the present student generation. ice to India, to sh,ow the go,od will there is in the Church of Christ in Britain. Mr. Rangaramanu- There are great possibilities in consecrated jam also emphasized the needs which the Church young life and our prayer is that y,outh may fulin India still has of spiritual and intellectual lead- fill .its pmmise and see its way, having listened ership from Western Churches. to the voice of God, to a path which will lead the world onward. As a leading member of the The Chinese Christian editor, Mr. T. H. Sun, faculty of Birmingham University said of the made a plea for help for the Chinese Church from gathering: "The whole atmosphere is reeking the church of the West. "The younger Churches," with moral gunpowder." he said, "come to you n,ot with the open hand of A HINDU PARABLE There was a donkey which belonged to a dhobi (handy man). The poor donkey had a hard time, for, as everyone knows, donkeys belong to a "depressed class." The owner abused and overworked him shamefully. The rope by which he was tied was very old and had be- come weak in many places, partly because many reformers had tried to cut it and free the donkey. The poor animal longed to be free and himself often chewed it. He CQuid have broken it easily; but whenever he became restless, the dhobi would give him a little green grass and as he was always hungry he would quiet down to eat the grass. Then his ,owner would load him up again' and beat him and curse him. Again he would determine to go free at the first opportunity but as often as he started to break away the dhobi would again give him a little grass. Then, the donkey would think, "After all, if I leave this place where could I go? This is the place where I was born." So he remained in his wretched condition, not because the rope held him, but because he received a little grass and because he really disliked to change.
Moral: The bonds of caste are not strong enough to hold anyone who really wishes to go free.
Ways of
'Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~'=I============================~ MEN'S MISSIONARY LEAGUE, 1934 – FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ELYRIA, OHIO An Achievement in Masculine den of responsibility for the gained 50 % in active member- Missions present abnormal situation in which "the whole undertaking ship, 34% in general offerings Under this challenging title, to make Christ known to the The Men's Missionary League world is regarded as a strictly and an increase of 43 % in the of the United Presbyterian feminine affair" (in the local church of Elyria, Ohio, has church aspect) and the entire thank-offering over that of the brought out a leaflet giving "the missionary movement is a wom- preceding year! The entire mishuman interest history" of their an's undertaking and not some- sionary budget offerings of the adventure in leading men to thing to challenge the serious congregation for the church year major in missions. The pioneer- and active devotion of strong ending in March, 1935, were ing pastor, Rev. George A. Christian men. The story of the Brown, told the story of the ven- way in which Mr. Brown set 137 % over those of the year beture in THE REVIEW in Novem- about harnessing the men and ber, 1935. As set forth therein boys in his church for team work fore. the problem of enlisting men for with the sisterhood is a chalmissions is, in its final analysis, lenging one, and the report of We have now to record that a matter of interesting them the effect upon the local wom- the infant organization has not whole-heartedly and enthusias- en's missionary society is star- only survived and grown but tically in Jesus Christ Himself, tling. At the end of the first year that similar leagues have sprung the dynamic of whose life work of the League, that society rewas the missionary motive and ported marked increase in mem- up in a number of other churches the carry-on personnel of whose bership, attendance, offerings, necessitating the issue of the interest and cooperation never leaflet above mentioned as an incampaign, in the early centuries, known before on the part of "the structional manuel with model consisted of the informal mis- brethren." In the language of sionaries we now call laymen. figures, the women's soc i e t y constitution and by-laws. On the evening of Nov. 17, 1936, the Upon the pastors rests the bur- [155 ] League celebrated its t h i r d birthday in a party with all the other missionary organizations of the church as guests and Sam- uel A. Fulton, International Chaplain of the Gideons, as the main speaker. Two special mis-
sionary projects-one home and ets of such material over care- African territory-very picturesque) ; one foreign – have been under- fully and found them highly sug- "African Lights and Shadows" (story taken by the organization as its gestive, the Editor is glad to re- illustrated by shadow piCtures inpractical outlet. In a recent let- deem her promise to cite them volving a series of dramatizationster to the Department Editor, for consideration, especially as full directions given); "An African Mr. Brown says: the African study period is not Village Trial"; "Harum Scarum finished yet; and the bulk of the Harems"; "Enlarge Your World" We have been going now for over material is of a timeless, univer- (folder illustration); "Mimeographed three years and the interest not only sal character and the "program Patterns"; "Greetings-Congo Style" abides but grows with the passing molds" of such a type that they (full directions for picturesque ceremonths and meetings. Our men here will suit a variety of topical con- monial) . are enthusiastic about it and the work tents. The denominational brand is extending throughout our church. is also negligible. Any evan- An outstanding feature of We have had wide and favorable pub- gelical group can utilize most of these packets is the number of licity, not only in this land but in the programs, devices and sub- references made to plans and Canada. The hand of the Lord is ject matter to good advantage. articles in the October issue of most manifestly in our work and we THE REVIEW. Much of its mawant it to grow for His sake and to The three packets are adapted terial is recommended for spe- His glory. for use among women's societies, cific use. older and younger young peo- With whole-hearted assent we ple's groups and Sunday school Follow the Line of Most echo the closing words of the classes or departments. They Resistancecampaign leaflet: may be obtained at The United Christian Missionary Society, but that's only one way Let each pastor preach to his men Missions Building, 222 Downey of saying it. at the earliest possible date, and more Ave., Indianapolis, Ind., at 50 earnestly and plainly and directly cents each. State for which The blue waters of Eagles than ever before, to show them that group the material is desired. Mere Lake moved and shim- Missions is a man's job. Then call a mered under a golden June sun. meeting for the organization of a Each packet contains an out- The foliage circling the lake like Men's Missionary League: pray, plan line of the course and materials, a wreath provided a restful and proceed as the Holy Spirit Him- instructions for leaders and pro- change for the eyes and at least self may lead. In the words of our gram builders, ready-to-use les- two city-dwellers sitting on the rallying song: son subject matter, dramatic beach appreciated the scene. sketches, folk lore tales, complete A wake, ye Christian men; devotional, consecration and in- The girl in the bathing suit Behold the world today; stallation services, question and dropped her beach coat so that discussion mat e ria 1, mimeo- the sun could reach her shoul- Great multitudes like scattered sheep graphed patterns, African games ders. They were conspicuously From God still go astray. for the recreational periods, etc. white compared with those of Sample questions and discussion other bathers about her. Come with a spirit stirred; topics are: Obey your Lord's command; "Dotty," she spoke to the girl Is it right to impose denominational- in blue gingham beside her, Pray Him to send forth laborers ism and white civilization upon "why have I never done this be- Into each waiting land. other countries? fore? A vacation at a mission- ary conference didn't sound Present your gifts to Him, Is the African not happy as he is? thrilling to me, but I don't know Your silver and your gold; Why interfere with his beliefs? when I've enjoyed a week more, and I'm going home with my But first of all, yourself He asks, What conditions growing out of the head simply crammed with That He your life may mold. conquest of Africa jeopardize the ideas." She took a small note- peace of the world todav? book from the pocket of her coat Go forth, ye Christian men, and began turning its pages. Proclaim His name abroad; There is so much to be done at home. Why support foreign missions "You know, Sarah," Dotty re- That sinners far and near may come until we have Christianized our plied, "when I asked you to come To know the Son of God. own country? with me last year, you said you were taking your vacation later. He gave His life for you; The process of securing products from Most of the conferences like this His precious blood He shed. Africa is changing the lives of were over. But I knew you Africans. As a user of these would like it." Serve Him who saves you by His products do I not have a moral grace, responsibility toward Africa? "Well, I certainly do. Thete's plenty of time for outdoor exer- The Church's living Head. How does my consecration compare cise and the things I'm learning with that of African Christians? come in such an easy, interest- (Copies M the organizational leaflet may ing way – everything combines be had at 4 cents per C(}py. 40' cents per Is my life a recommendation for to make me feel a real satisfacdozen, $3.00 per hundred, from The Board Christ? tion." of Administration, United Presbyterian Church, 705 Publication Building, Pitts- Dramatics, dialogues, visual- "Just before I came," the burgh, Pa.) izations, etc., include the follow- other went on, "I agreed to be ing as samples: "Allo, Congo!" "Upriver on the Oregon" (travel As mentioned in the October impersonations); "White Gobblers in issue of this Department, the Africa" (illustrated representation of foreign mission programs. and foreign rapacity in "gobbling up" study material of the United Christian Missionary Society could not be listed until after the first of the year, as they would not come out before January. Having looked the several pack-
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
president of our mIsSIOnary sort of thing. Of course, we'll like to have an evening with circle next winter. My notebook have a play or a talk by a mis- Polly Brown and Helen Frazier sionary so as to keep the party talking about their trip to the is a sort of outsize one and it's Orient. They didn't visit all the going to be a lot of help to me. from being all amusement and mission stations but they did nothing to show for it after- meet a few of the missionaries I can make use of so many of wards." and if they would show the the things we get here. You things they brought home and "That sounds fine," praised tell about the ones they met, and weren't here the first night when Dotty, "and how about making describe our work as they can the literature lady told that little invitations like those we saw in read it up in the missionary story made up of the titles of the the shape of an African hut. magazine, I'm sure the girls books on Africa. That was They are made of wrapping would learn something from clever and it's a stunt that might paper with the thatched roof that, too." be done with titles of books crayoned a darker brown. You about any country. She had a catch a glimpse of the wording "A good thing about the methglobe in front of her on a table on the inside fold through a ods we've had here," remarked Dotty, "is that they could be and she repeated the words of little cut-out door in the hut. We adapted to suit the study of al- 'This is my Father's world,' the must pique the imagination with most any country. Now, my the wording of the invitation, as cousin says they will study first verse, while someone played Miss Applegarth said. Didn't Japan this year because the misit softly on the piano. Then she you love her asking, 'Has the dic- sionary their own church sup- tionary joined your church?' ports is making their town her said, 'My Father's world! I re- It's true that we keep on using headquarters while she's at peat the words often thinking the same old hackneyed terms home. That series Miss Appleonly of the part I can see with garth suggested on Hands, for my eyes' or words to that effect. in our meeting announcements. instance, could be used for any We just don't take the trouble other land as well as Africa. She went on to talk about Af- to think up more alluring ones." Remember, she had the titles rica, bringing in the titles of the listed, Hands across the Sea, different books and magazine The sun was slanting lower Hands that Rock the Cradle, articles and holding each one up Hand – Me – Down, Behindhand and the lake breeze was cool. or Beforehand, Han d i c r aft, as she mentioned it. Then she Sarah pulled her coat about her Hand-in-Hand. Can't you just closed with the last verse of the shoulders again as she scribbled picture how those topics could hymn, after saying something a few words in her tiny book. be worked out. It does take "Yes, and we mustn't use stilted imagination, though. I must about our obligation to help Af- phrases either. They put peo- say, I feel as though I never rica's people to see the Father's ple to sleep-people at a meeting again will be satisfied to follow 'the line of least resistance' in world and be able to thank Him need to be electrified. Even the presenting the cause of missions for it, too. I thought at our first furniture should be placed dif- -there I go again using set meeting we could give the girls ferently now and then, and the phrases! How would you say minister's wife mustn't always that, Sarah? Follow the line of a glimpse of the study plans that lead the devotions. In our case least resistance in broadcasting same way." it's the minister's daughter, but the fact that our missionaries I'm going to ask Flo this time to are heroes in the midst of a Sarah was still fingering her get two other girls to read with thrilling adventure-up against notebook, nodding her head to her the story of Philip and the all sorts of odds, yet they see reshow that she was listening. sults that make them realize they "One thing sure," she declared, Ethiopian eunuch. One can read are truly workers together with "I never would have promised to the narrative part, one will take charge of the party for new speak for Philip and the other God and must win in the long members if I'd not been getting run. When the girls really get some of those things they call for the eunuch. It will make the 'methods' from Margaret Apple- story more real." that view, they are sure to want garth. Now I know just what to help. By the way, Miss Ap- I'm going to suggest to the com- "Another thing to think about in devotions is hymns. Alice plegarth and some of the other mittee. Remember the game we leaders are going to be here played on Saturday afternoon, told me she simply hadn't the with the name of a famous per- heart to sing '0 Zion Haste' ever again next summer." son on every girl's back. We'll again. She says we always sing use people connected with Af- it. I told her that if she'd come "Well, I'm telling you right rica, missionaries like Living- and lead us in some really new stone and Jean Mackenzie, and hymns, or even some old ones now, so am 11" a few like Cecil Rhodes and that we don't sing so often, we'd Haile Selassie. For refresh- JANE GILBERT, give the stand-bys a rest for a ments we had a whole bunch of year. And with just a little Vice-Chairman, Eagles Mere, Pa., bananas, and cookies cut in the originality, there are ways of Conference, June 26 to July 3. varying the use of even an old shape of the map of Africa, hymn to advantage."
spread with a mixture of peanut "If I wasn't so full of this Af- rican party," said Sarah, "I'd butter and chile sauce-weren't they good? And the peanuts we had to hunt for all around the room. The girls will love that
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BULLETIN OF The Council of Women for Home Missions EDITH E. LOWRY, EXECUTlVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK ~'~I~–==~~~~~~~~~===—-I~ LET US REMEMBER JESUS INTERLUDE OF MUSIC: BENEDICTION: A Lenten Service of Worship* Vocal solo–"My Task"-Ashford. (Remain standing after benedic- tion.) INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: PERIOD OF MEDITATION. LEADER: "The Palms"-Faure. LEADER: (Continue to play softly as ac- ("Into the Woods My Master Went" companiment during the reading Let us remember Jesus: Who loved to be played softly during reading of the poem.) men, yet retired from them to pray, of poem.) rose a great while before day, LEADER: watched through a night, stayed in o Master of the Galilean Way, the wilderness, went up into a Judean hills are holy, Judean hills mountain, sought a garden. Who, Forgive us for the vows we fail are fair, when he would help a tempted dis- to keep: ciple, prayed for him, and for the For one can find the footprints of perfecting of those who received Forgive us that we so neglect thy Jesus everywhere. sheep, him. One finds them in the twilight be- So idly waste this shining harvest neath the singing sky, INTERLUDE OF MUSIC: day!
Where shepherds watch in wonder Vocal solo-"Into the Woods My What matter if we cannot under- white planets wheeling by. Master Went" – Lanier. (F irs t stand stanza.) His trails are on the hillsides and The mystery of Love that is Di- down the dales and deeps; PERIOD OF MEDITATION. vine, He walks the high horizons where LEADER: Nor pierce the veil! Dear Lord, vesper silence sleeps. our faith increase Let us remember Jesus: Who be- He haunts the lowly highways lieved in men to the last and never To know that, since our hands where human hopes have trod despaired of them. Who through may reach thy hand, all disappointment never lost heart. The Via Dolorosa up to the heart Who disregarded his own comfort Our lives are made all-powerful, of God. and convenience and thought first through thine, of others' needs, and though he suf- He looms,·a lonely figure, along the fered long was always kind. Who, To heal a wounded world and fringe of night, when he was reviled, reviled not bring it peace! again, and when he suffered, threat- -Molly Anderson Haley. As lonely as a cedar against the ened not. Who humbled himself lonely night. and carried obedience to the point Poems from "Quotable Poems," Vol. I of death, even death on the cross, Judean hills are holy, Judean hills and endured faithfully to the end. Clark-Gillespie, Willett, Clark &anCdo.p, ra1y9e3r1~' are fair, New York. Music, meditation INTERLUDE OF MUSIC: from HNew Hymnal of American Youth" For one can find the footprints of Jesus everywhere. Vocal solo – "Into the Woods My H. Augustine Smith, Appleton D. Century, -William L. Stidger. Master Went." (Last stanza.) New York.
PERIOD OF MEDITATION. UNISON PRAYER AND CONSECRATION Officers, 1937 LEADER: (Standing) : President – Mrs. Millard Robinson (Methodist Episcopal). As we worship together- o Christ, our only Saviour, so come Let us remember Jesus: Who, First Vice-President-Mrs. Orrin R. though he was rich, yet for our to dwell in us that we may go forth Judd (N. Baptist). sakes became poor and dwelt among with the light of thy hope in our us. Who was content to be subject eyes, and thy faith and love in our Second Vice-President–Mrs. Augus- to his parents, the child of a poor man's home. Who lived for thirty hearts. tus Trowbridge (Protestant Epis- years the common life, earning his To the preaching of good tidings copal). living with his own hands and de- of salvation we consecrate Third Vice-President- Mrs. J. W. clining no humble tasks. Whom the our powers; Downs (Methodist Episcopal common people heard gladly, for he To the healing of broken bodies South) . understood their ways. and the relief of distress we Recording Secretary – Miss Dorothy consecrate our gifts; A. Stevens (N. Baptist). INTERLUDE OF MUSIC: To the leading of every soul to the knowledge and love of Treasurer-Mrs. Norman V. Peale Vocal solo-"When the Lord of Love Christ we consecrate our in- (Reformed in Am.). Was Here"-Brooke. (First three fluence; stanzas.) To the Christianization of the Chairmen of Committees world, PERIOD OF MEDITATION. To the building of the Kingdom of Annual Meeting: Miss Laura H. Parker (Presbyterian, U. S. A.). LEADER: God: Chautauqua: Miss Amelia D. Kemp We consecrate our money, our ef- (Un. Lutheran). . Let us remember Jesus: Who was Conferences and Schools of Missions: mighty in deed, healing the sick and forts and our lives. Amen. Miss Carrie M. Kerschner (Evan- the disordered, using for others the powers he would not invoke for RESPONSE: gelical Reformed). himself. Who refused to force Editorial and Publicity: Mrs. J. men's allegiance. Who was master "Hear Our Prayer, 0 Lord." (Vo- and Lord to his disciples, yet was cal or instrumental.) Henry Callister (Friends). among them as their companion and as one who served. HYMN: Eva Clark Waid Memorial for World • Prepared by Charlotte Mary Burnham. "0 Master, Let Me Walk with Peace: Miss Emma Jessie Ogg Thee." (Four stanzas.) (Presbyterian, U. S. A.).
[158 ]
BULLETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
Finance: Mrs. Mary D. White (Con- one another and to demonstrate the Western Hemisphere and to ex- gregational-Christian) . the inclusiveness of the home tend this policy of good neighborliness mission program. In reporting to all nations, regardless of geograph- International Relations: Miss Elinor the year's activities at the busi- ical propinquity. ness session novel methods were K. Purves (Presbyterian, U. s. employed – panel discussions, 2. To exercise moderation with re- round tables and skits, thereby spect to our military establishments, A.). making the presentation of re- to the end that the influence of the ports interesting and stimu- United States may be on the side of Legislative: Mrs. Bessie H. Payne lating. peace and not on the side of war. (NatI. Baptist). Important actions were taken, 3. To accept membership in the Migrant: Mrs. Kenneth D. MiIIer a few of which are reported in World Court and through such action (Presbyterian, U. S. A.). V. this Bulletin. The Liquor Com- relate our nation in a helpful way to Chairman: Mrs. D. C. Turner mission appointed at the 1936 the development of a world commu- (Congregational-Christian) . Annual Meeting, to study the re- nity of law and of justice. lation of the Council of Women Nominating: Miss Edna M. Spring- for Home Missions to the Liquor 4. To extend the existing neutrality horn (Un. Lutheran). Problem presented a very com- legislation to include an embargo on prehensive report including the basic war materials to nations resort- Office Administration: Miss Ann follow i n g recommendations ing to war, in order to keep the Elizabeth Taylor (Presbyterian, adopted by the Federal Council United States from being drawn into U. S. A.). Biennial Meeting last December war, while at the same time it coop- and which were adopted by this erates with other nations for the Pension Plan: Mrs. Edmund B. Chaf- meeting. preservation of peace. fee (Presbyterian, U. S. A.). 1. That temperance education be 5. To work to secure national and Programs for Local Interdenomina- strongly reenforced in church and international control of the arms tional Groups: Mrs. Fred S. Ben- community and that denominational traffic. nett (Presbyterian, U. S. A.). and interdenominational boards and agencies charged with this responsi- 6. To extend stilI further the ad- Race Relations: Miss May Huston bility seek to cooperate in the publi- ministration's program of trade agree- (N. Baptist). cation of study courses for youth and ments and to facilitate through such of temperance literature; action the easing of economic tensions Study Courses: Miss Margaret Mars- throughout the world. ton (Protestant Episcopal). Vice- 2. That exploration be made as to Chairman: Miss Mabel M. Shei:o- the possibility of taking the profit out 7. To make clear the fact, by Presi- ley (Presbyterian, U. S. A.). of the manufacture and sale of liquor dential proclamation or otherwise, and the Research Department of the that the armed forces of our country World Day of Prayer: Mrs. Daniel Federal Council investigate and re- are not, under any circumstances, to A. Poling (N. Baptist). Vice- port on this aspect of the liquor be employed for the protection of the Chairman: Mrs. E. E. Cooley problem; economic or other material interests (Presoyterian, U. S. A.). of American nationals in other lands. 3. The securing and furnishing of Young People's Work: Rev. Frederick data which may be used by educa- 8. To take such steps as may be ad- R. Thorne, D.D., Chairman (Pres- tional agencies in presenting the sub- visable to insure the improvements of byterian, U. S. A.). V. Chair- ject; American-Japanese relations and, in man: Miss PrisciIIa Chase (Con- cooperation with other interested na- gregational-Christian) . 4. That the press of the country be tions, to labor for the restoration of urged to consider the harm done to a treaty structure for the Pacific. Joint Indian: Rev. Mark A. Dawber, themselves and their readers by liquor D.D., Chairman (Methodist Epis- advertising and, together with the 9. To place upon a strictly volun- copal). Vice-Chairman: Miss radio and the screen, be urged to elim- tary basis all military training in Helen M. Brickman (~ef'd in inate the emphasis on drinking habits; civil colleges and universities and to Am.). provide for the elimination of all mili- 5. That the Council of Women for tary training in high schools. ANNUAL MEETING Home Missions, in the interest of na- tional safety and welfare, most sol- That it make known this endorse- The Council of Women for emnly calI upon the people of this ment in a letter to the President of Home Missions and the Home land to arouse themselves to the men- the United States. Missions Council held their An- ace of this growing evil and by pernual Meeting January 11-14, sonal influence, by coIlective and polit- That it commend to the women of 1937, in Asbury Park, New Jer- ical action strive for such practical the Church through the denominasey. The first two days were measures of restraint and control as tional Boards the statement on peace given to the business sessions of are necessary for the protection of adopted by the Federal Council of the two Councils and the last society. Churches at its meeting on December two to the National Conference 11, 1936, asking them to study the on the City Church. The Fel- The above recommendations nine point program, included therein, lowship Supper which officially had been adopted at the Biennial to make known their attitude to the opened the Annual Meeting of Meeting of the Federal Council government of the United States the Council of Women for Home of Churches on December 11, and to the people of their communi- Missions was in every sense a ties, and to develop in their own and fellowship. Mrs. Millard Rob- 1936. other people's minds the will to peace. inson, President, presided. The program, informal in nature in- International Relations YOUNG PEOPLE'S WORK cluded greetings from fraternal delegates and then three-minute The Committee on Interna- It was reported that at the accounts given by a representa- tional Relations recommended: Conference of United Christian tive named by each constituent Youth Movement at Lakeside, Board describing the outstand- 1. To implement stilI further its Ohio, in the fall of 1936, it ing achievement in the home Good Neighbor policy with regard to had been decided to include mismission work of each board in sionary emphasis in the promo- 1936. Seldom has any feature tion of Christian Youth Building on an Annual Meeting program a New World, and material is done more to acquaint us with being prepared for this by the Youth Committee of the Mis- sionary Education Movement.
~i'==O=u=r=w=o=rl=d=–W=i=d=e=o==ut=lo=o=k==~ir
J1t A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events "
~. EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO .~~ LATIN AMERIOA Preaching Restricted quainted with us, told of what we were doing, .of the impor- Ouba's Oooperative School Rev. C. S. Detweiler, of the tance of Christianity for the American Baptist Board, made world. He ended with a cordial The c.ooperative idea in rural a recent visit tQ Central Amer- invitation for all to attend Chriseducation has been highly suc- ica, and reports that it is prac- tian services." cessful in San Miguel de los tically impossible for any m.ore Banos, Cuba, where a Presbyte- new missioOnaries to enter Costa Bibles, Testaments and tracts rian Mission has an experi- Rica and Guatemala. With SoOme in Chinese have been sent for to mental rural proj ect. For three difficulty the Protestant missioOns help follow up this important months ,the idea grew upon the in these countries have been able opening. community, and 25 adults and to secure replacements f.orthQse 22 children were found who whQ have left, but are not al- A More Liberal Order needed and wanted the school. l.owed to increase the staff. Evangelical missi.onaries have New thinking is observed in A thatch-:mofed house was been affected by new restrictions Colombia. Youth is impatient put up; the next move was to upon their work in town and with the old order and is workprovide a teacher. She will country. The g.overnment is re- ing for liberal principles in edumaintain her own home, and the quiring all pas,t.ors t.o secure a cation, and a relaxation of the young women of the community license, and .only thus are they inhibitions of the Roman Cathwill take turns living with her, permitted to hold services. olic Church. This attitude has in order to learn home making been reflected in a 71 per cent from her.-Monday Morning. -Watchman-Examiner. increase in the enrolment of Protestant Sunday schools since Ohristian Literature for The Ohinese in Guatemala 1932. Mexico Dr. E. M. Haymaker, editor Legislation recently passed by F.or the first time in the his- of Guatemala News, describes a the Colombian Par I i am en t tory .of evangelical wQrk in Mex- new work which the newly ap- marks the great changes now in ico, Sunday School Association pointed Chinese consul helped tQ progress. Three articles .of the publicati.ons are being sold in inaugurate. He is a Christian Constitution have been deleted: books,tores .other than their own. Chinese, while his wife is the Works by Kagawa, Compton, C. daughter of a Chinese pastor Article 38. The Roman Catholic F. Andrews and others are in and granddaughter of a former religion is the religion of the nation, prQcess of translatiQn. The first one. Both are deeply interested protected by the public authorities, reof a series of booklets intended in their Christian faith. spected as an essential element of sofor student evangelism appea,red cial order. early this year. There are about 742 Chinese in Guatemala at present. Article 41. Public instruction shall Prof. G. Baez Camargo be- be organized and directed in agreelieves that this literature pro- Dr. Haymaker felt that some- ment and harmony with the Catholic gram that is being carried .on thing ought to be done for them, religion. modestly, but effectively, will and talked over the matter with prove to be .one of the greatest Mr. LeQ, the consul, with the re- Article 55. Buildings destined for spiritual adventures in the his- sult that some .of the mission- worship, seminaries, and episcopal tory of the evangelizati.on of aries were invited tQ tea at the houses shall not be subject to taxa- Latin America. consulate to meet a group of tion, nor taken for any other service. Chinese. This gave the oppor- Personally, and through the tunity of meeting no less than -Indian Witness. SUPP.ort .of friends in England thirty of the principal Chinese and America, Prof. Camargo of the capital where there are Beginnings in New Field has launched a literature project some 200 located. "There was .of another type: a Christian no beating about the bush as to E. K. Pinn and D. Michell, quarterly especially dev.oted t.o the object of the tea," writes w.orkers f.or the Evangelical the intrQduction .of the GQspel Dr. Haymaker. "Mr. Leo, in UniQn of South America, have to students, professors., social explaining whQ we were and changed their field from Chinleaders and educated persons. why he wanted them to be ac- chellos to Talavera, Peru. Work at the £Qrmer place is being c.on- -W. S. S. A. News. [160 ] tinued by two young Peruvian Christians.
These missionaries find in Talavera a mQre .open-minded, liberal spirit, "but," they say, EUROPE Outlook in Spain "while it is a pleasant change Toward Church Unity Dr. Juan Orts Gonzalez benot to be called 'devil,' 'Or 'athe- lieves that now, more than ever ist' or to have people surrepti- In St. Paul's, London, a contio'usly looking f'Or our tails, in- ference was held last October, before, the Gospel of Jesus differenc·e and materialism can attended by delegates represent- Christ can be made known in prove as great enemies as fa- ing most of the church b'Odies 'Of Spain even to devout Catholics, naticism. Many people are glad the W'Orld. Plans, are being de- if appropriate efforts are made. to have us here to visit the P'O'Or vised f'Or the cl'Oser drawing toand sick, but do not want to be gether 'Of all denominations. A He writes: disturbed in their life 'Of im- great pageant is to be held in m'Orality, 0 r m'Oney – making, London at a date to be fixed, the "A few months before the revdrink or other besetting sin." background to which will be a olution began, the Bible Society choir 'Of 1,500 voices. Preceding succeeded in publishing adver- Encouraging aspects in the this dem'Onstration, which will .tisements in the two great prochange are improved health, be broadcast 'Over a world-wide letarian papers of Madrid, El friendliness of the majority, network by the British Br'Oad- Socialista and Claridad, with more level c'Ountry so that they casting Corporation, two world very satisfactory respons,e in the can walk farther, and the coop- conferences will be held, one in eration 'Of teachers in all'Owing Oxford,and the other in Edin- way of sales. Shortly afterthe children ,to attend prayers. burgh, the object of which will wards, Claridad published an These children have mem'Orized be the removal 'Of all barriers article undoubtedly written by many hymns and passages of which prevent unity. an evangelical, in which it was Scripture. Lantern meetings, ;stated ,that ,the Gospel of Jesus with slides 'Of the Life 'Of Christ, -Alliance Weekly. prove helpful. Christ is the greatest basis for Church Union in France formulating the just claims of -South America. the worker; and the editor, a leading Marxist, in presenting the article said: 'This is a vital topic; and we invite all 'Our Unity in the Reformed Church readers who can write to take Religion in Argentina's of France seems about to be part in the discussion of it.'
Schools achieved. The Synods of the Scarcely a day passes in which Reformed Evangelical, and of the leading papers, in criticising The law in Argentina provides the Reformed Church have for the hierarchy and the fascists that, in respect to religi'On, some time been working toward who claim to interpret Chrisschools are neutral ground, so union; the acceptance of a com- tianity better than anyone else, that "religious teaching may mon confession of faith had, do not quote the example and the only be given in the public however, yet to be achieved. words of Christ in refutation of schools by authorized ministers Last June, this was accepted by their claim. of the various cults to children both synods. It is probable that of their own c'Ommunions before the regional synods will accept "The greatest proof which I, or after school hours." This has the new statutes in the spring personally, have experienced of hitherto saUsfied Christians, of 1937 and that a Synod consti- the receptiveness 'On the part of Jews, Moslems, Buddhists and tuted by the first united church the Spanish people to religion 'Other religi'Ous bodies who con- will take place in 1937 or 1938. has been affol'ded by ,the results The question will arise as to of my newspaper evangelism. tribute their share 'Of taxes f'Or whether the two faculties of the- With the generous help of the the upkeep 'Of the schools. The ology of Paris and Montpellier United Society for Christian Litpresident of the National Coun- should be united. erature (London) and of the cil on Education recently de- Methodist Board of F'Oreign Misclared that as a religious back- During 1935 the Societe Cen- sions (U. S. A.), I have already ground for moral teaching was trale Evangelique worked in 40 been able to publish more than necessary in the schoo~s, the law thirty articles of this type in El should be altered so that Roman departments of France; in 13 Popular of Ma.laga. Several Catholic clergy might give in- of these it was the only Prot- thousand persons have read struction during school hours in estant body represented. The those articles, and a great many Sunday schools showed prog- of the readers have seen Christ all public schools. Non-Catholic ress, instructing 1,600 scholars, and His Gospel in a different children would have the alterna- and of these 419 were confirmed Cay, evidenced by the personal tive of receiving any instruction and received as members of the testim'Onies I have received." in morals and civics. The pro- Reformed Church. In different posal is regarded as an attempt churches 370 new members were Must Not Pray for Hitler received. The difficult task of to reintroduce 'sedarian instruc- keeping spiritual contact with A very curious thing has haption in public schools, and the scattered French Protestants Argentine press is critical, hold- was vigorously maintained, and pened in Germany. The Scriping that the existing law is the this Society is now maintaining tures enjoin prayer for those least discriminating towards all 70 evangelization centers. classes 'Of the community. who rule over us, but no one is -The World Today. allowed to pray for Hitler. Re-
cently a pastor was censured for church and state are separate the sweet potatoes must be uprooted praying that this ruler might be and in which Freethought is ac- or all would die of hunger! Meangranted "guidance to his spirit tive. Affirmative answers are while Gure Christians were praying so he may submit humbly." This said to have come from Mexico for rain; they also prayed for the was interpreted by the Minister and the Spanish Loyalist Gov- witch-doctor's soul. of Culture as an implied criti- ernment. It is also reported that cism of Hitler's policies! a Russian :£actory has received That night the Lord bountifully an- large orders for life-size statues swered the prayers and sent an -The Presbyterian. of Christ, Moses, Mohammed, abundance of rain! No more has been the Pope, Luther and others to said about our potatoes. Protestantism in Austria be used ,as targets at shooting contests. Lagos Cathedral Evangelical Christi1anity continues to increase in Aus,tria, AFRICA After a brief furlough in but more slowly than in 1934 Great Britain, Dr. F. Melville when the movement was partly To Educate the Blind Jones, Bishop of Lagos, Nigeria, due to a new law obliging every has returned to continue buildcitizen to join ,some church. The The first steps to assist the ing the cathedral, which he new members are eager to learn; blind in Egypt, of whom there undentook on his appointment and as the Pr'Otestant churches are a great many, were taken in 1919. Dr. Jones and his wife in Austria insist ,that candidates by the missionaries. Their suc- have between them spent ninety for membership shall receive a cess has apparently stirred the years in Nigeria, and it is their course of Bible instruction, the Moslems to similar efforts. Al earnest desire to see the catheknowledge of the Word of God Ahramannounces that the dral finished before they retire. made a great impression on their Sheikh of the Azhar proposes The chancel, transepts, lantern hearts. Many have been soundly the instruction of blind students tower, and one hay 'Of the nave converted, and their testimony in the elements of mathematics, are completed. Of the £18,000 has brought in 'Others. reading and writing. A scheme which it has cost, all but £1,000 has emerged to form an i<Az_ has been contributed by the Af- -Alliance Weekly. haric-Institute of the Blind." rican people of the diocese. To The Braille method will be used complete the building, £4,000 ad- Conference in Athens and the necessary educational ditional are required. appliances will be ordered from Twenty..,six Greek Orthodox abroad. -Tke World Today. -Life of Faith. theologians recently held a conference in Athens. Three were Rain and Potatoes Active German Mission from Jugoslavia, three fr'Om Bul~ria, seven from Roumania, Miss H. Griffin, of the Sudan Bethel Mission was founded six from Greece, four from the Interior Mission, writes: in Berlin 50 years ago when Ger- Russian Theological Academy man colonies were acquired in in Paris and two from the The millet was ready for trans- Africa. Since 1891, the Mission Polish Orthodox Church. The planting but there was no rain, and has worked in the hinterland, <:Ecumenical Patriarch was rep- if rain did not come soon, the grain and in the Usambara mountains, resented. would die. Several sacrifices were Tanganyika, and ,after 1907 in made and chickens killed but no rain Ruanda. After the war the Papers were read on church fell. The witch doctor was called and Mandate for the latter region and state, the possibility of an- after much talk and noise, water was was given to Belgium and the other <:Ecumenic Council, social taken out of a hole in a rock which Belgian Protestant Missionary work and missions, biblical criti- is believed to control the rain. They Society is at work there today. cism, ,and church culture. These threw the water in the air, calling, papers will be published by the "Send more rain!" Beer was then The Bethel Mission has 18 Athens faculty. The Bucharest poured into the hole, but still no rain chief-stations and 169 ou.t-sta- Orthodox theological faculty will came. tions, 10 native pastors, 339 men lay plans for the next conference and 59 women helpers, and 17,- to be held in 1939. In the in- Finally five chickens were brought 945 Christians. In the 174 vilterim an effort will be made to out, and with them rested the fate of lage schools and two intermeestablish a joint magazine for our sweet potatoes! Gure people eat, diate schools for boys and two the promotion of theological but never plant sweet potatoes because for girls there are 8,501 p"l~pils. scholarship throughout the Or- of evil spirits. When we planted ours In the Bukoba field the mission thodox Church. on the compound, we were told they is experiencing a remarkable re- would bring :floods and spoil the vival among the heathen. .New Antireligious Treaties harvest. Until now the rains had been groups constantly offer them- normal and nothing had been said, selves for bapUsm and the' ca- The Soviet Government is pro- but with the scarcity of moisture pacities of the few missionaries posing to draw up antireligious things were different! The – five are strained to the u.tmos.t. There treaties with other governments, chickens were to be the deciding fac- are two medical centers. It has according to press reports from tor in revealing the cause of the also the only nerve hospital con- Leipzig. This pact is to be of- drought. ducted by a mission, with a cafered to all countries where pacity for 100 patients, as well As each chicken was beheaded the as a mental depar:tment. Alto- witch-doctor said, "If the sweet pota- toes are not the cause, rise up in the air, if they are the cause, lie quietly on the ground." The chickens re- mained quiet, conclusive proof that
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
gether the mission, including Bantu S. S. Convention Scho'0ls. Plans have been made doctors, teachers and other mis- The first Bantu S. S. CQnven- to extend this in 1937. sionaries, has 92 German work- tion was held at Port Elizabeth, The publicatiQn '0f an Arabic ers. December 14-16. The meetings bQok of f'0lk songs has helped tQ Spain and the Cameroun were in the nature of a workers' introduce grQUp singing, as conference and schQQl of meth- Arabic music is almost whQlly Civil war in Spain has reached ods. Bible ,teaching through the a S'0lo perfQrmance. A Syrian medium of the Sunday schoQl w'0rker was able last year to con- West Africa. The colony of adapted to Bantu life and cQndi- duct a school which did not re- tions, was discussed. Lectures, quire any '0utside financial help. Spanish Guinea, which lies just She used discarded dress ma- demonstrations and discussiQns terial to make aprQns and cutsouth tofofthWe eFsrtenAcfhricCaamPreersobuyn~ dealing with Bantu child nature, tings of bolts of strong muslin is par preparation of the lessQn, class tQ make sacks fQr carrying books teaching and Sunday s c h 0 01 tQ the school. She used worn terian Mission. In Ootober, the out tQwels tQ make baby bibs management were given; also and had the boys dOl carpentry seapQrt town of Rata was shelled practical demonstratiQns, with repair for schQol benches, mak- ing use 'Of wood already on hand. by gunboat fire. Refugees, from Bantu children, of methQds of All Hterature is furnished by the worship, instruction and expres- Central Committee. the coast fled across the border sion work. The meetings were open to Natives of all denQmina- Newman School of Missions intQ French territory. For three tions.
days truck loads of Spaniards -South African Outlook.
came to Elat and to the near-by government station of EbQlowa.
MOIst 'Of them had fled without having time tQ collect any per- sQnal belQngings, and American and French residents had tQ sup- ply ,them with clothing, fQod and Imagine This! A writer in the Near East sleeping accQmmQdations until Bulletin remarks that "if Palessome place could be prepared for Zulu peQple sang and ap- tine has the deepest valley and them. Christian mission work plauded at a meeting where has gone on without interrup- mQney was solicited fQr missiQn- the saltest sea, she has added to tiQn. -Presbyterian Banner. ary work! Rev. H. A. Stick had this distinction by having the been instructed by the Zulu An- Leprosy in Nigeria nual Conference tQ stir up inter- longest strike on record," adding est amQng Zulu churches in mis- that this gives Christian forces .A r~cent report on leprosy in sionary work among the Batswa, opportunity for prQmoting rec- NIgeria recommended that leper the Shangaans and the Chopes colonies should be the care of in Inhambande, East Africa. onciliation. Despite the strike, missions as far as possible. The SubscriptiQns were made rang- Administration of the Northern ing frQm 10 cents to $30. Many Newman School of Missions in Provinces has, therefore, ap- gave $5, which is the equivalent proved a scheme for the exten- in an American wa,ge earner's Jerusalem has not lessened its sion of the work of missions in mQney tQ $25 'Or $30. Even a enrolment; the total was 8l. this direction. The Sudan In- "heathen"-with three wivesterior Mission will undertake gave $5.50 and promised $2.50 Among the students last year the chief responsibility fQr lep- more for his trio of spouses. was a Japanese, Rev. Y. H. rosy work in the north; other There are just two ordained Af- SacQn, whQ is preparing to sucsocieties accepting increased rican ministers in a field 200 ceed tQ his father's Old Testaparticipation are the Church miles long by 50 wide, trying to Missionary Society, American serve 90 churches. The rest 'Of ment chair in the Japanese Baptist Mission and the Sudan the work has tQ be dQne by un- MethQdist TheolQgical Seminary United Mission. educ,ated laymen. near TokYQ. In Southern Nigeria, a new -Overseas News. The student grQUp also inleper colony has been opened to accommodate 1,000 patients. cludes tWQ German missionaries from Egypt, two from the Dan- ish Mislsion in Aden; others from India and Mor'0cco. Fif- teen missionaries in all took ex- aminations in person, and one by corresPQndence.
The Government of Nigeria, Na- WESTERN ASIA INDIA-BURMA-SIAM tive Administrations, the British Empire Leprosy Relief As- Schools in Syria sociation, the Mission to Lepers, The Near East Bulletin lists World Y. W. C. A. Conference all have shared the cost. The encQuraging signs in educational When it is remembered that Church Missionary Society has WQrk in Syria. One factQr in the first organization of women, provided the doctor. The Sul- promoting efficiency was the "The Female Sense Society,"
tan of Sokoto, spiritual head of mimeogmphed material sen t formed in 1807, had to have a Islam in West Africa, has agreed frQm America tQ help the teach- man to count their mQney and to the opening of a dispensary ers. The second factor was the offer their prayers, it is clear at Chafe, in the province of So- great improvement in Teacher that the Y. W. C. A. Regional koto, by two young Christian Training Schools ; and a third C'0nference in Ceylon was a Africans.-The World Today. has been the VacatiQn Bible milestone. In 'Order tQ ensure
more Far East participation, Hindu Temples Opening Generous Hill Women this conference was held in Cey- The doors of Hindu temples The Hill women in Assam, lon instead of in Europe, as are gradually being 'Opened to who have very little money, usual. The subjects discussed Depr,essed Classes, and the re- through their donations of rice, were: cent proclamation of the Ma- saved a handful at a time from 1. My country as a background to the haraja of Travancore, already the daily meal, are able to sup- work of the Y. W. C. A. referred to in these columns, port not only an evangelist, but which gives to all Hindus the to start little village schools. 2. The place and contribution of These are often taken up by the women. right to enter and worship in all mission and raised to a higher state-eontrolled tem,ples', is the 3. The message of the Y. W. C. A. in latest evidence of the growth of status. asiatic countries. sentiment supporting the de- Women in the Telugu field, 4. The problem of international rela- tions.
5. Leadership. mand of the Depressed Classes. after hearing of the cut which Among other helpful lectures Gandhi insists that it is for caste the Home Board had to make, were those of Miss Anna Rice, Hindus to right this wrong, and how their mission was try- National Secretary for U. S. A. whether the Depressed Classes ing to meet the situation, met to- She said: make the demand or not. gether for a half hour prayer "We are faced with two spe- The action of the Travancore service. Then one woman said cial dangers: (1) That we be- state will make it difficult for it wasn't enough to pray, and come an instrument for agita- other Hindu states to refuse to tors, and drift with the tide make similar proclamation. If gave a jewel worth Rs. 75. away from our purpose. (2) temples in South India, strong- Others followed till they had That we retreat from the prob- hold of untouchability and Hindu lems of our environment and fail orthodoxy, are opened, the strug- raised in cash and pledges nearly to make our spiritual inspiration gle is as good as won. Rs. 200, and voted to make it productive." Rs. 500, to send to the Home -Indian Witness. Board as an expression of ap- In the session on "Findings" preciation. In the News -Baptist Missionary Reit was agreed that: Any reputable citizen of Bom- view of India.
We must feel individual responsi- bay would read the average Sheep Without a Shepherd bility for humanity's victims. American daily with horror, and would probably be filled with In the little town of Jampur, Religion to be effective must develop pride that in India, papers do evil was so rampant that the a practical program of work that not flaunt tales of gangdom, little group of Christians were truly reflects present-day needs. robberies, murders and kidnap- sorely beset. There had been no ping. ordained minis·ter there for We need to rid ourselves of violent three years, not even a village emotions and hateful impulses and However, one may read in a reader for a year and a half. fear; we need to have tolerance and Bombay paper such items as Dr. Noel Fletcher writes: Some respect sincere experiment; we must this: of the group had been won by strive for racial amity and the pres- their Moslem neighbors into the ervation and creation of beauty. "Mr. S. K., a prominent young citi- fold of Islam. "Dr. Miss Sa- zen of M., was found on Tuesday, We need an affirmation of individ- drowned in a well near his home. His ual Christian faith. We must not only believe but allow truth to function in our lives. Personalities are more important oldest son was very ill with a fever hiba," said the faithful old than programs or methods. which seemed hopeless. So the father sweeper at the rest house where -Malaysia Message. had gone to visit a famous holy man we stayed, "please will you write and ask what might be done to save Thirty-Year Service Pins his son. The holy man told him that the name of my padre on a slip if there should be some other death of paper for me? Sometimes a The U nit e d Presbyterian in his family the god would be ap- sahib comes here, and when he Board rec'Ognizes the service of peased and spare the life of his boy. knows I am a Christian he asks So the father decided to give his own me who is my padre. For three missionaries who have served 30 life for that of his son." years since Padre Chambers years 'Or more by a service pin, Sahib left, I have not known, consisting of a cross and crown Or another like this: and I feel ashamed." .
of dull gold, set with amethysts "L. B. was sentenced to be hanged -C. M. S. Outlook. and pearls, surrounded by a in Poona on Wednesday for the murwreath of laurel leaves. At the der of his son. It seems he had been Burmese Buddhism annual meeting of the Sialkot told that there was a treasure buried in his land. He was in desperate need Mission, Misses Nancy Hadley, of money, so he went to a holy man to Mary Kyle and Flora Jameson ask how he might find the treasure. Burma is the most .actively 'If you will sacrifice your child to the were each presented with this goddess you will find the gold.' So, Buddhist country in the world; thirty-year service pin. Thirty- during the night while the mother was one might say Burma and Bud- asleep the father stole the child and dhismare synonymous, and one such pins have now been killed him." there is no sign of weakening in awarded. What was done about the holy this religion. Every day one -Women's Missionary men? Nothing. may see monks on their journey- Magazine. -Western India Notes. ings. The proportion of monks
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
to the population is said to be 1 language of those who are study- "Materia medica," he says, in 30. A boy is known as a ing. During the rainy months "as practiced in ancient Chinese "little animal" till he has been of July to October, I spent every fashion, is a thing to behold. to the monastery school for a spare moment translating med- Only three major possessions while; then he is called "a little ical literature. Ten men began were needed by an enterprising man." That happens in the life the course in November, 1935; fellow in order to set himself up of every boy. Village boys come nine of these finished the last of in the profession of Chinese daily to Buddhist schools to be March. The course is so ar- quackery; a bland and scholarly taught reading, writing and re- ranged that those who spend countenance, a collection of alligion, and in consequence lit- only one year will have a good leged drugs, and a lot of nerve. eracy is higher in Burma than practical knowledge with which Add to these a mortar and pesin any other province of India, they can go to their villages and tle, a cutting board, several and religion is stronger. begin the long tedious process of sharp knives, a bottle of river teaching the ignorant villagers water and place to hawk his -The Layman. the value of modern medicine. wares, and the quack was ready Three more years of study will for business. Training Kachin Leaders be offered to those who really desire to take up medicine for a The modest ethics of the mod- A triennial Leadership Train- life work." ern medical profession were ing Institute for Kachins was unknown to him. He advertised held near Bhamo, one of the -Moody Institute Monthly. that he could cure anything, and Kachin mission stations in upper to his credit it must be stated Burma, last year. Over 5,000 Literacy in Siam that he at least tried. He was Kachins assembled for the meet- all things unto all men, that is, ings, some traveling for twenty The government has under- to all afflicted men, and to his days, many on foot. Kachins taken to create a literate nation shop flocked the sick, the lame, are giving liberally in their sup- within ten years, and teachers the halt and the blind. The maport of this leadership training are at a premium. Training jority of his patients survived, institute. Eleven young people classes at Wattana Wittaya, and those not too seriously affinished the two years' course Presbyterian Academy for Girls, fected got well, as they would and have gone out into the work. cannot begin to supply the de- have under any circumstances. Many of the young peo,ple of the mand. Refusing to send out school go into the villages round half-trained teachers, they have Church "Comes of Age" about each week-end and the started a practice s c h 001, many changes taking place tes- attended by 60 youngsters from In a letter to the Board, a tify to their earnestness and ef- neighborhood families, teaching Presbyterian missionary tells fectiveness. them the regular government how a church in Nanking "came curriculum of studies, and do- of age." -Watchman-Examiner. mestic science as well. "For some time, we have been Doctor Multiplies His Talent Wattana Wittaya is located on working on a policy whereby, the Sam Sap canal, the "canal beginning with April, 1936, any Dr. Richard S. Buker has, been of 10,000 mosquito smarts." The church which could not take full pioneering in North Burma long name means Academy of Pro- responsibility for its pastor's enough to get his bearings in gressive Knowledge. The stu- salary was going to have to give the matter of making his life dents take the Red Cross exam- him up for such part of his time count. He tells how he plans to inations, Girl Scout tests, and as they did not pay for. So the mUltiply his ministry: the temperance pledge. Two mission was preparing to use Christian Endeavor societies, part of the time of Pastor Dju, "The tremendous call of thou- one f:or seniors, one for juniors, of the Second Presbyterian sands of villages about me, which meet regularly. Church of Nanking, but we have not the slightest chance of reckoned without the church receiving even simple medical On Sundays groups of stu- people. The elders and deacons care during sickness, continually dents visit the homes of the peo- had a meeting and decided that bears upon my mind. I am the ple living along the canal, for the church could not afford to only doctor with a medical de- whose children the academy let any part of Pastor Dju's time gree who can possibly go to these maintains a day school of 40 go into other work, and they villages. My great desire is to pupils. -Monday Morning. went out among the church spread myself so as to be of members to raise his entire salmore value. The only way for CHINA-TIBET ary. In a short time they anme to do this is to teach others nounced to the Presbytery and what I know. The Passing of the Quack the mission that the church was prepared to call Pastor Dju as "A building for the teaching is Dr. W. H. Dobson, South its full-time pastor, completely practically completed; now there China Presbyterian missionary, supported by the church." must be funds to feed the stu- thinks that with the passing of dents, and provide them with the cure-all quacks, one of the books and incidentals. There most colorful institutions of old must be medical literature in the China will become history.
Taking the Gospel to Prisoners meating Chinese life, and cites hope that it may contribute to- a number of them. Here are wards a larger understanding of A Scandinavian missionary three: the problem, and help all those at Changan, Shensi, writes in serving in the rural church to China's Millions of opportuni- A well-to-do young Chinese couple, plan more intelligently and acties for prison preaching. so wealthy that they did not know tively for the future. In Kiangsi what else to seek in life, decided to the provincial government has In answer to a long time of prayer commit suicide together. They hired adopted a three-year plan to and waiting, a new door finally opened a room in one of the large new hotels carryon work along four linesfor Gospel work among the men pris- in Shanghai, and turned on the radio to stimulate village self-governoners in the provincial prison. As to drown the noise of their suicide. A ment, to organize the farmers mentioned in earlier letters, the work Gospel appeal happened to ring forth, for self-protection; to develop among the women prisoners started and both were soundly converted. rural education; and to raise long ago. There are not very many people's economic level, for the women, and the matron is an earnest Many missionaries have stopped at realization of the self-govern- Christian, which made an opening Wing On's large department store in ment, self -dependence, selfeasier. The situation is different with Shanghai. Among other goods ex- supply and self-protection of the the men, for there are over three hun- ported from that shop are hundreds of rural population. dred in number, which makes gath- tons of soda crackers. Under the lid ering for meetings more risky. 'I'heir of each tin is a slip of paper, neatly -Chinese Recorder. officials are non-Christians and, though printed in red characters, which very friendly, could not be expected reads: "Jesus said, I am the bread of For Neglected Seamen to show any hearty interest in Gospel life: he that cometh to me shall never work. But a visit to the prison by hunger; and he that believeth on me Although a great deal has been members of our Field CommitteE: was shall never thirst." done for seamen in other nawell received, resulting in an official tions, Chinese seamen had been permission to hold meetings for men A little outpost was too poor to neglected until Mr. B. J. Tan, every Saturday. Brother Swenson, raise a regular preacher's salary. An who worked among seamen in the Bible-school teacher, and others excellent evangelist and teacher, England for 20 years, organized take part in these meetings. Several known among us as Nathanael, of- a Seamen's Mis,sion in Hongof the prisoners have already decided fered to go and help that little com- kong three years ago. Mr. H. for Christ. munity last winter, without any stip- R. Wells describes this work in ulation as to salary. Just inside the the Chinese Recorder. New Ways for Old door of the little mud chapel two large barrels were placed. Into one of The mission is making good prog- Here is a story told in the these, contributions of grain were ress since the opening of the new United Church Record of Can- poured; and into the other, cabbages, headquarters last May. The men are ada. onions or turnips were dropped-and glad to have a place to rest, read one day a new gown was dropped for books, newspapers and magazines, Canton's old execution ground is Nathanael! write letters and play games while being used for better purposes in these they are waiting on land for situadays. Its most frequent use is for Christianity or Communism? tions. athletic meets; but Easter Sunday saw it serving another purpose still The problem of livelihood is Sunday evening service is well atmore remote from its original use. receiving increased attention. tended since the opening: some of the Soon after sunrise people oegan to The New Life Movement was men join us in our daily prayer meetstream from all parts of the city- quickly followed by the People's ings, morning and evening. We visit some in buses, some in cars, some in Economic Reconstruction Move- the boarding houses once a week, and rickshas, and some on foot-towards ment, which is devoted largely ships alongside the wharves, carrying the East Parade ground, and by half to the welfare of farmers, since The Word of Life, cheer and comfort, past eight the scene which in former 80 per cent of China's popula- and distrii:>ute cards with "Golden days witnessed many a criminal pass tion belongs to that class. There Texts." Not merely the men themon without a ray of hope, was re- has been a striking increase in selves, but their wives and children sounding to the voices of five thousand the number of cooperatives; the are helped when the men are inpeople singing "Jesus Christ is rben Government and several banks structed in the principles of Christian today, Alleluia." The singing was led are trying to help the farmer morality. by three bands from the Pooi Ying, by extending loans, and there is Pooi Ching and Ling Naan schools, a national bureau for the im- Tibet to Modernize and by a choir of five hundred young provement of rice and wheat and men and women gathered together a central bureau for the im- Gordon Enders, son of a Presfrom the various churches. The provement of cotton. The prob- byterian missionary to India, as hymns were well known and suitable lem is how to translate plans advisor to the grand lama of to the occasion, so that the huge con- into action, because of wide- Tibet will have an important gregation was able to follow whole- spread illiteracy and the peas- role in the modernizing program heartedly the lead given by the choir ant's suspicion of new methods. planned for that country, schedand bands. Dr. T. Z. Koo's message The alternative, "Christianity or uled to start this spring. was short and to the point, empha- Communism," is stirring Chr-issizing the radical change in the lives tian forces to pay more attention Century-old stores of gold will of Christ's disciples as unimpeach- to community welfare. be removed from mountain monable evidence of the resurrection. By asteries and used to build highthe help of a loud speaker, the whole A start in this direction has ways, railroads, and establish assembly, accommodated on tiers of been made by Nanking Theolog- air lines and modern communiseats arranged in a large quadrangle, ical Seminary which has begun cation systems, according to Mr. was able to hear every word. a study of 100 representative rural churches in Ghina, in the The Gospel Spreading Life China's Millions says that many instances may be quoted to prove that the Gospel is per-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Enders. The grand lama does integrate it into the life of the and rural evangelism in pubnot plan to modernize Tibet in- nation. lishing a weekly magazine called dustrially, although power plants Severance Medical School in The Christian Herald. will be estahlished on mountain Seoul, Korea, was the first misstreams. He wishes to give his sionary hospital to be thus in- Social Gospel in Korea people certain advantages of the corporated. -Living Church. An article in a recent Chris- tian Advocate shows how new modern world, without import- Church Union in Japan ideals are influencing an ancient ing the industrial world's prob- country. A popular type of lems. The lama will try to es- The National Christian Coun- town work is the Well Babies' tablish a spiritual nation intent cil was instructed by the All- Clinic which not only looks after on keeping peace. Japan Christian Conference held last November to lend its good the baby but also influences the -Dayton News.
JAPAN-CHOSEN offices in furthering the work of mother and ultimately the whole the Commission on C h u r c h home. It also acts as a link be- tween the sick mother and the Population Increase Union appointed by that body. hospital. The provision of clean, Japan's population increased That Commission has been at standardized food for babies has 1,100,000 in 1935, according to a work during the year on the resulted in a revolutionary report from Tokyo. The aver- change in child nurture and age rate of increase has been questions of the form of or- gives prospects of lessening the from 800,000 to 900,000. The ganization for a United Church, notoriously high child mortality. birth rate for 1935 was 31 for The soy bean may be the means 1,000, while the death rate was a creedal statement and pro- of providing a cheap, nutritious, 16 for 1,000. The number of cedure. It has drawn up a premarriages was 556,730, showing liminary report, to be presented clean, milk substitute. an increase of 44,076 over the to the Council's Annual Meeting, It was once believed that Koprevious year. The number of expressing the following concludivorces was 48,528, or 0.70 per rean women could not study, 1,000, showing a decrease of 82 sions: That the United Church sing or play. Now one of the in actual number and of 0.01 in in i.ts organization does not the rate from 1934. necessarily require the realiza- departments of the women's col- tion of organic union, but the lege in Seoul trains Korean -China Weekly Review. adoption of a system of govern- women to be music teachers. Another early belief was that ment whieh will respect the Korean girls could not and autonomy of the various com- munions. That it is advisable to adopt the creed in the proposed would not take part in games. Faculty All Christian draft for Church Union – pre- Now the girls' college has a Wilmina School for Girls in sented last year – but incor- physical director, and the new porating the Apostles' Creed. plant includes a well-equipped Osaka is rejoicing because the That headquarters should be set gymnasium. This same girls' principal and everyone of the up in the center of the Empire; faculty of more than 60 J ap- college has a department of home that steps. should be taken to co- economics where an attempt is anese teachers are Christians. ordinate and unify the husiness being made to apply the benefits The number of students in- offices of .the various denomina- of science to the household econcreased from 450 in 1930 to tions and then advance by coop- omy of Korean homes. 1,060 in 1936. Each year about 100 girls from this school are erating on a nation-wide scale to In short, it has been proved baptized, with the full consent of bring about gradually a walking in many ways that Korean wom- and working together; that any en can do everything that women their families. -Monday Morning. new evangelistic campaigns, do anywhere. either within or outside Japan, Charter for Medical Center should be planned on a coopera- Carrying On in Korea tive basis through the above- Permission has been granted mentioned central headquarters; A letter from Mr. and Mrs. by the Minister of Home Affairs and that in order to nourish the Harry J. Hill, of Pyengyang, to incorporate St. Luke's Inter- faith of absentee church mem- says that in spite of the fact that national Medical Center under bers facilities should be made never in their 19 years of serv- Japanese law. The college of for the passing of church mem- ice have the forces of darkness nursing had previously been in- bers from one communion to an- been so determined as now, corporated, but the medical other. center as a whole had, from its doors are wide open to evanearly history, continued to exist C. E. in Chosen as a private mission enterprise. gelism ; and never a finer group The institution had grown to Nearly 1,300 Christian En- of volunteer workers. In Ocsuch proportions that those in deavor Societies, with 35,500 tober, 117 girlsoome for the members, are inactive operation Junior Bible Institute, one from Manchuria.
charge of the work felt that this in Chosen. The national C. E. The name of the all-year Bible step was necessary to safeguard Union is joining with the de- School for Women has been its future, and more thoroughly partments of religious education changed to Women's Biblical
Seminary. Calls for its grad- tion and wider knowledge, to under the transforming influence uates come from all over Korea, better material living and more of the one Bible saved from the 'and from J apanand Manchuria. widespread commercial activi- "Bounty," as it was taught to the These young women are leading ties, and best of all to better women and children by Young many to Christ in factories, hos- moral and spiritual progress. and Adams, after all the rest pitals, street chapels, homes and had been murdered and killed. government schools. The Evangelical Church in the Today we thank God for His Philippine Islands has helped Word, which was ,the means of The Institute for Blind and the people on their way by en- saving us from heathenism, and Deaf Boys now admits little deaf lightening their minds and com- doubtless cannibalism. . . . girls, as there is no other place forting their souls through the in Korea where they may learn Gospel of the Christ who said, "In your letter you ask to read and write, and use the "I am the way, the truth and the whether the National Bible Sosign language. This work is not life; no man cometh to the Fa- ciety of Scotland might have the under the Mission, but under the ther, but by me." privilege of s.ending a further Korean General Assembly. Fif- supply, if there was need. That teen blind and 20 deaf and dumb Rhine Mission Jubilee offer is unsurpassingly kind, for are taught by four part-time which we would return grateful blind teachers, one deaf and The Rhine Mission last year thanks. . . . Many of the older dumb and four part..,time sighted commemorated the 75th anniver- folk need large-print Bibles. teachers; with a blind evan- sary of its work in the Batak Our popUlation now numbers gelist calling regularly in homes country, Dutch Indies. The 215, including children who canof the blind. climax of the occasion was the not yet read. I leave it to you unveiling, in the Church square to send as many copies as you ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC at Siporok, of a monument 20 think advisable. I would be very feet high, a four-sided, trun- grateful also for a Teacher's "On Their Way" cated pyramid, which bears the Bible in large size, also one for inscription in Batakian on a my nephew, Richard Christian, Rev. Charles N. Magill, D.D., marble plate; "The Lord hath who is in need of one." was recently asked what he done great things for us, therethought was the most marked fore are we rejoiced." The New Britain's Village Schools material change that had taken monument stands on the spot place in the Philippines since where the first meeting of the In "Man in the Making," the his arrival in 1905, and he Rhine Mission was held. The author, R. R. Marett, defines replied: "Improvement in trans- Batak church is now numbered savagery as "intellectual confuportation." Facilities for trans- among the greatest and most im- sion combined with physical disportation have increased perhaps portant native churches of the comfort." Pioneer missionaries one thousand per cent. The world. to New Britain some 60 years rough mountain trails and the ago, Dr. George Brown and his dusty quasi roads of the dry sea- Bibles for Pitcairn Island band of Fijians, found people son and the mudholes, called who fitted ,this definition, but it roads, of the wet season, have The story of "The Mutiny on can no longer be truthfully apbecome first class highways over the Bounty" is well known. By plied to the majority in these w h i c h speeding automobiles, the reading of a Bible, which islands. busses and trucks carry multi- had been carried ashore from the tudes of people and the products ship, the whole of the island was The first aim of the mission of the country. Thirty years ago changed, and became a moral has been to assist the natives to travel was on foot, or on ponies, community in which the Gospel a right relationship to God; secor in two-wheeled rigs. This created an atmosphere of love ondly, to develop character and was slow, uncomfortable and ex- and peace. In 1848, when the citizenship; and thirdly, to enpensive. People did not travel news came to Britain of this re- able them to acquire those skills much as compared with the markable tllansformation, the which will assist them to protravel of today. Now there are Edinburgh Bible Society sent vide for their material welfare. thousands of miles of splendid out fifty Bibles for the benefit of New ethical standards and new roads and tens of thousands of the colonists. motives have been supplied as motor-vehicles in operation. old ones disintegrated. Village Every year millions of pas- In 1935, the Secretary of the schools have also worked toward sengers are "on their way." National Bible Society of Scot- raising standards of health. land, sent a letter ,to the descend- This includes such training in Within three decades there ants of the mutineers. Extracts practical gaI'dening as will enhave been introduced and put from the reply sent by Mrs. sure a more consistent and varinto effective operation "ways Edgar Christian, wife of a fifth ied supply of food. Often a naand means" to help the people generation descendant of Flether tive community is sick largely not only in traveling over high- Christian of the "Bounty," will because of improper diet. ways, but in progress to better be of interest: "We raIl know government, to better laws and how the scenes of vileness, The future of these mission quicker justice, to fuller educa- cruelty, and murder gave way schools is uncertain. Either the Administration will gradually
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
establish its own elementary study and to aid Sunday school from pastors to whom a quesschools, in which case the mis- teachers and officers in their tionnaire had been sent. sion system will no longer be re- church work, by making five quired; or the Administration tours. Five teams, visiting 72 In response to the first queswill assist in maintaining schools high schools and 58 churches, tion: "Have you had or do you of greater efficiency than is pos- reached more than 5,000 church plan some evangelistic effort sible with limited financial re- members and 6,000 high school during the present c h u r c h sources. students. -Monday Morning. year?" In response to this ques- tion, 655 ministers answered -Missionary Review of For Better Movies yes; fifty-five answered no; and Australia. eleven did not answer. The "Legion of Decency" sug- NORTH AMERICA gests some restrictions to insure In response to the question as proper motion pictures. Here to whether or not they felt there What Makes Criminals? are a few: was a growing spirit of evan- gelism among the pople, the an- Dr. Amos O. Squire, for many No picture shall be produced in swers were as follows: Yes, 398 ; years head physician at Sing which evil is made to appear attrac- No, 196; no answer, 127. Sing Penitentiary, in an address tive, and good unattractive; in which on "Youth and Crime in Modern the sympathy of the audience is In answer to the question as America," revealed some star- thrown on the side of wrongdoing, to whether or not the spirit of tling facts. He said: evil and sin, or against goodness, evangelism was growing among honor, innocence, purity, or honesty; Sunday school teachers, 443 of "In 1900 the average age of in which law-human or divine-shall the 721 pastors answered yes; criminals in America was forty; be ridiculed, or sympathy be created 148 answered no, and 130 did today it is. twenty.,three. Forty for its violation; in which the treat- not answer. The ministers were per cent of the atrocious crimes ment of crime makes heroes of crim- asked to give the number of adcommitted in America are by inals and seems to justify their ditions they had had during the youths still in their teens. One actions. first six months of the church hundred and seventeen thousand year. A total of 5,521 additions are now imprisoned in Federal -Alliance Weekly. on confession of faith was reand State prisons, while 200,000 ported by six hundred ministers. more are confined in county jails An Atheist Converted The other 121 ministers either and reformatories." reported that they had had no Martin S. Charles was a additions or did not fin out that His explanation of this, in a young preacher whose Christian part of the report. word, is the breakdown of Amer- faith was undermined by false ican home life. He said: teaching that he became an Twenty colleges of the denom- atheist. He founded The God- ination indicate that they have The breakdown of religious author- less World magazine, conducted some definite plans for keeping ity has left character seriously un- twenty-two public de bat e s the claims of Christ before the founded. A boy whose character has against Christian ministers, and students under their direction. no deep religious foundation experi- held offices in the Association for ences a serious shock if his home is the Advancement of Atheism. -Christian Observer. broken up. Perhaps his parents be- Then, after twelve years, he was come divorced, or they separate, or supernaturally stopped in this Elyria, Ohio, Men's League they live together, but in perpetual career, being convinced of the strife and unpleasantness. The effect reauty of the existence of the The men of Elyria, Ohio, on the boy is to unhinge him, and he One whom he had denied. He United Presbyterian Church drifts into crime. Forty-five per cent has recently been conducting a who formed a local Men's Misof the boys who are coming to Sing "Back to the Bible Mission" in sionary League in November, ~ing, having previously served a term Fort Wayne, Indiana. 1933, have no thought of quit- In the Reformatory, are children of ting, for since the last anniverbroken homes. Conceit, if pursued -So S. Times. sary a new project has develintensely enough and long enough, oped, in addition to their foreign tends to produce a definite mental Presbyterian Diamond Jubilee mission obligation of supportunbalance. Character, religiously ing a native missionary in India. founded, will stand up under serious The Diamond Jubilee of the When the pastor, Rev. George shock. Southern Presbyterian Church, A. Brown, visited Colorado last was celebrated last December. summer he found a small mining -Christian Advocate. One of the chief objects was the town, Tellurite, without a resi- promotion of a renewed spirit of dent minister for many years. Christian Education Tours e van gel ism throughout the Getting in touch with church of- Chur.ch; and in particular to ficials, Mr. Brown has been the Seven denominations – Pres- win 25,000 new members on con- instigator of placing a missionbyterian, Methodist, Episcopal, fession of faith in the home ary there, and the Men's League Baptist, Congregational, Chris- Church and 10,000 in the for- will contribute to this project. tian and Moravian-Jamestown eign field. College, and the State Council of With a foreign and home proj- Christian Education worked to- Dr. B. K. Tenney, secretary ect now a definite part of their gether from October 19 to No- of the Jubilee Committee, re- activities, the local league begins vember 8 in an effort to acquaint ports on replies so far received high school students with the North Dakota plan of Bible
the fourth year with renewed Keystone School of the Bible have carried on daily advertise- ment about Christianity for vigor and a determination to A new international training some months, and a number of keep growing. Since last year enquiries have been received. In several new men's missionary school has been opened in Pitts- India, a weekly article inserted leagues have been formed. burgh at 535 Penn Ave. The in a Karachi paper has brought school has a directorate of nine enquiries from people of all -Elyria Daily. ministers and thirteen laymen. classes and faiths. An experi- It is conservative in theology. ment in Christian journalism is Stewardship at Asheville also being carried on in Moham- The President is Rev. A. Gordon medan countries; while in Spain Ike and Mike were two pigs MacLennan, D.D., pastor of the the editor of El Popular, a raised for the Lord by several Shadyside United Presbyterian widely read paper, has agreed to Asheville Farm School boys. Church of Pittsburgh, Pa. The publish a Christian article of Daily the owners cared for their Dean is Wm. S. Hawks, B.A., 1,000 words every Sunday for a charges and watched them grow. year. Following the corn harvest the from the Davis Memorial Bible boys gleaned several bushels of School of Binghamton, N. Y. Leper Statistics corn from the field for their pigs. The school is supported entirely Finally, having grown round and by voluntary contributions and is one of the 66 cooperating in- fat, the pigs were sold. After all stitutions throughout the coun- Medical returns from fiftyexpenses were paid the proceeds try which includes the Standard four leper homes and hospitals went as a contribution to the Training Course of the Evan- in India, China, Korea and young people's missionary budg- gelical Teacher Training Asso- Africa where work is mainet in the presbytery. ciation. Eight men compose the tained by the Mission to Lepers, The Lord's Acre Club at Ashe- faculty. afford some indication of prog- ville Normal School, organized ress made during the year: two years ago, has twenty-three Negroes in Detroit Eleven thousand, nin~ hundred and members who annually clear a twenty-two patients had been under plot of ground of brush and The Negro population in De- treatment for not less than three troit has risen from 40,838 in months. Of theseweeds, and plow, plant and hoe 1920, to about 135,000 in 1936, it. One member stays during the larger portion of this in- One thousand and fifty-four had bethe summer to cultivate the crease coming from villages and come disease arrested cases without crops. From the sale price all rural sections of the South. deformity (i.e., symptom free). Housing conditions are reported expenses are met. The net pro- as bad; health conditions, as Five hundred and twenty-seven had ceeds the first year were fifteen might be expected under these become disease arrested cases with dollars and the second year sev- housing conditions, are also bad. deformity. enteen dollars. Six hundred and ten churches Three thousand, nine hundred and -Presbyterian Banner. eighteen had much improved.
Two thousand, eight hundred and fifty-three had slightly improved.
One thousand, two hundred and two minister to the Negro popula- were apparently stationary. Awards for Missionary tion. Forty-five per cent of Of the remaining cases some had Sermons these are "store-front or house become worse and a considerable num- Awards for the best sermons churches." Numerous cuI t s ber had left or died. Seven hundred on foreign missions are offered flourish among the Negroes and and seventy-six of the cases arrested without deformity had been discharged by the Centennial Council of the constitute a serious problem. and 168 of those arrested with de- Presbyterian Board of Foreign The report warns that the Negro formity. In addition, upwards of Missions, in connection with is fast drifting away from the 7,500 lepers had been treated as outtheir centennial this year. For patients. Where the attendances had faith of our fathers into some- been regular the results had been enthe best sermon which has been thing else. Thousands of them couraging; 142 outpatients were repreached to an actual congrega- have become communists asking ported to have become arrested or tion, $150 will be awarded, with "Who is God?" "What good is symptom-free cases. the church?" They have been $75 for second place, $25 for told that it is the mother of race The chief problem in the conthird, $10 for fourth and, for hatred, prejudice, war, capital- ism, lynching, injustice and trol of leprosy is to prevent the each of the six next best ser- slavery. mons, there will be awarded a infection of children. Where copy of "One Hundred Years," -Presbyterian Banner. the centennial history by Dr. this can be accomplished the dis- Arthur J. Brown. MISOELLANEOUS ease should become negligible Each sermon should be typed, within one generation. .
-Without the Camp.
on one side of the paper and New Newspaper Evangelism Lutheran World Front should be accompanied, on a sep- arate sheet, by the name and ad- Newspaper evangelism, first A "Lutheran Front," massing dress of the writer, and the ser- tried out in Japan, is steadily the more than 80,000 members mon's text and theme. It must reaching into other countries. of this body behind a very defireach Room 913, 156 Fifth Ave., In China, the movement is still nite evangelical program for New York, before April 1, 1937. new, but two Hankow papers world betterment, will take vig-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
orous form within the next four day schools. Remarkable growth ment is organized to inaugurate years. Headquarters for this is reported from the former and maintain in the educational program will be established in German colonies; Tanganyika work of the church such definite increased over 40,000, the Cam- programs of teaching and wor- Berlin. For the achievement of Luth- erouns 10,000, and Southwest ship, based upon the Word of eran Solidarity a series of spe- Africa 8,000. The Union of God, and interpreting the life cific tasks has been mapped out. South Africa increased over and teaching of Jesus Christ as There will be gathered "an en- 100,000 since 1932. Brazil in- shall lead to interracial undercyclopaedic file of information creased 43 %; Argentina, 34'fa. standing, international concord concerning a II L u the ran The situation in the larger and the ab-owlit.ioSn. of war. Churches of the world." There Sunday school constituencies in S. A. News.
will be prepared for publication Burma, Ceylon, India, China and Christian Humanitarian in 1940, a revised edition of Japan has not changed materi- League "Lutheran Churches of the ally, though Japan reports an in- World," first published in 1930. crease of eight thousand. The A Christian Humanitarian Periodical bulletins will be is- loss reported in China is more League has been established and sued to the Lutheran Church apparent than real, as the figures held its first meeting at The Press of the world. A "Central for Manchuria and Mongolia Hague at the close of last year. Bureau of Relief" will be estab- have been deducted. India con- This League has set up as its lished. The executive secretary tinues to have the largest Sun- general principle: "The only will be the official representative day school enrolment in Asia, of the Lutheran Churches of the with Korea holding second place. just basis for the construction world. There is to be built up of a new social life is the Chrisan international Lutheran pulpit North America, Sunday school tian doctrine, which sets us the stronghold of the world, shows task of being human; that is to and lecture exchange. a falling off, though it should be say, in all respects and under all The Executive Committee, noted that other youth move- circumstances to do our Chris- ments and religious education tian duty in the spirit of truth, recognizing that the present day projects have increased. Eu- justice and love. For the buildis one "of enlarging relation- rope, as a continent, shows a net ing up of a new social life, emoships," a day when "religious loss, but gains are reported in tion and reason must be healthily Poland, Greece, and even har- and normally developed and bodies that have always laid assed Spain. Russia is out of work together in harmony. Reclaim to ecumenical character the picture entirely. ligion, truth and justice are the are pressing those claims with most important foundations of new vigor," have issued a dec- Peace Resolution this new social life." laration as to Lutheran participation in general world-wide re- Perhaps the most important The urgent necessi.ty for a ligious movements, saying: and far-reaching action taken concerted effort against atheism by the Oslo World's Sunday was emphasized at this meeting. "The Lutheran Churches of School Convention was the Peace the world should proceed with Resolution. Every Convention Forward – Day by Day united front on their relations since 1904 has adopted a peace with ecumenical Christian move- resolution, but this Convention The Protestant Episcopal ments, general cooperative or- realized that better than a reso- Church has issued a booklet ganizations, or C h r i s t ian lution is the development of containing daily Bible readings Churches claiming universality. Christian men and women who with comments, practical sug- They should agree among them- can reach across national bound- gestions for Christian living, selves as to their united partici- aries and extend the hand of fel- and prayers called "Forwardpation or nonparticipation." lowship to those of all races and Day by Day." This booklet has been widely distributed; alto- -International Christian Press.
Achievements in Religious nationalities, with a desire for gether 3,625,000 copies have Education mutual understanding and com- been bought and paid for. In mon endeavor in behalf of the addition to regular congrega- There are nearly a million welfare of all. There can un- tions from coast to coast, this more Sunday school pupils in doubtedly be no lasting basis for manual goes into prisons, re- the world today than there were peace that is not built upon a formatories, hospitals, sanatofour years ago. Africa is cred- more vital Christianity, without riums, camps, schools, and to ited with more than half this which peace pacts and interna- the employees in bus i n e s s gain, or 581,721. Notable gains tional treaties will continue to be houses.
were made in Belgian Congo, mere scraps of paper. The Peace Translated into Japanese it Angola, Rhodesia and French Resolution adopted by the Oslo has been distributed to 271 con- Equatorial A f ric a. Uganda Convention differs from those of gregations in Japan. It goes to made its first report showing an former Conventions in that it everyone of the Church's for- enrolment of 2,000 in the Sun- calls upon all constituent units eign mission fields. In Canada day schools and over 100,000 re- of the Association in every field and the United States it goes ceiving religious instruction in where the Sunday school move- into homes of scattered settlers.
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Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information I Iril~==~~=======-=~~ An Advancing Church in Latin The third chapter, "The Hun- writes and whom he describes. America. By Kenneth G. Grubb. 256 pp. 38. 6d. Marshall, Morgan dredth Milestone," gives an out- The description of scenes in the & Scott. London. 1936. line of the history of the Evan- various countries is true to life, Mr. Grubb is a past master in the art of condensation. The gelical Movement in L a tin and the value of the text is enlittle book whose title is given America, since its founding, now hanced by a number of wellabove and which has less than 80 pages is multum in parvo. more than a century ago; the chosen illustrations, unusually Rarely does a reader find so much information condensed fourth, "God and Cresar," deals clear and attractive. Throughinto so few pages, and in such with the rising tide of national- out the book, but particularly in short space, and the information given is unusually correct and ism as it impinges on the prog- the chapter on Peru, there is up-to-date, inasmuch as the author has recently made a close ress of the Evangelical churches, frequent and sympathetic refer- and personal study of the coun- and the fifth and closing chapter ence to the Indian population, tries and the problems of which he writes. The seventeen re- deals with "The Significance of and a moving presentation of publics of Hispanic America, as the Indian," that submerged the physical, spiritual, and ecoalso the three Caribbean republics, Cuba, Santo Domingo and portion of the population that nomic needs of this portion, Haiti, plus the island of Puerto Rico, are brought under review might well call out with the which, in some cases, is the main this small volume, and he who reads its chapters carefully will Psalmist, "No man cared for my jority of the entire population. be much more knowing in regard soul." W. E. B. No doubt some of his readers to our friends, the other Americans, and the problems with will not agree with what the auwhich they contend. Why South America? By A. Stuart thor believes to be the best meth- The first chapter, "From Mex- McNairn. 145 pp. 28. 6d. Marico to Cape Horn," is, in a sense, shall, Morgan & Scott. London. ods of organization and carry- 1936. an introduction to those that fol- ing on the work of the churches low, since it gives much of the This is a book by an author physical and historical setting who is thoroughly familiar with and groups of believers. But all his subject. He was for a numof the various republics and ber of years a missionary in intelligent students of missions their peoples. In the second South America, and, in more rechapter, the author comes to cent years, has served as a mis- will applaud his insistence on grips with what is evidently the sionary secretary, in which posi- tion his long experience on the the necessity of the missionary main problem of the book, in his field has no doubt been of great treatment of "The Necessary service to his board. By fre- to give his time to the raising up Evangelical Church." T his quent and extended visits to all church will be, in essence, we are parts of the continent, Mr. Mc- of "faithful men who will be told, "a Fellowship of the Burn- Nairn has become thoroughly ing Heart," a band of brothers familiar with this field. able to teach others also," thus whose hearts God has touched. While the book, very natu- making it possible, in time, for It will be a band, not necessarily rally, gives more attention to the of intellectuals, but of all re- work that is being carried on by the missionary himself to pass deemed sinners, a true expres- the Evangelical Union of South sion of the communion of saints America, the missionary board on to other fields that are as yet and of their reunion in the Body with which the author has been of which Christ is the living long identified, it will neverthe- unreached. W. E. B. Head. less interest and instruct a much larger community of readers. Pastor and People. By O. C. S. Wal- The references to history and lace, D.D., Litt.D. 128 pp. $1.25. other developments of the differ- Broadman Press. Nashville, Tenn. ent sections of the continent are 1936. reliable and informing, and the reader will correctly gather the In twenty-five brief and inti- impression that Mr. McNairn mate chapters, Dr. Wallace dis- not only knows, but loves the cusses many of the problems land and the people of which he which face the modern minister and his congregation: pulpit poses and voices, understand- able speech, postsermonic "let- downs," songs and singers,. offi- cers and officiousness, meddle;. some men and flattering women, ushers and their larger calling, the minister as a steward and a man of God, the sacraments, and a host of other important ques- tions. He writes with sympathy, clarity and insight, and with a Any of the hooks noted in these columns will be sent by the REVIEW publishers on receipt of price.
[172 ]
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
wealth of fresh illustrative de- thought does not concern itself many influences are promoting tail. with obsolete theories regarding it, especially in Turkey, Egypt, the death of our Saviour. Nor and Persia. Hugh Walpole once wrote, "If can it accept belief in the actual an author is to survive a year or resurrection '(page 231). Even With the new economic role two after his death he had bet- the Synoptic Gospels must be in which women are playing ter cultivate the spirit of kind- stripped of supernaturalism be- their part and crossing the liness in his work." In this fore they are trustworthy. threshold of professional life, short volume the vet era n there is, of course, the danger preacher and teacher – he was Aside from this viewpoint, the of liberty becoming license. The eighty November last – demon- book contains many excellences. author points out the effects of strates the ministerial embodi- The weakest chapter, next to old social customs on health and ment of that essential virtue. that on Christianity, is that on the higher standards that are Islam, where the author or the now advocated. The two later R. 1. LINDQUIST. proof reader is responsible for chapters deal with the widening many curious blunders. sphere of women's interests and Living Religions and Mod ern the pressure of change on Islam Thought. By Alban G. Widgery. S. M. ZWEMER. itself by the new womanhood. 306 pp. $2.50. Round Table Press. New York. 1936. Moslem Women Enter a New World. The illustrations are remark- By Ruth Frances Woodsmall. 431 ably fine, and the author's style The title of this book and the pp. $3.00. Round Table Press. is attractive. The book gives author's qualifications as Profes- New York. 1936. very few references to authorisor of Philosophy at Duke Uni- ties and no statistics; the latter versity lead one to expect great In many respects, this is the is understandable. As the authings. Throughout the book is best book we have had in Eng- thor remarks, scholarly and thought-provok- lish on womanhood in the world ing, and presents a comprehen- of Islam. Miss Woodsmall is Statistics today are half-truths tosive and ethical view of the General Secretary of the World's morrow. The subtle nuances of world's living religions. The ar- Y. W. C. A., and spent nine years change are of real significance. To rangement is logical, and the in the Near East. Later, through see one woman from a high-class author has a concise style with a traveling fellowship, she jour- family of Mecca today unveiled would facility for factual classification. neyed beyond the Near East into be a more surprising symptom of Persia and India. Long-time change than the thousands now un- To the Christian, however, residence might give a more in- veiled in Istanbul. I have tried, therewho accepts the ecumenical timate portrayal of the present fore, primarily to understand the creeds and the historicity of the conditions, but none could do it trends of Eastern life, the currents Gospels, this book is a dis- with greater sympathy and a already visible on the surface and the appointment. Christianity is bolder sweep of the pen. undercurrents which determine the placed with the other living re- main movement, using statistics, ligions only as the climax of hu- The rising tide of social where available, only as subsidiary man effort to understand God change is flooding the Near East indications of change. It is evident and the universe. The author and obliterating many Islamic that the very essence of change makes begins that chapter by saying: customs. On its crest it carries it impossible accurately to portray it, a new freedom for womanhood. for while you have stopped to record Founded by a Jew, in its funda- But the undertow is still very trends of change, life has moved on. mental spirit Christianity is essen- strong, and it is here that one Today a new book each month could tially a continuance of prophetic would like the important state- scarcely keep up with the changing Judaism. With allowance for the ef- ment, made by the author her- status of Moslem women; whereas fects of differences of individual char- self, underscored in the preface, formerly one every century would acter and environment, Jesus and and as a footnote on nearly every have given a fair picture, for there Paul may be considered in the line of page of the volume: "Ninety was no change. Hebrew prophets. per cent of the people in the Near East are still untouched by We have two criticisms, how- Religion is even now in proc- the film, but the remaining ten ever. The first is that the causes ess of development. There are per cent represent the important for all thi,s social upheaval and many pathways which lead to progressive minority who s e the dawn of a better day are not God. thought today is in a large meas- sufficiently indicated. One would ure determined by the film" (p. expect an appreciation of the The religious wealth of mankind 27). fact that the whole educational will most probably be increased by program for womanhood in Mosscholarly adherents of particular re- What is true of the film is lem lands is due to the initiative ligions remaining faithful to their re- true of all the other social and of Christian missions. A second ligions and striving to realize the intellectual changes so admirably omission, which is less excusable, elements of value in them. The way sketched as milestones in prog- is that the author gives so little to comprehensive truth and unity is ress. The trend is undoubtedly attention to Islam and its teachnot likely to be found in the present away from polygamy and the ing regarding womanhood, as universal adoption of anyone existing old freedom of divorce. The the background for her picture. religion. marriage age is rlsmg. There The appendix of three pages, in is an educational awakening, and which some badly translated The living religions, treated verses of the Koran are quoted, by the author, are all measured is scarcely adequate. by such a twenty-inch yardstick. According to the writer, modern
Previous writers on the sub- two religions. It may lead many proper Christian home, or it will ject (Robertson Smith, Perron, to a fuller knowledge of the not be done at all. Mansur-Fahmi, and 0 the r s) Christ of whom Isaiah testified. seem to agree that the position Each church must be domof womanhood in Arabia before The Church and the Churches. By inated by Christ, the Christ of Islam was better than it became Karl Barth. 92 pp. 75 cents. Wm. the Scriptures. through the legislation of the B. Eerdmans Pub. Co. Grand Prophet. No less an authority Rapids, Mich. 1936. FRANCIS SHUNK DOWNS. than Professor Duncan B. Macdonald states: "I do not think The World Conference on With Christ Into Tomorrow. By that there can be any question Faith and Order to be held in Hunter B. Blakely. 8vo. 160 pp. that the position of women in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August, 50 cents, paper; cloth, 75 cents. Islam is practically due to the 1937, has doubtle,ss been the oc- 1936. Presbyterian Committee of attitude of Mohammed himself. casion for the writing of this Publication, Richmond, Va. 1936. Monogamy would be the rule in book. Professor Barth is such Islam, while the veil would a fearless and forceful thinker, This mission study book, writnever have existed except for with a flair for fairness and yet ten by the pastor of the First the insane jealousy of Moham- with such a forthrightness of Presbyterian Church, Staunton, med." It is not true, as we read style, that anything coming from Virginia, signalizes the concluon page 376, that "customs, his pen is eagerly read, whether sion of seventy-five years' hisrather than the actual teaching or not we agree with all of his tory of the Presbyterian Church of the Koran, resulted later in positions. in the U. S. The six chapters the veiling and seclusion of are as follows: women" ; nor that "by incor- The four chapters are sugporating the various social re- gestive in their headings: The Our Groping World forms such as the restriction of Unity of the Church, The Mul- Our Adequate Christ polygamy and inheritance rights tiplicity of the Churches, The Our Compelling Mission directly into hi,s religious teach- Union of the Churches, a Task; His Universal Church ings, Mohammed proved himself and The Church in the Churches. His Abiding Method to be a practical idealist." Ex- Professor Barth maintains that His Ultimate Victory actly the opposite is the fact. because the one and only Word Mansur Fahmi, an Egyptian of God has once for all been The author says: "My hope in Moslem, states: "The ancient uttered in the fact of the Incar- Arab woman was happy in her nation, the Church is one in the sending this little book on its home. She lived. Soon Islam, task to proclaim this coming of with its diverse institutions, its God to earth and "to summon way is that the reader may be theocratic laws, and the conse- men to believe in its reality." If quences that followed, changed we are to realize the unity of stimulated to think creatively the Church we must first accept the customs and the activity of Jesus Christ as the Head and concerning the Christian duty of women was paralyzed." This is Lord of the Church. "Jesus Christ as the one Mediator be- world evangelism, and to face very different from the idealized tween God and man is the one- Islam of Miss Woodsmall's book. ness of the Church, is that unity squarely the personal obligation within which there may be a S. M. ZWEMER. multiplicity of communities, of for giving Christ to a needy gifts, of persons within one The Shepherd Prince. A Historical Church, while through it a mul- world." Romance of the Times of the tiplicity of churches are ex- Prophet Isaiah. Translated from cluded." Therefore he concludes, Dr. Blakely is one of the lead- the Hebrew masterpiece of Abra- if we listen to Christ, it is "un- ham Mapu by B. A. M. Schapiro. thinkable that great e n t ire ing young ministers of his de- Introduction by the late Robert groups of communities should Dick Wilson. 400 pp. $2.75. stand over against each other in nomination. His book is sim- Brookside Pub. Co. New York. such a way that their doctrines 1936. and confessions of faith are mu- ilar in purpose and plan to the tually contradictory." In this classic the translator larger book, "Missions Tomorhas preserved the fire, pathos Dr. Barth concludes his book with a statement of the essential row," by Latourette, and forms and intensity of the author's ro- conditions under which it would mance interwoven with drama be possible to share in such a an excellent companion piece to and tragedy. Both Christians genuine effort of union towards a living Church. Real unity is that volume. It is ideally adaptand faithful Jews will find a advanced as we listen to Christ fresh concept of the God of in our own Church. Union work ed to mission study classes and must be done wit h i n the Abraham. The novel helps one churches, he believes, as its reading groups not only in the to understand the Jewish race and reading it should help to Southern Presbyterian Church cement the bonds of friendship but for a wider circle. Approxibetween the followers of these mately ten thousand copies have already been used in mission study circles during November.
Mrs. W. W. Draper's "Helps for Leaders," in teaching "With Christ Into Tomorrow" (price 15 cents) is issued by the same publishers. H. KERR TAYLOR.
Tangled Waters. By Florence Cran- nell Means. $2.00. Houghton, Mifflin Co. New York. 1936.
Too many American Indian stories are told from the white man's point of view. Once this meant contemptuous ignorance of native traditions; today, on the other hand, we often find a
forced and artificial enthusiasm the blanket secretly woven by of more than seventy years, which takes no account of their the young girl in defiance of which has carried the Gospel to hopeless incompatibility with tribal taboos, copying a sacred every province of Inland China modern life. Such new juveniles sand-painting for a collector who and to its almost inaccessible deas "Singing Sands" by Grace pays liberally; the search for pendencies, begins with the over- Moon, and "Indians Today," by hidden treasure; the desper- whelming sense of God's Love Mario and Mabel Scacheri, are ately sick child carried out of and the desire to be given some really part of the current super- the hogan by a superstitious fa- self-denying service for Him ficial propaganda for Indian cul- ther and left to die alone and un- which filled the heart of young tures as something to be pre- tended, till happily rescued by Hudson Taylor shortly after his served, or revived, among con- the indignant white doctor; the conversion. This longing for an temporary young Americans of plans for a forced wedding "Outlet for Love" pointed him Indian descent. broken up at the last moment by to China's measureless need and For these reasons, "Tangled Altolie's school friend and a led to the founding of the Waters," is the more welcome to plucky little missionary woman C. 1. M., though he first served thinking people. This story will -all these are woven into a for four years under a Society not only please the young girls strong plot. whose running into debt trou- for whom it is primarily in- "Tangled Waters" is recom- bled him. He "could not think tended, but will interest and in- mended, not only as a story but that God was poor or unwilling form their elders. It combines as giving the right clue to a very to supply any need of whatever a vivid and sympathetic picture human and troublesome prob- work was His." The history of of present-day Navajo life with lem. It has passed the scrutiny the Mission is one long record the frank and intelligent treat- of several specialists in Navajo of answers to the prayer of life, and is especially advised for faith. Love always found a ment of a typical situation. Mrs. Means, who has spent missionary societies and school way, often an adventurous one many weeks in Arizona during libraries. which taught the missionary to nine years past, introduces us to "I think it is the difference laugh at rough places, to suffer a family of native sheep-herders, between their beliefs and ours," extreme perils undauntedly, and characteristically dominated by says Altolie, speaking of her to be "strong as death" through the fiercely conservative old white friends, who do not trem- the terrors of 1900. Love found grandmother. The N a va j 0 ble before malicious spirits in its reward in the great awakenwomen, as is usual, do most of air and water or fear to touch ing of China which followed, the' work. The native "singer" the dead and dying, even when seized its opportunity and, or "Medicine-Man" must be their nearest and dearest. "I, through all testings and discalled when there is illness and too, would like to live without tresses, with undismayed courhe is well paid for his mum- fear!" ELAINE GOODALE EASTMAN. age and unfeigned fidelity, though pressed on every side mery. Altolie's stepfather is a By Love Compelled. The Call of the and meeting financial ordeals in confirmed gambler. The old lady, his mother, is planning to China Inland Mission. By Marshall forced evacuations, ever made Broomhall. 126 pp. 35 cents, the same reply, that it would trimarry our heroine as soon as paper. London, Hodder & Stough- umph "at all costs," even cap- possible to the ne'er-do-well son ton, 1936. Marshall Broomhall, chief aide tivity and the loss of life itself. of a richer family.
The fifteen-year-old girl has for many years of Hudson Tay- If anyone has been deceived wholly natural and spontaneous lor, founder of the China Inland by the specious claims of theaspirations toward the marvel- Mission, years ago gave to the oretic Communism, one chapter ous new opportunities presented world a detailed history of that of this book, with its ghastly picby school and mission. Presently unique missionary enterprise. ture of Red massacres and deva bad fall opens the way, and at He has now rendered an equal astations, should prove an adethe mission hospital she is put service to the many who would quate antidote. into a bed "like a warmed snow- lose the benefit of that volumi- The last chapter describes the drift." Here· she meets with nous work through its very size, close fellowship of the organizaterror, soon merged in joy and by presenting the gist of it, tion, under wise leadership, with confidence, the white doctor with brought down to date, in this equal provision for all members bright blue eyes "of a keen kind- modest and cheap form, stress- from funds never directly apliness." Since more time is ing the heart and sinew of this pealed for but always supplied needed to heal a torn tendon, greatly blessed enterprise in the for every emergency. Altolie is placed in a near-by "faith which worketh by love." school for regular treatments, Previous publications of the C. H. FENN.
and there by an attractive boy a Mission have laid the greater Mexico Today. Col. Irving Speed little further along the new road stress on Faith: in this book, Wallace. 364 pp. $2.00. Meador she is encouraged to forget "Love rings out from every Pub. Co. Boston. 1936. homesickness and press on to page with a marvelously clear Of the making of books on better things. note." Latin America, or on this or that The cloud-burst in the canyon; This brief "sketch" of a work country of the 20 which form
that geographical entity, there as .more or less of equal im- j ects. It is interesting to note seems to be no end; and very portance. Some fault is found that Dr. Lane refers to THE with both Church and State, in MISSIONARY REVIEW more freoften the reading of them has their somewhat confused rela- quently than to any other magabeen a weariness to the flesh. tions, but the author gives credit zine except the North American Many have been written after a to each. Review-which has been in exhurried trip around the con- istance 30 years longer. Many writers on Latin Amertinent, in a comfortable steamer, ica reveal an evident dislike for Frank Mason North, 1850-1935. A and after having seen the sights the people, and approach their Biographical Sketch and Appreciaof some important cities from a subject with a fully developed tion. Published by his friends. modern hotel as a base. Such superiority complex. Colonel 1936. books may be interesting, but Wallace shows that he likes Mexico and the Mexicans, and A Christian is known by his such information as they give is he envisages the time when there friends and his achievements. will be a closer cultural under- Frank Mason North was a man not likely to be true to the facts. standing between the United greatly beloved and highly hon- States, Canada, and Mexico, ored by many and the influence In "Mexico Today," Colonel even to the point that, should the of his life and work extends occasion arise, their flags may around the world. He was born Irving Speed Wallace gives us a be "unfurled in one united de- in New York, was graduated book of a different type. He has fence." from Wesleyan University and in 1873 became a minister of the not been content with the usual Anyone who reads "Mexico Methodist Episcopal Church. trip around or across the con- Today" with care and attention, For twenty years he was a pastinent. His writing is limited to will be much more intelligent in tor; for another twenty years the republic of Mexico, and he regard to our neighbor republic, he was corresponding secretary wrote only after years of travel much more sympathetic with the of the New York City Church government in its attempt to Extension and Missionary Soand adventure, not only in the raise the moral and cultural ciety and for twelve years was larg cities, but also after per- level of the people, and will corresponding secretary of the sonal experience with mountain understand more fully the strug- Board of Foreign Missions. His gles which that people has other activities, offices and contrails and life in the most re- undergone in its attempt to free nections were too many to. remote hamlets. He went among itself from the shackles of feud- cord. As a poet and hymn alism and the bondage of an ec- writer he was well known and an untutored and semicivilized clesiastical system which sought some of his songs are widely population, as well as making no advantage save its own. used in many churches. They contacts with representatives of will live even where the author W. E. BROWNING. is unknown. A son, Dr. Eric the cultured classes. Therefore, M. North, is secretary of the the reading of his book is not Missions in Magazines. By Ortha American Bible Society. only interesting; it is also illu- May Lane. Pamphlet. Tientsin minating. In twenty chapters, Press Ltd. Tientsin. 1936. Gordon. A Drama in Three Acts. By E. J. Richter. Pamphlet. 50 he gives us a great deal of infor- Here is an interesting study cents. Capano Press. New York. of the treatment of Protestant mation in regard to methods of foreign missions in American "Chinese Gordon" is ever a Transportation, the Six – Year magazines from 1810 to 1935. heroic Christian figure, a martyr Plan, the New School System, It is a treatise in preparation for to the cause of British rule in the the degree of Ph.D. in the Grad- Sudan. This drama presents Home Life, the National Sport uate College of Iowa State Uni- briefly and accurately the events -which is bull fighting-makes versity. The aim of the study CUlminating in the fall of Khar- is to show how much and what tum in 1885. Twenty-five chara very sympathetic reference to kind of Protestant missionary acters appear besides sheikhs, the present able and energetic information American maga- dervishes and tribesmen. The President of the Republic, and zines will print; also the scenes take place in London, adds attractive references to changes in this respect in the Cairo, Khartunl, and the camp past 125 years. Most modern of the Mahdi. It is not a misquaint old Spanish customs of editors of secular magazines are sionary drama, and may be a the people. not interested in the religious little difficult to stage, but it has aspects of missions but will a stirring appeal for those who There is no chapter specially print articles dealing chiefly believe in the necessity of prodedicated to the relations of with political, sociological and moting peace and human wel- human interest values. This fare by the use of British armies State and Church, but there are study will be of especial value to and the sacrifice of men and several references to the reli- editors, mission board officials money. gious situation, written from an and writers on missionary sub- unbiased standpoint. His description of a conversation with an innkeeper in one of the smaller towns, whom he asked why the bull ring is always near to the church, comes very close to the real heart of the question. The innkeeper, after due reflec- tion, said that he supposed they were "put close together so that the folks could go to the bull fight from the church and lose no time." Both were classed together in the life of the people
Lights in the Near East. By of "A History of Korea," "The Van- Rev. Andrew Gih, the evangelist
Abdul-Fady (Arthur T. Upson). guard," and "Korea in Transition." the Bethel Mission, Shanghai, who re- 128 pp. Illus. 2s. 6d. Marshall, Dr. Gale is survived by his second cently visited America, was born as Morgan and Scott, London. 1936. wife, Ada Louise Sale Gale, a son, a the son of a Buddhist scholar. In daughter and two stepdaughters. his youth he was antagonistic to the The author was, until re- Christian message, and vowed that he cently, Director of the Nile Mis- *** would never become a Christian. sion Press in Cairo. He is one of the few foreigners ever in Dr. Thomas N. Chalmers, a clergy- The Presbyl:erian Egypt who could, unaided, write man of the United Presbyterian articles in Arabic which needed Church and head of a Christian Mis- A weekly religious newspaper in no correction before publishing. sion to the Jews in New York, died its lo6th year of continuous pub- This book is made up of reminis- in Tampa, Florida, on January 29, Iication under the same name. cences of his busy life; of strik- at the age of 78. Dr. Chalmers was ing examples of divine guidance, born in Riverside, Illinois, and at- It is conservative and evangelwhich were to him "High tended Monmouth College and the ical, gets its news by telegraph Lights." United Presbyterian Seminary in and keeps abreast of the times. Xenia, Ohio. After pastorates and a During the author's ,thirty- lectureship, he served as a missionary It goes into every state of the three years of active service, he to the Jews in Chicago and Pitts- Union, the District of Columbia, has issued over 700 publications burgh, in 1908 founded the New York and U. S. possessions. through the Nile Mission Press, Jewish Evangelization Society, and many of which he had written. was editor of the Jewish Missionary It goes to Asia and AFrica, South Magazine. America, Canada and New Zealand New Book. and into twelve countries of Eu- *** rope. Ethel Ambrose – Pioneer Medical Missionary. Compiled by Mrs. W. Miss Annie Van Sommer, the Subscription Price, – H. Hinton. 256 pp. 3s. 6d. Mar- founder of the Egypt Mission Band, Ministerial Rate, – shall, Morgan and Scott. London. died at the age of 83, at her home in England on January 9th. During the 50c. extra—Canadian postage Changing Russia. F. J. Miles. 144 past forty years Miss Van Sommer $1.00 extra—foreign postage pp. Is. Marshall, Morgan and spent much of her time in Egypt and Scott. London. was a valued member of both Field THE PRESBYTERIAN and Home Councils of the Egypt Mis- Missionary Romance in Morocco. sion Band. She founded the beautiful 1217 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa. By James Haldane. Illus. 190 pp. Rest Home for missionaries at Fair- 2s. 6d. Pickering & Inglis. London. haven, near Alexandria. She was II If you use greatly interested in the distribution The Church Through Half a Cen- of Christian literature through the PRINTING tury. Edited by Henry P. Van Nile Mission Press and in promoting Dusen and Samuel McCrea Cavert. prayer through the Fellowship of Y OU will profit from an ac- 426 pp. $3. Scribners. London. Faith for Moslems. quaintanceship with us. We do the job complete in our own Agnes Dickinson-Missionary to the *** plant, whether it be large or Chinese. Margaret Ness. 80 pp. small. 45 cents. Woman's Missionary So- The Rev. John MacNeill, D.D., of ciety, Presbyterian Church of Can- MacMaster University, Hamilton, On- While our specialty is Books, ada. Toronto. tario, died at his home in Hamilton Magatines and Pamphlets, yet on February 11th at 63 years of age. we have a variety of modern Definite Experience-Convention Aid Dr. MacNeill was President of the equipment to meet all the re- and Deterrents. A. S. Wilson. 128 Baptist World Alliance from 1928 to quirements of your particular pp. Marshall, Morgan and Scott. 1934 and of the Canadian Baptist job. You will find our service London. Foreign Mission Boards. prompt, careful and courteous.
The Father and His Sons. Arthur *** Will you allow us to estimate B. L. Karney. 68 pp. Is. S. P. G. on your next printing? We be- London. The Rev. Herbert C. Withey, pio- lieve you will be delighted with neer Methodist Episcopal missionary our product, price and service. The History of Jewish Christianity. in Angola, Portuguese West Mrica, Hugh J. Schonfield. 7s. 6d. 255 died in Malange, Angola, on February The EVANGELICAL PRESS pp. Duckworth. London. 11th at 64 years of age. Mr. Withey was born in Lynn, Mass., and went to Print…. of Heritage of Beauty. Daniel Johnson Africa with his parents in 1885 under The Mi••iona,., Review of the World Fleming. 94 pp. Illus. $1.50. the leadership of Bishop William Friendship Press. New York. Taylor. M.r. Withey became an au- PLANT AND MAIN OFFICE thority on the Kimbundu language Third and Rally SIr••1s Hettlsbur., P.. Immensity-God's Greatness Seen in which he reduced to writing and into Creation. Clarence H. Benson. 140 which he translated the New Testa- pp. $1.50. Scripture Press. Chi- ment and a part of the Old. He also cago. translated "Pilgrim's Progress" into Kimbundu and Portuguese. For many Jesus According to Mark. Albert years he was editor of the Angola Hughes. 188 pp. 60 cents, paper; News, a Sunday school monthly and $1.00, cloth. American Bible Con- the only periodical in Kimbundu. ference Assn. Philadelphia. *** Obituary Notes Personallteml (Concluded from second c(1)er.) (Concluded from page 113.) He was a master of the Korean language, edited an Korean-English dic- Rev. George Freeman Bragg, D.D., tionary of more than 80,000 words, colored clergyman, celebrated in Jantranslated several volumes from uary the 50th anniversary of his ordi- Korean into English and from Eng- nation, and the 45th as rector of one lish into Korean. In addition to of the pioneer Negro parishes of the "Korean Sketches," he was the author St. James Episcopal church, Balti- more. Dr. Bragg has a notable record for the fostering of mutual under- standing and good will between the White and Colored races.
THESE SPECIAL
The Missionary Review ti.~World The June Number will contain special articles on Christ and Rural America Christian Achievements in Rural Churches The Challenge of the Rural Community Trends in Rural Life in Twenty-five Years Cooperation in Rural Parishes The Church in the Country Community Evangelizing Our Rural Foreign Born The Larger Parish Project Leaves from a Colporteur's Notebook Solving Some Rural Problems The Youth and the Country Parish Rural Life in the Southern States A Rural Pastor's Job Some Unchurched Rural Districts Rural Responsibility of the City Church Woman's Work in a Country Parish Special October Number CHRIST AND THE MOSLEM WORLD A Survey of Islam Today Why Preach Christ to Moslems? Results of Missions to Moslems Women and Children in Moslem Lands The Bible and the Koran Some Great Missionaries to Moslems The Influence of Christian Literature Islam in India Today Some Evangelized Moslem Fields Notable Christian Converts from Islam Articles by Christian Moslems Order These Copies Now for Yourself and for Mission Study Classes 25 cents a copy $20 a hundred $2.50 a year The Missionary Review of t:he World Third and Reily Streets, Harrisburg, Pa.
ROBERT E. SPEER, President DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Edito:r
The Missionary Review of the World — February 1937
1937
Hope for the Renaissance of China E. Stanley Jones Christ Comes to the Navajo c. G. Salsbury How Chinese Spend Sunday in Peiping James P. Leynse When a Missionary Stopped at the Ranch Antonio H. Perpetuo Jonathan Goforth of China J. A. McMillan Conflicting Issues in Spain Juan Orts Gonzalez The Outlook for Missions Tomorrow Review by Courtenay H. Fenn 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Yea1'
to Remember Mr. Rome A. Betts, who has served Mukden Medical Mission and prin-
the American Bible Society as as- February 7-13-Negro History Week. sistant to Dr. George William Brown cipal of the Mukden Medical College. February 8-13-International Council A very stimulating life of Dr. Christie since March I, 1936, has been ap- was written a few years ago by his of Religious Education, Executive pointed Associate Secretary of the wife and published by James Clarke Committee and Associated Meet- Society, effective January I, 1937. He & Co., London. * .. .. ings. Chicago, Ill. will be responsible for financial culti- February IS-Annual Meeting of The vation, including that of annuities, Dr. J. Gresham Machen, the Missionary Review of the WorId, founder of the Westminster Theolog- 156 Fifth Ave., New York. legacies, special gifts, and gifts from ical Seminary, Philadelphia, the presi- FLORIDA CHAIN OF MISSION- individuals. Mr. Betts is a member of the Board of Directors of the dent of the Independent Presbyterian ARY ASSEMBLIES Board of Foreign Missions, the first February 2-4-Winter Haven. Y. M. C. A. in Summit, New Jersey; moderator of the newly organized February 4-S-Ft. Myers. is president of the New Jersey State February 4-S-Sarasota. Association of the Y. M. C. A., and a Presbyterian Church of America and February 6-11-St. Petersburg. the well- known New Testament February 7-10-Clearwater. member of the Boys Work Committee scholar, died of pneumonia at Bis- February 1O-12-Tampa. of the National Council of the Y. M. February 13-16-Tallahassee. mark, N. D., while on a speaking C. A. * * .. tour. Dr. Machen was born in Balti- Personal Items Dr. John R. Mott, Chairman of the more, Md., on July 28, 1881. After Dr. S. G. Inman, for 20 years Ex- being graduated from Johns Hopkins ecutive Secretary of the Committee World's Committee of the Young University and after studying in Geron Cooperation in Latin America, was Men's Christian Association, and Dr. requested by the Department of State Fletcher S. Brockman, forme1' secre- many in 1905-6, he became instructor to act as special adviser to the United in New Testament E x e g e sis in States delegation to the Buenos Aires tary general of the Young Men's Princeton Theological Seminary. In Christian Association for China, have Conference. … … … been decorated with the Ordel' of the 1906 he withdrew to form the West- minster Seminary and later set up an Bishop Azariah, of Dornakal, South Brilliant Jade by the Chinese Gov- independent board of foreign mis- India, is to be in the United States ernment. this year to attend the General Con- sions. Dr. Machen was the author of several scholarly volumes, including vention of the .E.. pi.s.. co.p.. al Church. BASIS OF CHRISTIAN "The Origin of Paul's Religion," "New STEWARDSHIP Testament Greek for Beginners," and Rev. Dr. George A. Wieland, rector "The Virgin Birth of Christ." He is of the Church of the Epiphany, Se- 1. God is creator and owner of all survived by two brothers, Arthur and attle, Wash., has been appointed ex- things and has put man in the Thomas Machen, both of Baltimore, ecutive secretary of the field depart- earth to develop it. Md. ment of the National Council of the * * … Episcopal Church. 2. Every man is a steward and must Rev. George J. Geis, the last of a give account to God for all that triumvirate of hardy, pioneer mission- … … … is entrusted to him. aries-Roberts, Hanson, and Geis- Rev. Tokio Kugimiya is the new 3. God's ownership and man's stew- died in Burma, on October 28. These Methodist bishop of Japan to succeed ardship ought to be acknowledged three men established and developed the late Bishop Akazawa. gladly in the use of time and all work among the Kachins of Burma- talents. a work that is one of the outstanding … … … examples of missionary promise and 4. This requires, as part of its ex- achievement. John L. Dube, of South Africa, is pression, the setting apart for the first Zulu to receive the degree of the work of Christ a portion of If you use Ph.D., an honor conferred by the Uni- income recognized by the indiversity of South Africa. His grand- vidual to be according to ability PRINTING father was a Zulu chief. Dr. DuM and the Will of God. founded Ohlange Institute, near Dur- YOU will profit from an acban; also the largest Zulu newspaper 5. The consecrated port,ion ought to quaintanceship with us. We in Natal. In 1935 he was awarded be administered for the work of do the job complete in our own the Silver Jubilee Medal by King God and the remainder, used for plant. whether it be large or George V in recognition of his service personal needs and for. other small. to the Zulu people. good purposes, should be recog- nized as no less a trust. While our specialty is Books, ••• Maga:cines and Pamphlets, yet Most Christian stewards begin with we have a variety of modern Mr. Kenneth Maclennan, for 25 setting aside at least a tenth as de- equipment to meet all the reyears secretary of the Conference of voted to the work that Christ came quirements of your particular British Missionary Societies and as- into the world to do. The proportion job. You will find our service sociated with the International Mis- should increase as income increases. prompt, careful and courteous. sionary Council since the Edinburgh Conference in 1910, has recently re- Obituary Notes Will you allow us to estimate signed and his place as secretary of on your next printing? We bethe conference of British Missionary Dr. Melvin Fraser, for 36 years a lieve you will be delighted with Societies is being taken by Mr. J. W; missionary in West Africa under the our product, price and service. C. Dougall. Mr. Maclennan was Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., died brought up in a Scottish family of at St. Augustine, Florida, on Decem- The EVANGELICAL PRESS seven in which the. father never ber 14th at the age of 78. Dr. Fraser earned more than £1 a week. "But," was graduated from Lafayette Col- Printers of said Mr. Maclennan, at a farewell lege in 1882 and from the theological The Missionary Review of the World dinner, "we had a rich life. My fa- seminary in 1887. He sailed for Afther left us an honored name, a horror rica in 1894 and rendered very effec- PlANT AND MAIN OFFICE for debt and a fidelity to truth." tive service, one of his contributions Third Ind Reily Streets Hlrrlsbura, P.. to the work being the translation of the Bible into B…ulu…. …
Dr. Dugald Christie, one of the honored pioneer missionaries of the Scotch Presbyterian Church to Man- churia, died in London, England, on December 7th, at the age of 81. He was educated in Edinburgh Univer- sity, and until his retirement two years ago, was superintendent of the
MISSIONARY POINTS TO REMEMBER IN CHRISTIAN GIVING *
REVIEW OF THE WORLD 1. Christians should ask money for the Lord's work from Believers only. DELAVAN L. PIERBON, Editor The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, VOL. LX FEBRUARY,1937 No.2 that THEY bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it will- ingly with his heart ye shall take my offering (Ex. 25: 1, 2). Take Publication and Business Office– ye from among YOU an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a Third and Reily Sts.• Harrisburg. Pa. willing heart let him bring it (Ex. 35: 5).
Editorial and Executive Office— 2. Money should not be received from unbelievers for the Lord's work. 156 Fifth Avenue. New York City. Entered as second-class matter at And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, that I Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not Act of March 3, 1879. take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldst say, I have made AJram rich (Gen. 14: 22, 23). 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. And King David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full Published· ' monthly, except August. price: for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer All rights reserVed. Copyrighted 1937. burnt offerings without cost (1 Chron. 21: 24).
an~r~~~t, a~~nt~ate~~~~::I~uNg[:::. Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God (Ezra 4: 3). The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we, his servants, will London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, 10 shillings a year. arise and build; but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial in Jerusalem (Neh. 2: 20). MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- Because that for his name's sake they went forth taking nothing of the LISHING CO., INC. Gentiles (3 John 7). The sacrifice of the wicked is an abotl'j-ination to the Lord (Prov. 15: 8). BOARD OF DIRECTORS But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my stat- utes? (Ps. 50: 16). ROHERT E. SPEER, President See, also, 2 Cor. 6: 14-18, and Mat. 17: 24-27. A. L. WARNBHUIB, Vice-President W ALTER MCDOUGALL, 'llreasurer 3. Three things are to be remembered in Christian giving: DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary First-The PERSON to whom we give is the Lord. SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord (Ex. 35: 5). WILLIAM I. CHAMBERLAIN The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord (Ex. D. J. FANT 35: 29). MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things from you, an WM. B. LIPPHARD odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God ERIC M. NORTH (Phil. 4: 18). SAMUEL M. ZWEMER Second-The PRINCIPLE, or how to give. Editorial Chat (a) SysteJnatically-not irregularly nor impulsively. The annual meeting of THE REVIEW Upon the first day of the week let everyone of you lay by him will be held in the Assembly Room on in store, as God hath prospered him (1 Cor. 16: 2). the 8th Floor, 156 Fifth Avenue on Thursday afternoon, February 18th (b) Individually. at 2 o'clock. This will be a business Upon the first day of the week let everyone of you lay by him meeting to receive annual reports and in store, as God hath prospered him (1 Cor. 16: 2). to elect directors for the ensuing year. For I mean not that other men be eased and ye burdened (2 Cor. Personal notices with proxies will be 8: 13). sent to stockholders. (c) Proportionately. *** Upon the first day of the week let everyone of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him (1 Cor. 16: 2). Some very important articles are to And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or appear in the next number of THE of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the REVIEW, including the presidential ad- Lord (Lev. 27: 30). dress of Robert E. Speer on "Things Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But we say, That Change and Things That Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings Abide," an address that made a deep (Mal. 3:8). impression at the recent Foreign Missions Conference in Asbury Park. (d) Cheerfully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him *** give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9: 7). The paper by Dr. Speer, "A M:is- For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power sionary Appraisal as of January 1, they were willing of themselves (2 Cor. 8: 3). 1937," has been reprinted in leaflet form and copies may be had by writ- (e) Sacrificially. ing to the Board of Foreign Missions And He said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow of the Presbyterian Church, 156 Fifth hath cast in more than they all: for all these have of their Avenue, New York. abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had (Luke 21: *** 3,4). Their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liJerality The plans for coming months in- (2 Cor. 8: 2). clude a special number of THE RE- VIEW (June) devoted to Christ and Third-The REWARD of giving. the Rural Life of America, the home mission topic for the year; another It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20: 35). issue (October) will be devoted to the But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven (Mat. 6: 20). foreign mission topic, "Christ and the For God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9: 7). Moslem World." For with such sacrifices God is well pleased (Heb. 13: 16). Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in *** mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if The following testimonial to THE I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a bless- REVIEW has come from the secretary ing, that there shaH not be room enough to receive it (Mal. 3: 10). for Young People's Missionary Education in the United Church of Can- THE LATE C. I. SCOFIELD. ada: • From The Oentral American BuUetin, Dallas, Texas. "I look forward to continue to read THE MISSIONARY REVIEW and con- [ 65] gratulate you on the wonderful work you are doing'."
DR. F. C. STEPHENSON.
A TYPICAL NAVAJO INDIAN HOGAN
AIR VIEW OF THE GANADO MISSION TO THE NAVAJOS, ARIZONA (See pages 75 to 80)
NARY
REVIB ORLD VOLUME LX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 2 FEBRUARY, 1937 Topics of the Times "FIRST THERE IS GOD" said, and those words seem to stand out as the The reason for Christian missions and all the token and symbol of a Christian's whole life. abiding results are due to the fact that God calls us into partnership with Him. Missionary enter- That was the heart of the message to the conferprises are successful in proportion as they work in recognition of that partnership. ence and to men everywhere. First there is God.
From January 6-8 some three hundred repre- In the world around us we see going on a struggle sentatives of sixty-six boards and societies met at Asbury Park, N. J., to confer in the annual meet- between the forces of light and the forces of darking of the Foreign Missions Conference of North America. The discussions and spirit gave one a ness. God is calling us to take our part in that sense of the depth and strength and spiritual vitality of the missionary movement in the United struggle. This is a challenge to carryon the States and Canada. Though budgets may be low, a movement that holds the support in prayer and great work of Christ's Kingdom around the world. personnel of so large and widespread a group as that represented at the conference must play a The program of the conference was divided into great part in the life of the world. two major topics: (1) Has progress been made Dr. Robert E. Speer, the chairman, is entering his last year of service as a mission board admin- in carrying into effect the Jerusalem program for istrator. From his youth, for forty-five years, Dr. Speer has served the missionary movement rural missions such as to deserve the confidence and his keynote speech to this conference, of which he was one of the founders, summed up his pene- of Christians deeply concerned about the world's trating judgment. He rebuked those who care only for the present and the future, and the critics economic, social and spiritual needs? (2) Does who think that a man is out of date because he is most deeply concerned with what happened in the foreign mission movement have an essential Judea and Galilee over nineteen hundred years ago. These things deal with the timeless and part in making real the ideal of a Christian world eternal. There are many things that change. Within the memory of living missionaries, a great community? If so, how can this fact be made Church has grown up in Korea, built up through clear to the young men and women of the churches in North America? There was a general feeling that we are entering into a period of renewed dedication to the Christian ideals of a world Christian community; this calls for new methods and should lead to new discoveries of the value of the Christian faith and the richness of God's pro- vision.
Another important topic considered was the 1938 meeting of the International Missionary Council, to be held in Hangchow, China.
If the conference was in any sense a cross-sec- tion of the thinking of the churches in North America the signs of the times are full of hope.
, A': L. WARNSHUIS.
the years of national trial. At the end of fifty WHEN LAYMEN ARE ON FIRE years of mission work there are more Christians in Korea than there were in all the Roman Em- Thirty years ago the Laymen's Missionary pire at the end of the first Christian century. So Movement was organized in America and for the past fifty years have been a period of great twenty years exercised a profound influence in the change all over the world. But there is the Church at home and on mission work abroad.
changeless also. "First there is God," Dr. Speer New spiritual energy was released in the Church [67]
and was harnessed for practical service. Many sufficiency of Jesus Christ for men and women of every laymen were quickened to vital faith, more conse- race and every rank of society. crated service and loving self-sacrifice. Giving was increased through a new sense of steward- The evidential value of all this became inescapable. ship; laymen journeyed to the mission fields at That Jesus Christ by His ever-present Spirit was seen to their own expense to see and report on the work, be giving power and peace in every conceivable situation and Christ was glorified as He was lifted up and in life brought unspeakable comfort in face of the national followed into all the world. Laymen's Mission and international confusions of our time. The evidence Movements sprang up in Great Britain and else- was cumulative in value, for its momentum increased with where. Gradually most of these have died down every new illustration, until missionaries are seen to be and disappeared. Today the Church in Amer- presenting to the people of every land a unique Master ica, its members and the work, feel the need who is actually producing unique lives and inspiring of an awakening and renewed activity on the part unique movements. Failures only served to show that in of Christian laymen. The remnant of the original such cases the conditions of victory had not been fulfilled. Movement still carries on bravely from its Chi- And whatever the opposing forces the result was always cago headquarters but the Church as a whole is the same. For the sixty missionaries had to tell of the not reached-so far as the men are concerned. pernicious influence of materialism in the West, of an atheistic communism in the East, and of a growing mili- In Great Britain twenty years ago the Meth- tarism everywhere. But it was demonstrated that when- odist Laymen's Movement was organized to bring ever Jesus Christ is allowed to do His work, by means of together missionaries on furlough and laymen for a worthy portrayal and a sincere acceptance, He is seen conference and prayer on the world-wide mission to be always victorious. The consequence is that the dis- of the Church. This Laymen's Movement now illusioned coolie in China, the disillusioned student in meets annually at Swanwick for these conferences India, the disillusioned farmer in Africa, and the disillu- for three days and exerts a powerful influence on sioned materialist in Western countries find all alike that the spiritual life and activities, especially of in Jesus Christ they obtain a satisfied mind and heart. British Methodists. A year ago, when retrench- A new proof of the universality of the appeal of Jesus is ment in missions seemed inevitable, the laymen thus provided by missions overseas. The dynamic of the . rose to the occasion and as a result an increase of indWelling Christ meets the needs of every type of hu- over £80,000 ($400,000) in gifts was reported at manity, and meets those needs when all else hitherto has the close of the year. failed. At the foot of His Cross, East and West actually meet in brotherly love.
It is time for a new and more widespread Lay- men's Missionary Movement in America, such as has already begun, locally, in the United Pres- byterian Church in Elyria, Ohio.
The "Laymen's Swanwick" is a time of fellow- RUSSIA MARCHING ON – WHITHER ship, of prayer and conference and of preparation for the coming year. Missionaries gain a better Many changes have taken place in Russia in the understanding of the Church and the missionary past fifteen years – politically, socially, intellecsociety and their problems, while the laymen at tually, economically and religiously. Many of home gain a new vision of the field and what these are good, others are evil because they are Christ is doing in other lands. The result is new opposed to God and His laws. stimulus, new power, new knowledge and renewed consecration. Twenty years ago Russia was counted a "Chris- tian nation." While the Church was under State Dr. J. F. Edwards, recently editor of the control and spiritually weak, outwardly it was Dnyanoooya of Poona, has this to say of the value strong. While many of the clergy were corrupt of these Swanwick conferences to the missionary: and worship was formal and ritualistic,. the For the missionary himself the opportunity was price- churches were filled. While the masses were less. As one sat through those conferences it was as if ignorant of the Bible, the vast majority of the a panorama of the world's diverse civilizations passed be- peasants were humble and devout believers in fore one's eyes. India, China, Africa, Japan, Korea, Christ. Today the Marxist revolution and the Europe, America and the far-off islands of the seven seas, spread of atheistic Communism have almost put each presented the vast proJlem of life in all its varied the churches out of existence. Antireligious and settings. Never had the writer been so impressed by the atheistic propaganda have led to the closing of weltering chaos of our present-day world as he was when over 14,000 churches and 43,000 Russian clergythese missionaries painted their word-pictures. The amaz- men are reported to have been murdered or have ing thing was the way in which Jesus Christ, by His Liv- died in prisoILcamps. Not only is the teaching of ing Spirit, was seen to be actually solving that problem religion to youth forbidden but antireligious muamong all these varied races of the world. Whether it seums are exploited and atheism is systematically was the untouchables of India who were being portrayed, taught in schools and universities. The League or the black folk of Africa, or the suffering millions of of the Militant Godless, organized ten years ago, China, the deepening impression all through those six days claims that one-half the population is now was that a complete presentation of Christ and a whole- atheistic. hearted acceptance of Him yield unfailingly the same resuIt: triumph and transfiguration. As each day came and went it left its own unshakable conviction concerning the
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
In 1897 a census of Russia showed a population Eternal, all-wise, all-powerful and all-loving God, of 125,000,000. Today there are reported to be as He is revealed in Christ and the Bible. As 180,000,000 in Russia and Siberia. While the Dr. Fulton J. Shean, of Washington, D. C., said country is under the control of the Communist in a recent address: Party, with Stalin as practical dictator, there "The prevalence of human dictatorships is a feeble attempt to achieve from the outside the are only about 1,000,000 members in this ruling unity that the Christian achieves from the inside. . . . When the body loses its soul, it disintegrates party. They claim that about 43 % of the youth into the elements which compose it. When the soul, God, leaves the body of society, it begins to are now "communist minded" and have been trained to deny the very existence of God.
In spite of the fact that the constitution (pub- lished in June 1935) proclaims freedom of con- disintegrate. That is why Russia, which is the science and the right to hold religious services, most anti-Christian nation on earth today, prethe Government does all in its power to discour- sents as its symbol of unity a corpse, the body of age religious faith and Christian worship. Free- Lenin-a perfect symbol of that to which Godless dom is proclaimed for antireligious propaganda communism must lead-=-dust, dissolution, death." but Christian evangelism and religious education are forbidden. President Yaroslavsky of the Religious Conflict in Palestine Militant Godless League says: "We will continue our antireligious propaganda for there are still The total population of Palestine is a little over millions of Christian believers in the Soviet 1,300,000; of these about 63 % are Mohamme- Union." dans, 30% are Jews, and 7%, or 90,000, are Repressive measures are carried on against Christians. The Jews are increasing in number Russian Orthodox Church members, Evangelical more rapidly, through immigration, than are the Christians, Roman Catholics, Moslems and Jews. other communities. A considerable proportion The leaders of the State are opposed to any recog- of Evangelical Christians are comparatively well nition of a supreme God for they fear that such educated and quite influential, the most of them recognition may interfere with the dictates and being either themselves converts from the Greek program of the State, as supreme. Orthodox Church or their descendants. Open But religious and Christian faith are far from profession of the Christian faith on the part of dead in Russia. Fifty percent of the farmers Mohammedans has thus far been rare. The still persist in their Christian faith and worship. number of Protestant schools and hospitals in Half of· the youth of the land are reported as the country have had an excellent effect in the clinging to belief in God and some 40,000 com- general dissemination of Christian truth among munities still maintain churches. Vital religion the people and it is hoped that this will produce also persists among the majority of Lutherans, more tangible results. As in most other parts Baptists, Stundists and other Evangelicals. In of the Near East, there is great need for a some regions personal evangelists are reported to forward movement in faithful, loving Christlike be active and groups to study the Bible have been witness to the Mohammedan masses and also to formed in factories and elsewhere. the nominal Christians.
If Russia continues in her denial of God she is The number of Jewish converts is small, though doomed, for she denies the realities that make for somewhat larger than those from Islam. The life and depends on the things that pass away. Jews appear to be under the influence and control Materialism is dominant in Russia today. The of the conservative minority. The Sabbath is very U. S. S. R. is being militarized in the nth degree strictly observed, no shops or other houses of for dependence is on physical forces and on the business being allowed open. Last summer an engines of death. effort was made to place paid advertisements in All progress made in Russia in the last fifteen the Hebrew daily papers stating the willingness years is on materialistic lines. Thus education, of a Christian gentleman to send a free copy of economic improvements, collective farming and the Gospel to anyone who would apply for it, but the socialization of the State have brought great not one of these papers would accept the notice.
changes, many of them beneficial, but the Commu- The Palestine Post of Jerusalem, a more liberal nist Internationale for 1936 declares that one of Jewish daily, did print it, however, and there the chief objectives of the cultural revolution is were some responses. It is reported by Evan- to fight against religion. All education and life, gelical missionaries through the country that according to Communist ideas, are based on a there is a very encouraging readiness now on the godless conception of the universe. On this rock part of Jews to buy copies of the New Testament.
the Ship of State in Russia is sure to split, for There appears to be among them generally a fear no nation can long survive that ignores or denies of missionary propaganda, especially that carried the basic fact of the universe. That fact is the on in institutions, and it is possible that the most
effective work will be, at least for the more im- live in the suburbs but spend their working hours mediate future, quiet, personal testimony. in the city. A striking effect of these develop- The troubles between Arabs and Jews have not ments has been the disintegration of city neigh- brought with them any increased hostility to borhoods as such.
Christianity but the attitude of Jews toward Many diverse problems are involved in the Christianity and Christian nations has been much urban process. These include the social, economic affected by recent events. and religious situation among Negroes. The en- There has been a league of Christians – Prot- tire question of child life in the city, with its estants as well as others – with the Mohamme- juvenile delinquency problems, was presented dans in this anti-Jewish and anti-British move- along with an interpretation of the present pro- ment. It has been due almost entirely to fear of gram of the Church in its attempt to meet the being eventually crowded out of the land by the needs of the young in city life.
Jews who, the others are free to confess, are their Secretary Ross W. Sanderson, of the Baltimore superiors in education and financial ability. Federation of Churches, reports that 44 cities, Christians also fear that they may later suffer at each with a population of 100,000 or more, now the hands of the Mohammedans who outnumber have interdenominational federations or councils the Christians in the ratio of 8 to 1. Those com- of churches, with paid executives, and four others petent to judge think that it will take a long time have councils of religious education. A number – perhaps years – completely to restore normal of other cities have similar organizations without conditions. paid executives and some county councils of reli- The missionary's hands are extraordinarily full gious education employ executives who serve at this time and we do not need to search out urban as well as rural areas.
openings for the Gospel message. We seek to The need for frequent appraisals of the pro- show by personal testimony and, where necessary, grams of city churches was emphasized by Dr.
by reasoned proof, the uniqueness of Christ and Channing A. Richardson, Chairman of the Com- the exclusiveness of historical Christianity. We mittee on City Work. Changes in housing and must remind others of the nonearthly, nonpoliti- business areas are so rapid that, within a period cal character of our calling and of our duty cheer- of twenty years, houses deteriorate and property fully to accept suffering in this present age. becomes out of date. Pastors and church federa- W. L. MCCLENAHAN. tions ought to face changing conditions while the * churches are still vigorous and able to adapt them- THE AMERICAN CITY AND ITS TRENDS selves to new constituencies, rather than to wait until the membership is depleted and leadership A significant aspect of the Home Missionary has disappeared. situation in America is the development of metropolitan centers which include areas larger than "Evangelism in our great cities is feasible," dethose within the confines of the cities. "City clared Dr. Jesse M. Bader, of the Federal Council growth itself is spotted," said Dr. Charles H. of Churches of Christ, and he pointed out meth- Sears, at the recent Home Missions Conference ods by which people can be won to Jesus Christ. at Asbury Park. "Out of 746 larger cities, 354 Many problems in the rehabilitation of city life have failed to keep pace with the general growth have an economic basis, yet it is clear that even of population; 512 places classed as cities actually when economic problems are solved, the Church lost population between 1920 and 1934, and four has a spiritual mission and a spiritual contribuof these were cities of more than 100,000 popula- tion to make to the life of our cities.
tion. Along with this, however, there was a dis- In view of the great need of reaching the unproportionate growth in some urban centers con- reached youth of America the Home Missions spicuous, among which are New York, Los An- Councils took decisive steps to extend still further geles, Chicago, and Detroit." the ministry of the church to the boys and girls.
The American city of the present is distinctly It was apparent to alert observers that a real a modern development, owing partly to newer in- unity of Protestant forces is in process of achieve- dustrial trends which have physically separated ment, at least in national areas, a unity which the general management of large industrial enter- may lead to church unions of various sorts but prises from actual production. Due to this and which is not dependent upon them. Church bodies other causes, our metropolitan areas are becoming are learning to work together and, although 'im- vast aggregations of specialists, many of whom patient souls may easily become restless because • The American City, City Population Trends, Social, Economic progress seems slow, yet the advance is real and and Religious Problems of City Life, and the Relation of the Christian Church to these matters occupied the major portion of the there is a growing determination on the part of attention of the annnal session of the Home Missions Council and the Council of Women for Home Missions at Asbury Park, New Protestant forces to face the problems of the fu- Jersey, January 11-14. ture together. JAY S. STOWELL.
for the Renaissance of
–tEl I By REV. E. STANLEY JONES, D.D., of India* I . – ~==========================~ T HE eyes of the world are fastened upon China sufficient to sustain the complex life we have built at this tragic time. Many are wondering through the scientific age. what is going to come out of the changes that are taking place in that vast land. Those of us The task of the West is complex, and yet it is who have been privileged to look into the soul of exceedingly simple; it is to make the Reforma- China find our hearts steadied by the facts we tion parallel the Renaissance; to bring up the have seen beneath the surface. In order to under- inner spiritual life so that it may sustain the stand the situation and outlook, one must look at outer material life. If we can do that, our civthe parallels between what took place in the his- ilization may be saved; if not, this new freedom tory of Europe and what is taking place in China will destroy us. In the World War, we looked today. over the brink of the abyss and turned pale, for we saw the possibility of our vast civilization For a thousand years, Europe was under the tumbling to ruin. If such a catastrophy happens sway of tradition; men were not allowed to think again, there is a vast likelihood of the West crumduring the Dark Ages; the minds of men were bling to destruction. cramped, unprogressive, grooved, set; it was an unproductive period. They all had to repent on Five Simultaneous Revolutions bended knees. Life was held by tradition. At the close of that period came two liberating move- Now in China, we find parallel things taking ments. One, called the Renaissance, gave birth place. The Chinese are a people who have an to the new freedom of the mind, and brought amazing culture, stretching back for thousands of forth the scientific age, and later came the me- years. When your forefathers and mine were chanical age which has given tremendous power dressed in the skins of animals, the ancestors of into the hands of Western civilization. But as the present-day Chinese were dressed in silk. At men gained new freedom of mind, they also felt that time they were the most progressive, enlightan innermost necessity for something deeper; ened people on earth. It was in the 15th century, for a new inner life to hold up this material civ- with the coming of the Reformation, the discovilization. Out of the necessity of the case, men ery of America, the perfection of printing, and turned back to religion to gain power by which to the birth of the mechanical age, that the Western live and a new movement was born, deep within world began to pull ahead of China. When the the nature of man. The Reformation came as the first envoys from Portugal began to enter into result of the turning back to the personality and trade relations with China, they were taken into power of Jesus to discover resources by which men a temple and for three days were taught etiquette may live. That discovery gave a regenerating im- so they would be sufficiently cultured to be able pulse to Occidental civilization. Had thatdiscov- to go in to speak to the Chinese viceroy. When ery been given fuli sway, we would not be in the George III of England tried to open trade with position we are in today. In Western civilization China, the Emperor sent a letter to the King of we have inherited two outlooks on life. One is a England in which he said in effect: "I can underpagan, selfish, grasping, greedy outlook; the stand why you want to begin to trade with us, other results from the knowledge that Jesus of but we have no reason to wish to establish rela- Nazareth has given us life based on love, sharing, tions with you, for we have everything we need. cooperation and brotherhood. Western civiliza- You must be very lonely in your little island, so tion at the present time is the struggle between far away from civilization! The only hope for those two ideals. The tragedy is that the Renais- your nation is for you to come over to China." sance has outrun the Reformation so that we have more intelligence than goodness. We have more When we deal with China we deal with a highly power than we have character to handle that cultured people. Remember she has the memory power and as a result there is a breakdown of civ- of ages sounding through her culture. ilization. The character developed has not been In the city of Peiping, I saw five hundred gods gel~S~e t~~~sf~n~~i~~. an address given in America after an evan- worshipped in one temple. Among them was Marco Polo. The Chinese had deified their first visitor from the West. He was the only one of the five hundred standing, looking ahead; the [ 71 ]
others were sitting in calm composure as though time to recover from one before the other came past centuries were looking through their eyes. upon us. But in China today the strain is terrific, For one thousand years, China has said, "The past in that all five have been precipitated in one genwill rule the present as the dead have ruled the eration. When David Yui told Ramsey MacDonald living." Now China has come to the end of that about these five revolutions taking place in China, period; a new age has started; a Renaissance Mr. MacDonald said, "Why in the world did you due to this new freedom of mind. It is an entire have them all at one time?" Mr. Yiu replied, new age in China that has precipitated five great "Mr. MacDonald, which one should we take first?" revolutions at one time. First there is the intel- We couldn't choose; the whole thing was precipilectual revolution, turning from the traditional tated into the mind of Chinese youth. The stuattitude toward the scientific; second, the eco- dents are being subjected to what is perhaps the nomic revolution has changed life founded upon greatest modern spiritual and intellectual strain the old "guild system," to a system of competi- since the world began. They are compelled to do tion; third, the social revolution has changed life the political thinking as well as social, scientific founded on the family to one centered in the State. and religious. As a result conditions are still As a result home life is now breaking up and the chaotic and some are tempted to be discouraged. center of allegiance is leaving the country – at least in theory. The fourth, revolution, is politi- India is also going through these five revolucal. Under the Manchus, the emperor was re- tions, but has had the advantage of the framesponsible to Heaven alone; not to men. Once a work of British stability; China has no such year he went to the temple and gave an account framework; in fact, other nations have taken adto Heaven for his stewardship in ruling the peo- vantage of China to further their own ends. ple. Now they are trying to base government on What is China's great need at the present time? the will of 400,000,000 people. If in the past It is power to remake character, character suffitwenty-five tragic years in China they have not cient to stand the pressure of all these revolutionbeen able to achieve unity, we must be patient. ary movements. When one of the dikes in China, What is twenty-five years in a nation that has built to prevent floods, was very weak, they gave existed for nearly five thousand years. It took a money into the hands of an engineer to make relong time to achieve unity in America. There are pairs. He put part of the money into the dike and 400,000,000 people in China, and to achieve unity the rest into his own pocket. As a result the dike in such a vast concourse is no easy thing. Many was poorly constructed and broke. A million peothink that China is in the throes of dissolution ple perished because of the dishonesty of that and that Japan will conquer the whole country. man. It was Chinese character that broke and Be patient. But though Japan may drive a wedge caused the whole country to be flooded. The whole beyond the Great Wall into the heart of China, structure of human life rests upon character. In it will really be like entering the mouth of China, China, some new moral force must be loosed that and we may yet watch China gulp her down as can make character, because character in China she has done with every other conqueror. Japan has been decaying. Chinese businessmen are is making a tragic mistake, for Manchuria is among the most honest in the world for they have likely to be the Alsace-Lorraine of the Far East. a code of morality in their business dealings. A The Chinese can stand more knocks and get up merchant said to me that if you ask a Chinese smiling, than can anyone else on earth. It may manufacturer to make the silk cheap but very take fifty years before she recovers, but what is beautiful, and tell him that it doesn't matter how fifty years in five thousand? long it lasts, the Chinese will straighten up and say, "That is against our morality." As officials, The fifth revolution is the most important of all the Japanese are more honest than the Chinese -it is a spiritual revolution founded in a great for their loyalty to the Emperor keeps them measure on superstition; men face this situation honest. On the other hand, the Chinese political without an inner steadying of morals, for the edu- officials constitute one of the weakest places in cated soul of China is a vast vacuum; the old is China's whole life. They have inherited this, for dead, the new is not yet fully born and men are under the Manchus officials were paid no salary, confused; they do not know how to live. In the but were supposed to get as much as they could Strait Settlements, a man sent in an application out of their office which they held for life. Now for one of his children to attend school. In the officials are -in office for a short time and many column where he had to indicate his religion, he have become very rapacious. In one place the wrote the word "confusion." (He meant Con- taxes had been collected in that province for six fucian.) The religion of the educated Chinese to- years or more in advance. To pay these farmers day is "confusion." had to surrender their land as they could not keep the soil on these terms. Where China has had These five revolutions were spread over five honest officials, China's life has prospered. I was centuries for Europe and America and we had
HOPE FOR THE RENAISSANCE OF CHINA
at one place humming with activity; twelve thou- to that box; you may vote in folly and ruin or, sand miles of telephone lines were being put up, if high character and intelligence control the baland ten million dollars had been provided for flood lot box then righteousness will rule. Democracy prevention and relief; there were also hundreds may be good but it is not good enough. of miles of good roads. I was told that the secret of this good work was that the head of this con- Where, then, can we turn for regenerative struction was a man of Christian character, and power? The national religion of China is dead, every dollar appropriated for the construction as far as the educated mind is concerned. In was honestly expended. Confidence was created in many places, they have bricked up the idols in the the whole situation because of this gentleman's temples or have changed temples into schools. character. Multiply that kind of man through On two of China's sacred mountains you will see China and the situation is largely solved. One people, not worshiping God, but gambling or governor of a province said to a friend of mine: smoking opium. China's soul today is a vast "I need two things for reconstructing the prov- vacuum. The old is dead; the new has not yet ince-money, and honest, capable men to expend been born. If maxims could save a people, China that money. I can get the first, but not the would be the most saved on earth; if beautiful second." banners and sentiments could save a people, China would have been saved long ago, but back of the Five Enemies of Progress beautiful sayings there is no regenerating Power. Where, then, shall we turn? The head of the Renaissance movement in China said to me: "There are five great enemies in China Two great forces are bidding for the soul of -poverty, disease, ignorance, lack of unity and China-the one is Communism; the other Christ. dishonest officials." "We could do anything, if we Communism already possesses nearly one-fifth of could get unity and honesty." the nation. Christianity is not to be identified with capitalism and the spirit of capitalism must China needs new power that will regenerate be changed. Communism has some good ideas and life and will make men sufficiently honest and some strength. It is going to be a mustard plaster trustworthy. Where can you get this power? on the back of capitalism and capitalistic society We once believed education could do it. A states- to make people think. Many of us are like an man in England said, in 1840: "If we can put Englishman who never thinks until he feels a over compulsory education by the end of the cen- pain! If Christianity were rightly applied to coltury our problems will be solved." Compulsory lective life which would be allied to Communism education came – but their problems were not minus the class war, minus compulsion and masolved. Education is good, but it is not enough; terialistic atheism and plus the Spirit of Christit may make a man clever but does not make him then it might save China. At present, Christianunselfish; it may make him more of a rascal so ity and Communism are' bidding for the soul of that instead of stealing people's pennies he steals China. The Nanking Government is endeavoring millions. Professor John Dewey, of Columbia to suppress Communism in China by military University, went to China and when he returned force, but General Chiang Kai-Chek said to me: he said: "I really believe, after all, you mission- "The minute the force is withdrawn, Communism aries are probably working toward the right end." comes back for it is feeding on the discontent of Some power is needed to turn bad men into good the peasants. Military force is· not enough." men; selfish men into unselfish men. Education Communists are patiently teaching the students does not go deep enough to the roots of character in every university by a system called the "cell to change a man there. system." A missionary who was among a number of prisoners held captive by Communists, said There was a time when we thought Democracy that before they were freed they were put through would solve our problems. Today we have grown a course in Communism. Ordinary soldiers were tired of Democracy and are turning to dictators- then given an opportunity to come into the Comwhy? People say that Democracy is all right but munist army, or, if not, they were given Compeople haven't sufficient character to conduct a munist literature and sent home to scatter it. democracy as it should be conducted. Therefore we ask one man to do it and save us the responsi- We must be as devoted and faithful in spreadbility. Western civilization seems to have lost its ing Christianity as Communists are in spreading nerve, and has therefore turned to dictators. In their doctrines. Eight years ago it looked as if Ceylon when the people were given the suffrage the anti-Christian movement might sweep Chrisone woman dropped her ballot in the box and then tianity out of China; it did sweep many missionstood before it with folded hands· saying her aries out, and it almost seemed as though the prayer to the new god, the ballot box. There was work that had been built up with tears and a time when we folded our hands, but we know prayers would go down into ruin. But a few years now that everything depends on what you bring later the missionaries were back again. Christ
never knows defeat and the true Christian can- At the close of a meeting in India the chairman not give up the conflict as lost. The Christian said, "If what the speaker has said is not true, it movement today is stronger on account of having does not matter; but if it is true, then nothing stood against terrible and fierce opposition. The else matters." In the midst of this chaos of things anti-Christian movement has expended itself and there stands this figure of Jesus Christ. Most of left the Christian movement stronger than before. us have missed the way, as we showed in the In one place the Communist took Christian World War. Human society cannot long hold topreachers through the streets of a city to a place gether unless it is held together by the love of where they were going to execute them. They Christ. If we have enough Christianity to save promised to let them go if they would say they China, we have enough to save the whole Far were not Christians. But a pastor said: "I can East. do more for Christ dead than alive." A second man said, "I love my people and my country, and I believe that some day Jesus will go through I would like to live for it, but I love my Christ and through the hearts of the people of China. more, and though you kill me, I will not deny In the city of Tientsin, I met a wonderful Chris- Him." A woman jumped on the table and said, tian, a man who made me feel that he had strength "We need that kind of a man in China; a man and stability, that one could you trust. He was who has convictions and is ready to die for them." building up a new type of official who would go They let him off. A few months later, when the out unselfishly to serve China. I asked him the citizens chose three men to govern that city, that secret of courage and strength amid this chaos pastor was one of the three. and he told me that he was once the most discour- aged man in China. He said, "I saw my country The Answer of Ohrist sinking straight into ruin and knew that we had to have some regenerating power. I turned to China is a vast land in a state of great hesita- Confucianism, which they told us was the right tion. When I was in China a few years ago, the way; but I found Confucius teachings gave us no question they asked was: "Has Christianity any power. Finally I suggested that some of us who answer to our national, social and personal were recognized as leaders ought to commit suineeds ?" I could hear tramp, tramp, tramp for cide so as to shock the country into doing some- Communism, and I had to deal with actualities. thing." But before he did this he began to read Unless Christianity really works there is no need the New Testament and found there not only good talking. But we can stand in the midst of that teaching but power to make bad men become desperate situation and say, "Yes, thank God, if good; the impure become pure; hopeless men truly tried, Christianity does work, and we do not gain hope; there he found something regeneraknow anything else that will." But there is one tive. Instead of committing suicide that regenradiant Figure that stands confronting the situa- erating life of Jesus Christ entered his heart and tion-that is the Figure before whom we bow in darkness and shadows vanished. The man went reverence and love. Jesus Christ is making a straight out, not to commit suicide, but to serve supreme bid for the soul of China today. China, by bringing it into living contact with Christ. That is the type of man real Christianity In Canton, where the anti-Christian activity produces when Christ is given an opportunity. was strong, people could not get into my meetings unless they came before hand to the Y. M. C. A., Have you this living Power in your life? Stand gave name and address and obtained an admission back of us missionaries as we stand reaching out ticket. Nevertheless before I arrived, thirty-five our arms to these nations of the East. Do not hundred people had signed up. From July until continually call us back from our task to awaken December, I was speaking four times a day. On in you, at home, more missionary enthusiasm and the last night of the meetings when I asked for devotion. Stand back of us with your prayers and those who really wanted to give themselves to support. Every Christian ought to be interested Jesus Christ, one thousand signed the cards. One in the Cause we represent. thousand of the students, business and professional men decided to become Christians. A second thing I ask is that you give yourselves more completely to Christ. Many of you have What a challenge to the people of the West who lost your nerve and your radiance. Jesus C"9rist know Christ, to bring to these people the Gospel can come into your hearts and give you new life. of Jesus Christ. Have we enough courage and The modern theory is that a man can disregard strength to do it? If so, the nation can be saved. the laws of God and the love of God, if he likes. I see no other hope than in Jesus Christ. We But that is a false theory. Whatever you have must cease being apologetic for being Christians. been doing, lay all you are and have at the feet The time has come to say quietly, "I am a Chris- of Jesus Christ and He will cleanse and empower tian and am proud of it. Christ has all there is you and send you out a new creature to do mighty of me." wonders in His Name.
Comes to the Navajo*
By C. G. SALSBURY, M.D., Ganado, Arizona Superintendent of the Ganado Mission to the Nava;o Indians, conducted under the auspices of the Board of National Missions of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
I T IS a strange contradiction that in the very supporting. They have now increased from 8,000 center of what we think of as enlightened and in 1869 to nearly 50,000. The main source of Christian America, there should be 25,000 their livelihood is sheep raising, while rug weav- square miles where people live in the rankest ing, silversmithing and the harvesting of pinon ignorance and superstition. Only about one in nuts also add substantially to the family income.
twenty of the Navajo Indians are Christian; the There are 13,000 Indian children of school age others are for the most part ignorant of God and on the Navajo Reservation but the Government full of superstition. Their "medicine men" still has provided school accommodations for only hold sway over many of the tribe and exert a about 7,000, leaving 6,000 who are neglected. Not powerful influence through their incantations and more than 20 % of the tribe can speak English charms. and most of them cannot read or write.
Long before Coronado or Cabeza de Vaca Three great problems add to the difficulty of blazed a trail through the Southwest, the "Dineh" doing organized work among the Navajos: or Navajos established their homes in the desert 1. The people are widely scattered. There is wastes of what is now northern Arizona and New not one good sized village or town in the whole Mexico. When I arrived on the Navajo Reserva- reservation. tion nine years ago, having spent twelve years on 2. The lack of good roads hinders communica- the Island of Hainan in the South China Sea, it tion and service. was a surprise to find a people with almost iden- 3. The language is a barrier to those who seek tical physical characteristics as the Hainanese, to help but cannot take the time to learn the Nav- and with many words in the two languages so ajo tongue. nearly alike that it seems that the two peoples must have had a common origin. In face of these difficulties five or six Protestant denominations are conducting work on the reser- The Navaj 0 Indian is not the stolid, unemo- vation.t tional creature that many writers and artists have pictured him. He has a keen sense of humor, an The Navajo country is a land of contrasts. appreciation for music and real love for his fam- Flat stretches of sand, supporting sagebrush and ily. They have always been a proud, independent saltweed and cacti, lead up to mountains with forand self-reliant people. During the late fifties ests of yellow pine or stretch off to distant mesas and early sixties of the last century, they were brilliant with color, to jagged buttes or to a courageous fighters and gave the American Gov- rugged mountain skyline. Eastern skies may be ernment so much trouble that Kit Carson was stormy, full of lightning and slanting lines of sent out with orders to "annihilate the perfidious distant rain while western skies are a calm, serene butchering Navajos." He did not annihilate them blue, the perfect augury for a beautiful summer's but brought them into subjection and, in 1864, day. about 10,000 were taken as prisoners to Fort Sumner, New Mexico. At the end of the four And roads! A true Easterner never saw anyyears, due to the ravages of disease and confine- thing like them. Two parallel tracks across the desert can scarcely be called a road. The road as ment, only about 8,000 Navajos were left. On t The Christian Reformed Church has a work centered at Rehtheir promising to live peaceably and in accord- bofoth~urNseesw. MeTxhiecro~ with a small hospital, a physician and a number ance with the treaty, these survivors were re- is also a boarding school for the lower eight turned to their old home – the Navajo Reserva- grades, and a community program carried on at difl'erent paints. tion. Since that time they have been at peace At Farmington the Methodists conduct a grade and Junior high with their neighbors and have been largely self- school. • Included in this material by Dr. Salisbury are a number of ex- The Baptists have a mission with a married mis·.Ionary at Keams tracts from articles by various authors that appeared In the Ganado Jfission Bu!!etin.-EDIToR. Canyon. A small hospital near Crown Point is conducted by the Seventh- Day Adventists. The Presbyterian Board of National Missions assumes responsi- bility for the greater share of the work being done on the Navajo Reservation in ArizOll9.. Missionaries are stationed at five govern- ment centers, while educational and medical work is located here at Ganado, the largest mission station for Indians in the United States.
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one saw it yesterday may have been a dry, sandy dens, and fine water supply. Ganado is constructrack, while today it may be a mudhole. Friday tive and is building for the future, with its school there may have been a bridge over that wash, but and hospital and its staff of consecrated men and on Saturday the rains may cause one to make a women of charm and intelligence. long· detour. The program of the mission is made up of four No contrast is greater than the difference in main lines of work: evangelistic, medical, educavarious types of people and their homes. At the tional, community and field service. Presbyterian Mission station at Ganado you see clean, neat and attractive school girls and boys; 1. Every worker at Ganado is first of all a there may be equally attractive girls and boys out- Christian evangelist – whether doctor, engineer, side the schools, but they usually are neither clean nurse, girl's director, teacher or farmer; each has a direct and intimate part in the Christian RED POINT-A FAMOUS NAVAJO MEDICINE MAN religious program of the station. We have a pas- tor, but others take part in the preaching services nor neat. Healthy, happy babies born in Ganado and prayer meetings. There is the regular Sunhospital lie beside pathetic little undernourished day school on Sunday morning, the preaching children from a distant Indian hogan (hut) . service at eleven, and in the afternoon the Gospel The neat two-room, windowed cabin of a Chris- Teams conduct services in camps and community tian Navajo woman stands in contrast to the centers in the district. The intermediate or junior windowless igloo-type hogan of her non-Christian high school Christian Endeavor meets each Sunneighbor. day at six o'clock and at seven the senior society and student nurses. At eight o'clock the whole A visitor is also impressed by contrast between staff gathers for the weekly staff meeting to hear Ganado and the surrounding desert. Ganado is reports and to discuss plans for futUre improvean oasis in the desert, beautiful with its green ment. God's guidance is earnestly sought to make lawns and blooming gardens, thanks to irrigation our service more effective. and hard work. The mission station is self-contained with its powerhouse, laundry, dairy,.gar- The hospital evangelist spends his full time in work among the patients and this has proved to be one of the most effective means of reaching the Navajos with the Gospel.
One of the doctors writes: Today there are two outstanding needs among the Nav- ajo people. The greatest is a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The other is an understanding of the opportuni- ties offered them by medical science. Few people can give much thought to the needs of the soul when their bodies are in distress. When Jesus was on earth he not only ministered to the sinful souls of men but to their bodily needs as well.
The medical missionary, with a heart full of the love of Jesus, his mind and hands trained in the art of medical science, has the privilege of obeying the last command of the Great Physician. One would think that a doctor, offer- ing himself to a people in need, would be much sought after, but in many cases the Indians are antagonistic be- cause of their strong belief in the medicine man. But there is a gradual turning away from superstitious beliefs.
The doctor's great opportunity is to live a Christian life among the people, ministering to their sick bodies. He can also make the sting of death less painful and can tell the Red man of the love of Christ and His wonderful offer of salvation for all who believe in Him.
The Mission field doctor, nurses and community workers seize every opportunity to bring Christ's love to barren, needy hearts. In the high school and in th~ dormitories we face the task of build- ing into the lives of these future leaders the ideals of true Christian citizenship. Unless our main emphasis is on the spiritual phase of our work, then we labor in vain. One soul won to Christ in Sage Memorial Hospital amply repays for all the money spent to build and equip and maintain the work all these years. Here is one instance:
CHRIST COMES TO THE NAVAJO
John McKerry was converted when he was a missionary work in that great untouched field patient in the hospital about two years ago. He where there are no roads on which one can travel spent much time in reading the Bible both in with an automobile.
There are no marble halls or terraced floors in Sage Memorial Hospital at Ganado but it is a well planned, businesslike hospital and its 80 beds are usually full; last winter we reached a record of 142 in-patients at one time. There is a staff of four physicians, a dentist, a technician, a dieti- tian; eight graduate and twenty-four student nurses who represent sixteen tribes or races. All are high school graduates, most of them are mis- sion school graduates, coming from homes as widely separated as California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Nevada, Alaska and Arizona. They are not preparing to be nurses just because they Navajo and English and often asked to have pas- WILL HE BE A FUTURE LEADER?-A NAVAJO BOY sages explained to him in order that he might preach to his own people when he went back to want to do something different or to earn a livehis home in the northern part of the reservation. lihood, but because they have seen a vision of how John was soundly converted and now his home is they may serve Christ that way. Freedom-loving open to all who wish to come. He delights to tell natures sometimes chafe under the discipline and the Bible stories to them and tried to point them to Christ. He asks us to pray for him that his father may soon accept Christ.
One of the greatest problems in hospital evangelistic work is keeping in touch with those who have confessed Christ and have gone out to their own homes-away off to places where we cannot reach them readily. John can travel all over that part of the country on horseback preaching to his own people, in their own language, the message of salvation. He may also be able to do some real
hard work but stronger than the love of freedom ending with the twelfth grade. The high school is the love of the Great Physician, and the desire offers an academic course for those who wish to to have a share in His healing ministry. enter college or university and its graduates may Patients come to Ganado from far and near. enter the state university without examination. Some have never slept in a bed before; some have The larger number, who do not wish to take adnever before known the care of anyone but the vanced academic work, can take practical courses Indian medicine man. Often five or six medicine in farming and dairying, carpentry, power plant men themselves are in the wards for treatment operation and auto mechanics. The purpose is to and they are just as responsive to the kindly touch develop Christian leaders in the various profes- and the relief of suffering as anyone else. What sions and occupations and to inculcate the Spirit a contrast there is in the cleanliness, scientific of Christ with each lesson. In this way we instil skill and loving care given to the sick at Ganado the principles of Christianity..both by precept and and the treatment of the sufferers by the Indian example.
To care for the distinctly / religious training, there are Bible teachers on the faculty; but the instructors in secular subjects ,also use every op- portunity,.tp drive home the vital truths in the teachings ~QfChrist. Most important of all is the personal interest each teacher takes in her pupils. She seeks not only to imprc:>ve' their minds, and to raise their standard of living 'and improve their moral tone,but earnestly endeavors to win them to Christ.
The community and field activities of the Mis- sion are among the most important phases of the work. At Cornfields, a community center is main- tained with a white worker and interpreter. Here are facilities for bathing, laundering and sewing. Camp visitation, classes for children and various vocational projects are also carried on.
"Do the Indians appreciate your work among them?" is a question often asked by our white friends. Today we can say, "Yes, we know they do." For example: A few days after a serious fire at Cornfields, when our community station there was destroyed, we went to the Sunrise Trad- ing Post to buy a few needed things. About six- teen or eighteen Indians were standing about out- side the store.. While talking to some of them, the head Indian of the Cornfields Valley stood up and addressed the crowd in his native tongue. He told them that we had lost everything in the fire and medicine men! They claim to be able to .cure all said: kinds of diseases w. ith l.heir. rattles, sand paint- "They never refuse to come to our hogans when someone is ill or to take a sufferer to their hosings, prayers, songs an, chants. When a medi- pital; they never ask us if we are Protestant or cine man sings over a sillk one, the "sing" is held Catholic; they treat us all alike, and even care for in a hogan or Indian hut', and is a sort of incanta- our medicine men. Now they have lost everything tion to drive away the evlI spirit that causes the and we ought to show that we appreciate them. disease. When one is sick the medicine man must We are glad that they are not going to leave us." :tind out the cause and then certain songs are sung Then the judge stood up and repeated some of rotfor different symbols. A medicine man is paid the things mentioned by the headman. After that every ceremony, either in money or in sheep he took off his hat and put it on the ground asking or goats. In this way the people are being kept the Indians to make their contributions. We saw in darkness. silver money and tin, square and round, fall into the hat. God had touched the · hearts of these Training Mind and Hand At Ganado, Christian education is well rounded, brown friends to show us that our work has not beginning with the teaching of the alphabet and been in vain.
Essentially the same community program is When finally we walked into the hogan a wail from the carried on at Tselani by a graduate nurse and her cradle board lying by the fire showed that everything was interpreter, with even greater emphasis on health all right. There was nothing to do but start back, patch up the car, and return to the Mission. This is practicing medicine in the desert.
Whatever the activity, our great desire is that we may be of real service in bringing a great and neglected people to the feet of our Lord. It is as true among the Navajos as among any other peo- ple that the outstanding members of a community are, nine times out of ten, Christians who show by their lives that they have been born again. When conversion goes beyond the head and reaches a man's heart all things become new. This includes his outlook upon life, his attitude toward his family and his fellowmen, his attitude toward his animals and all his possessions, and his attitude toward his work.
One of our church members who lives some ten miles down the valley has a little farm. His main crop is corn. This brother depends upon the rain- fall to water his crop and he is not afraid of hard work. Every year he is envied by all around and about two years ago an attempt was made by non- NAVAJO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES, GANADO MISSION instruction. The Mother's Meeting includes a cel- DR. SALSBURY AND TWO NAVAJO NURSES, GANADO ebration of the birthdays of children of whose birth we have record. We weigh and measure the Christian Indians to deprive him of some of his infants, and those who are old enough are re- land. One of the arguments against him was that warded with a few raisins. Then comes a health he was a Christian, and had more time than talk and a Gospel message. The importance of others to care for his crops because he never went keeping a record of the date of the child's birth is stressed, and in the Gospel message we refer to the birth of Jesus and our need for the "new birth."
Practicing medicine among the Navajos does not lack variety. Another of the doctors writes: A call came from Nozilini, 17 miles away, saying that someone was waiting at the trading post to guide us to a camp to attend a child-IaJor case. Mrs. Main, Dick Baldwin, an interpreter, and I left the Mission at 11 a. m. and arrived at the trading post at Nozilini after having traveled over some of the worst roads in the whole state. At the store we picked up our guide, a Navajo woman, who told us that we were to go about six miles "in that direction" (pointing with her lips). We went about two miles up the side of a mountain on a wagon trail, with occasional very steep inclines, but in manreuvering one particularly bad place, the center of the car dropped down on the solid rock and the wheels spun around. We must go on; so with medicine case in hand, we started up the hill on foot, going over rocks and ravines until we reached the top of the mountain where the snow was deep. After what seemed to be hours we came in sight of the hogan some 1,000 feet below us.
to the heathen sings and dances; therefore he not the way," said a little Navajo boy, shaking his ought to give some of his land to his neighbors. head as he watched the new white teacher place a miniature hogan in the sand box. "The door is When the Gospel of Christ enters the heart of wrong; it must always face the sunrise." He a Navajo it opens his eyes, it strengthens his knew the custom among his people. No hogan is hands and fills his heart with love. Can we say built whose low door does not face the rising sun. anything more of the white man who has had the Gospel for generations after generations? The Navajo may continue to build their hogans with the doors to the east, but their new hogans If you can dream and not make dreams your master will have windows with screens, and will contain If you can think and not make thoughts your aim, clean beds and a change of clothes. Even though the Indian boy may lay aside his athletic sweater If you can meet with triumph and disaster for a blanket when he returns to his people, it And treat those two imposters just the same. . . . does not mean that he will let lice nest in his hair or will send for a medicine man to wave feathers Kipling's "If's" are applicable to those who are over his baby that has fallen into the fire. The attempting to construct a program that will meet educated mothers may wear blankets but their the State's requirements for a standard school, that will fulfill the church's expectation in preparing the young people for life, that will satisfy NAVAJO VISITORS AT THE GANADO MISSION CHAUTAUQUA the business world's demands for efficiency, and babies will be clean and rosycheeked from proper that will create within the heart an urge for better care and wholesome food. homes and communities of cleaner living and purer thinking. The Indian is not a creature apart from the rest of humanity, but is one of God's children, with Such is our hope for Ganado, and toward that human problems and passions, with a body and goal our plans are being made and our efforts are mind and soul, all hungering and thirsting for the directed. Weare trying to meet the requirements best life of which he is capable. The door of the of the State in education and to make better citi- hogan, facing the rising sun, is symbolical of the zens by teaching the Indians to be honest, skilful door of hope, of faith, of opportunity for the Navworkers. We are also training interpreters who ajo nation – the greatest of all Indian tribes in will help to create better interracial understand- America. ing. In all our efforts to bring the best that modern civilization has to offer, we do not want the "Stir me, oh, stir me, Lord, I care not how, . Indian to lose the arts of his forefathers, either But stir my heart in passion for the world; native or acquired, so that we also offer work in rugweaving, basketry, pottery making, silver- Stir me to give, to go-but most of aUto pray, smithing and tanning. Stir, till the blood-red banner be unfurled.
If we build aright in this work for the Navajos **** we know that their future is assured. "That's Stir me to give myself so back to Thee, That Thou can'st give Thyself again thro' me."
BESSIE PORTER HEAD.
a Missionary Stopped at the
How Christ Found Senhor Fernando in Brazil ~- -"ifll;II==B;;;;Y;;;;R;;;;E;;;;V;;;;.;;;;AN=T;;;;O;;;;N;;;;I;;;;O;;;;H=.;;;;PE;;;;RP=E;;;;TU=O;;;;,;;;;D;;;;.D;;;;'==-I!
I N THESE days of unbelief and skepticism to- After marriage, he established a large cotton mill ward the Bible, it is the blessed privilege of near Rio-Feio and sixteen workmen from the vil- each Christian who has seen the power of God lage helped to operate the mill. The cotton was working in marvelous ways in the hearts of men, then carried on mule back some forty miles to a to give a personal testimony to the power of His railroad station.
precious Word. About forty miles from Rio-Feio was a mission- Brazil is the largest country in that great con- ary station, where there resided Mr. Landes,a tinent of South America, known to the missionary missionary after God's own heart. At four o'clock world as the "Neglected Continent." Near the on one of those afternoons in Brazil when the sun little village of Rio-Feio, in the state of Sao Paulo, poured down hot rays, there came a missionary, lived Sr. Fernando, the subject of this narrative. Mr. Kyle, traveling along the dusty highway.
Education without Christ is apt to become a Senhor Fernando, the infidel, was busily engaged curse to the individual and to the world. Sr. directing the workmen as they bailed the cotton, Fernando was the son of a lawyer and received a in front of the mill. He was working with all the good education in the finest school of Rio de fervor of a man trying to satisfy the hunger of Janeiro. Because of this intellectual preparation, his soul by heaping up treasures upon earth.
he was led to reject the superstitious forms of Soon the traveler's steps led him nearer to Rio- worship which prevailed in that country and Feio, and the missionary approached the cotton which still hold chained in darkness there and in mill. With weary feet but happy heart at the op- other parts of the world, three hundred million portunity of offering a hungry man the "Bread of souls. One illustration will be sufficient to show Life," Mr. Kyle addressed the atheist.
how utterly foolish were their superstitions and "Sir," said he, "I would like to show you one of why their forms of worship were rejected by the my Bibles which is the Word of God."
young man, as being unreasonable and so inade- Instantly the atheist was filled with the old quate to save anyone. hatred toward God and the Church, and he re- From a little railroad station, in the state of plied to the servant of God in a torrent of insult- S. Paulo, there was a path that led to a small ing words. The missionary was about to depart chapel- the shrine "Da Aparecida," meaning when the atheist saw the sorrow and disappoint- "The One Who Appeared." The path to the chapel ment in his eyes, and noticed that his shoes and was usually lined with beggars, most of whom clothing were covered with dust. Senhor Fer- were lepers and begged alms from "penitents" nando's heart was filled with human sympathy for that passed by. The women came to worship at the tired stranger and, disgusted with his own the shrine, while the men came to gamble in tents impetuous and uncalled for outburst of anger, he near by. Within the chapel there was an image asked the traveler to go into the house and rest of "Virgin," which, according to the tradition of before resuming his journey.
the church, had fallen from heaven in that place The remainder of the afternoon Senhor Fer- where the chapel was built. On the walls of that nando continued to direct the workmen at the chapel could be seen the arms, legs and other mill, but at six the day's work was ended and the parts of the body made of wax, placed there by atheist went into his house where he found the worshipers as a testimony to the curative power stranger asleep on the floor of his office. When he of that image! awoke, refreshed, the evening meal was served.
Senhor Fernando, a cultured and intellectual As they conversed together, the missionary said man, could not accept these and other teachings to the Master of the house: of the Church of Rome and, knowing no other "Sir,I was looking over the books in your office form of worship, he became an atheist. and did not find a Bible such as I am carrying Though educated and trained for a physician, with me, so I am leaving one for you."
he had to give up this career, because of ill-health. Though pressed to remain over night, the ( 81 ]
stranger said that he must hasten on and dis- away the sin of the world." "Night," for Senhor tribute more Bibles before the shadows of the Fernando, had gone and the dawn broke into the night closed down upon him. The atheist watched full light of day. He became a new creature in the missionary disappear in the distance and then Christ Jesus! A wonderful miracle had been returned to his office and opened the book which wrought in his heart. the stranger had left. A little over a year ago Sr. Fernando went to He began to turn the leaves until his eyes fell be with the Lord but before he went he often spoke upon the first verse of the first chapter of the of that night with the servant of God. He used Gospel according to John. Then began to read: to say that his experience was similar to that joy- ous experience recorded in Luke, of those two In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with disciples walking to Emmaus, accompanied sud- God, and the Word was God. The same was in the oegin- denly by a Stranger, and who "said one to anning with God. All things were made by Him and with- other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while out Him there was nothing made that was made. In Him he talked with us by the way, and while he opened was life; and the life was the light of men. And the to us the Scriptures1'" Sr. Fernando and his light shineth in darkness; and the darkness compre- household believed, and were baptized the next hendeth it not. . . . That was the true light which day by Sr. Braga. lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the Persecution followed this new servant of God. world knew Him not. He came unto his own, and his Sr. Fernando began to share the Glad News with own received Him not. But as many as received him to all his friends and neighbors. Fearless toward them gave he the power to become the sons of God, the priest and to the traditions of the Roman even to them that believe on His name, which were born, Church, he went to the priest to tell him of the not of blood, nor of the will of man but of God. . . . wonderful Gospel of salvation, as found in the Book. The priest became enraged, and with up- As Sr. Fernando read these inspired words, the raised hands said that the laws of the Church Spirit of God was softening his rebellious heart. forbade anyone to possess a Bible; he declared There was a peculiar fascination in this book, that his orders must be obeyed absolutely without such as he had never seen before in any other argument or explanation. He denounced Senhor book. Eagerly he read on and on, chapter after Fernando as an heretic and ordered him to give c.hapter, far into the night. With the first faint over the Book to be burned publicly. But the new rays of morning, the light of the Gospel began to disciple of Christ would not give the Book and shine for him. Not returning to his work, he returned home more eager than ever to preach spent the whole day reading, sometimes in the Old the new-found Gospel. His listeners increased in and sometimes in the New Testament. The work- numbers and they secured an empty hall in the men and the wheels of the cotton mill went on village, where Rev. Braga was to preach. The without the master of the house to direct them. priest summoned other priests and followers, made them intoxicated, and they stoned the meet- Senhora Gabrielle, the devoted and affectionate ing house and broke up the service. That night, wife, became anxious. As each succeeding sleep- the same mad, intoxicated crowd surrounded the less night came and went, her anxiety deepened house of Senhor Fernando, throwing stones, firing for fear that insanity might have touched the guns and making threatening marks on the outmind of her husband. Even the little daughter of side of the house with their knives. Each night three, and the still more inquisitive little boy of they set guards so that no one could come in or go five, whose name was Antonio, grew troubled out. The fences were broken down; the cattle when they saw the father neglecting them and and the horses were driven away; the fruitful his work from day to day, engrossed in the new tropical orchard was cut down. book which the stranger had left. The workmen in the cotton mill proved faithful Finally, after two weeks, as is the custom in to the master of the house, and came with their some missions, other workers followed up the trail guns and ammunition, stationing themselves at of the first missionary. Mr. Landes, accompanied the doors and windows, ready to defend the soby Mr. Braga, father of the well-known minister, called heretic and his family. A most vivid im- Erasmo de Carvalho Braga, came traveling the pression of those two weeks was left on the mind, same dusty road, under the same Brazilian sun. as the little boy, Antonio, remembered his moth- As they aproached the home of Senhor Fernando, er's face; that look of anxiety and great fear, unlike the reception given to the first missionary, mingled with tears as they waited for the end. Mr. Landes was warmly welcomed into his home. Provisions became low until they were without The host lost no time in putting the Bible into the food. Mr. Braga, the faithful missionary, did not hands of Mr. Landes, and the servant of God ex- forsake them, and after prayer, he went early in plained that he had come for the very purpose of explaining the message of that Book. Late into the night these two men talked together, the minister pointing to the "Lamb of God that taketh the morning to seek food in another village. He The father reflected for a moment and then was at the hazard of his life, but he knew that said: the same God who could work such a miracle in Sr. Fernando could perform another miracle to "That is so my son. . . . I will give my consent, save his life. All roads leading out of the village if your mother will agree to it." After the mothwere guarded, but when Mr. Braga came upon er's consent was obtained, with money sufficient four guards, they were sleeping. So he succeeded for only a few days after his arrival in the great in obtaining the necessary provisions and on his city of S. Paulo, Antonio started out to prepare return he found them asleep again. for his life work. His plan was to get some work in the city and in the odd moments take up his Finally, the mob sent word that the house would studies at Mackenzie College. The work he found be burned and their lives forfeited if they re- was of such nature that he did not have any time mained. The priest provided a horse for each of left for studies. He went down to his knees to the grown persons if they would leave early the ask his heavenly Father to come to his rescue in next morning while it was still dark, taking no opening the necessary doors. possessions with them. Very early the next day the little family arose, bade adieu to their posses- At about this time Antonio made the acquaintsions, mounted the horses and rode away. ance of a devoted young man of about his own age, Philip Landes, now a missionary in Brazil. *** He was a student-teacher at Mackenzie College. These two congenial souls, who loved the Lord, Years passed-years full of hardships and per- became very close friends and spent many evesecutions but always with the joy of the Lord in nings together in fellowship and prayer. One their hearts. Forced from one place to another, day when this boy was out in one of those torren- Sr. Fernando left in each place a little group of tial rains characteristic of tropical countries, an believers that developed in later years in organ- old gentleman crossing the street slipped on the ized churches. wet pavement and fell on his knees ~and side. Antonio hastened to help him up, taking him to The little lad, Antonio, grew to manhood and the dental office where he was employed. Here came to the United States where he prepared to the man washed his hands and brushed his be a minister of the Gospel. clothes. Then the old gentleman, with thanks on his lips, went his way and the incident was for- How He Cares for the Travelers gotten for the time.
Prayer is the key that unlocks the doors before One evening Antonio and his friend Philip were the spiritual traveler. As said the evangelist, talking together about the possibility of an open- D. L. Moody: "Elijah had such a faith that he ing for study at Mackenzie College when Philip could lock the windows of heaven by prayer and said, "Why don't you go tomorrow and ask the carry the key in his pocket for three years and six vice-president of the College if there is a place months. No rain came until he took out that key where you may be able to study and work your and asked God to open those windows again." way through college, as I am doing. In the United States many young men do that sort of thing." A great student found in the Bible, exclusive of So the next morning, at the office of Mackenzie the poetical books, 667 direct personal prayers for College, a timid young man confronted the vicespecific things, and 454 answers to these pray~s. president, a man of very austere outward appear- The writer desires to give a personal testimony ances. He was tall, his hair was long and almost to God's faithfulness in answering the prayers reaching his shoulders; he had a very sharp proand petitions of His children also today. file and was wearing thick large glasses. His clothes fitted loosely on his tall, bony frame, and One day ten years or so after his conversion, as he looked at the timid young fellow before him, Sr. Fernando's eldest son, Antonio, came to him he said: "And what can I do for you?" The boy and said: told of his desire to study, and confessed that he had no money but would work in payment for his "I desire to go away to college and prepare my- education. The vice-president frowned and inself for God's work." quired if there were any letters of recommenda- tion. "None" was the prompt reply. "Mr. Landes "That is all very well, son," Sr. Fernando re- knows me slightly" was added with hesitation. plied, "but you know that in persecution we have The man pondered for a while and then added, lost all the means we had and I am not able to "Your face is not a very good recommendation for help you now." you and it is just as well that you do not have any "Yes, father," replied the son, "but have you not been teaching us that if we ask anything in Jesus' name that is according to God's will, He will grant that petition? I believe that somehow the Lord will open the way for me." recommending letters because I have taken some yes, thousands of students to a higher life of servhere with a large number of letters of recom- ice, and led many of them to know the Lord Jesus mendation and they turned out to be disappoint- Christ. During the following years many were ments. You are the first one that ever came here the difficulties overcome because the Lord opened without any recommendation whatever. That doors in answer to prayer. We tell only one more makes me wish to try you. You must see my fa- instance where His grace was sufficient to the boy ther, however, because he is the president and will who dared to take God at His word. have the last word to say on the subject." He turned to his desk and wrote something on a piece It was during the young man's first month at of paper and told the lad to take it to the president Princeton Seminary. Because of ill health, caused of the College, Dr. Lane. So, with a prayer in his by ptomaine poisoning contracted on ship, his heart the young man went across to Dr. Lane's doctor advised him to have an operation perhouse and knocked at the door. If the son was so formed. He went to New York and made argruff what about the father? Under that gruff- rangements to have the operation performed ness he later discovered a helpful and affectionate during the Christmas vacation of 1909. One probheart. A young lady came to the door, Miss Fanny lem arose – the ever-present question of money. Lane-daughter of Dr. Lane-and inquired what All his expenses in the hospital would amount to he wanted. When the lad answered that he had about $150.00 but he did not have much more a message for Dr. Lane, she replied, "Father is than that to defray his expenses during the year very busy and nervous today – may I give him at the Seminary. So he took the problem to his your message?" At that moment a voice like a Father in prayer. roar came from within, "Let him come in, I have just a moment for him." Under a gruff exterior One week before he left for the hospital, the there was a heart of gold and Dr. Lane later be- little church of McCuchenville, in Ohio, where he came a firm friend of the young man. There, had testified many times to the power of God, seI1t seated by a desk was a man about sixty years old, him a check of $25.00 as a Christmas present alof medium height, stocky build, looking more like though they knew nothing of the operation. Two a judge than a physician, more like a minister or three days before his start for the hospital in than an educator. He looked fixedly at the young New York, some one left $125.00 in an envelope man before him until his gaze made the lad un- inside the door of his room as a Christmas prescomfortable. Then he said, without reading the ent but those who sent these gifts never knew anynote: thing about the operation. Being a newcomer to the Seminary, Antonio had not as yet made close "Are you not the young man who, when I fell friends to whom he would reveal personal the other day in the street, helped me into Dr. matters. Norris' office?" But that was not all. After the operation was "Yes," said the boy, "I remember helping some- performed and the time required was spent in the body." hospital- about fifteen days – under the best of care, he came down to the office to pay the bill. "I was that 'somebody,''' said Dr. Lane, read- To his amazement he was told that his bill was ing the note. Finally he said, "Yes, tell Rufus paid and they would not reveal the name of the (the vice-president) to find a place for you; if one who had paid it. That is a good commentary there is no place tell him to make one. . . ." Then on' Ephesians 3: 20: ". . . he is able to do exhe added, "Tell him to make you my secretary." ceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think. . . ." The person that paid that hospital So the young man became Dr. Lane's errand bill may have been that great young servant of boy, a position which Dr. Lane dignified by call- God, William W. Borden ("The Borden of Yale"). ing him his secretary. He was the only visitor that the young man had while in the hospital and they were classmates in Thus the Lord opened the way for the lad to the Seminary. study in Mackenzie College and, with the fellowship of young Landes, those became days of great It may be well to pass on to any young person blessing. who may read these lines, the advice that Sr. Fer- nando gave to his son, as he accompanied him to After leaving Mackenzie College, through the the statioD just before the young man left home advice of his friend Philip Landes, Antonio left for the last time. "Son," said he, "silver and' gold Brazil and went to the United States to further I have none to give you, but one thing I have done, prepare for the Lord's work. When he arrived at I have pointed you to the Lord. That will prove Wooster College in Ohio, he had only five dollars better to you than much riches. Keep close to in his pocket, but God was with him and that was Him and you will lack nothing that you may better than a million dollars. At the station he need." The son has found it so. was met by Professor John Howard Dickerson, a wonderful man of God, who inspired hundreds, What one pilgrim has experienced, everyone life. Then the Christian life becomes the most may have. F. B. Meyer tells us how the blessing melodious music to the eternal ears of God. of God's presence in its fulness came to him. He says: "Sixteen years I was a minister in Midland THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER town in England, not at all happy, doing my work for the pay I got, but holding a good position 'Twas battered, scarred, and the auctioneer amongst my fellows. Hudson Taylor and two Thought scarcely worth his while young students came into my life. I watched them. They had something I had not. Those To waste his time on the old violin young men stood there in all their strength and But held it up with a smile. joy. I said to Charles Studd: 'What is the difference between you and me? You seem so happy, "What am I bidden good people," he cried, and I somehow am in the trough of the wave.' He "Who will start the bidding for me? replied: 'There is nothing that I have got which you may not have, Mr. Meyer.' But, I asked: A dollar, a dollar! now two only two; 'How am I to get it?' " Two dollars and who'll make it three?
"Well," he said, "have you given yourself right Three dollars once, three dollars twice; up to God?" Going for three?" but no!
"I winced. I knew that if it came to that, there From the room far back, a gray-haired man was a point where I had been fighting my deepest Came forward and picked up the bow, convictions for months. I lived away from it, but when I came to the Lord's table and handed out Then wiping the dust from the old violin the bread and wine, then it met me; or when I And tightening up the strings, came to a convention or meeting of holy people, something stopped me as I remembered this. It He played a melody pure and sweet, was one point where my will was entrenched. I As sweet as an angel sings. thought I would do something with Christ that night which would settle it one way or another. The music ceased and the auctioneer And I met Christ" . . . and so he goes on to tell With a voice that was quiet and low how he came into full fellowship with Christ and the joy that became his after that. But he did Said, "What am I bid for the old violin?" not gain the victory until he had consecrated all And he held it up with the bow. of his life to Him. So that is the secret of "Victory with God." Every pilgrim may have this vic- "A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two, tory if He allows the master full control over his Two thousand, and who'll make it three?
Three thousand once, three thousand twice; And going and gone," said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried, "We don't quite understand.
What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply, "The touch of a master's hand."
And many a man with life out of tune And battered and torn with sin, Is auctioned cheap to thoughtless crowd Much like the old violin.
A mess of pottage, a glass of wine, A game, and he travels on.
But the master comes and the foolish crowd Never can quite understand- The worth of a soul, and the change that's wrought By the touch of the master's hand.
NATIVE ABILITY IN PREACHING Even though a white man may have been born in the country and may have grown up with the natives as I happen to have done, yet he cannot fully grasp the native ways of think- ing nor can he put things in the way that appeals to them. I have been greatly impressed lately with the clear and forceful illustrations natives can use, illustrations which sometimes (without any careful explanation) would be quite obscure to a white man but which pour a flood of light on the native mind. . . .
I was listening to a native preaching with great earnestness and power. He was trying to show the evil of the natural heart and that it was not so much God Who had cast out the sinner as it was the sinner who was rejecting God, and he suddenly shouted out the word "Mungazi"! The people looked startled and then a dawn of comprehension appeared on their faces. .
After the preacher had finished, I asked him to explain what mungazi meant. He re- minded me of a huge parasitical fruit which grows like a large pumpkin on the trunk and near the top of high trees. This fruit is called mungazi. It attains a huge size, sometimes weighing fifteen pounds. Then it slowly rots at the heart.
Eventually it begins to lose its hold on the parent tree and in distress calls out, "Kanda wa ngumbake!" (Oh, don't let me go!) The parent tree replies, "I am not letting you go; it is you who are so rotten that you are letting go of me." And then, crash! down falls the mungazi. The moral, now that I have explained it, is quite obvious, but to the native, it was only necessary to say the word and the point the preacher wanted to elucidate became per- fectly clear.-Rev. W. Singleton Fisher, in "Congo Mission News." .
Issues in
i –e§f By DR. JUAN ORT GONZALEZ, Madrid, Spain I~.- ~I ==============================~ O UTSIDERS, pondering the terrible loss of In view of this wide difference in these ideals life and property caused by the present and in programs, it is not surprising that most civil war in Spain, are apt to overlook the Protestants of Spain, including ministers and layvital national issues which are at stake in that men, foreign and national workers, as well as bloody struggle. The life-and-death nature of the many liberal and highly cultured Roman Cathwar now being waged, for all those who follow the olics, are opposed to General Franco and his assolead of the Government, was expressed a few ciates in the Rebellion. months ago in the Spanish Congress by its President, Martinez Barrio, when he said: It may be asked, If the Central Government is not opposed to religion, why have the Madrid "We prefer to die standing up for our ideals forces burned so many churches and convents, and than to live kneeling before a military dictator." why have priests and friars been killed or put in Definitely distinct ideals in politics, economics, jail? If it is not "Red," then why are some of education and religion are held by the two op- its ministers Communists and Marxists?
posing sides in Spain's civil war. Those held by The best evidence that the Government is not the government of Madrid, which just now has its opposed to religion in general is that the Protesheadquarters in Valencia, may be briefly stated as tant churches have not been disturbed in terrifollows: tory under its control. In the Basque Provinces, In religion, absolute freedom and complete separation which have remained loyal to the Government, the of church and state. Roman Catholic Church is as free as before. In regions where the Government has acted differ- In politics, the establishment of a federal republic sim- ently, it is because bishops, priests and friars have ilar to that of the United States, ruled by the majority sided with the Rebels. Churches have been dein both central and regional governments. stroyed where cannon and ammunition were found in them or where they have been fortified and used In economics, a better distribution of wealth and higher as Rebel strongholds. wages for workers. (Those previously existing in Spain have been the lowest pa:d in Europe.) These measures It is reported that General Franco's soldiers are to be based on the constitution of the country and not have killed Protestant ministers and Catholic on any communistic theory. priests, have imprisoned the Catholic Bishop of the Basque Provinces; and have put in jail friars In education, the aim is to wipe out the prevailing and nuns who were loyal to the Madrid governilliteracy which has been the shame of every cultured ment. Spaniard, and the establishment of "La Escuela Unica" (one school for all classes). While there are members of the Spanish cab- inet who are Marxists, Syndicalists or Commu- General Franco, the leader of the Fascist or nists, these men have been chosen to help the war Rebel Party, has promised that the Roman Cath- against Fascism, and they have given their promolic Church shall have even greater power than ise not to use their official position to promote she has enjoyed during the last decades of the marxism, syndicalism or communism. monarchy. .Many believe that this will involve the suppression or rooting-out of Protestantism, The Outlook for Religious Liberty the dissolution of Masonic lodges; and the expulsion of Jews.
In politics, it is believed that a rebel victory will be followed by a military dictatorship for at least If the Government wins the present war, we be- five years. . lieve that the country will enjoy complete reli- In economics, it is expected that there will be gious liberty. Government leaders have assured a nullification of the agrarian laws of the Re- me that the expression in the Constitution, "a lay public which aimed at a better distribution of Republic,'~ does not imply irreligion or o~cial land. There will probably be also restoration of atheism. Those words only guarantee equal free- rights and privileges which great landlords en- dom to all moral religions, with special privilege joyed during the monarchy. to none.
Education, many think, will again be put largely If the Rebel forces win, I see no hope for true in the hands of Roman Oatholic friars and nuns. religious freedom. The following statement has [ 86 ]
CONFLICTING ISSUES IN SPAIN
just come from a Spanish Christian evangelist: civil war started. Sayings of Christ and other "General Franco's regime would mean the re- passages of the New Testament are quoted in newal of the claim, 'One nation, one church'-a these papers repeatedly, largely to demonstrate statement made by General Queipo de Llano." In the fact that the Roman Catholic hierarchy is not Cordoba, the chief of the Rebel forces said to the really Christian, because its conduct is out of har- Protestants, "Leave Spain, or you will all lose mony with the teachings of Christ. your heads." For half a year before leaving Spain, my work The Central Government still controls more in Newspaper Evangelism brought me hundreds than half of the Spanish territory of the penin- of inquiries from all classes of persons. These sula, including the regions that are most produc- included four Catholic priests, and many teachers, tive in agriculture and industry, with about two- professors and lawyers, though by far the larger thirds of the twenty-four millions population. number came from Marxists and Communists. Statistics published in September, while I was in My experiences in this connection, together with Barcelona, showed that more than seventy-five per the results obtained from the thirty-five articles cent of the registered automobiles of the country published, have convinced me that the majority were in the hands of the Government. of Spaniards who regard themselves as unbeliev- ers are opposed rather to the Roman Catholic The regions that are poorer in agricultural and Church and her superstitions than to the true industrial production, as well as less densely pop- Gospel of Christ as revealed in the New Testaulated and less cultured, such as Old Castille and Extremadura are in the hands of the Rebels. ment. Galicia, although now in their hands, gave a large The greatest opportunity for evangelistic work majority to the Government in the general national election of February, 1936, and when it in Spain in the near future is offered by the attivoted for autonomy. The same is true of the tude of millions of nominal Catholics, who are dis- Canary Islands. gusted with the hierarchy of their church. The bishops have been found to possess huge private General Franco has fought his most successful fortunes, while multitudes go hungry; relics, battles not so much with native Spanish soldiers which the people had been taught to venerate as as with the help of from forty to fifty thousand "incorruptible bodies of saints," have been found Moors and fifteen thousand foreign legionnaires. to be made of wood and stuffed with ashes. As a It is reported that he is now asking Germany for result many Spaniards feel ashamed to be called sixty thousand soldiers to help him win the war. Catholics. This is the attitude of many of the lower clergy, of lawyers, and of many highly cul- Religious Problem for the Future tured laymen.
From the establishment of the Republic in If the Government wins the war and if a Spain, a campaign against religion was conducted national campaign of evangelization is then conby the Anti-God Society, but instead of gaining ducted, presenting the Gospel of Christ as Protground, the movement has lost impetus. Al- estants understand it, aided by newspaper evanthough the militia is largely composed of Marx- gelism and radio talks, the Evangelical leaders of ists, syndicalists, anarchists and communists, the Spain have well-grounded hopes that the new leading Spanish newspapers of those groups have Spain which will emerge from the present strugshown more respect for religion than before the gle will exhibit a receptive attitude towards Christ and His Gospel.
REQUISITES OF THE MODERN MISSIONARY 1. He must be missionary-minded, with a spiritual purpose and ideal, no matter what his special work may be.
2. He must be sure of the Gospel, realizing that its unique value and its universal application for salvation.
3. He must be educated and prepared, an effective public speaker and personal worker; a man who is wanted in his own land.
4. He must be one who can get along with people – good, bad, and indifferent. I 5. He must have the spirit of John the Baptist as toward Christ: i. e., "He must increase, 1 but I must decrease." II 6. He must have an undying zeal for service.
7. He must be a man of prayer.
8. He must be a living exemplification of the things that abide: faith, hope and love. This means self-control. I ~
Chinese Spend Sunday in
-~ ii By the REV. JAMES P. LEYNSE, Peiping, China I r.l<-o- ~i-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=~ W E INVITE you to come and spend a Sun- A Ohildren's Sunday School day with us in the Presbyterian Mission, Peiping, where Chinese evangelists and At 8: 30 a. m., the church bell rings again, this volunteer church workers cooperate with the missionaries in a variety of activities. It is a picture time for the children's Sunday school. There are of mission work in miniature. six Sunday schools with an average attendance of At the Early Morning Watch 400 children in the Presbyterian Mission. The At seven o'clock the church bell rings for the Morning Watch. Most of those who attend are rows of round-faced little pieces of humanity, each earnest soul workers, desiring to begin the day with a season of united prayer. For these Chinese with two eyes like black marbles, are taught by Christians the days are passed when superstition led them to bow down before a shrine at home for volunteer church leaders, students of our mission they have exchanged idol worship for prayer and Bible reading. But some have not yet succeeded schools, and missionary ladies. The Chinese chilin having all the idols cast out of their homes. There is, for instance: dren have very few opportunities to come together Mrs. Chao, a little woman toddling on unbound and so naturally they are keenly interested in the but broken feet, who always comes to the Morning Watch. She is still patiently enduring the Sunday school. The average child has never had Kitchen God of her mother-in-law in the corner of her kitchen. a birthday party, a picnic, a summer outing, or a Mr. Li, wholesale seller of sesame cakes, has a week-end visit, although he may have been to a neglected dusty shrine of the God of Wealth in his factory, placed there by his old father. temple fair and heard occasionally a story-teller And Mrs. Ho, the teacher, who lives with her in his courtyard. Some of the boys and girls are five sisters-in-law in one family home, under the superintendence of grandparents, parents, an true soldiers of Jesus Christ and have succeeded uncle and six respective husbands, has a dilapidated idol of the God of Earth in her two-room in driving the idols away from their homes. dwelling, another idol in the gateway, and a large picture of all the gods of heaven and earth in the A few months ago Lofty Aim, though only living room. All are kept there to please the grand old lady of the family. eleven years old, persuaded his parents to discard their idols. With his own pennies he hired a rick- sha, loaded it with the dusty images, labeled them "unwanted," sat on top of the load and took them back to the temple.
Little Pear Blossom, a girl of ten, led her moth- er to our women's meetings, and later on, upon her constant urging her father attended a series of our revival meetings. She kept on inviting Gospel Teams to yisit her home and as a result her par- ents have joined a Bible class. .
A Glimpse of the Ohurch Services Shortly before 11 a. m. several bells ring for church service.
In the north and west sections of Peiping, Sun- [88 ] AN EVANGELISTIC MEETING AT PEKING GOSPEL HALL day services are held in three Presbyterian revival m.eetings, church gatherings, prayer meetchurches, at Truth Hall school, the architectural ings, women's enterprises, Bible classes, lay-leadschool, the school of engineering, in the home of ers' training classes and cottage meetings, held at a church member, and in a room outside the all seasons of the year. Peace Gate. Each Sunday morning 300 to 400 men and women, in cotton or silk garments of Church members have opened their homes for dull blue, black and grey, fill the church which is weekly evangelistic meetings so as to win their located almost in front of our house. The ma- neighbors to Christ. Relatives, friends and neighjority of these people have been won from the bors are especially invited and while Chinese outside community as the students of the schools evangelists lead these meetings, the people themworship in their own student church. selves witness to their new-found joys and power in the service of Jesus Christ. At all our meetings, volunteer lay-leaders hold the chief place. In America a professional min- Mrs. Yeh was recently won to Christ at one of istry may seem essential, but in our field the lim- these home meetings. As a result she suffered a ited resources and great needs have not made that great deal of persecution, and was locked up by practical, even if it seemed best. For four years her husband to prevent her from attending "the the city churches have done without mission-paid Christian devil meetings." But prayer and papastors and evangelists, as those on the mission- tience brought victory to her. paid staff devote their efforts to the unevangelized regions. Our city churches are not yet ready to Mrs. Wang, who once had a special bolt made call their own pastors. In the meantime I am in- for the gate of her house to prevent our Chrisvited to give advice at committee meetings and tians from visiting her, now goes around to spread assistance at the various church services. The the Glad Tidings at various neighborhood gathemphasis at all meetings is upon spiritual things. erings. The message, always from the sacred Scriptures, is direct as an arrow and finds quick response in In the Street Gospel Halls the hearts of listeners. The majority of our Christians are won from A widespread interest in reaching the masses the darkness of superstition to the light of Jesus has been developed and there are many crowded Cht:ist in our two city chapels. Five evenings a week the Evangel is preached in these halls which are located at two business centers. Often an
evangelistic meeting, a Bible class, a children's fore heard the Gospel or even saw a Bible. One meeting, and the English night school for busi- day aimlessly walking about he drifted into our ness boys and girls are going on at the same time. Gospel Chapel and the message struck home. He joined a Bible class, studied the Word and became l1i the morning and afternoons the places are used converted. Long before he was baptized he took his stand with those who proclaim the saving for women's meetings, Bible classes, and a school knowledge of Jesus Christ and tasted the joy of for poor children. At one of these street halls bringing souls to the foot of the Cross. twelve gatherings of a purely evangelistic nature are held each week. Our Adult Sunday School Among the many converts won this year at In the main hall of the church, at 12: 15 p. m., these chapels is Mr. Shen, a former magistrate. the adult Sunday school meets with missionaries and Chinese volunteer workers doing the teach- ing. At these Sunday school classes we learn to know the intimate problems of the Chinese. Worthy Aim attended faithfully but no one sus- pected that behind his calm countenance there were tales of persecution and opposition. His fa- ther, a clerk in the office of the Buddhist Lama monastery, objected fiercely to his son becoming a Christian. He scolded him, reviled him, beat him, locked him up, refused him food and cursed him. But quietly Worthy Aim read his Bible and redoubled his prayers. Seeing this, the father be- came "almost persuaded." He arranged a mar- riage for his young son to a young lady whom he had never seen before and Worthy Aim persuaded his father to invite us to hold a service at his wedding. While there the father consented to his son joining the church. He even attended the church service when later his son was baptized.
A STREET SCENE IN PEIPING The Grip of Opium Attracted by the singing, he entered the hall. Every day we see evidences that China is in Then the message aroused him, and evening after need of a great nation-wide spiritual uplift. Mulevening he returned. Later he stayed for the titudes of the Chinese are in the grip of opium aftermeeting and enrolled as an inquirer. "The and everywhere we note signs of the fact that eyes of his heart" were gradually opened to his narcotics are eating away the vitality of the peosins, and one day he yielded to Christ as his ple. At testimonial and report meetings we are Saviour and became a changed man. He has now often deeply moved by the tales of grave demordeveloped into an ardent personal worker who alization that tears at the heart of old and young, often is found witnessing in the Gospel Halls. men and women. Many turn to the church in the hope of finding freedom from their bondage. Another outstanding result of this work is Mr. Chang, formerly a military officer, who never be- Mr. Glorious Purpose Wang is one of those who, through the power of prayer, recently es- caped the clutches of the opium devil. He lost his position and gambled away his possessions. His wife left him and his children were taken to the homes of his relatives. Then one day one of our evangelists brought him to a revival meeting. At first Glorious Purpose was too dazed to understand what the Gospel was all about, but graduaHy his heart opened and one evening after kneeli~g down at the platform he arose a changed man. I A Gos- pel team took interest in him, helped him fight the power of the opium habit, and led him step by step to complete victory.
HOW CHINESE SPEND SUNDAY IN PEIPING
ROY CHAPMAN ANDREWS TRU9K USED TO TRANSPORT EVANGE'LISTS TO MEETING PLACES Volunteer Chinese Workers among people of their own social standing, they illustrate their simple Gospel message by a vital Each Sunday afternoon at two o'clock, groups personal experience of God's saving grace. It of volunteer workers go from the church to hold always impresses the people that without material meetings. Almost every afternoon, usually under renumeration these workers enthusiastically try brilliant sunlight with the fine grey dust of the to win souls for Christ. Sometimes they preach streets as pavement, Gospel Teams of volunteer in a very informal setting, while the family vischurch workers go over the city to hold religious ited takes their meal alongside a traveling kitchen, gatherings in homes, courtyards, factories and which a coolie of "Bitter Strength" has carried shops. For years I have given close attention to into the open courtyard, stove and all, by a bamtraining Chinese Christians into a force willing boo pole slung over his shoulder. Sometimes the and able to lead people to Jesus Christ, and in family gathers in the parental living room for a this way to make each church member into an more formal gathering, together with the sons, ardent evangelist. The Chinese come to our home daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, who all live for counsel at all hours of the day, mealtimes in- in the parental enclosure. At other times the cluded. There we share our experience, knowl- neighbors are invited in, forming quite a goodedge, hopes and aspirations. Last year after a sized audience. series of revival meetings, led by the famous Chinese evangelist, Dr. John Sung, we formed ninety- For several years Mr. Mu, the father of one of two city-wide Gospel teams. Each group is made our successful women evangelists, had been visup with from two to five members who have prom- ited by various teams and a score of evangelists. ised to go out preaching at least once a week and For over 20 years he habitually smoked opium. to report to the superintendent of their district. He was of an irritating disposition, fiercely anti- Twice a month on Sunday afternoons all groups Christian, and when drunk he reviled the evanmeet in our church for a general report. gelists. During all these years he never worked, but stayed almost continuously in one small room. Some of these volunteer workers lack education At last he could hardly walk; his eyesight became and training; the others are shy in approach, impaired and his mind was so dull that "he could tactless in fervor or hasty in enthusiasm. But all sleep inside a drum." Naturally his home was unare earnest soul workers, made alive by the re- happy. For years his daughter had prayed for generating power of Jesus Christ. Laboring
his conversion, and finally she solicited the help , around his neck, pauses in front of the speaker.
life of a group of church workers. Great was the re- Lips wide open, feet apart, he listens in bewilder- joicing when Mr: Mu and wife found new in ment, off and on, taking a bite from his necklace. Christ. Both were baptized just two weeks be- At other times a dusty donkey driver is all ears fore the sudden death of Mrs. Mu. Faithfully each for the Gospel songs but keeps his eyes fixed on week Mr. Mu is now attending meetings and his bowl,while audibly he eats soup, course mac- though past 60 years of age, he has joined a class aroni and strips of cabbage, with a pair of chop- to learn to sing Gospel songs. sticks. Sometimes a coolie vender remembers Street Gospel Meetings suddenly his trade, and the preaching must be stopped' for a moment while he lustily shouts: At seven o'clock every night the church bell "One copper cent for a big sweet potato. Warm rings for the evening meeting. Frequently a vol- your hands with it first and eat it afterwards." unteer worker tells about some street meeting or But usually the people are quiet and attentive and they are always eager to accept tracts 'and cards inviting them to attend church services.
Outside the City Gate Some volunteer workers rented a house outside the Peace Gate and changed its name to a little "Hall of Happiness." Regularly they go out there to evangelize the neighborhood and to spread Glad Tidings to the country people working in the fields. Whenever they start to sing by the road- side, stooping figures in blue cotton leave their harvest of peanuts, maize and kao-liang. Solid- wheeled blue-hooded carts stop to enable their occupants to crawl out, and women with babies in arms leave their mudhouses to listen. There in the glorious and splendid sun, shining all day long, words of eternal life are poured out into ears who never heard the Gospel before, yet the people live within the radius of a few miles out- side Peiping, a world city of the Orient.
VOLUNTEER LAY LEADERS WHAT CHRIST SAID about the work outside the city gates. Knowing I said, "Let me walk in the fields." -that swiftly running water is a good place to catch He said, "No; walk in the town." fish some church members go occasionally to the street of the Eternal Happiness Monastery, one I said, "There are no flowers there." of the busiest markets of Peiping. On market He said, "No flowers, but a crown." days there always gathers a very picturesque audience, including carefree gentlemen in silks I said, "But the skies are black, and painted ladies in satin gather around the im- There is nothing but noise and din"; provised platform, together with perspiring ricksha-pullers. Weary laborers in blue cotton gaze And he wept as he sent me back; at the colored evangelistic posters. Sometimes a "There is more," he said, "There is sin." Mongol, wearing a string of crabapples strung I said, "But the air is thick, And fogs are veiling the sun."
He answered, "Yet souls are sick, And souls in the dark undone."
I said, "I shall miss the light, And friends will miss me, they say."
He answered, "Choose tonight If I am to miss you, or they."
I pleaded for time to be given. He said, "Is it hard to decide?
It will not seem hard in Heaven To have followed the steps of your Guide." GEORGE McDONALD.
Goforth of
-<illi By REV. J. A. MacMILLAN, N,w Yock III>– AMONG the missionaries of our day, Jonathan In Toronto jail and in a mission in old St. John's .r- Goforth has held a leading place for nearly Ward he labored earnestly and successfully for the half a century. The immediate cause of souls of men. "The Ward" was known as a tough his retirement from that field was not age or ill place in those days, but he went about among the health, but total loss of eyesight. Blindness was worst characters, holding open-air meetings, and a heavy handicap to a man in his seventy-fifth endeavoring to gather his hearers into the mis- year, but he continued to speak on behalf of mis- sion conducted by the young people of old Central sions, and was constantly in Presbyterian Church. During demand. one summer vacation he called Early Impressions on no less than nine hundred and sixty families. Other Born in 1859, in the atmos- summers were spent on the phere of the Scotch Pres- Home Mission field. By all byterianism of southwestern these methods he was gaining valuable experience and eno n tar i 0, he inherited the riching his knowledge of the art of winning men. strength of character and religious intensity peculiar to First Years in China those sturdy pioneers. The reading of John Bunyan's Grace Abounding to the Chief Graduating from the college of Sinners, Richard Baxter's in 1887, he married Miss Saints' Rest, the Memoir of Rosalind Bell-Smith, an ac- Robert Murray McCheyne, by complished and faithful help- Dr. Andrew Bonar, and sim- meet through the ensuing ilar literature, left a lasting years of service. In January, impression, and determined 1888, the young couple left for the choice of the Christian China, under the Canadian ministry as a life work. The Presbyterian Church, to open flame of missionary enthu- the field of North Honan, siasm was kindled by words north of the Yellow River. On of the great herald of the Gos- landing in China, Mr. Goforth pel in North Formosa, George received a message from Rev.
Leslie MacKay. At the close J. Hudson Taylor, founder of of a strenuous furlough, and the China Inland Mission, ad- · having been disappointed in REV. JONATHAN GOFORTH, D.D. vising him that the suggested obtaining the h e 1per s for field was one of the most anti- whom he had fervently sought, he had uttered the foreign in China; that the C. I. M. had only just pathetic farewell: "I have tried in vain to get succeeded, after ten years of eifort, in entering someone. Now, I am going back. I have not the southern part of the province; and closing much longer to live; soon my bones will bleach with the emphatic admonition, "If you would on the Formosan hillside. No young man has enter that province, you must go forward on your yet caught the vision. There is no one to take knees." It was an exhortation quietly accepted my place." The heart of young Goforth "caught by the new workers, and prayer became the very the vision," and responded in full surrender, keynote of their advance.
"Lord, here am I; send me!" Towards the end of 1888, Goforth, in company Dr. Jonathan Goforth entered Knox College, the with Dr. J. Fraser Smith, a graduate in medicine, Presbyterian Theological School in Toronto, when set out on a tour of the chosen field. Over 1,200 twenty-three years old. His evangelical zeal was miles were covered by mule cart, thirty walled shown by his seeking, on the first day spent in the cities and hundreds of villages entered, and in- city, for an opportunity to do service for the Lord. formation gained which proved of value in laying [93 ]
plans for the occupation of the district. It was in the meetings at times, and painful confession not, however, until 1895 that the first permanent with tears was common. station was opened in Changtefu, Honan. A spirit of curiosity had by this time partly dis- After the formation of the United Church of placed the intense fear and hatred with which Canada, Dr. Goforth remained with the continforeigners were viewed, and it had become pos- uing Presbyterian Church. It became necessary sible to purchase property. The Goforths threw to seek a new field of labor and Feng Yu-hsiang, open their home to the people that all curiosity the "Christian General," invited Dr. Goforth to might be gratified. One thousand eight hundred act as chaplain to his army. Later, when General and thirty-five men, beside women and children, Feng accepted, for a time, the advances of the visited the house in one day. Faithful testimony, Russian communists, the missionary found himpatience and kindness eventually brought conver- self in strong disagreement with the General's sions, and churches began to be established. changed viewpoint, and once more took in hand the staff of the pioneer. A new field was located Five years later occurred the fierce "Boxer" in Manchuria, thl'ough the invitation of the Scotch uprising and the Honan missionaries found it and Irish Presbyterian churches. necessary to flee towards Hankow. On the way they fell in with enemies, and Dr. Goforth re- Later Years in Manchuria ceived a number of painful head wounds, the marks of which he carried to his grave. Twenty- Dr. Goforth was past 70 years of age when the four days were occupied in the journey to Han- time came for tHeir furlough in 1930. They rekow, through which the party were preserved by turned to Canada, and later once more went forth the grace of God. Later, after the troubles had to service in Manchuria. But blindness was resubsided, the stations in Honan were reopened, lentlessly gaining ground. Both Dr. and Mrs. and increased evidences of divine favor were Goforth underwent delicate operations, and in the manifested. case of both there was the entire loss of sight of one eye. Later the other eye of Dr. Goforth failed, A Gifted Evangelist and, as they would cheerfully acknowledge, there was but one eye between them. Dr. Goforth was gifted as an evangelist and spiritual teacher. Though receiving a copy of the Retirement was granted in September but, autobiography of Charles Finney, he was stirred though seventy-seven, Dr. Goforth had no thought to an intensive study of the ministry of the Holy of lessening his activity. Hundreds of invitations Spirit. Later came opportunity to visit Korea, poured in upon him, to none of which a deaf ear and see there the marvelous working of God in was turned. The evening before his sudden transthe revival in that land. He traveled through fif- lation, on October 8, 1936, he delivered an address teen of China's eighteen provinces, preaching in of which his son, Rev. J. F. Goforth, of Wallacethe churches of various missions. Thousands burg, Ontario, said: "He never spoke with were led to the Lord, and multitudes of native greater power; it had a pl'ofound effect upon the believers brought into a new relationship to audience." – From The Evangelical Christian, Christ. Strange conviction of sin was manifested Toronto.
I DIAMONDS FROM AFRICAN MINES I was invited to spend the week-end at the mines with an American engineer and his wife. . The wife was proud of her husband that he was a diamond expert, for years of training and experience were necessary to hold such a responsible position. Millions of dollars must be expended in developing the company; tons of earth must be excavated to discover a handful of precious gems to sparkle on my lady's finger, or to cut fine commercial glass. Thousands of black men were working from dawn to dusk to discover "the white man's stone," which, if cast into the fire would turn to ashes. I, too, am a mining engineer. I am mining for black diam.onds in Central Africa, the rarest and the most valuable stones of all. I am mining for jewels that do not turn to carbon, and I am proud of my high and holy calling….
I know a frail little woman, whose health is broken by having lived in the tropics and who cannot return to her Congo home, but while she was prospecting for God in that far coun- try she discovered a diamond-in-the-rough along the pathway. Being one of God's expert en':' gineers, she worked, and prayed, and polished until the black diamond that she discovered is now known as the "Kagawa of Congo." Single-handed he has won five thousand souls to Christ.-Julia Lake Skinner Kellersberger, in The Presbyterian Survey.
Outlook for Missions Tomorrow*
A Review by REV. COURTENAY H. FENN, D.D.
For Nearly Forty Years a Missionary in China HERE is another "Rethinking Missions," but "daring slogan," "The Evangelization of the world this time by a man who has spent years on in this Generation," a proper measure of the the mission field and has devoted his later Church's Commission. Yet Missions have always years to the study and teaching of mISSIOns at been the interest of only a minority of "Chris- Yale University. Moreover, the preconceptions tians."
with which he approached the writing of this The new day must grow out of the old for the book, were very different from those with which same nine forces are at work. Yet the emergence the preparation of the "Laymen's Appraisal" was of a new world culture; economic and social approached. Consequently, we have here Missions changes; the menace of war and eager longing Rethought on the basis of thoroughly evangelical for peace ; loss of faith in the older religions and convictions, and symmetrically laid foundations. the rise of new; revolt against Occidental domina While the title of the book is "Missions Tomor- tion, and a marked decline of missionary interest, row," nearly half of it is a review of Missions mark. the opening years of the new age. The Yesterday, another sixth is a sketch of Missions various causes of decline are set forth and the Today. Both are essential as a foundation on signs of an awakening, with the assurance of vic- which to build the future and as an introduction tory through faith in the God who never ceases to for readers who have not been close students of work.
Missions. Living as we are "in one of the great As to a "Program for Missions in the New ages of transition," we must know from what we Age," it is evident that missionary forces must are turning in order to be sure that the transition be reinforced and retrenchment must cease. The is to something better. Dr. Latourette sees more time has come to advance. New methods are re- to encourage in the record of past and present quired. Freshly opened doors must be entered.
than to discourage, and among all the influences New problems demand solution. This is not easy.
available for the making of a better world he finds The new age calls for pioneers. Yet much of the none more promising than Christian Missions. old must be continued, e. g. Evangelism, the win- They are not perfect as yet but are capable of ning of individuals and of groups; not the at- adjustment to the changing order of the new day. tacking of other faiths, but the making known of Never has the Christian Gospel been more univer- a better faith by life as well as word. Much more sally needed or more effective when rightly ap- attention must be given to the creation of Chris- plied than today. The author, from preface to tian literature. The mission of education and of finis, assumes a conviction of the truth of the medicine must continue in spite of government Christian message and declares himself "thor- limitations and tendencies to secularization. New oughly committed to the Christian missionary en- types of worship and of organization are bound terprise," yet this has not kept him from facing to come in, yet the Church must be kept in touch facts. with the past. Independence of peoples of other Dr. Latourette roughly dates the "amazing age" lands is growing and should grow; the mission- as 1815-1914, and in both that age and the new ary's function will be changed, and the new day one he notes nine main movements: (1) man's calls for the highest quality, able to help the na- increased knowledge of his environment; (2) in- tionals to efficient leadership. This requires im- creased utilization of environment; (3) emer- provement in theological education, which is on gence of mechanized civilization; (4) various lib- the way. Increased attention must be given to eral movements for welfare; (5) development of the children. An ingrowing community life must nationalism; (6) religious awakening; (7) West- be guarded against and the churches must be knit ern conquest of world; (8) disintegration of into a world-wide fellowship. Organic union is Oriental cultures, (9) enlarged missionary enter- not at once attainable, but universal Christian prise. This last, at its height, included 30,000 cooperation is possible. Oriental Christian lead- Protestant missionaries supported by contribu- ers now bring stirring messages to the West.
tions of $60,000,000 per year, and had adopted a Great and pressing problems for the world-wide • "Missions Tomorrow," by Dr, Kenneth Scott Latourette, of Yale Christian community are those of war and of University. 220 pp. $2.00. Harpers. New York. 1936. race. In Christ alone can their solution be found.
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Effective Ways of Working 'fested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~'=I===============================~ MAKING A CHURCH MIS- modus operandi of the Church, ful ways we have found of making SIONARY MINDED Missions a power in the lives of our Rev. Wade H. Bryant, writing church members. An entire week is Probably few pastors and not in Church Business under the set apart for it. The best teachers a great many male church mem- we can get are secured and a missionbers are not so minded-at least title of ary is brought in for the assembly in a passive, miscellaneous way; address. The school is graded accordbut how many need to become Making Church Members ing to age. The youngest boys and actively and systematically mis- girls meet in the afternoon from four sionary, with a well-articulated Missionary to five, the other classes at night from plan for linking every depart- 7: 30 to 8: 30; and from 8: 30 to 9: 15 ment of church life up with the says: all assemble in the church auditorium world-wide Kingdom program of for a missionary address. . . . As a Jesus Christ. As emphasized It is the task of the whole church direct result of one school of missions repeatedly in this Department, to get the Gospel to the last man on a fund was raised to support a native a prime essential is earth as speedily as possible. The worker in China. This actually came church leader's problem is to build out of the overflow of missionary in- A Live Church Missionary this truth into the lives of all the terest. members. Here are some of the Committee means we have used to make Mis- 6. A Functioning Missions Commit- sions . . . a vital reality in our tee. The major purpose of this is to To be most effective this church: keep the entire church membership should include (1) a representa- leavened with the spirit of Missions. tive from each department of 1. A Missionary Voice from the It is elected by the church and is comchurch activity – woman's so- Pulpit. Sometimes the pastor deliv- posed of a capable and aggressive ciety, men's brotherhood, Sunday ered two special series of missionary representative of each organization in school and every youth organiza- messages at the Sunday morning the church. It has enlarged the mistion so that the planning of a services. The first included descrip- sionary library of the church; cOnyear's study and endeavor may tions of our missionary work in each ducted a spring and fall campaign to be cooperative and articulated of the fields, both home and foreign. secure subscriptions to missionary instead of diverse and impulse- The second was a briefer series and periodicals; helped furnish programs actuated. The national and in- presented the lives and work of great for Missionarv Day in the Sunday terdenominational organizations missionary pioneers, the aim being to school once each quarter, and put on now put out their material with appeal particularly to the younger the school of missions. this end in view. (2) A definite members and to impart to them the plan for mission study and en- ideals which burned in the hearts of The use of these various means of deavor, gearing in every depart- those early heroes. teaching Missions has resulted in an ment inclusive of the men's or- increase in our contributions per ganization and the senior sec- 2. Using Missionaries at Every Op- capita for Missions, in our oversubtion of the Bible school. Avoid portunity. In the course of the year scribing our missionary budget and the lost motion of uncoordinated, we had 16 different missionaries from in an increasing interest throughout discursive and diverse activity. 11 different parts of the world. Some the church membership. No business man would need this were present for just one service, principle called to his attention some spent nearly a week. . . . Both (The school of missions is often if church work were not habi- bv their presence and by their mes- held for six successive Sunday evetually and traditionally segre- sages they fanned the fires of mis- nings at the hour of the worship servgated from practical life, prob- sionary interest. ice, 'or in place of the usual midweek ably due to the sharp dividing meeting over a similar period, with line between "secular" and "re- 3. Supporting Two Foreign Mis- moving pictures in the assembly half ligious." All of life is "reli- sionaries. The members pay the sal- hour, the six-reel film on the life of aries of two missionaries working Livingstone being especiallv approgious" to a 100 % Christian; under our foreign board. Frequent priate this year. This may be rented puolic prayer is made for these; at a nominal price from The Reliand the most efficient practices their pictures hang in the church gious Motion Picture Foundation. of "secular" life should be in the building; their names are on the The beginners' and primary depart- church bulletin each week; and ex- ments of the Sunday school may· have tracts from their letters are read in their missionary sessions at the usual the services and published in the bul- morning class hour to avoid evening attendance. Wherever p 0 s sib Ie, letin. churches of a community gain by 4. Aggressive Missionary Organiza- uniting in such a "School of World Friendship," thus making possible not tions. The women are organized in a only helpful fellowship but a selected women's missionary society with 10 faculty and a combination of financial circles; the young women and girls resources for the pictures and other in five auxiliaries; the boys in two incidentals.-ED. ) Ro:val Ambassador chapters; and the youngest boys and girls in a Sunbeam band. The total membership of these organizations is more than 400.
5. A Real Church School of Mis- sions. This is one of the most success- [96 ]
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
A School of Missions in modern methods of religious educa- mate, and we tried to impart to the tion. . . . Another point to be kept room a homelike atmosphere. After Far and away the most lasting in mind is that the courses and mameans of cultivating missionary terials are planned to be of permanent the suppers those present sat at ease value so that a library of resource for around a large ta.:>le. The minister interest in the local church is by any age group can be built up. . . . holding the annual School of sat with the leaders introducing the Missions previously referred to. Points for setting up such a school theme and steering the discussion. are as follows: As many churches are still on After the opening remarks each the hit-or-miss highway, the fol- (1) A competent committee through lowing digest of a leaflet on set- whom plans will be formulated, fac- leader in turn presented briefly some ting up such a school may be ulties secured, supplies provided and angle of the general theme. Then timely. It is from the Workers' interest and attendance promoted Manual of The United Christian should be formed. This committee they began to talk back and forth to Missionary Society: might suitably be the missionary edu- cation committee of the local church one another. Questions and comments The original plan regarding time and should include in its membership flashed around the table, and grad- was a period of six weeks, with meet- officers or representatives from the ings regularly on a weekday or some- church board and from each organiza- ually the outside fringe was drawn times on a Sunday night. . . . An tion in the church. . . . The pastor in and all present felt free to express efficient faculty must be enlisted and and church board should appoint the prepared for effective work. The best necessary committee for conducting their points of view. . . . The in- teachers in the congregation should the Church School of Missions. . . . be enlisted. . . . The committee in formal set-up, the conversational ap- charge of such a school should insti- (2) A capable director must be proach of the leaders and the natural tute a campaign of promotion found who sees the need and possibilithroughout the entire church contin- ties of such a school and who is en- and direct method of procedure led to . uing for several weeks in every de- thusiastic for missions as well as aJle partmental assembly of the Bible to direct and to win cooperation. excellent discussion. Some topics school, before classes, and in every meeting of the various organizations. (3) An efficient faculty must be en- were: listed and prepared for effective work. The plan of "minute men," each The best teachers in the congregation RACE AND NATIONALISM, AND WHAT presenting a one-minute talk on the should be enlisted. In many communi- RELIGION HAS TO OFFElR school, may be used effectively. Much ties there are school-teachers, libra- advertising in the way of posters, bul- rians, Y. W. and Y. M. C. A. secre- PEACE letins, personal announcements in taries, etc., who are not able because YOUTH AND RELIGION newspapers, letters, invitations and of regular duties to work continuously THE INNER LIFE personal telephone calls are effective through the organizations of the methods of awakening interest. church . . . but may be secured for In everyone of these discussions the this special service during the period A Booster Meeting is advisable, a of the school. interest was keen and many took part. dinner in connection with which will be of great help in getting people out (4) The committee in charge of the Each session lasted for two and a half and interested. At such a meeting, school should institute a campaign of snappy talks on "Why Hold a Church promotion continuing for several hours and had to be broken up by the School of Missions," "The Plan for weeks . . . in each meeting of the the Church School of Missions," "How various organizations. The plan of good night announcement. . . . In. our the School of Missions Has Worked "minute men" each presenting a onein Other Churches," etc., might be minute talk may be used effectively. community these Socratic Evenings given. After several such talks the Much advertising in the way of post- director for the proposed school ers, bulletins, announcements in news- have proved to be one way to meet should speak on "Possibilities for a papers, letters, invitations, etc., are Church School of Missions in Our effective methods of awakening in- the hunp'er of adults for intimate, Congregation." Following this the terest. practical discussion of the problems various members of the faculty should be introduced, each showing a copy For further information and sup- that perplex us in this era of tran- of the book he is to teach and giving plies, write to your own denomina- a brief, spicy preview of the course. tional headquarters or to the Mission- sition. . Some churches use the stereonticon, ary Education Movement, 150 Fifth moving pictures, dramatic and other Ave., New York City. (The outlines of two of these topics "eye-gate" methods for awakening in- terest. . . . It is desirable to have an Socratic Evenings showed that they were given a strong enrollment card printed giving the missionary flair. One may see their titles of books to be taught and the Under this title, Rev. Robert names of the teachers, also time and Merrill Bartlett, of Springfield, far – reaching possibilit;es in the place of the session, and a line for Mass., writes in Church Busi- names of nersons enrolling. . . . ness :* methdd for giving missionary educa- A seven-year cycle, not always Religious education has concen- tion without a formal program, and rigidly adhered to, is followed by the trated on the child and finding in this Missionary Education M 0 ve men t. field ample work to keep it busy, it enlisting the interest of men particu- which is an interdenominational board has not done its duty to the adult. representing 30 Protestant denomina- . . . Our church, in an effort to meet larly by the use of the discussion tions in America, in the preparation of the desire of the adults in our commu- method.) excellent study books and graded sup- nity for religious guidance, instituted plementary material for Adults, a series of Socratic Evenings. Our Missionary Activities of Young People. Seniors, Intermediates, various women's groups agreed to Juniors and children of the Pr:mary serve attractive, low-priced suppers a Bible Class and Beginners' departments. The at which the attendance was limited to Courses are prepared by those exceed- 75. We thought it best to keep the The United Presbyterian con- ingly well trained and with experience gatherings small, informal and inti- tains an article by Dr. A. M. Allen telling how the Men's • Copyrighted by The Duplex Envelope Bible Class of the Washington Company, Richmond, Va. Boulevard church in Cleveland unanimously undertook a mis- sionary project of their own among the underprivileged chil- dren in the southern mountains. Condensed somewhat the article runs thus: The purpose of undert'lking the support of a boy in one of our mis- sion schools was to gain that personal contact with the work of the Church which only actual acquaintance with the one helped can give. Several recommendations were received and finally the choice was made of a girl from Paint Creek, Tenn. The task consisted in furnishing the funds necessary to nlace this girl in the dor- mitory of a school where she could receive a high school education among Christian surroundings. . . . There was doubt in the minds of some as to the possibility of raising the neces-
sary $80.00 a year over and above the in the auditorium for which special have learned to strike back. But pa- regular offerings, which were not to tient, kindly good will finally break be interfered with. It was a trial of programs had been arranged. Effec- through walls of suspicion and dis- faith. . . . During the first year the trust. offerings amounted to the necessary tive demonstrations were presented $80.00 with $162.00 surplus. . . . Last each evening. In addition to these SepteJ.llber another girl was placed in the school. Besides it was possible to the young people gave a pageant and Visit and report on the treatment spread some support among three of the underprivileged and dispos- other schools, to provide glasses for two outstanding officials in the denom- sessed by the various governmental three students with defective vision, ination were special speakers. There and charitable agencies in your comto furnish clothing for all the children munity. What happens to people of one family who must otherwise were many short addresses on the dif- when they fall into the hands of the drop out of school, etc., etc. Money ferent fields. A great deal of in- police? What is the police court in from the fund, being loaned only to your town like? What happens to responsible parents and later repaid, formative literature was given out. them at the family welfare society, continues to be reloaned over and There was no admission to the ex- the juvenile detention home, the over again without interest. domestic relations court? hibit but two freewill offerings were How can interest be aroused and What opportunities are offered to maintained among such a group of taken which helped to defray ex- minority groups in your community men to prompt them to contribute penses. Individuals furnished the these hundreds of dollars? The an- in the matter of work? What opporswer lies mainly in the girls them- various exhibits with no expense to tunities for jobs, for advancement? selves-their regular and faithful cor- Who was the last hired? The first respondence . . . written in their the church. The chief expenses were fired? own quaint styles. Dr. McGranahan, printing, literature, express for panels in a letter to the president of the What about housing, recreation, class, writes that what impresses him from the Mission Board, etc. public utilities, sanitation, health of most about this relationship is not so minority groups in your community? much the good being done down South The chairman of the general com- Compare the condition of the poorest as the fun the Bible class men seem to group with that of the wealthy, the be having in doing it. He adds: "You mittee which made the plans wrote middle class and the poorer white seem to be getting a real kick out of population. it." . . . In the fall of 1934 eight of as follows: "We feel it was the bigthese men spent a glorious week-end gest thing the First Baptist Church visiting the schools in question. That trip will not be forgotten. of Portland has ever done in a mis- sionary educational way and we have The World Came to Portland been showing constant results because Dr. William A. Hill tells in of this effort. The missionary zeal in Missions how the First Baptist our church has greatly increased and church of Portland, Oregon, conducted a missionary exhibit we expect to have it show in a bigger which was an outstanding ex- way during the coming year." ample of the possibilities in missionary education: What happens to a Negro who lands For weeks the church was busy with Things Any Church Group in your town a stranger-how does he study and preparations, and in the Can Do find lodgings, what sort of accomfour days of the exhibit 6,000 people visited the booths and listened to the modations are availa.Jle to him, where explanations and addresses. The project was called "The World in the And put the accent upon the does he eat, how is he treated in the White Temple." . . . The plan in- "do"! This Department Editor matters of citizenship, railway and cluded exhibits in foreign mission booths representing Africa, Burma, postal service, police protection, jus- India, etc., and in home m'ssion labors in vain if the readers are tice before the law? booths of Americanization, work in Alaska, among Indians, etc.; of med- not mindful of the admonition, What are religious organizations of ical missions, promotion work for all minority groups like in your town? departments of denominational en- "Be ye doers of the word and not deavor, the Publication Soc i e t y, hearers only." The sole aim of How are their churches housed? schools, colleges, seminaries, etc., as her endeavor is to pass along What sort of leaders do they have? well as local work in the Y. M. and plans which are really workable Y. W. C. A., Council of Churches, Are they meeting the needs of their Girl Scouts, W. C. T. D., etc. . . . A young people or losing the coming most interesting display was a replica of Kodiak Orphanage in Alaska, and because they have w 0 r ked. generation? the moving pictures and stereopticon Among suggestions given in the slides in the picture room, these being What shapes the thinking of your accompanied by lectures by well in- current literature packet of The community toward minority groups formed travelers. . . . Effective dem- United Christian Missionary So- and toward other nations? Does paonstrations were presented in the eve- triotism in your community mean nings; the young people gave a ciety, the following is a conden- glorifying our national spirit at the pageant and outstanding speakers expense of others or does it mean apwere heard. sation of the outstanding points preciation of our national spirit along for all church workers: with that of the others? People visited the booths from 2: 30 to 10: 00 p. m. except during the hour Make a friendly approach to minor- Send the Department Editor ity racial or religious groups in your community. Choose your workers practical plans which you have from among those willing to subordi- worked out along this and other nate prejudices and try new paths. Choose with care the group you are to missionary lines.
approach, whether Negroes, Jews or others. Remember they have their prejudices and resentments, some- "Are you an active member- times more deeply rooted than your The kind that would be missed, own. Make contact at first with two Or are you just contented or three members of the group who That your name is on the list?
are likely to be sympathetic, and ex- Do you attend the meetings plain to them your desire for friend- And mingle with the flock, ship, letting them understand that you Or do you stay at home feel they have something to teach you. To criticize and knock?
Let the plans for friendship grow nat- Do you take an active part urally, not attempting too much at To help the work along, once. Or are you satisfied) to only just Remember minority groups are belong?
sensitive to slights even when not in- Do you ever go to visit A member that is sick, tended. Nobody wants to be segre- gated, even though in a choice situa- Or leave the work to just a few tion. You will occasionally meet re- And talk about 'the clique'?
buffs from Catholics, Jews, Italians or Think this over, member- other groups. Remember that rebuffs You know right from wrong.
from your own kind are a common lot Are you an active member, Or do you just belong?" and that as a protective measure they The Council of Women for Home Missions EDITH E. LOWRY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK WORLD DAY OF PRAYER From 1928-31, Miss Burnham was Children's Worker at War- Friday, February 12, 1937 burton Chapel, Italian, at Hart- ford, where she organized one FIRST FRIDAY IN LENT of the first nursery schools in The World Day of Prayer be- that city, working in cooperagins in New Zealand and the tion with various educational Fiji Islands, and as the Day pro- and welfare agencies. She was gresses, new groups in city, town, countryside, and hamlet, Director of Education and Sojoin in praise and prayer until cial Work at The First Church after some forty hours the Day of Christ, Congregational, in ends at Gambell on St. Lawrence Hartford, from 1930-34. While Island off the coast of Alaska thirty miles from the date line there she did much work in leadand about the same distance ership training in the field of from the Arctic Circle. All children's work and missionary these groups are praying that education, and organized and we may be one in our service for Jesus Christ – that barriers of supervised one of the first race and class may be broken F. E. R. A. schools at Center down-that we may truly learn Church House, attended by over to follow Him whose way is the four hundred young people and way of life for all men – that we may be faithful witnesses of adults. During 1935-36, she His love and His life-giving acted as Dean of Women and inpower-and that men may find structor at Dickinson Junior the way by which individuals and nations can live together in College and was on the faculty peace and understanding. of Dickinson Summer School of Christian Education. NEW ASSOCIATE CHARLOTTE M. BURNHAM THE APPEAL OF INDIAN SECRETARY YOUTH Associate Secretary In December, Miss Seesholtz "Lord, Teach Us to Pray!" introduced to you the new Ex- responsibilities the Council's ecutive Secretary of 'the Council program in international rela- One of our Religious Work of Women for Home Missions tions, legislative matters, con- Directors, while teaching a and editor of this bulletin-and ferences and schools of missions group of young Indian students now, in turn, it is her privilege and the Indian Work. Miss in one of the Government Boardto introduce to you Miss Char- Burnham, a member of the ing Schools, was asked, "Does lotte Mary Burnham who on Methodist Episcopal C h u r c h God really help anyone who October 15 became the Associate comes to the Council with a prays? What should we pray Secretary of the Council of training and experience that for – how shol1ld we pray?" Women for Home Missions. prepare her in an unusual way Does this remind you of another From time to time there will be for the work of the Council. group in far-off Palestine, one of messages from Miss Burnham whose members asked The Great in this bulletin, for in the re- After receiving a bachelor de- Teacher, "Lord, teach us to alignment of the work of the gree in religious education at pray" ? Those young men were executive staff of the Council Hartford Seminary Foundation groping their way from the old she will carry among her major she received her Master's degree religion of Judah with all of its from Trinity College, Hartford, traditionalism and formalism to Conn. In 1934-35 she did ad- an understanding of Jesus' in- vanced work at Yale Graduate terpretation of God as a loving School where she was Teaching Father "who giveth good things Assistant in the Department of to them that ask him." Education.
[ 99 ] These young Indian Americans, they are friends and advisers as well, homa for late cotton, drifted into the too, need guidance in their religious helping many young people through Imperial Valley, California, for early life, caught as they are in the transi- crises in their personal and school life. truck garden work, and then on up tion from the old to the new, often un- They encourage church membership into peas. The first crop rusted with able to accept the guidance of their and cooperate with the local ministers. the too abundant rain and the migra- own people who can see no good in the Does this type of training carryover tory worker pawned his rickety car white man's way of life or the white after the students have left the and the wheels of his trailer to get man's religion. And it is no wonder school? After a trip to visit former money for food, then starved until that many of the older generation can students, one of our Directors writes, relief funds brought him a few meals. see little good in these things when "We find that our graduates are do- There were still more dire conditions we remember the injustice and cruelty ing much better than we had heard. with the coming of the frost which blackening the relationships of the In most cases the Indian homes were nipped the late crop of peas. Several past. as neat as the white homes around hundreds had in some way secured them and sometimes better. At Happy gasoline to move onward-1,800 still But Indian youth today is looking Camp we visited two graduates who remained, the victims of malnutrition forward. In the boarding schools of are helning with church work. In a and discouragement. Whole families the secondary and vocational types little log church at Cottage Grove on must pick all day to secure six or maintained by the Government, many the Klamath River, Caroline Aubrey, eight hampers of peas; the combined young Indians are being trained for a graduate of Sherman, carried on the earnings could not feed the families. work this summer while the missionwork as leaders among their own ar" and his wife were at summer Low wages and irregularity people–as nurses, home economics in- school." of employment have long been structors, community workers, teach- underlying evils in the situation. ers, agriculturalists, stenographers, Fifteen national Home Mis- According to a recent study by in the trades, and in the professions. sions Boards unite in program the State Relief Administration Many others go out into our large and financial responsibility for of California: cities each year and are assimilated the work of the Joint Indian into the population. Many Indian Committee of the Home Missions In each of the last six years the Americans are holding important po- Councils. Funds are needed to largest number of agricultural work- maintain the work; more funds ers had employment for only half the sitions and many others have rendered are needed to cover adequately year. In 1930, 18 per cent had steady outstanding service to their own peo- the field. Will you help to an- work; in 1935, only 2 per cent had ple and to our Government. swer the appeal of Indian youth? no period of unemployment. The average yearly earning-s per family Ataloa, of Bacone College, Musko- "Lord, teach us to pray!" group, while only $381 in 1930, degee, Oklahoma, in addressing Indian clined to $289 in 1935. youth, said, "What a difficult but glo- CHARLOTTE M. BURNHAM. rious task Indian youth faces today! Earnings from agriculture were He stands at the place where many NOTES ON MIGRANT not supporting laDoring families six years ago and the need for a relief trails cross. How can the best in the WORK subsidy has steadily increased. A past be preserved-a priceless culture thoroughly bad situation is becoming that produced independence, strong even worse. leaders, a great art? And again, how select from the advancing civilization of the white man the things that are of value rather than those which degenerate and cheapen?
"Trained leadership is the only an- From the drought – stricken It is encouraging and signifiswer to these problems. This means areas of Oklahoma, Missouri, cant that when this national education where one may learn to Arkansas and neighboring 'share a life as well as make a living.' problem was brought to the at- We need religious leadership, moti- states, hundreds of families are tention of the United States vated by the teachings of Christ, that migrating to the extensive crop Senate in June, 1936, the followwill prove a new faith can minister areas of the Southwest. To ing resolution was adopted: to every phase of Indian experience, maintain their economic indeand relationships, with the same vi- pendence is their aim – and re- Resolved, That the Secretary of tality as the old religions. . . . But ports of the thousands needed Labor is hereby authorized and diwithout spiritual guidance, training, for the tremendous crop harv- rected to study, survey, and investiand unselfish devotion, Indian youth ests in California raise their gate the social and economic needs of will fail in meeting the challenge." hopes of employment. Often La ;orers migrating across state lines. they find no shelter available and Are we helping them to meet this the only thing left for them is to The children of these migrant build their own. The result is challenge? It is a challenge to us as numerous squatters' camps. families have been of major con- Christians to share our Christian To find shelter is by no means cern to the Council of Women heritage with them-the best thing in their only problem. In Califor- nia a small town became a city for Home Missions since the our civilization we have to offer. In overnight. Twenty-five hundred pickers arrived to harvest the Migrant Work was begun in an attempt to meet this need for reli- pea crop. Hundreds of families, many of them from the districts 1920. Through religious educagious instruction, Christian character of the sharecropper in Arkansas, building, and leadership training, Mississippi, and Texas, swarmed tion, public health programs, among young people in the Indian into the area in search of work. schools, the Council of Women for and recreational activities, the Home Missions and the Home Mis- Most of the army of 2,500 people sions Council, working through the had wandered from Arkansas or Mis- lives of thousands of children Joint Indian Committee, maintain a sissippi over the state line into Oklareligious education program in six and young people have been pergovernment boarding schools and several communities and day schools. manently enriched. . This program includes courses of study in the schools, in the Bible and In 57 areas in 12 states, Life of Jesus, Chapel Services, Young People's societies, clubs and recrea- churches of 17 denominations tional work, and is carried on by eight trained Religious Work Directors. cooperate through the Council But this is not all that they do- of Women for Home Missions in service to the Migrants. Work in 32 other states is not even be- gun.
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I Our W orld~wide Outlook IiI [ A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events ~ EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO I~ NORTH AMERICA rer ~ent of all. philanthropic giv- The Bishops' Crusade mg m the Umted States to reli- More Christianity in Public gion and the love of God. This is a two-year enterprise Life of a spiritual nature, initiated A fitting conclusion to what and led by the bishops of the Dr. E. Stanley Jones, one of was probably the best annual Methodist Church, and having the leaders in the National meeting of the United Steward- two phases or sections. Preaching Mission, declared that ship Council was a discussion of the Spirit of Christ must be em- the "Stewardship Approach to The first is called the Missionbodied in public as well as pri- Personal Religion." ary Forward Movement. Its vate life. purpose is to make the Church Religious Broadcasts vitally missionary and evan- "Today religion is at the judg- gelistic in spirit and attitude. ment bar in America," said Dr. More than 40 religious pro- The second is called the Alders- J ones. "We are in the process grams are regularly broadcast gate Commemoration. Its purof change and face three choices. over a national hookup each pose is wholly spiritual: it will The changes will take place week. Of the fourteen Protes- reemphasize the primary Methupder Communism, under Fas- tant programs, thirteen are odist principle of personal reli- CIsm, or under the Kingdom of supervised by the Department of gious experience; it will not be God on earth. The question is Religious Radio of the Federal an evangelistic movement, as can religion provide a goal and Council of Churches. The Jews commonly understood, but workpower to move toward that goal? have 16 weekly programs and ing within the Church, it will Let us make no mistake, how- the Catholics 10. This listing seek to revive personal religious ev~r. The system of religion does not include the vast number experience in the lives of MethbUIlt around Christ is at the of programs locally broadcast odist people. judgment bar but Christ and nor those broadcast at irregular His Kingdom are not. The call intervals over a national hookup. The objectives of the Crusade to. the world is not to modify correspond to what all candid HIm but to obey Him." -Advance. Christians recognize as the deep- est need of the day – personal -The Living Church. "Church of Christ in America" religious experience and its ex- pression in missionary and evan- Stewardship Conference Dr. E. Stanley Jones pleads gelistic service. for a "Church of Christ in Representatives of the major America," comprising all denom- -World Outlook. Protestant churches in America inations. "The figure that I met in Dayton, Ohio, last No- have in mind," he says, "is that Methodist Board Reports vember to consider the "Stew- of a tree with many branches ardship Approach to Religion." adhering to the central trunk, Bishop Francis J. McConnell,. Dr. H. C. Weber, canvass di- that trunk in turn adhering to President of the Met hod i s t rector of the Presbyterian the root-Christ." Each branch Board of Foreign Missions since Churcli opened the discussion by may have any particular form 1928, said at the 118th annual recounting the national evils of of self-government it desires, meeting of the Board in Novemgambling, extravagance and but let it not impose any par- ber: "Under all the circumwaste, indicating the need for ticular government on the rest stances the Board of Foreign organization against them on the at the price of unity. Out of Missions never was doing betpart of Christian forces in the such an organization there will ter work than now." spirit of a new propulsion of come a larger expression of stewardship ideals. A whole Christianity which will more The total receipts for 1936 afternoon was devoted to "The closely approximate the kingdom were …………….. $1,308,440 Stewardship Approach to Valid of God. Each nation would Philanthropy and Sound Church have a local expression of the The disbursements were ., 1,308,259 Finance," the principal address Church of Christ; for instance being delivered by Arnud C. the Church of Christ in Britain, Excess of receipts … $181 Marts, Acting President of the Church of Christ in China. Bucknell University. Dr. Marts The budget was balanced by a credited the motivation for 90 -United Presbyterian. deferred income emergency aid [ 101 ] of $30,432 by the World Service Commission. The secretaries, staff members, missionaries and employees, without exception, re-
linquished salary for two weeks eral Conference in Columbus, The first object of the moveduring the year in addition to Ohio, includes a plan for the for- ment is to inspire the churches their regular gifts to help bal- mation of Negro churches into to take up with fresh assurance ance the budget. This practice a separate regional body under their sacred task of leading men has been followed for three the General Conference. This into the life in God. The second years, and in a number of cases has brought reactions from other objective is to inspire believers has worked great hardship, how- countries. The Madras Guard- to express the spirit of Jesus in ever voluntary the gifts have ian (India) criticizes this fea- all the relationships of life. This been. ture of the union as one which two-fold purpose has been af- recognizes racial distinctions. firmed in all the meetings. Five new missionaries have To those who drafted the measbeen commissioned by the Wom- ure, it seemed advisable for -United Church Record. an's Foreign Mission Society- purely administrative reasons, three for India, one for Malaya and Bishop B. T. Badley calls Offerings in Fur and one for South America. attention to the fact that two Negro delegates ably advocated When their bishop visited the -Christian Advocate. the plan. Indians in the Canadian diocese of Moonsonee, they asked if they Atheism Association The Blackfeet of Montana might make their offerings in furs, instead of money. Charles Smith, forty-eight, The Methodist E pis cop a I native of Arkansas, is America's Church maintains missionary When the day came they ace atheist, his chief aim-broad- work on the Blackfeet Indian brought their pelts, carefully casting his disavowal of God. Reservation, with headquarters dressed, and at the time of the In 1925 he organized the Amer- at Browning, Montana. The offering, led by their chief, each ican Association for the Ad- work differs very little from one with great dignity arose and vancement of Atheism, which church work anywhere. There carried his fur to the chancel now claims 1,500 members, and is a very active Ladies' Aid, a where with a reverent bow he last fall SWUfig into action with Junior Epworth League, an In- presented it to the bishop. No an enlarged program of lectures termediate League, regular wor- one left his seat until the one and debates. Mr. Smith avers ship services, and a church ahead of him had returned and that there are now nearly 150,- school. Two hundred members sat down. There were 150 pres- 000,000 of the world's two bil- are enrolled in the church; 240 ent, so the presentation of the lion people who publicly admit in the church school. A number offering took an hour and a half. they believe in no divine power. of white people also attend the These were the Mistassinny In- In the United States he sets the church. Activities are not con- dians, at a place of the same figures at one million; but in fined to the town, but cover name between Hudson Bay and addition he asserts half the na- eight rural communities. The Lake Superior. tion actually practices no reli- Reservation is as large as the gion. state of Delaware. LATIN AMERICA Nearly all this Association's Indians are naturally reli- More Freedom for Churches claims, that more and more peo- gious. Taking the tribe as a ple are professing disbelief in whole, the religious views of the The Mexican Government con- God, are denied by the nation's Blackfeet are a mixture of sun tinues to show a more moderate clergy, led by Dr. Harry Emer- worship, superstition, Catholi- policy with regard to religion. son Fosdick, who says: "It is cism and Protestantism. It re- Both in Mexico City and Guadahard to believe in God, but it is quires an infinite amount of pa- lajara the churches and priests far harder to disbelieve in Him." tience to work with the Indians, seem to enjoy more liberty in A Baptist pastor of Seattle says: because they do not want to be the matter of services than at "Our community is suffering hurried or pushed into a pro- any other time in the past five from a general moral and spir- gram. years. Laws limiting such servitual sag, but there is no general ices still exist, but they are not turning to atheism." A San -Woman's Home Missions. eDiorced. Masses are well at- Francisco clergyman cites the tended and church bells are number of press notices of Sun- Evangelization in Canada again allowed to announce them. day services, the number of The churches of Sinaloa were Christian burials and the great Members of all churches in reopened several months ago, majority of hospital patients Canada are cooperating in a while the newly elected governor found to pray as evidence that campaign for the evangelization of Sonora has promised to 12eratheism is not on the increase in of Canadian life. The movement mit the reopening of churches that city. -Literary Digest. started with a dramatic meeting there. Probably not more than for witness in Montreal, at- three or four states are seriously Methodist Union and the tended by over 14,000 people, interfering with religious serv- Negro and gatherings with a similar ices. -Christian Century. spirit have been held in more The Methodist scheme for than a score of cities from the Home Missions' Outreach union which passed at the Gen- Atlantic to the Pacific. Sometimes Mexican converts in the United States wish to be
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
repatriated. Two such families, of inspection of teaching institutions, tist newspaperman and pastor when offered free transportation both public and private, in order to is writing for fifty-two news~ to their old homes in Mexico, ensure the achievement of the social papers in the Latin American looked forward to seeing their o.Jjective of education and the better republics. relatives, and also to bringing intellectual, moral and physical trainthem the happiness that they ing of those who are taught. EUROPE themselves had found in the Gospel, so they accepted the trip, With the addition of- two new Not a Struggle Between after giving up good employ- groups to the present mission- Religion and Irreligion ment, ignorant of what was ary forces it is hoped that a awaiting them in their old coun- marked advance will be made. A young Virginian who ar~ try. rived in Spain from the Olympic -The World Today. Games the day the rebellion Both fathers of these two fam- broke out comments on the sit~ ilies have been such ardent evan- From Island to Island uation in an article in the Pres~ gelists that each has had to flee byterian Tribune,' from his own village to escape In 1920, the Board for Chris~ death at the hands of his own tian Work in Santo Domingo Inasmuch as there is considerable parents or brothers, who had was organized for the purpose misunderstanding of the religious sitdisowned him for his heresy. of carrying out a religious, edu- uation in Spain, it is important to One of the men cannot get reg- cational and medical program in state emphatically that it is not a ular work because his religion the Dominican Republic. Rev. struggle betwe~n religion and irreprevents his joining workers' B. N. Morgan, working under ligion. It is a struggle between those syndicates. The other has em- this Board, has been broadcast- who stand for the freedom to believe ployment in the mission hospi- ing his weekly services, and thus and worship God in one's own way or tal. They have both known has reached not only his own to disbelieve; and those in the one deepest poverty and privation, church members and members Spanish institution of religion, the but they still say that carrying of other denominations but also Roman Catholic Church of Spain-not the Gospel to their own towns non-Christians. Recently, he a part of the government under the was worth the sacrifice. Their was told by a Puerto Rican pas- iniquitous dictatorship of Primo de work has not been in vain, for tor that several groups in that Rivera and the Monarchy, but the it has resulted in a group of con- island were taking radios into government. This church was the verts in each village, although their churches and tuning in chief landowner in Spain. It was also the relatives are not among each week to hear the sermons the most important industrialist, them. -Presbyterian Survey. broadcast by Mr. Morgan – in banker, schoolmaster and money- fact, depending upon his broad- lender. Its wealth has been estimated Church and State in Colombia cast for their entire evening at one-third of the national wealth. service. -Monday Morning. With monks, nuns, higher and lower The Liberal Government in clergy, it constituted a veritable army Colombia, which has now been Record-Making Cuban Baptists of occupation. in power for six years, has been able, in spite of organized op- Cuban Baptists are proud of a There was one priest for every 900' position, to strengthen its posi- list of records, which they be- persons, compared with one for every tion. A revised Constitution lieve have not been matched. 20.000 in Italy, the seat of the Papacy. affirms: They have almost 50 per cent of All told, there were 106,734 persons all church memberships. There either in the clergy or in the religious The State guarantees liberty of are two Cuban Conventions, orders, 25,474 of them priests and conscience. Noone shall be persecuted Oriental and Occidental, and 81,260 monks and nuns. In no other because of his religious opinions nor both have more than a hundred country did the clergy constitute such compelled to profess beliefs or observe churches with ten thousand a disciplined and powerful vested inpractices contrary to his conscience. members. terest. Only a major operation on Liberty of worship is guaranteed to the body politic could dislodge them. all provided that it be not contrary to The first statue erected in Christian morals nor to the laws…. Cuba honoring a Protestant was Spezia Mission in Italy The Government may form agree- to the Baptist physician, F. Rodments with the Holy See subject to riguez, philanthropist of Santa Through recent stormy times the approbation of the Congress, in Clara province. The first Prot- the Spezia Mission for All Italy order to regularize the relations be- estant representative sent to the has kept right on with its work. tween the State and the Catholic Cuban capitol as a legislator was Church on a basis of reciprocal defer- a Baptist, Sr. Eladio Gonzalez The environment has been one ence and mutual respect. Morales, superintendent of the of extraordinary difficulty, and Sunday school of the Baptist even of severe persecution. Another article, which for- church at Matanzas. Again and again it has been only merly stated that public educa- the direct interposition of God tion should be organized and di- Noone yet has written in the which has prevented the work rected in accordance with the Spanish language so man y being closed down, and the Catholic religion, has been re- Christian books as Sr. A. S. Rod- workers swept peremptorily out placed by a new Article (14) : riguez Garcia, a Cuban Baptist of the country. who died in 1934, in Sancti Liberty of teaching is guaranteed. Spiritus. Finally, a Cuban Bap- This Mission keeps rigorously The State shall have supreme power clear of politics. Its workers claim to be servants of the Most High God, ministers of the Gos- pel of Christ. They are held in high esteem, and honored for what they have done for the up- lift of the country.
A beautiful and spacious lack of pastors was stressed and wrapped in bits of paper stained with building for the boys' orphanage the vital need of filling this gap. blood. The nurse asked why he didn't has been erected in a magnificent Home missions were also repre- stop wearing the shoes, and he said position, is paid for and is now sented at the inaugural meeting. he had paid the rent on them and waiting government permit for meant to get his money's worth. its opening. -The Christian. Methodists in Germany -Presbyterian Survey. Religion for Foundry Boys Many of Methodism's roots are in Germany, and one of its Ethiopia on Way to Become In November, 1865, an or- most flourishing branches is Catholic ganization was founded in Glas- there. The work began in 1533; gow under the name of the Glas- in 1936 there were 55,000 mem- The Roman Catholic Church gow Foundry Boys' Religious bers, 280 ministers, 1,200 local is embarking on an intensive Society, and its object was the preachers, 1 , 0 0 0 preaching missionary penetration of Ethireligious, educational and social places, 430 churches and chapels opia. This Church is now at libelevation of the lads and girls of valued at about five and one-half erty for the first time to exercise the city who had no church con- million dollars. In eight hospi- its evangelical mission in pernection. The work has grown tals and thirty~three homes 1,000 fect freedom in vast territories until there are now seventy-four deaconesses do a splendid work; of Ethiopia where its presence branches, with an aggregate at- besides hospital work they paid was formerly opposed. tendance of about 8,500 mem- 60,000 visits in 1935 to sick, bers, superintended by 1,200 poor, lonesome, old people. In Extensive plans are being laid workers. The dominating Chris- the Theological Seminary at for s pre a din g Catholicism tian element is further pro- Frankfort-Main young men are throughout Ethiopia, and a band moted by union with churches prepared for the ministry, and of missionaries is being preand missions, and wherever in two tents nearly 100,000 peo- pared for this purpose. They found practicable, each branch ple hear the Gospel summer af- are to be provided with all the or meeting-place of the Society ter summer. means necessary for carrying is specifically connected with a their message into the more congregation from which its -Christian Advocate. urimitive and most distant reworkers may be drawn. gions, and will be put in a posi- AFRICA tion to open schools and hos- -Life of Faith. pitals. Observations of a Missionary The Book of Books The problem of providing re- Rev. James L. Jackson, Pres- ligious assistance for the white A colporteur in Roumania sold byterian worker in the Congo colonists is already partly solved a Bible to a man who had never BeIge tells of performing the by the presence in Ethiopia of before heard of it. Taking it marriage ceremony for a native large numbers of military chaphome he began to read it, and evangelist, whose bride was the lains. For missionary adminisafter a time remarked: first girl in Africa he had ever trative purposes the territory seen get married with shoes on. will be divided ecclesiastically "Wife, if this Book be true, Not only that, but this bride into five apostolic prefectures. we are wandering along a false carried flowers in a pickle bottle These will coincide with the five road." of water. She was very serious political subdivisions. about it. Reading further, he said: -New York Times. "Wife, if this Book be true, Mr. Jackson has other observwe are lost." ations: Changes in Morocco He still read on and at last called out: "Wife, if this Book Today we saw a native man pa- It was Mr. John Anderson, be true, we can be saved." rading up and down the compound Scotch Christian, backed by the carrying a raised umbrella over him, Ayrshire Christian Union, who -Dnyanodaya. though the sun was shining. His founded a mission for long neg- only clothing was a loin cloth. His lected Moroccans. It was no Coordination in Lithuania idea was not to keep off the heat but easy task, but gradually opposi- to impress the populace with his own tion has lessened and opportuni- On October 5th last, the Lith- importance. It is a common sight to ties for helpfulness were inuanian Protestant Association see some village chief wearing some- creasingly found. was founded, in which are united body's second-hand overcoat buttoned all Protestant churches and or- from top to bottom, even though the In recent years, changes of ganizations of the country. The day be extremelv hot. He is willing far-reaching importance have efforts to unify the Protestants to torture himself in order to make an taken place in Moroccan life. of Lithuania was begun very in- imnression upon the lowly village!"s. Education is playing a great tensively last year, and have re- part in changing the outlook arid sulted in the close collaboration Speaking of self-torture, one young ideas of the people, especially of Lutherans and Calvinists, man came to our nurse one day, wear- among the young, and these with the aim of reinforcing ing a pair of clumsy-looking shoes changed conditions have brought Protestantism. At the first and limping quite badly. He had been the missionary into contact with meeting of the Association the married about a week and had worn questions which could not have these shoes since his wedding cere- been asked twenty years ago, mony. He asked for some medicine to ease the pain in his feet. He took off his shoes and showed his feet
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
simply because the conditions swer all the Macedonian calls. I told that lie; I did not understand that prompt these queries today An evangelist sent out last year it, it seemed far worse to me to be did not exist then. Years ago went to a town where there was found out. I'll remember, really I the boys who came to mission not a single Christian. He has will." And then with a little enclasses had spent the greater been there only 10 months and gaging smile, "But really you need not part of the day cooped up in a there are now 28 confessors, an mind quite so much. God's got started small room memorizing the attendance of over 30 at the on us now." Koran. Today they come from Sunday service and a school of French schools with their heads about the same number of chil- -World Outlook. full of figures that measure the dren, which he teaches. distance of fixed stars. Books, The Miracle in Sierra Leone in both Arabic and French, are Increasing Interest in South as common as coins. The grow- Africa Bishop Wright, of the C.M.S., ing generation is convinced that sees many hopeful signs in quinine is more effective than The Dutch Reformed Mission Africa-not the least a growing quack medicines; and that vac- has various methods of increas- desire among African Christians cination is a surer way of wiping ing missionary interest: Mis- for a deeper spiritual life. He out smallpox than a thousand sionary sermons and prayer says: visits to saints' tombs. meetings throughout the parish; annual mission festivals in every It is a remarkable thing that from The opportunity of enlight- ward; annual collections by the a mass of freed slaves and their deening these newly-educated men deacons; annual "Synodal" col- scendants, neglected as they had been is being seized by the mission- lections by means of the envelope by the Church for nearly 2,000 years, aries at every station, and also system; work by the Christian left the victims of their system with in the markets and villages. The Endeavor t h r 0 ugh Sunday its medicine men, its human sacrifices, Scriptures and other Christian schools, prayer meetings in the its fears, its unlimited liability to debt literature are now being widely wards, sick-visiting among Col- and consequent pledging of men, womcirculated. Several years ago, ored and Native, and missionary en, and children, its truly awful and fifty Mohammedan con v e r t s meetings in the European con- widespread diseases -that from amid were questioned as to what had gregation under the minister's so great disability there has arisen first attracted their attention to guidance; an annual missionary the self-supporting, self-extending, Christianity, and what had week-end"; the buying of "mis- self-governing Church. brought about their conversion. sion shares" by young men; Nineteen replied that their at- conversations abo u t missions Christianity in Sierra Leone is tention had first been attracted during pastoral calls; visits of Quietly and gradually influencing the by reading the Bible, or some missionaries; local mission com- Moslems and heathen, and is changportion of it, and twenty-two at- mittees; mission evening of ing their estimate of values, as the tributed their conversion di- Children's Missionary Circles. non-Christian sees the happy family rectly to the Word. life and the prosperous economic life It has also been found helpful of the Christian. During my time in -Southern Morocco Mission. to found a home mission and Sierra Leone, a deputation of several guarantee the salary of a local scores of Moslem men, having come Metet Missionary Society missionary. to me to help them settle a quarrel, began the interview by saying: "We Esther Bartlett, of the West -South African Outlook. come to you as our spiritual head." Africa Presbyterian Mission, It may have been merelv a complireports the annual missionary "God's Got Started" ment, but that it should have been conference of the four churches said at all is a triumph for the power in the Metet District, held in the Miss Mabel Shaw has written of tbe Christian character of the Afbush 20 miles from Metet. It a book worthy of wide reading ricans who form our Church there. was entirely under the direction -"God's Candlelight." An inof the natives. Excellent talks cident at the close of the book -C. M. S. Outlook. on giving were made. When the illustrates at once the simplicity offering was presented on the of the African and the hope of WESTERN ASIA last afternoon it was found to be the world. double that of the preceding From Bigotry to Faith year. One of the laborers at There had been a lot of lying, and Metet makes thirty francs a Ana had been in the thick of it. A Presbyterian missionary in month. He gave forty francs Teheran was. greeted one day by to the missionary society. One "Don't you ever want to tell a lie?" a government employee whom he of the evangelists gave his whole She looked at me searchingly. had never seen before. As they month's salary. These offerings sat down to talk the man said: were in addition to their regular "Yes-I suppose I do at times." "I think I know Christ better contributions to the church. "There you are," said the child with than you do." Let the mission- a quick eager movement of her body. ary tell the story. This money is being used to "And God started long ago on you, so send evangelists to untouched many years ago that we cannot count When I asked how he knew Christ districts. It is not enough to an- them. And he has only just started he said that twenty-two years ago he on us. . . . Don't mind it so much," had been employed as a teacher in a she said earnestly. "God is rather Russian school in one of the cities of slow, isn't he? It took him a long Iran. He was a very bigoted Mo- time to get you white people ready to hammedan, and made fun of the come and tell us about him. I'm sorry Christian Russians. But one day he went by himself into the room of the priest, and there he saw a picture of Christ on the cross. This view of Christ's sufferings broke his heart, and he suddenly began to weep, wet- ting the picture with his tears. The priest came in, and he went out, not
telling his experience to anyone. But their way into the people's homes and the scene as one of utter desohe found a colporteur and bought a schools, against active opposition of lation. Whole buildings were Bible, and after going through the national priesthood? blown away before the wind, Old Testament (which he did not like and will have to be entirely remuch) he came to the Sermon on the 4. The cultural problem: How can built. The new hall in course Mount, and he knew that was what he the Bible exert its full effect on a peo- of erection, which was to be had been seeking. "I have read that ple largely illiterate? opened by General Evangeline a thousand times," he said. He told Booth on her visit to Bapatla me he had kept this love for Christ in 5. The economic problem: How can was ruined. his heart and had told no one, for fear the Bible be sold to a people too poor of losing it. "Tell it," I said, "the to buy it? It was comforting to the ofmore you give the more you will ficers who labor in the Colony have!" I left some books for him, 6. The sectarian problem: How can that in the height of the storm and yesterday when I returned I found men be found as colporteurs of the those stricken, primitive people he had just finished reading the Per- Scriptures, who are at the same time sung hymns of petiti.on to God sian translation of Pilgrim's Progress. zealous friends of the Bible, willing for protection, and several of the When he began to read it he had not to "endure hardness as good soldiers young Christian boys led the been able to put it down till it was of Jesus Christ," and yet free from people in prayer. finished. It was just the book he had the fanaticism of some particular been looking for for years, he said. sect? The damage was not confined As I was the first Christian with to the Leper Colony only. One whom he had ever discussed these 7. The administrative problem: How of the Army's hospitals near by, things, he asked me to come to see can the limited supply of workers, and built on high ground, was isohim in his home, where he would in- of financial resources be so employed lated, heavy floods covering the vite some of his friends to meet me. as to secure the maximum distribu- countryside for miles. It is cal- tion over the entire area, without any culated that the cost of restora- -Presbyterian Board News. waste through duplication of effort? tion will exceed £3,000, but the work is going forward. Nursing Schools in Iran 8. The publicity problem: How can those who sustain this Bible work be -Life of Faith. Among the best of new educa- kept informed of the needs of this tional enterprises in Iran are area, without antagonizing those Illiterate "Carries On" the nursing schools. Recently in groups which constitute the obstacles Teheran and in Tabriz and already mentioned? A native Christian, passing Meshed nursing schools have through a village, found a conbeen opened for teaching the -Bible Society Record. vert holding an open-air meetscientific and practical funda- ing on his own, with a congrementals of nursing, the care of INDIA-BURMA-SIAM gation of over forty caste men children, etc. The program has Moslem Increase listening intently. He was tellbeen approved and comprises a ing them: course of two years for girls According to The World Towith a 9th class certificate. It day, Moslems in India have in- "It is only recently that I have is designed both for educated creased during the past decade found this Saviour, but oh, the girls and for those women who by 2,500,000. The total Moslem joy and peace He has brought wish to form good, orderly population of 77,500,000 exceeds me! You have not that joy I homes. the combined Moslem popula- know so well, for I was all these tions of Arabia, Persia, Turkey, years without it, but the Lord Miss Fulton, of the American Egypt, Syria and Palestine. In- Jesus has brought it. He has Hospital in Teheran, is in charge dian Moslems have sent their saved me. If you trust Him He in Teheran, and the Misses missionaries to Europe, Africa can and He will do the same for Wooding and Pease of the and Arne ric a and support you. There is a Book in which American Hospitals in Tabriz mosques in Berlin, London, Aus- it is all written; I wish I knew and Meshed are in charge of the tralia, Brazil and Trinidad. how to read, that I could read two other schools. its beauty for myself, but I The National Christian Coun- can't; if I could, I would read -Translation Service. cil has issued a call to the it also to you that you might see churches throughout India to for yourselves; . but most of you Problems in the Levant take part in an evangelistic can read and I can tell you where movement during the next five you can find those who have that J. Oscar Boyd, Secretary of years. This movement is inthe Levant Bible Agency, lists tended to center in the church in Book." eight special difficulties that each locality, not in the mission. Just then, round the corner, confront missionaries who seek It will seek to enlist all Christo make the Bible known in tians in one great army of evan- came the native C h r i s t ian. "Bible lands." These are: gelistic volunteers, each bring- "There," eagerly shouted the ing their own special gifts to the caste man, "I wanted you to see 1. The racial problem: How can the task of witness bearing. the words in the Book itself, but Bible be released from historical as- I could not show it to you; but sociation with hated or despised races? Leper Colony Devastated God has sent this friend with His Book to come to my help and 2. The political problem: How can A cyclone last November prac- for your good. Friend, show a book be widely circulated where tically levelled to the ground the police forbid Bible colportage, and buildings of the Bapatla Leper even call the Bible subversive litera- Colony, where nearly 200 lepers ture? in various stages of the disease are cared for by the Salvation 3. The ecclesiastical problem: How Army. Letters from officers can the vernacular Scriptures find stationed at the Colony describe
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
them the words in the Book; let The Bible as Literature who have been trained at the them read for themselves, for Indian scholars often acknowl- School, 58 per cent are working they are words whereby I have edged indebtedness to the Bible, on farms, and 88 per cent are lived," and showing the Scrip- both for language and ideas. engaged in service of some kind tures as they talked, they con- Mr. M. R. Jayakar, in a recent for the rural community. tinued their testimony. address on "The Place of Eng- lish in Indian Education" advo- -New York Times. -Life of Faith. cated the study of English lit- erature, and said that there were Christian Leper Clinics Interest in the Villages in Siam The Christian evangelist who two characteristics of English Only about 5 per cent of is touring India's villages is literature well worth study, its Siam's lepers are treated in hoskeenly aware of a swing of in- simplicity and sweetness. Then pitals, so that thousands must he said, "For acquiring that ex- be reached in some other way. terest toward rural areas. There In recent years clinics have been are those on the move who have cellence, one book I would recom- opened in 18 centers, where inpolitical, economic, social or re- mend to you, namely, the Bible. jections are given by former pa- Do not abhor the New Testa- tients at the Leper Asylum at ligious ends to serve. He meets ment because it is the religious Chiengmai. There are over 500 many coming and going, and book of your rulers. Your presi- patients now being treated in dent just quoted a little sentence has discovered two things in re- from the Bible, and you noticed these centers; the only cost ingards to his own work. There how it stood out of the rest of volved is that of the medicines is more interest, and more op- the speech like a little j eweI. To that are supplied free. The only position than has been the rule. this, day, the Bible holds the requirement is that full reports He is having men of all types, be kept and that the patients be field, as being the simplest com- regular in attendance. The reeducated and from among the position in the English language, sponsibility for operating the lowliest, who come to him asking for information about the and I cannot do better than clinics falls on the people of the Christian religion. Probably recommend its study." community. Christian services Christian ministers have had more requests for immediate -United Church Review.
baptism from educated persons are held at every clinic, mostly within the last two years than Rural Reconstruction directed by Christian lepers.
during five or ten years pre- American Baptist mISSIOn- -Presbyterian Banner. viously. aries at Pyinmana, Burma, took Christians Learn to Read to farming in 1917 and acquired CHINA five acres to grow sugar cane, Westminster Catechism and rear pigs and poultry. The R .td It is possible to be a Christian, venture prospered and in 1918 eprm e and a good one, without being fifteen acres of rice land were Because the original transla- able to read the Bible, but Chris- added. In 1922 the Government tion by Dr. C. W. Mateer is now tian leaders in India don't believe in risking it. Indian vil- of Burma acquired 180 more out of print a revised edition of lagersl mostly come from low or outcaste groups, where educa- acres and leased them to the the Westminster Shorter Catetional privileges are conspicuous by their absence. One village m iss ion for an agricultural chism is soon to appear in Chi- Christian in 20 in the Punjab school, which was opened in nese. Dr. W. M. Hayes undercan read. That is a good many per cent better than his non- 1923 with an enrolment of 35; . took this work at the request of Christian neighbors' records. in 1932 it had risen to 104. The the Kwang Hseuh Publishing school is a happy instance of co- House, in collaboration with his operation between Government Chinese and missionary col- and the Mission. leagues on the faculty of the Moga School is making it pos- It is the rule at Pyinmana North China Theological Semsible to improve that percentage that the students in the Agricul- inary. After months of work by at once by issuing a series of tural School should spent three individual faculty members, the simple readers in Urdu, for Be- full days a week in practical whole faculty sat in daily sesginners and Primary children. field work. The farm is no mere sion for over a week during sum- This year, 15,000 copies of the' demonstration plot; it runs into mer vacation to finish the job. books were sold. Mission and 150 acres, of which 80 acres are Where all could not agree, the government schools throughout given to rice, while maize, sugar translation to be used was chosen the Punj ab and the Central and cane, vegetable gardening and by a majority vote. United Provinces have adopted fruit farming combine to utilize The revisers are guided by the them. They have been trans- the remaining 70 acres. Other following rules: lated into Hindi, and requests agricultural accessories are 107 Accuracy in t ran s I at in g have been received for permis- head of cattle, 144 pigs and 200 thought of the original; sim- sion to translate them into three fowls. Products to the value of plicity of Mandarin style; con- other important languages used Rs. 11,000 were sold from the formity to Scripture phraseology in India. -Monday Morning. farm last year. Of the students as far as possible; uniformity
of expression in question and pioneer of Baptist Missions to tuition for the next term. This answer as aid to memory. China, Lewis Shuck, began work year the highest average was at- a hundred years ago. tained by a pupil in the sixth There is a large demand in grade from a well-to-do family, the Chinese Church for the Reviews of a century of evan- quite able to pay her way. The Shorter Catechism and in one gelistic, educational, medical and student who was second is from "field" alone there is a waiting philanthropic work revealed the a very poor family and someorder for 2,000 copies. times it was feared she did not following facts: even have enough to eat. She -Christian Science Monitor. had had been working very hard, Number of students in Chris- hoping to win first place, other- Letter from Madame Chiang wise she would not be able to tian Schools (1877) ….. 5,900 return to school. When the Mrs. David Tappan, of the winner heard of this she imme- American Presbyterian Mission Number of students in Chris- diately said she would pay her at Hainan, received a letter from tuition, and thus enable the poor Madame Chiang Kai-shek re- tian Schools (1935) ….. 200,000 girl to come in on the free garding missionary cooperation scholarship. in the "New Life Movement." Number of students in Chris- Madame Chiang's observations Mobilizing Against Leprosy are equally applicable to the tian Colleges (1900) ….. 164 Western world. Here is her Dr. W. W. Cadbury, writing message: Number of students in Chris- for Leper News, thinks that one of the most encouraging move- Deeply appreciatin~ the great sac- tian Universities (1935) .. 6,696 ments of recent years is the rifies made by those members of the organization in 1926 of the' Chimissionary body who have elected to Proportion of Christian stu- nese Mission to Lepers, with serve in China, Generalissimo Chiang dents in Christian Colleges 41 % headquarters in Shanghai, di- Kai-shek and I have naturally sought rected by a group of able their cooperation in connection with Proportion of Christian stu- Chinese. Largely through the the New Life Movement. The prin- efforts of the members of this ciples of this Movement coincide so dents in Christian Middle Chinese Mission, two National closely with the work which the Leprosy Conferences have been Church is doing to ameliorate the lot Schools …………….. 33% held, the first in 1932, and the of the common man that there is second in 1935. This indigenous abundant room for the closest coop- In Canton there is a Baptist movement, if properly promoted €ration. church with over 2,000 mem- and organized, can be counted on bers, a middle school for boys, in the future to help meet the But unless the New Life Movement which with its primary students situation in that country. enjoys the cooperation of the women numbers 3,600, a middle school it cannot really be effective, because for girls with 700 students, a Dr. Cadbury says that when the four virtues upon which it is theological training school with he first went to China it was based should be inculcated when chil- over eighty students, and a reported to him that in one dis dren are being brought un in the home trict the magistrate, bent on ridand in the school. Simply stated these school for the blind with seventy ding the area of the scourge, virtues are honesty, courtesy, duty women residents. Practically erected a mat shed and invited towards others and towards oneself, the whole of this work is sup- all the lepers to a banquet. kindliness and obedience, as well as ported by Chinese funds, and Opium and wine were liberally true humility, or modesty of snirit. the leadership is almost entirely dispensed. Before the feast These are the pillars upon which the was over the building was set Movement is based. in Chinese ha:qds. on fire and soldiers stationed around it prevented the escape I would urge that the missionaries, Black Miao Christian of any of the unfortunates until especially the women's organizations, all were killed. He was also told strive to do more home work among Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Allbutt that in the province of Yunnan Chinese women, because the old con- went to work among the black when a leper reaches an adcepts of womanly behavior have been Miao in Kweichow seven years vanced stage, he is given a feast, languishing and there has been a ago. Mr. Allbutt writes in with abundance of wine to make tendency for a distorted view of China's Millions: him somewhat sleepy. A fresh western ideas of what is seeming and grave is dug. The victim is then proper to develop in the Chinese mind. A woman in our village has just wrapped in the skin .of a buffalo With the impact of Western ideas be- come to believe on the Lord. She is cow, recently killed, and buried coming sharper and more realistic it learning to read and is doing nicely. alive. is difficult for the Chinese woman to She came around the other day to ask know what is truly representative of Mrs. Allbutt to teach her, saying, "I In another province a friend western culture and life, and what is got very lonely with only unbelievers of Dr. Cadbury petitioned a harmful. around me." This weaning away magistrate for a gift of money from the world is a healthly sign in (Signed) a new believer.
MAYLING SOONG CHIANG. Once her boy fell into the river, but came out unhurt. The neighDors Baptist Centennial insisted that he had lost one of his souls, and that she should kill a duck Baptists in China have been to retrieve it. She did not know if celebrating the completion of a obeying them would be in accord with century of effort. The meetings the "Jesus doctrine," so she came were held at Canton, for it was around to ask. She was told to have in the near neighborhood, at nothing to do with the works of the Macao and Hongkong, that the devil-for such a practice is nothing less than demon-worship. The woman went back home happy to know the will of the Lord, and steadfastly with- stood the temptings of her neighbors.
Showing the Christian Spirit The student in Soochow Girls' School making the highest aver- age for the term is given free
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
to aid in his relief work for traffic increases continually; at Home Office to approve the ex- ,lepers. The magistrate's reply night the main street is lighted penditure of twenty million yen by electric bulbs, and officials of over a period of 20 years to pro- was that he would give him $5.00 the various offices now communi- mote the health insurance sys- for every leper he shot! cate with each other by tele- tem in rural as well as urban phone. Lou d speakers are communities throughout Japan. Women Prepare for Nation erected in different parts of the Building city where people stand and -The Christian Century. listen to divers kinds of music, Mrs. Wai K. T. Chik, dean of together with lectures and in- Study Tour Planned women at Lingnan University, struction on matters regarded Canton, is in New York for a as important to the citizens. The American People's Col- year's study at Teachers' Col- The town now has dispensaries lege of New York is planning a lege. Lingnan is China's pio- and well – equipped hospitals study tour of Japan and part of neer coeducational school. "Only staffed by good Russian doctors China on a cooperative basis, three years ago," says Mrs. and even has a capable Russian particularly to observe and study Chik, "our new girls' dormitory woman dentist. It·is amazing the work of Kagawa at first was completed. We then had so to be met at the hospital door by hand in his own country. This few girl students that when we a white-uniformed Staff Sister tour is projected as a result of moved into the new building, it and, looking through the glass Kagawa's visit to the United seemed a great, empty space. partition, to see patients lying States last year. Social condi- Now, with 130 girl students, in clean beds in the wards. tions, labor movements, coopera- every room is occupied and we tive developments, international have to house ten of them in an- Illiteracy is being dealt with, relationships, and the influence other building. and there are now schools where of the Christian religion will be not only Chinese, but Tartars, the especial subjects of stUdy. "I do not think that people in Noghais, Mongols, Russians and The group expects to visit Yoko- America realize the speed at Turkis may each study in their hama, Tokyo, Nikko, Miya Nos- which China is going forward own tongue. In short, stand- hita, Kobe, Kyoto, Keijo, Muk- today, and how eager our youth ards are being raised from year den, Peiping and Shanghai. are to do their part in national to year. Consignments of Rus- rebuilding. One of my prob- sian Scriptures have arrived, -Christian Century. lems has been to make some of and are greatly appreciated. our eager, ambitious girls slow Ideals Not Enough up. I have to caution them that -China's Millions. they must not neglect their Rev. H. G. Piercy, C. M. S. _ _health. We have five girls who JAPAN-CHOSEN worker, in emphasizing the im- have graduated in agriculture. portance of continued and ade- The domestic science course has Kagawa's Return Celebrated quate missionary effort in J a- the largest number of girls en- pan, says: rolled. Then comes science, so- Dr. Kagawa was honored ciology and education. Ten with a great welcome dinner at A study of world politics at the American girl students live in the Tokyo Y. M. C. A., when he present time is sufficient to show the our dormitory. These are ex- returned from his trip to the great part that Japan is destined to change students from Stanford, U. S. The Kagawa Fellowship, play in the near future in world af- Oregon and Pennsylvania Uni- composed largely of mission- fairs. . . . The question is: What versities." aries sympathetic with, and co- sort of influence will Japan's be as operating with Kagawa, also she takes her place increasingly in in- Mrs. Chik believes that the gave a reception for him in his ternational life? Will her influence Christian colleges in China have own settlement in Honjo, at be such as to advance and further the a special contribution to make in which more than 200 foreign Kingdom of Christ, or to hinder its national rebuilding. "The Chris- guests were present to welcome coming? Christian forces in Japan tian faith is a stabilizing in- Kagawa back, to greet his wife are making their influence felt, and fluence," she says. "It helps to who carries on so ably in his ab- Christian ideals are also penetrating build character and personality sences, and to inspect the new from outside. But it is not the in- and these are needed in our cooperative kitchen unit of the fluence of ideals which will bring the great movement." Honjo settlement. Kingdom of Christ in Japan or any- w.here else, but the life of the Church -New York Times. Dr. Kagawa's health is better which is His Body, and His chosen than it has been for some time. and commissioned instrument for the Changes in Urumtsi In spite of the heavy evangelis- proclaiming of His Gospel. It is thus tic program he has already the building up of that Church in this Misses Mildred Cable, Evan- undertaken, he finds time daily land which is of paramount impor- geline and Francesca French, for writing on two novels and tance – in numbers, no doubt, but intrepid workers for the China other literature. He is also above all in faith and depth of spir- Inland Mission, in a letter writ- working to bring to realization itual life. ten from Urumtsi, Sinkiang, an important health project, and tell of vast improvement since has succeeded in inducing" the -Life of Faith. their previous visit. Motor Church Dedicated in Kyoto An event of international in- terest was the dedication of the new Church of the Resurrection
in Kyoto last October. This visitor had given him. This, he Soembawa, were without a wit- parish had its beginning over proudly explained, was the out- ness for Christ.
30 years ago. fit which he usually wore when 5. Little has yet been done The Governor of Kyoto pre- traveling with the government for the millions on Celebes.
fecture graciously came in per- official. Mr. Dixon observes that 6. Until 1929, East Borneo son and delivered a speech of the prime requirements of a was unoccupied. Alliance miscongratulation and good wishes. pioneer missionary, after the sionaries have led 2,000 Dyak~ Speeches were made by 11 other spiritual, are: a good physique, to accept Christ.
dignitaries, including the Bishop plenty of zeal, determination 7. In addition to the above of the diocese and a member of and a sense of humor. there are countless other islands the Japanese Diet, who is also throughout this vast Dutch col- chairman of the parish social Bibles for Pitcairn Island ony, where as yet no missionary service patrons' association. The 140 great – great – great- work has been attempted. Parts The present land and build- grandchildren of the "Bounty" of the interior of New Guinea, otherwise known as Papua, have ings have so far cost 94,122.03 mutineers on Pitcairn Island are not even been explored. yen, of which, through the rec- looking forward to the arrival tor's efforts, a considerable part of a shipment of Bibles, the first -R. A. Jaffray. has been raised in Japan. The they have received since 1848. investment represents the con- The National Bible Society of MISCELLANEOUS certed efforts of a large group Scotland, which eighty – eight of people both in Japan and in years ago provided the Bibles An African Film the United States, and both now disintegrating, is sending a Christian and non-Christian. new copy for every man, woman A three-reel silent 16 mm. Its activities have the interest and child on this island, midway motion picture film has been and sympathy of both govern- produced under the auspices of ment authorities and the com- between South America and the Harmon Foundation and munity. -The Living Church. Australia, two square miles in under the supervision of Rev. area. Prior to 1848, the only Emory Ross, Secretary of the ISLANDS OF THE SEA American Committee on Work Bible on the island was one in the Congo and formerly a mis- brought ashore from a ship- sionary in Africa. This reel re- Pioneering Among Dyaks wreck. -Literary Digest. views the history of the African continent, its physical character- H. A. Dixon writes in The The "Uttermost Parts" istics, religious beliefs and meth- Pioneer of a trip to carry the Gospel to the Benoea tribe of Few realize the extent of Hol- ods of life. Some of the effects Dyaks. Sometimes it was neces- land's possessions in the East of industrialization are depicted sary to walk for hours in the India Archipelago. The total as a challenge to Christian misrain, and in the tropics it pours, population of islands under the sions. The film reveals the treeven more than the proverbial Dutch flag approximates 65,- mendous need of Africa and will "Morton's salt." Chinese paper 000,000. To several millions, be of special interest and value umbrellas were soon in shreds; no missionary has yet been sent. in the mission study circles swollen streams had to be Until recent years, no work had which are taking up this subject forded, steep and slippery moun- been started in the following during the present year. For tains crossed. seven distinct areas: further information write to Informal services were held 1. The lower half of Sumatra, Harmon Foundation, 140 Nassau in twelve villages. Some of the all south of the equator, is prac- Street, New York, N. Y. people seemed intensely inter- tically an. unoccupied field. The ested and eag.erly asked ques- extreme north of Sumatra is also Missions in Four Stages tions, others were openly hos- unreached. The Courier Mistile to the message. One chief, sion started a work in South Dr. Harry W. Fonger, Secre- tary of the American Bible Sowho also holds the unique posi- Sumatra in 1933. tion of medicine man or priest, 2. The islands of Bangka, ciety in the Philippine Islands, . was especially antagonistic. The Billiton, and 200 smaller sur- says that while the aim of misreason was obvious. Should his rounding islands, and the Riouw sions has not changed, the methpeople become Christian, he Archipelago are without a Gos- ods vary according to countries could no longer deceive them, his pel witness, except for one Chi- and conditions.
position and income would be nese missionary. We can trace most missionary work lost. 3. West Borneo, inhabited by through at least three or four stages.
Arriving at another village, tens of thousands of Dyaks, is In the first, the missionary worked the chief came out in all his re- another great unoccupied field. alone. Later, he trained the nationals galia to "show off" for the bene- The Alliance Mission has one of the country to which he went and fit of the missionary. His para- missionary couple commencing sent them out. In the third stage the missionary worked with those na- phernalia consisted of pajamas, work there. tionals in a spirit of close cooperation. an ancient felt hat, green tinted 4. Until a few years ago the We seem now to be entering a fourth eyeglasses, his best knife, and a stage in which the missionary is workthermos bottle, which a former three islands immediately east ing in large measure under the direc- of Java, Bali, Lombok, and tion of the nationals.
'~I–===-=—-='='="""""""''''''''''''''''=~'==========''I'~
[ Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information ~,==-=-=-======~=======~_,~1- One Hundred Years. By Arthur Jud- Everywhere the Presbyterian This notable record includes son Brown. Maps and Statistics. Church has supplied a leadership a wide range of information re- Vol., one. Books, two. 1,140 pp. that has placed the whole Church garding circumstances that have $8. Fleming H. Revell Co., New of Christ under peculiar obliga- affected the missionary work of York. 1936. tions. all denominations, the peoples and the religious and social, eco- The sub-title interprets the With its seven Missions dis- nomic and political conditions tributed over the whole of of the great mission fields in main title: "A History of the China, its three in the north and Asia, Africa and South Amer- Foreign Missionary Work of the west of India, its original two ica. The author has opened up spread over the full length of the rich fields of investigation and Presbyterian Church in the two great Islands of Japan, the missionaries of the Presbyterian has amassed a vast fund of val- U. S. A.; with Some Account of Church have naturally influenced uable information. His intro- the peoples and policies of those ductory chapters are peculiarly Countries, Peoples and the Poli- three great intellectual nations cies and Problems of Modern of Asia and the missionaries of valuable to church historians Missions." This is a high aim, other Churches working in those and administrators: First Misbut it has been realized with lands. Similarly the mission- sionary Societies, Founding and singular faithfulness and abil- aries working more alone, as in Development of the Board, Rise ity. In very truth, this is the Persia, Syria, Siam, Korea, and Development of Woman's record of Acts of Apostles of Brazil, and comparatively, in the the 19th and 20th centuries and, Philippines, have made large Boards and Societies. This last as the "Acts" of the first cen- and fundamental contributions chapter pays a high and most tury was fortunate in its author, to the building up of the so this record is fortunate in its Churches of Christ in those deserved tribute to the large and chronicler. It is reminiscent of areas. effective and sustaining part the classic history of English taken in missionary work from Missions, "The History of the Dr. Brown makes it very the beginning by the women of Church Missionary Society," by all churches. Eugene Stock. plain in these great Chapters The chapters on China, India, The Presbyterian Board of that the Presbyterian Board and Japan, will especially draw Foreign Missions has been one the attention of all those interof the major factors in the and missionaries alike have ested in the building up of the worldwide extension of the Kingdom of Christ in non-Chris- Christian Church. Its Centenary hewed to the line that leads to tian lands. It is easy to see that is to be commemorated this year. the author's three great loves The missionary enterprise of the Indigenous Church. The are: the Missionary, the Indigethis Church has been spread nous Church and Cooperation over the great continents of statistics at the end of this vol- and Union. His advocacy in Asia, Africa and South America these three major interests is and the wisdom and daring of ume give an impressive illustra- telling. He surrounds the main the planters have been equalled thought of each of these notable by those of the cultivators. tion of this fact. This is per- chapters with so much of infor- mation about country and peo- The Missions of this Church haps the natural outcome of the ple and national movements. It fall naturally into two classes: is wide observation, keen insight those in the great mission fields aim of Missions as, in season of China, India, Japan and and wise counsel. Africa where the other mission- and out of season, this Board has Dr. Brown's last chapter, Surary-minded Churches of Europe and America are also repre- emphasized; to make Jesus vey and Outlook, is masterly. sented, and those in Persia, Christ known in the non-Chris- There is much in its content for Syria, Siam, Korea and parts tian world, with a view to the strong mIssIOnary addresses; of Latin America where the building up of churches, self- much of insight, vision, courage Presbyterian Church has worked supporting, self-governing and and well founded hope and exalmost alone, or so much so as self-propagating, through which pectation. It is a stirring presto constitute a unique work. Christianity shall become nat- entation. uralized and nationalized. To this great end the three depart- ments of missionary activity- Evangelistic, Educational and Medical- have been distinctly contributing.
Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the REVIJlW publishers on receipt of price [111 ]
The Presbyterian Church has sage of such men as Columba, change. But the things that Columbanus, Augustine, Willibeen fortunate in the chronicler brord, Boniface, Gregory, and change are of interest and con- Anskar. of her great missionary enter- sequence, and this interest and Whether medieval missions prise. A responsible adminis- have a lesson for the enterprise consequence are greater when today is an open question. The trator for thirty-four years, a contrast with modern missions they are bound in with the things is marked in many ways. The visitor several times to the mis- staff was predominantly mascu- that do not change, as it is the line; today it is predominantly sion fields of his own and other feminine. In the Middle Ages it intent of this little volume that was financed by the State, and churches, always a keen and conversions w ere sometimes they should be. R. E. S. brought about by force through sympathetic but discriminating a dominant race, or a non-Chris- tian ruler who accepted baptism. observer, holding the pen of a The mass movements of those The China Year Book – 1936. By days were not similar, except in H. G. W. Woodhead. 18th issue. ready and persuasive writer, numbers, to the mass movements 510 pp. North China Daily News, that characterize the work in Shanghai. 1936. Price, Fifteen Dr. Brown has made this a India. Nevertheless, the devo- Chinese Dollars. tion and heroism of these aposmighty story of a mighty move- tles of Europe awakens admira- On dipping into this long fa- tion. Their missionary message miliar pUblication, the reviewer ment. centered in the doctrine of God as triune, the importance of the was tempted to read this ency- The book is well supplied with sacraments (especially b a p- clopedia of things Chinese al- tism), and the coming Judg- Maps and Appendices and a full ment. most from the first page to the last. It surely is "a mine of in- Index. As the Presbyterian The author gives a full and exceedingly valuable bibliog- formation," made ready for easy Church looks back upon its raphy. But it is unfortunate digging by means of its full that there is no comparative Story of achievement and looks chronological table. An outline Table of Contents and its co- map of medieval Europe would pious Index. Its "Standard forward to other years in the have been helpful as an aid to Chapters" are annually revised, find the names of places men- while many new chapters are future, until the Kingdom of tioned in the text, many of which prepared by experts for the cur- are unfamiliar. S. M. ZWEMER. rent volume. Numerous official Jesus Christ shall be established documents of immediate interest East and West. Edited by Basil are recorded in full. throughout the world, she will Mathews. 206 pp. $1.75. The As- sociation Press, New York. 1936. To the many in the West, who have with her and her noble of- still think that China's history is These ten papers by Nicol all in the past, a few hours spent ficers and missionaries the ad- Macnicol, Sir Frederick Whyte, with this book will bring amaze- Hendrick Kraemer, Kenneth La- ment and pleasure and will promiration and sympathy of all tourette, Ruth Woodsmall, John vide a liberal education in things R. Mott and others, were pub- Oriental. In addition to general the churches whose aim is one lished in anticipation of the information on Geography, Eth- World Conference of the Young nology, History, Language, Eduwith her own. W. 1. C. Men's Christian Association in cation, Government, Finance Mysore, India. Most of the and International Relations, The Medieval Missionary. A Study papers bear this obvious conno- there are new chapters on For- of the Conversion of Northern Eu- tation. They deal with the eign Trade, The Currency, The rope, A. D. 500-1300. By James changes which are taking place Tariff, Public Health, Railways, Thayer Addison. 176 pp. $1.25 in Asia and with the relation- Highways, Aviation, The Smug- paper. $2.00 cloth. International ships of East and West, social, Missionary Council, New York. economic, political and religious. gling Problems, The Permanent 1936. They supply a thoughtful view Constitution, The National Eco- of the contemporary situation In the Foreword to this is the under the categories of the con- nomic Council, Industrial Laws, second of a series of monographs temporary mind. Both this sit- The Radio, and an up-to-date published by the 1. M. C., Pro- uation and this mind will "Who's Who" of 650 prominent fessor Kenneth Scott Latourette living Chinese-all of which invoices the need that many have long felt for a comprehensive dicate that China is very much account of the conversion of the alive and if given half a chance peoples of western Europe. In one sense this scholarly produc- will render a good account of tion fills the need, but it is not herself. China's old religions a comprehensive his tor y of are also described and the in- Christian missions in the Middle troduction and progress of Ages such as we have in Maclear, now out of print, as well Christianity is outlined. The as out of date. Rather has Pro- consultation of many other fessor Addison given us a critical survey of medieval missions books would not supply the in five interesting chapters amount of vital information conwhich deal with the education and the motives of the mission- tained in this volume in most aries to medieval Europe; the decisive part played by rulers in accessible form. c. H. FENN. the conversion of the people; the relation between missions and monasticism; the increasing influence of the Papacy down the centuries; and, lastly, an appraisal of the content and character of the missionary mes-
of Money – A. A. Hyde of Among the ShadoW'S. By Sarah Eliz- DO YOUR S.S.PAPERS
Wichita. By George Irving. 8vo. abeth Blacklock. 251 pp. $2.00. ~ 157 pp. $1.50. Fleming H. Revell Fleming H. Revell Co., New York. BIBLmUTH? Co., New York. 1936. 1936. ~=:f ~ ,- ~ COUNCIL FmES -==,. True Christian stewardship is Dr. Howard A. Kelly, in his an art and a science. Albert foreword for this book, says the For Young People Alexander Hyde, of Wichita, chief reward of the medical who died on January 7, 1937, practitioner lies in the sympa- For Juuior!'; nnd I~lcrmediak& was a courageous, cheerful and thetic relations he establishes magnificent giver for he was a with his patients. The author HlPPYHOURS ~ great-hearted, large-visioned, in- seeks to portray this type of telligent steward of the wealth Christian service in the lives of entrusted to him. Once he lost two doctors, but the narrative his money but it only strength- lacks in literary quality. ened his character and clarified his vision. He recouped his H.H.F. losses, made a fortune in mentholatum and with the proceeds My Robber Captain. By C. G. Kilp- ""'~ Forthc p'im",iCS~="'= counted it a joy to promote the per. 166 pp. $1.00. Wm. B. Eerdwork of Christ by his gifts to man's Publishing Co., Grand Rap- Samples of our many causes in many lands. ids, Mich. 1936. r…."'4If Papers and Quarterlies ~ Mr. Hyde followed Andrew Here is thrilling adventure, Carnegie's prescription and died faced with faith and courage, in ' "~ sent free on request ==- ' a comparatively poor man in fi- the midst of danger and suffernancial resources because he had ing. The author was held cap- " £5T.1886 been his own executor while he tive by Chinese robbers for lived. But he was rich in faith, many months, hearing no news .' CHRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS INC.. in love, in friends and in good of his family and uncertain as to works. his fate. But through it all, he , .Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg!…Pa. discovered a brotherly kindness The story of his boyhood in in the robber captain. After In Mid-Atlantic. C. C. Watts. 64 New England, his pioneering his release in 1930, he again pp. 18. S. P. G. London. days in Kansas, his struggle took up his missionary work against adverse physical and under the Basel Missionary So- Living Religions and Mod ern economic conditions, his bank- ciety at Kayang, China. Thought. Albon G. Widgery. ruptcy, his return to prosperity $2.50. 306 pp. Round Table Press. and his Christian stewardship H. H. F. New York. -all this is told effectively in this authorized biography. Mr. In Mid-Atlantic. By Rt. Rev. C. C. Missions in Magazines. Ortha May Irving was one of his trusted Watts. 64 pp. Is. Society for the Lane. Tientsin Press, Ltd. Tientand loved friends in the Y. M. Propagation of the Gospel. Lon- sin, China. C. A., the organization through don. 1936. which most of Mr. Hyde's benev- Frank Mason North, 1850-1935. A olence found expression. Con- This little volume contains the Biographical Sketch by His Friends. tact with the man in life, and with his life story in print, is substance of lectures by the Pastor and People. O. C. S. Wallace. Bishop of St. Helena, addressed 125 pp. $1.25. Broadman Press. deeply stirring and richly re- Nashville. to passengers who visited St. warding. One is fortunate to be Helena. The lectures are pub- The Restraining Hand. R. A. Boss- hardt. 288 pp. $1.00. China Inable to live and think with such lished in the hope of stirring a land Mission. Toronto and Phil- adelphia. a character, even for an hour. sympathetic concern for the The Sunshiners. Isabel Platt. 192 Island's people. H. H. F. pp. lB. 6d. Pickering & Inglis. London. We Sing America. By Marion Cuth- New Books bert. 117 pp. Illustrated by a Twelve Wonderful Women. E. H. graduate of Howard University. An Advancing Church in Latin Amer- Farrance. 96 pp. lB. Pickering Cloth, $1.00; paper, 50 cents. ica. Kenneth G. Grubb. 80 pp. Is. & Inglis. London. Friendship Press, New York. 1936. World Dominion Press. London. Twelve Marvellous Men. E. E. These stories for children Among the Shadows. Sarah Eliza- Enock. 94 pp. 18. Pickering & beth Blacklock. 251 pp. $2.00. Inglis. London. under twelve are full of factual Revell. New York. Tangled Waters. Florence Crennell material which paves the way to The Doctor's Best Love Story. Means. $2.00. Houghton Mifilin. Walter L. Wilson. 127 pp. B. I. C. New York. an understanding of the prob- Assn. Chicago. The Untouchables' Quest. Godfrey lems American Negroes must East and West. Basil Mathews. 206 Phillips. 95 pp. 40 cents. Edin- pp. $1.75. Assn. Press. New burgh House Press, London; Misface. There are also good York. sionary Education Movement, New York. sketches of Negro men and wom- The Hindu Jajmani System. W. H. Wiser. 192 pp. Lucknow Pub. World Treasure Trails – A f ric a. en who have achieved distinction House. Lucknow, India. Nellie A. Reed. 127 pp. 50 cents and $1.00. Women's Missionary Soin literature, music, the fine arts, Home Life and the Bible. Emma ciety, Free Methodist Church, Wi- Williams Gill. 189 pp. $1.25. nona Lake, Ind. science, education and the pro- Broadman Press. Nashville. Why South America? A. Stuart Mcfessions. H. H. F. Nairn. 145 pp. 28. 6d. Marshall Morgan & Scott. London.
The Cross of Christ the Throne of God. F. J. Huegel. 192 pp. 28. 6d. Marshall, Morgan & Scott. London.
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The Missionary Review of the World — November 1936
1936
White Men and Missionaries Oscar Emil Emanuelson Pioneer Mission Work in Africa Herbert Smith A Church That Gives and Likes It George C. Southwell Hindrances to Mission Work in Africa c. S. Jenkins Islam and Christianity in Africa Today Samuel M. Zwemer More Africans on the Witness Stand Various Authors A Converted Priest in Venezuela By a Correspondent 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Yea1'
to Remember Obituary Note. of Asia several times and gave
November 15 – Men and Missions Mrs. O. R. Avison, a retired Pres- to the work of Christ both at home Sunday. byterian missionary to Korea, who and abroad. had served with her husband, Dr. November 23-24 – Stewardship Con- Avison, for forty-two years, died *** ference under the auspices of the September 15, in Cape Cod, Mass. United Stewardship Council, Day- Dr. and Mrs. Avison recently cele- Dr. Edmund B. Chaffee, Director ton, Ohio. brated their Golden Wedding. They of the Labor Temple of New York went to Korea in 1893, arriving nine City, died suddenly while making an November 23-25 – National Confer- years after Dr. Horace N. Allen, the address on September 15 at the Min- ence on the Rural Church, Ames, first Protestant missionary to enter nesota State Conference of Social Iowa. the "Hermit Kingdom." Dr. Avison Work in St. Paul, Minn. Dr. Chaffee became physician to the Korean Court was 49 years of age. He was born in December 9-11- Biennial meeting, and president of Severence Union Rose Center, Michigan, was graduated Federal Council of Churches, As- Medical College and was founder and from the University of Michigan in bury Park, N. J. president of Chosen Christian Col- 1909 and from Union Theological lege. Mrs. Avison visited hospitals, Seminary in 1916. Fifteen years ago January 11-14, 1937 – Annual Meet- trained women in Bible study, and he became director of the Labor ings, Home Missions Council and performed other missionary work. Temple which is conducted under the The Council of Women for Home auspices of the Presbytery of. New Missions. Asbury Park, N. J. Mrs. J. Livin*gsto*ne*Taylor (Sophia York. He has been a very active, liberal social reformer advocating free February S-13-International Council Strong Taylor), a very warm friend speech and taking the part of labor- of Religious Education, Executive of missions and one of the original ers and foreign-born Americans, many Committee and Associated Meetings. stockholders of THE REVIEW, died at of whom resided in his parish. He Chicago, Ill. her home in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sep- was editor of the newly established tember 25, at the age of 75 years. Presbyterian Tribune. NATIONAL PREACHING Mrs. Taylor has been very active in MISSION the business world, being the presi- **• dent of the department store of Wil- Nov. 1-4-Vancouver. liam Taylor Son & Co., of Cleveland, Dr. Jonathan Goforth, for forty- Nov. s-S-Portland. since the death of her husband in eight years a missionary in China and Nov. S-ll-San Francisco, Oakland. 1892. Mrs. Taylor took a very active recently retired, died on October 8 in Nov. 12-1S-Los Angeles. interest in the Y. W. C. A., standing Wallaceburg, Ontario, at the home of Nov. IS-IS-Dallas. strongly for the maintenance of a defi- his son, Rev. J. F. Goforth. He was Nov. 19-22-Chicago. nite Evangelical purpose and mes- 77 years of age, and went out to China Nov. 22-2s-Washington, D. C. sage. She visited the mission fields under the Presbyterian Church of Nov. 26-29-Raleigh. Canada in 1888. Mrs. Goforth, who Nov. 29-Dec. 2-Philadelphia. went to China with him, survives. Dec. 3-6-Boston. They accomplished a remarkably spir- Dec. 6-9-New York City. itual work in China and Manchuria.
DO NOT MISS THE MOSLEM WORLD SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, Edil:or SOME ARTICLES IN THE OCTOBER NUMBER: SURAT AL·IKHLAS …………………………….. .Samuel M. Zwemer JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD ……………………….• .5. A. Morrison THE CRISIS IN ISLAM ………………………….. D. Van der Meulen TEMPORARY MARRIAGE IN IRAN ……………. Dwight M. Donaldson BLESSINGS ON THE PROPHET ………………………. James Robson WHY COPTS BECOME MOSLEMS ………………….. .Qummus Sergius CONTRASTS IN IRAN …………………………… .Herrick B. Young MOSLEM RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ………………….. Murray T. Titus PRE·ISLAMIC USE OF THE NAME MUHAMMAD …….. .Edward J. Jurii SUNDAY SCHOOL WORK IN THE NEAR EAST ……. .Ralph McLaughlin THE ADVANCE OF ISLAM IN NIGERIA …………………..L. Hickin CURRENT TOPICS-BOOK REVIEWS SURVEY OF PERIODICALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sue Molleson Foster INDEX FOR THE YEAR _.-~) SUBSCRIBE NOW ~o(-_.
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Go on the Empress of Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under Schweinitz has not only rendered re- Japan (largest, fastest liner on the markable service as a Moravian min- Pacific) or the Empress of Canada. Ac2t 5ofceMntasrcah 3, 1879. a year. ister of the Gospel but has been a very copy-$2.50 effective worker for missions through Very low round-trip fares. Lux- Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. his executive work and as a counsel- urious First Class. Popular Tourist Published monthly, except August. lor. Twenty-two years ago it was he Class. Also, low-cost Third Class. who proposed the formation of the All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. Committee of Reference and Council Frequent sailings from Vancouver British agents – Marshall, Morgan of the Foreign Missions Conference, (trains to ship-side) and Victoria. and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, of which he has long been a member. Orient fares include passage to and London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, Of the original members of the com- from Seattle. California sailings mittee (1904-08), he only is still on connect with Empresses at Hono- 10 shillings a year. the committee. Dr. deSchweinitz has lulu. Orient ports-of-calI: Yoko- always been a warm friend and sup- hama, Kobe, Nagasaki, Shanghai, MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- porter of THE REVIEW as of every Hong Kong, (lnd Manila. LISHING CO., INC. other cause working effectively for • Also, Independmt World TOllrs the extension of Christ's Kingdom. as low as $579.90, Combination BOARD OF DIREC1'ORS of Classes. *** ROBERT E. SPEER, President Booklets, information from YOUR A. L. WARNBHUIB, Vice-president Miss Edith E. Lowry, director of OWN AGENT or Canadian Pacific: W ALTER MCDOUGALL, Treasurer the migrant work of the Council of New York, 344 Madison Ave.; DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary Women for Home Missions, has suc- Chicago, 71 E. Jackson Blvd.; San ceeded Dr. Anne Seesholtz as Execu- Francisco, 152 Geary St.; and 38 SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT tive Secretary of the Council. Miss other cities in U. S. and Canada. WILLIAM I. CHAMBERLAIN Charlotte Mary Burnham, who has long experience in religious education ~@a4<: D. J. FANT and Christian social service, becomes Miss Lowry's associate. TO THB MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD *** OBIINT WM. B. LIPPHARD ERIC M. NORTH Dr. Frank A. Smith has retired from his position as Secretary of the SAMUEL M. ZWEMER Department of Missions and Educa- tion of the American Baptist Home Editorial Chat Mission Society. In view'of his long experience in the interests of Negro Already a thousand extra copies of education, the Board has asked him to our October special number on Africa be its special representative in this have been sold and the demand still field. continues. It may soon be out of print as is the case with our June number. *** Better order now. Several articles on Africa appear in this issue and others Bi[hop Frederick Rogers Graves, may be expected in December. senior bishop of the Episcopal Church in China, has retired from active serv- *** ice. He has been one of the outstand- ing figures in the modern missionary Weare already planning the special movement. numbers of THE REVIEW for 1937. The Home Mission topic will be *** "Christ and Rural Life in America." It is a fruitful theme on a long-neg- Edward Hunter, M. D., of Wesley lected field which has recently been Hospital, Nigeria, has been made a receiving much attention from the native chief, the highest honor the Christian leaders in America. King of Ilesha, Nigeria, could confer. His title is "Oluawo, chief of native The Foreign Mission topic will be doctors." He is the only missionary "Christ and the Moslem Wodd To- to Nigeria, except Mary Slessor, to day." Great changes are taking place receive this honor. among the followers of Mohammed and the lands where Islam has long *** held sway are already yielding to the impact of Christianity and modern Dr. John R. Matt, Chairman of the civilization. This will be a very im- International Christian Council, has portant study which should attract the sailed for India to attend the Interattention of Christians everywhere. national Conference of the Y. M. C. A. Do you know where Islam is yielding This is the first meeting of this ormost to Christian influence and what ganization that has been held in the is the attitude of present-day Mos- Far East. It is expected that some lems of the younger generation to important decisions will be reached. Dr. Mott will later visit the Near Christ? East.
*** [513 ] It is time to think of Christmas and of Christmas gifts to missionaries and to friends at home. Note our special Christmas offer on the back cover of THE REVIEW. Make your Christmas remembrance of the birth of Christ one that is worthy of Him.
*** A recent letter enclosed with a subscription reads as follows:
A BIBLE STORY TO A GROUP OF WEST AFRICAN
Photograph by C. E. Whittier EVANGELISTS' CLASS, DUGER BIBLICAL SE'MINARY, CAMEROUN, WEST AFRICA PROGRESS IN TRAINING AFRICAN CHRISTIANS REVIB ORLD VOLUME LIX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 11 NOVEMBER, 1936 Topics of the Times TURMOIL IN SPAIN through some desertions from the Loyalists.
War for mastery of other men's property and Observers declare that the contest for the control a desire to rule brings out the most cruel and of the country is likely to be prolonged. In the beastly elements in human nature. This has been meantime lives are being taken ruthlessly, valuevident in the World War, in Russia, and the Far able property is destroyed and normal life is dis- East, and now in Spain. It requires an almost rupted. The coming generations will pay a heavy superhuman leader and an unusually worthy price in taxes, poverty and moral degeneration. cause and noble spirit for combatants to resist the It is reported that already, after four months of temptations to lust and heartless murder and pil- fighting, 60,000 Loyalists and 80,000 Revolutionlage when the passion for conquest is unleashed. ists have been slain-many combatants and non- How slow ,men are to learn from past experience! combatants being cruelly slaughtered. Loyalists The more deadly the weapons of warfare the more are said to kill all "cowards" and plotters, and one inhuman is the conflict. rebel leader has declared: "My men take no pris- oners and leave behind no living men among the The news from Spain, where the fratricidal wounded." The effect on women is degrading. strife for mastery continues, brings a blush of They take their places with the men and are shame to every Christian. Both sides seem to be among the most fiendish fighters; on the Loyalist equally ferocious and heartless. The Spanish side many are bitter opponents of God and the Government forces – called Loyalists – include Church. Hundreds of priests and nuns have been Socialists, Communists and anarchists. They seek massacred and much church property pillaged and to maintain a government which will control cap- destroyed. ital and industry and will give the workers a better opportunity. They are opposed to the power Evangelical Christian work in Spain is natof the Roman Catholic Church and some are urally hindered by the conflict. The Life of Faith against all religion, therefore their cause is fa- (London) says in a recent issue: vored by Soviet Russia, by Mexico and by the ,From most of the stations of the Spanish Gospel M.ission Communists and Socialists in France. still under control of the Government all foreign workers have been ev~cuated. Meanwhile the work of the mission, The Revolutionists-or rebels as they are called so far as CIrcumstances permit, is being continued by -are fighting to establish a Fascist government Spanish evangelists and colporteurs. Where the Governwhich will be dictatorial and nationalistic. They m~n~ is in control Pro~estants have complete liberty for are friendly to the Catholic Church and have in Splr1tu~1 work. In SeVIlle, however, which is in the hands their ranks many Royalists who favor the return o~ t~e msurgents, one ~f the most promising of the misof the Spanish king. If the Revolutionists are vic- SIOn s younger evangelIsts was shot down with others torious a dictatorship is likely to be established. while standing in a bread line. This side is favored by Italy, Germany and Portugal, all of which are accused of supplying war Mr. Lawrence Elder, a representative of the mission materials to the Revolutionists. The rebel forces known as "Helpers Together" for Spain, was in Badajos seem to have the advantage in the conflict and of at the outbreak of t~e Civil War, and left the besieged forty-nine provinces only eighteen are counted town the day before It fell. He states: "Circumstances loyal to the present central government. The have changed since we left. The occupation of Badajos creirbcellisngocMcuapdyrids.eveTnhteeiern rapnrokvsinacrees baenindg asrweeIeIend- by the rebels was accompanied by fearful bloodshed. As the rebel movement is a militarist-clerical movement it is' probable that Protestants will suffer all over Spain."
estIannpt aprltasceosf othf ewcoorusnh~irpy,halvoeyaslutfofetrheed Gbuotvesrlingmhetlnyt., Prot- [ 515]
Evangelical forces are facing, on the Govern- teen hundred years they and the Turks have ment side, the communistic element that would do almost continuously controlled the land which God away with all religion, and on the rebel side, they gave to Abraham and his seed "forever." face the clerical party opposed to all Protestant religious activity. Since the close of the WorId War Palestine, while under a British Mandate, has been disturbed Spain, the home of the Moorish "Alhambra" by frequent conflicts between Jews and Moslems. and other historic buildings, is a land with a The latter have never shown ability to develop checkered history, beautiful scenery, and rich re- the land agriculturally or economically or to train sources. Most of its 23,000,000 inhabitants are their people educationally and socially and are still poor and illiterate but the past half-century now aroused because of the rapid influx of Jews, has been marked by an encouraging struggle for who dispute with them the right to develop the liberty and learning. The religious life and much land which is theirs by right of possession. On of the wealth, the political power and education the other hand the Hebrews claim that Palestine have been controlled by the Roman Catholic was given to their fathers Abraham, Isaac and Church. As in Mexico and other Latin American Jacob and their descendents by Divine Mandate. countries this control has not brought liberty and The Jews are being evicted from Germany and prosperity to the masses so that there has been a are unwelcome in many other lands. The Balfour revolt against the Papacy. Declaration promised them a home in Palestine and over three hundred thousand Jews have The Evangelical mission work today is carried settled there in the past eighteen years. They on by twenty-five missions, five of them American have bought property and have shown their pro- -the Congregational Board, the Methodist Epis- gressive spirit by building cities, developing copal Church, the Assemblies of God, the Southern farms, establishing schools and colleges and carry- Baptists and the Seventh-Day Adventists. Other ing on trade. Their increasing numbers and insocieties are British, German, Swedish, Dutch and fluence alarms their Moslem neighbors so that Spanish. The results of the work reported show the Palestinian Arabs have dynamited railroad an Evangelical community of only about 22,000 bridges and trains, bombed busses, destroyed or one in a thousand of the population. The Prot- farms and attacked Jewish residents, creating a estant Sunday schools enroll 7,000 and their day reign of terror. Italy is charged with helping to schools 7,500. The total number of Evangelical stir up strife in order to create trouble for the missionaries from outside of Spain is only 123, British who are determined to maintain order, reof whom eleven are American; most of these so- cently declaring marshall law. Many Moslems, cieties help only to support the Spanish Evan- Jews and some British soldiers have been killed. gelical Church. A National Committee for the Fortunately the Moslem "strike" has been called Propagation of the Gospel, representing the lead- off and conditions are becoming more normal. ing Evangelical forces, was formed in Madrid five years ago and has promoted Evangelism by many The sympathy of most travelers is with the public meetings. When peace is once more estab- Moslems who see their land occupied and business lished this Committee may be expected to take captured by Jews who are still coming at the rate steps to proclaim the Gospel more freely and vig- of 1,000 a month. On the other hand, the symorously. Spain needs the rule of Christ to bring pathy of most Bible students is with the Jews who peace and to establish liberty and justice, right- are not only driven out of Europe but who show eousness and prosperity. themselves better able than the Arabs to develop their ancient ancestral home. They are willing THE OUTLOOK IN PALESTINE to live at peace with their neighbors.
At the crossroads between Asia and Africa, and A recent visitor to Palestine, Rev. Walser H. next door to Europe, lies Palestine (the "Land of Allen of the Moravian Church in America, has Wanderers"), the birthplace of three great reli- this to say of the situation: gions and the theater for many religious, racial and political conflicts. Until the time of Joshua, About 750,000 Arabs live in Palestine (which is about about 1,400 years before Christ, the land was di- the size of the State Qf Vermont and much less fertile). vided between many pagan tribes, some of whom Three British Royal Commissions that have been sent out had reached a considerable degree of civilization. to study the situation have reported that Palestine is un- Then for a thousand years it was possessed and able to support more than the present population. It is peopled by the Hebrews. For the next thousand also claimed that tb.e late Colonel T. E. Lawrence promyears it was under Assyrian, Persian, Greek, ised the Arabs, as a reward for helping the British in the Roman or other foreign governments, but still World War, that an all-Arab Federation would be formed, was mostly peopled by Jews. Then came the including Palestine. As a result of the Balfour Declara- Moslem conquests and settlement, so that for thir- tion the Arabs are exceedingly bitter against both Jews and British. The Arabs admit that the Jews are smarter than they and have more wealth but they believe that if Jewish immigration continues the country will be com- pletely dominated by them.
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
It is true that the Arabs have, for the most part, lived have become wearied of prospectuses and plans in old ruts for centuries, while Jewish colonists have, in and pleas. But now and then one comes into a few years, made the desert to blossom as a rose. Some existence because it is definitely needed. Remindof their accomplishments have been tremendous. The ers of the large percentage of unchurched chilgreat Hebrew university in Jerusalem is one of the finest dren in America have been common, but a movein the world. The problem is very complex. ment with a comprehensive plan for reaching them is still sufficiently new to attract attention The Moslems, in a recent conference of 350 and sufficiently important to demand the considerleaders, adopted seven resolutions with a view to ation of the whole Christian Church. If the maintaining their prestige: Church cannot evangelize the children and young people, on whom is it going to depend for its mem- 1. Boycott foreign materials and use homemade goods. bership in another generation? This question alone is enough to awaken a concern which the 2. Establish more Moslem schools to combat mission figures involved must greatly deepen. schools. The movement to meet the spiritual needs of 3. Prevent Jews from buying land and encourage Moslems America's unreached millions of children, from to cultivate their own holdings. whom our armies of atheists, criminals and dan- gerous radicals are chiefly recruited, has already 4. Establish a fighting fund, with contributions from enlisted at least six denominations, which have every Moslem. officially endorsed it. The International Council of Religious Education has also done so, giving it 5. Increase Moslem preachers and teachers in towns and the indirect endorsement of some forty other de- villages. nominations. The special committee on the Christ for Youth Movement, of the General Assembly of 6. Insist on only Moslem teachers for Moslem youth. the United Presbyterian Church of North Amer- ica, in its report presented last May went into the 7. Discourage all modern non-Moslem customs. subject very thoroughly. Its opening paragraphs furnish these sentences of value and interest, and They also demand of Great Britain, as a price show the genesis of this definitely organized effort, of peace: (1) that all Jewish immigration must which at once began to be taken up by other stop; (2) that sales of land to Jews must be churches: restricted; (3) that a national Palestinian government must be established. The past two years have witnessed the most significant movement among Protestant churches in America that has From a Christian viewpoint the present out- ever taken place, looking toward universal Christian teachlook in Palestine is not bright. A recent com- ing for children and youth. The startling fact is that mission, sent out by the Church of England, visited schools and hospitals and agricultural col- twenty million boys and girls are growing up in this counonies, with a view to promoting evangelism among try as practical agnostics. They are ignorant of God and the Jews, most of whom are materialistic and irreligious. The Commission reported great difficul- His laws and His help, because no one has taught them. ties facing Christian work and said that the most Crime is costing sixteen million dollars every day, or six effective way to solve the problem is to work billions annually. Ninety-five per cent of the crime is comthrough Christian friendliness, extending help to mitted by those who have not had Christian instruction. those in need. Christian communities should be The financial cost of crime is only a fraction of the real established, with homes and institutions that will offer an opportunity for all to earn an honorable cost. livelihood. Experience proves that these unchurched children are Christian missionaries and travelers agree that accessible. All that is needed is an awakened concern and Palestine today is, perhaps, the most difficult place purpose on the part of our Christian churches. Christian on earth for the Gospel of Christ to make real instruction can be given to the whole twenty millions not headway. Even Christian Arabs are alienated by receiving it for one per cent of what crime is costing in their feeling that a Christian government is giving their country to aliens and enemies. cash. It costs less than $3.00 a pupil per year to give such instruction to three hundred thousand children in four It is our conviction that the one hope for peace and prosperity in Palestine, as in other lands, is hundred communities that have undertaken it. for all classes to recognize in Christ the Son of God, the potential Saviour of all men, and the Back of the action of our General Assembly one year giver of peace on the basis of righteousness and ago in appointing this special committee on unchurched love. The return of the Jews to Palestine is children, lies a historical setting which helps to interpret stirring up Moslem opposition but the fulfilment of prophecy will ultimately establish the reign of its importance, and our Church's Providential relation to Christ. the whole national movement. On August 14, 1934, the FOR OUR UNEVANGELIZED YOUTH one who has been since appointed chairman of this special There are movements and movements, and there committee sent out an appeal for prayer for a nationare organizations and organizations, until we wide movement in behalf of the millions of unchurched children in America. So far as we can discover, this was the first definite proposal of this nature that has been made. R. M. K.
~1ll0 MANYAPPEALS~ and the sinister ministrations of the witch doctor. The missionary's message was life-changing, 'BLED WHITE!/ revolutionary. Life has been made worth living. ''CAN'T GIVE The loving Father God has been made the per- ANOTHER sonal friend of legions of His African children (thirty-four per cent of the native people in South CENT" Africa are members of Christian churches to- day). Individuals have been freed from slavery (Courtesy oj tb. Golden Rule FOllndatlOn) to enervating tradition and an ancestor-controlled social order, and have already risen high in vari- FACTS vs. FEELINGS ous vocations and professions. For all this the new African is gra1teful. If I could control my feelings I never would But he is frankly puzzled today at what is takhave any bad feelings, I would always have good ing place before his eyes. The white missionary and the church have followed him to the highly feelings. Satan may change our feelings fifty industrialized urban area. He had felt that he was joining a great body of people which repretimes a day, but he cannot change the Word of sented that brotherhood of men and women under a common Father God about which the Apostle God; and what we want is to build our hopes of Paul said so much.
Heaven upon the Word of God. When a sinner is "The Church refuses to face or is slow to try to meet the problems of the people. It preaches coming up out of the pit, and is just ready to get impractical maxims and does not seek to prove Christianity in the Monday struggles of the peohis feet upon the Rock of Ages, the devil sticks ple," says the principal of a school.
out a plank of feeling, and says, "Get on that," In South Africa there is an element of urgency about the problems facing the Christian Church and when the sinner puts his feet on that, down arising from the very large number of African youth who are being exposed to disturbing condihe goes again. Take one saying of Jesus, "Verily, tions. In no country in the world are so many individuals of a backward race meeting face to I say unto you, he that heareth my word and be- face with so many individuals of the white race and having personal dealings with them. lieveth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, In no country in the world are so many native and shall not come into condemnation, but is Christians being put to quite so severe a test of their newly found faith. And in no country with passed from death unto life." That rock is more which the writer is familiar is there such a de- mand as in South Africa, and by native Chrisstable than my feeling. D. L. MOODY. tians, for a program of social action on the part of a united Christian Church. LOOKING AHEAD IN AFRICA In the next decade it will be a race between The new African, the product of missionary such action and such unity of endeavor by the schools and colleges, looks back and recalls the Christian Church and the relegation of the Church fearsome, deadening, spirit-controlled world of to the sidelines of interest-at least on the part his fathers, and he is grateful for the early work of educated African men and women who are of the missionary pioneers who liberated the peo- making the cities and towns their homes. ple from bondage to tribal and ancestral spirits RAY EDMUND PHILLIPS.
WHAT MISSIONARIES ARE SENT TO PREACH Not human experience, but divine redemption. Not economic de!!.ls, but the Gospel of Christ. Not culture, but conversion. Not personal reforms, but liberation from sin. Not laws of progress, but forgiveness for sin. Not social reform, but spiritual salvation. Not a new organization, but a new creation. Not the benefits of civilization, but the blessings of Christ. Weare ambassadors, not diplomats.
R. P. RICHARDSON, North Kiangsu, China.
Mission Work in
By HERBERT SMITH, D.D., Bolenge, Coquilhatville, Congo BeIge, Africa I F YOU are sent to do pioneer work at a new One learns that in Africa today most colonial missionary station, the very best thing that governments have a real concern for the village can happen to you is that you should forget people. Most missions have made a name for that you are in so elementary and yet so impor- themselves. They come not only to build a, church tant work. If you should begin to think that you where the Gospel will be preached, but they will were sent there because you were important, the have a school where the people will learn to read future will be much in doubt. The natives with and write and where other things will be taught. whom you must work would soon sense that you They will have a hospital and also some plan for regarded yourself as being of more consideration vocational work, in either agriculture or industry. than they, and such an attitude would be fatal. The colonial government usually welcomes a mis- These native people are good judges of character. sion that can look forward to a fully developed They can read the motives of many a man even work. The one-man mission is not now very popthough he and they speak different languages. ular with them because one man is unable to This does not mean that the native will not re- preach and do well all the work mentioned. Most spect you. They respect their elders and rulers, mission stations need several missionaries who but every newcomer is just a person to them, and have varied talents and can render different types you have to win them. When you have done so of servicp. in the Name of the Master. the way is open for the very best kind of future work. The Daily Problems Begin Obtaining a Mission Site The steamer landed us at the new station in the late afternoon. The natives gathered hur- Occasionally we hear of the missionary who riedly on the beach when the steamer whistled. goes among a people, settles in their village and What a strange group! They wore little clothing; almost forces his Gospel down their throats. In there was not a shirt among them; their bodies reality such a thing is impossible. In most Afri- were smeared with red powdered wood used as a can colonies, before a missionary can begin to live paint; their hair was matted, and had not been in any village, or even near one, he must obtain combed for months. Every man had some weapon permission twice over. He visits the place where in his hand, either a bow and arrows or spear he would like to settle. He asks the chief and the or large fighting knife. The women had babies on elders of the village if they will permit him to re- their hips and the bodies of the little children side near them. If they will, he then proceeds to were covered with yaw sores. Yet we learned to the administrative authority of the colony and love quite a few of that first crowd. Many have makes the same request. If the native people said become Christians, and we have seen them they did not want a missionary to live near them, clothed, have heard them pray, and have seen the matter is ended; he will not be allowed to them do deeds of kindness because of the Good force himself upon an unwilling people. But if News that comes with the Christian missionary. the villagers have agreed that he should come a In that village it would be almost impossible now government officer goes to see the site and holds to find a baby with yaws. a council meeting with the chiefs and elders to see if they understand what they have. done. If the Morning seemed to come too soon. The goats matter seems to be in accordance with the policy we took with us were tied outside the hut because of the government, permission may be given to there was no other place. The first male of the take certain portions of ground. This permission flock was dead. The steamer was getting ready for temporary residence can be confirmed later or to leave. Some of the natives, especially the old may be withdrawn. It must also be remembered chief and the women, had now got right near to that the government may not give permission, the steamer and were talking to the crew. They even though the native people have offered a site were quite interested in all they saw. The captain for residence. suddenly saw a chance to have some fun. Up went his arm and he blew a blast on the whistle. The [ 519 ]
women fled for their lives and the old chief just would say, "Where is the owner?" Then she about outran them. He explained later that he would have to admit that he was working in the was getting out of the way of the women. But forest or garden and that he might not be back the crowd was not going home and they were not for an hour or two, but that she would be glad to going to allow anything to keep them from satis- receive any gift they might want to give. To this fying their curiosity. the man would say, "You are a woman, what do you know about such things?" We took an American stove, which was set up in the open. The cook had an appreciative audi- The lady was always equal to such an occasion ence. He lighted the fire, having told them what and always said, "Thank you. Won't you sit would happen, so that all eyes were on the end of down and wait until the owner comes?" Then the stove pipe. Suddenly the smo.ke appeared and she would try to get the women to talk. Up until away went the women again, laughing and shout- now they had never said a word. Now they giging, half in fear and half in ridicule that the white gled and answered questions by shaking their man had to have a contraption like that to cook heads, wiggling their bare toes and putting their his food. The chief did not run that time. He hands over their mouths, but not a word would was getting wiser, making game of his wives and they say. Perhaps this lady with great guile would asking if they were babies that run at the sight entice these women into the house and let them of smoke. stand so they could see themselves in a large mir- ror. One would not recognize her own picture Ground had to be· cleared for a temporary at first but she would that of another wife. Then house. We opened a box of long knives known as there would be a roar. They would beat their matchets and used for clearing underbrush and breasts and slap one another on the back and from cutting smaller trees. The chief had never seen now on they would talk a streak. The old chief a boxful of knives before. He promptly put out who had been left out of this would stand it no his hand, expecting one as a present. Gifts that longer. He would want to come in and see what early in the morning were out of order, so he had it was all about. They would show him a picture to wait until later. We had taken a number of of himself in the looking glass and ask him if he workmen with us from one of our other stations. knew himself. After awhile he would realize he Like us, they were housed in huts of the village. was looking at himself and consent to smile, but We built our temporary houses as fast as we could. he would refuse to make the fuss the women did. In a week we had a roof over our heads. This After looking awhile he would say, "I wonder roof was made from palm leaves and was fine dur- where that road goes to?" With that he tried to ing quiet sunshine, but when a storm raged these get into the bedroom to find out. He thought the leaves would stand up on end, allowing the tropi- mirror was a path into some other house. These cal rain to pour into our bedroom. You then chiefs and their wives gave us many moments of pushed your bed over in the other corner, and humor as well as serious thought. It was neces~ hoped the sun would shine next day. It usually sary for them to know us as well as for our does do that most of the time. Such weather was tongues to begin to stammer out some of their very hard on books, clothes and the little furniture language. we had. When Christmas Came Native Hospitality Christmas came, and we invited a number of The natives soon wanted to show their hospital- chiefs and others to a service under the great tall ity. This consisted in bringing presents and mak- trees. Things went all right while we sang and ing speeches of welcome. Unfortunately we could told the Christmas story of the birth of Christ, not, at first, understand the speeches. The chiefs but when we tried to close the meeting with from miles around came to bring these gifts and prayer that was another matter. The native evanto make speeches. The chiefs always wanted the gelist said, "Now let everybody close his eyes man of the house to receive these gifts. In fact while we pray." The oldest chief, who was decked they refused to give them to his wife. They would out in a hat of feathers, refused to close his eyes ask her, "Where is the male?" She would look but he put his hand over his face and looked out of the door, and there standing was a man through his fingers. That would have been all with a spear in his hand, a loin cloth for clothing, right if some women had not seen him and begun and a monkey skin for a hat. Behind him were to giggle. Thinking to maintain his dignity he three or four women. Each of these women had called out in a loud voice, "You women, can't you a basket on her back which was filled with plan- stop laughing for just a short time? Aren't you tains and dried meat of the forest. Always five ashamed at spoiling the meeting of the white or six chickens dangled head downward from one man ?" The damage was done. Everybody knew of their hands. If the lady missionary greeted that he was afraid to shut his eyes in a public them without answering the question the man
PIONEER MISSION WORK IN AFRICA
meeting. He looked all around him to see that no was his own affair." "No it wasn't. If you had one was going to work a charm on him, and the not taken him to your house and if Mamma had whole crowd began to laugh. It was impossible not cooked for him we would have had to furnish to pray, so we said "Amen" and ended the meet- paddlers, and they would have been gone for days. ing. We would learn, however, how to handle a You helped us then." Because of this and similar crowd that could laugh and be serious at the most events almost all the villages there received the simple things, all inside of a couple of minutes. Gospel in due season. They tried hard to under- As soon as the meeting had broken up the head stand our broken language and when we failed to chief and others followed us to our mud hut and make things clear the native evangelist who was said, "White man, we have corne a long way to with us, in many eloquent speeches and sermons this meeting of yours. Now what is our pay for brought the beauty and salvation of the Gospel. coming?" We would learn things the longer we lived among these forest people. We did not pay The wives of the local chief received the Gospel them for coming to church. Years afterwards we one by one, with the permission arid consent of learned that our every action was noticed and their husband. He seemed to welcome the idea talked about in the village. The man missionary of having them become Christians. We then made the garden, and his wife did not. According found out that he thought there was hope for him to native custom the woman is the gardener. The in the faith of his wives. It was a shock to him missionary husband and wife ate together at when the matter was fully explained. He carne every meal; in fact, the wife was served first. If many times to talk it over with us, and all his they walked down a path they walked side by side wives carne too. He was most sincere in his quesand not as the native, with the man in front and tions regarding his obligation to these women and the woman behind. We did so many things in a how he should become a Christian. He was told way that was quite contrary to their customs. there was but one way. A chief, or any man or woman must receive the gracious salvation in just Meeting the State Officer the same way. One day he asked, "If I become a Christian which one of these women is to be my Steamers and canoes passed our village horne wife? I love all of them, and they all love me. very seldom in those days. One morning the drum What am I to do?" of a canoe was heard, and soon it was announced that a State officer was coming. He landed at This was a hard question, and I did not want the native village near by. We went to meet him, to decide for him. After many days of thought but before we reached the beach he had ordered he said, "My first wife has a child, and the others that the village furnish a number of paddlers to have no children. I will take that woman as my take him further on his journey. We invited him Christian wife, and the others can marry whom to our new home, which was not very much to they will in my family who are Christians, or relook at, but he seemed glad to accept the invita- turn to their own families, just as they wish." tion. He accepted also an invitation to dinner and That settled the matter. It was the happiest day stayed with us several hours. We asked him about in that man's life when he was baptized in the his journey and how the paddlers he had ordered water of the great Congo River. Other chiefs from the near by village would get back horne came to witness the service and marveled at his again. It was really none of our business, but he joy, but they shook their heads and said, "He is replied as best he could. We then accompanied quite happy, but he is a fool. Why, he gave up him to his canoe, and he announced to the sur- his wives to become a Christian." prise of the villagers that he would take no paddlers from that village, and in a moment was The Help of Palavers gone. We returned to our work and forgot the incident, but the natives did not and this is how they I spent many hours in palavers about their brought it up years afterwards. quarrels, and I did it by request. The main reason was to get to know the people. Usually it was "White man, we decided you were our friend a dispute about wives or debts or inheritances or long ago. Don't you remember the day the State hunting and fishing rights, and also adultery and officer came and asked for paddlers from our vil- thefts. The word palaver seems to belong to lage and you took him home to your house. You Africa. It usually means disputes and almost and Mamma were living in a mud house then. every man, woman and child has some kind of Mamma cooked some dinner for him and when he palaver, so one has plenty of practice trying to returned to our village he said he did not want straighten things out. During those early days, our paddlers." "Yes," I said, "I remember, but when people asked me to do this, I said, "Why do I never had anything to do with the State officer you come to me. I have no authority to carry out changing his mind about your paddlers. That a decision. If both parties will agree to the ar- bitration in advance I will see what I can do." I
have often wondered since how my recommenda- News, and you share it with no one. Here we live tions sounded to those native ears. I knew very in villages all around here, and none of you come little about native customs or native unwritten to visit and teach us. If we die as we are you law, but I tried to be fair in what I suggested. will be to blame." The listeners were quite stirred They usually attempted to follow out the decisions up and they excused themselves by saying, "The I made. Often one had to read between the white man has not sent us to you. If he will send speeches to get at what they intended you to know us we will come willingly. We will ask him about and what they intended to hide. Nor must you it at the next weekly meeting." suppose that these palavers were conducted without heat. Half a dozen wanted to talk at once, The next meeting found this subject the first and they would get to calling each other liars, topic. The blame for these other villagers being offering at the same time to fight it out right without Gospel teachers was now placed on the there. The rule was that no palaver should be missionary. They asked him, "Why do you refuse held until all weapons had been put aside, so most to allow these people the privilege of Gospel of the boasting was to get rid of steam. After teachers ?" awhile the facts of the case would emerge and a decision could be given that seemed fairly satis- "Now," we said, "wait a bit. We may share factory. this responsibility somewhat. But it seems to be your own affair before it is ours. These villagers After we got a permanent house built, with are your friends, are they not? Perhaps they are steps leading up to the porch, the old men had to your very own relatives, maybe mothers and falearn how to climb those steps. They came up the thers and brothers and sisters. If anyone should first time on their hands and knees, and we had be anxious for them to have the Gospel it surely to help them down. They liked to get up there, should be you yourselves." however, and to be given an old porch chair to sit on. One old man in particular came often. He "Do you mean to. say," they asked, "that if we brought little gifts of sugar cane, or perhaps an find someone to go you will send them?" "That egg or two. He wanted salt and tin spoons or tin is what I mean," I replied. "If there is someone forks in return. One day he said he was going to worthy and capable and can have the approval of church with me. He had often refused our in- both Christians and missionaries we will be glad vitation, but this time he was willing to go and to see that work start." asked if he could take the chair he was sitting on to church. He seemed to pay attention to the The work began in the near by villages inside of service and after the meeting I expected to see a week. As a ~esult of that weekly meeting hunhim return the chair, but he had other intentions. dreds have been sent out, and great numbers have A small boy came running saying the old man been won for Christ through that kind of cowas taking the chair home and telling everybody operation. I gave it to him. We asked him to return the chair to our porch, and explained to him that if he car- The missionary force was augmented through ried off that chair we would have great shame the the years by the educator, who taught the people next time he came to see us because we.would have to read the Holy Scriptures and gave them much no chair to offer him to sit on. He returned the general knowledge. When the doctor and nurse chair and came often, but in spite of our hope arrived a new day was surely at hand. Now there that he would one day understand the Gospel mes- were health studies and help to those in pain and sage he never did. He was held fast with his distress. Little children no longer suffered the heathenism. long painful scourge of yaws, but were healed in a couple of weeks. Helping to Carry the Message One of the finest things that has come to these It was one of the pleasures of the work that Christians is to discover that there are many other newly made converts were anxious to go out to people in Africa who are Christians too. Forvillages, both near and far, to tell the Gospel story. merly there was no means of travel. It was dan- It began in this way. We had a weekly custom of gerous to go very far from home; hence it was meeting with Christians to learn about their not possible to have friends very far away from growth in their new faith and also how the new the village in which you were born. Now these leaven was working in other places. Visitors con- newborn Christians read about other people who tinued to come to the village, some of them to are really of another tribe in the flesh, but who call on the missionaries, but many of them to see are of the same tribe in the Lord. This is a very the new Christian village that was slowly grow- great gain to the African. ing. One day some of these visitors said to the Christians: "This is not fair. You have this Good Native Christians are not yet ready to stand alone. They have come a long way in the brief time they have had a chance to hear the Gospel, but they will need more guidance and fellowship for a long time to come.
A Church that Gives and Likes
By REV. GEORGE C. SOUTHWELL, Cleveland, Ohio, Secretary of the Cleveland Office of the American Mission to Lepers W HEN the Rev. Herbert Mackenzie had Dr. McConaughy asked him what the church been pastor of the Gospel Church of spent on its local expenses, and he found that, Cleveland, Ohio, only six weeks, the church generous as the missionary gifts had been, the organist, a beautiful Christian girl, died suddenly. amount was much smaller than that contributed The young people's society, the Bible School, the for local expenses. Mr. Mackenzie felt a real jolt, church trustees, and several groups started funds when Dr. McConaughy said: "I don't believe you to purchase beautiful floral remembrances for the ought to boast about your missionary giving until funeral, but the pastor felt that a living gift you spend more on 'others' than upon yourselves.'?
would be better than flowers that perish. A short time after this Dr. Henry W. Frost, of With the consent of the family the announce- the China Inland Mission, remarked to Pastor Mackenzie that "a spiritual interpretation of ,the ment was made that "flowers should be omitted" Scriptures would make a church missionary conand, at the pastor's suggestion "The Hazel Cain scious more quickly than the telling of thrilling Fund" for the support of a Bible woman in China, was soon subscribed. missionary stories."
That was the first missionary project of the Gospel Church, and it has been maintained for many years.
The pastor's first missionary vision came to him in London, Ontario, ' where he was a mission church pastor, serving without stated salary. The first week he received $2.00, and the first year, $225.00; but when clothes were needed, or food, they came unsolicited, just as they were needed and not before. Pastor Mackenzie was reminded of Job, who said: "Have (I) eaten my morsel alone, and the fatherless have not eaten thereof." He desired to share his spiritual bread with the multitudes who were famishing. A missionary day was appointed, with a goal of $50.00 for missions. This seemed a large amount for his small and poor mission church. Prayer days were appointed and the gifts amounted to $296. In twelve months they raised $1,200.00 for missions, and the pastor's support was adequate for his needs. Next the mission moved out of the old building, and purchased a fine abandoned church structure.
From this fruitful Canadian pastorate Mr. Mac- kenzie was called to the Gospel (undenomina- tional) Church in Cleveland, Ohio. There, too, mission days and goals were set, preceded by days of prayer – not incidental prayers at a crowded midweek meeting, but all-day prayer meetings with men and women attending. Gifts to missions REV. HEmBERT MACKENZIE increased to such an extent that the pastor, being human, expressed his satisfaction to Dr. David McConaughy, one time as they walked together.
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From the Lord's great commission: "Go ye money to open five stations at $1,000.00 each in into all the world and preach the gospel to every the last seven years. creature," and Solomon's proverb: "Where there is no vision, the people perish," the pastor found The Bible School has its own missionary with the texts which, with many others, became the in- whom it keeps in touch by regular correspondence. spiration for his famous expository sermons. The missionary cause is always before the people, These were the forerunners of the winter and for prominently displayed in the front of the summer Erieside Bible Conferences, and mission- church is a world map with little burning electric ary conventions, which have brought to Cleveland lights, each representing a missionary and his or some of the greatest Bible teachers of America. her field of service. Here is a literal version of the words: "Let your light so shine before men Sam Higginbottom, the well-known missionary that they may see your good works, and glorify of Allahabad, India, came to the Gospel Church, your Father which is in heaven." married a daughter of "Elder" Cody and they became the first missionaries of the church. Soon Some one of the many missionaries of this church is always at home on furlough, and is THE GOSPEL CHURCH, CLEVELAND invited into the homes of the members, so that the children grow up in a missionary atmosphere. other young people in the congregation volunteered for missionary service, and one by one, The church holds a missionary conference each were accepted by missionary boards and sent year, in addition to cooperating in the Erieside abroad. Bible Conferences, founded by the pastor. A four- page folder, containing pictures of its mission- The funds for transportation, outfits, and sup- aries and interesting facts about their work, is port came from the members and some outside published by the church. friends. Nigeria, Africa, called seven members; Argentina, South America, called two others; On invitation of the mission boards, Pastor Abyssinia called two; Rhodesia, one; and the Mackenzie has made visits to missions in Africa Chicago Hebrew Mission, another. Some mem- and South America and his personal reminiscences bers have assumed full support of certain mis- add to the missionary flame. sionaries. One supply teacher in the Sunday school, herself a school teacher, has provided the The Gospel Church has continued to grow and is occupying its third building in thirty years. Two other churches in, or near Cleveland, have also grown out of it.
Dr. Mackenzie has never had a stated salary, but depends on the free will offerings of his peo- ple. There are only 200 members but the pastor believes that for every ten members there should be one missionary on the foreign field and the church is now supporting eighteen. Four other young people are in training for mission work. Gifts to missions have increased from $200.00 to $10,000.00 per year. During the past twenty- six years these people, none of whom are rich, have contributed $200,000.00 for missionary work.
When Dr. Mackenzie was asked for the secret of the missionary achievements of this church he replied: "Consecration, vision, prayer, and faith." The Scriptures are the lamp that lights his leader- ship. In a recent issue of the Church Bulletin we read: "If ye shall ask … I will do" (John 14). Man, in his own strength, can do nothing constructive -"Power belongeth unto God." Our part is to ask. How? In faith (James t; 6). In great faith? No. Faith is more precious than gold that perisheth, and Christ said, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place and it shall remove" (Mat. 17: 21). Let us ask daily.
to Mission Work in
By REV. C. s. JENKINS, Manjacaze, Gaza, Portuguese East Africa .r-. AFRICA, with its 11,412,320 square miles of On the other hand we know that no living soul is territory, and its 170,000,000 people! Each really satisfied without communion with his Cre- section presents its peculiar difficulties. I ator. We know that he is not satisfied, but he think that, in pointing out the following hin- doesn't. He has to be made to see that Jesus is drances which I present for your consideration, I his need. The time required to do this varies, ac- am stating, more or less, the condition in Africa cording to the missionary and the section in which as a whole. he labors.
It has been my joy to give the past sixteen years Lack of appreciation: The religion of Jesus to service in this so-called Dark Continent. Per- causes His people to "do good unto all men." The haps I cannot speak with absolute authority, but missionary tries through ministering to the body I bring to you in this article the results of careful to reach the soul. These efforts have met varying and prayerful observation after these years of degrees of success. Many times, to our surprise, labor for the salvation of the African. After all, they have not been rewarded by the appreciation there is but one real hindrance, and that is the which we would expect. Not that the missionary presence in the world of the archenemy of God expects rewards in this life, but he is pained and all righteousness. In this article I am en- many times by this lack of response. And what deavoring to state, as I see them, a few of the missionary has not awakened to the fact that he many specific difficulties. It is not practical to is now expected to care for the bodily needs of try to give them in the order of their significance the people? Has not God sent him for this pur- as many are of much the same importance. pose, that is, as a convenience? It is a shock at I. Natural Propensities of the African first, but after prayer and commitment it does not become a check. I do not mean to imply that His superstitions: He is the personification of as a result of' cases of lack of appreciation the superstition. He was born in it as were his an- missionary ceases to minister to the body. No, cestors. It is in the fiber of his being. He is but he becomes much wiser in the administration taught that everything ill comes from evil spirits of temporal things. I would not leave the impres- which are always trying to do him harm. Crop sion that the African is not appreciative. We failures, sickness, death, all come through witch- have seen hundreds of evidences of appreciation craft. He is a fatalist in every sense of the word. and gratefulness among them. We find, however, If it were possible we could make a long article that this is when grace has touched their hearts on this point alone. and the eyes of their understanding have been The African is naturally suspicious: He is sus- opened.
picious of the missionary when he first makes his II. Missionaries appearance. The founder of our work in Swazi- land labored three years before the first convert You will no doubt be surprised at my stating was made. He had to break down this suspicion. that missionaries themselves can be a hindrance As a drawing card to get the children to come to to the work of evangelization in Africa. When I the mission station he gave out picture cards. say "missionaries" I mean some missionaries-a Upon seeing them the parents immediately burned very few missionaries. I hesitate to say this, but them, saying that the missionary was trying to I am sure that many of my fellow missionaries bewitch them. In some sections there isn't a doubt will agree.
that the native's suspicions of the white man are Missionaries who do not enter into native life: well grounded. To the shame of the white race There are missionaries in Africa, a few whom I this is true in some sections where the white man have met personally, who do not learn the lan- preceded the missionary. guage of the people with whom they labor. This Self-satisfaction: Sometimes it is stated that means that they cannot know the African. It is the African is waiting with outstretched hands impossible to enter into the native life without a for the Gospel. Most of us have not found this knowledge of his language. This acquisition to be fully true. He is generally quite satisfied makes the missionary one with his people as noth- with his condition; that is, he takes it for granted. ing else could. A native will seldom bring his [525 ]
private difficulties, doubts and fears to a mission- the work by himself. I am sure that I am safe ary with whom he must speak through an inter- in saying that scores of missionaries in Africa preter. As a rule when one unburdens his heart started missionary work in the wrong way. We he doesn't wish for a third person to be present. preached the Gospel and many believed. God Interpreters have sometimes not interpreted cor- called some as preachers, and we trained them rectly. We know of such a case. Often when the and sent them out. This was good, but where we missionary was preaching and touched upon made our mistake was that these preachers were things of which the interpreter was guilty he gave supported entirely from overseas. The preachers an interpretation to suit himself. A missionary did not ask whence came this support, and some may live in the midst of his people, but still live seemed to think that the supply was exhaustless. a long distance from them. That is, he shuts him- The depression came and cuts were made. It was self away from them either consciously or uncon- a shock, and in some instances the workers did sciously. not take too kindly to it. Some missionaries, the writer included, felt that this was the time to do Low standards of teaching and living: I am not what we had wanted to do for years, but had not speaking of immorality and other outright sins. known how, and in some instances had feared to I am referring to standards which are not Gospel do. The task of correcting mistakes at this point standards. Church forms may be followed very has not been easy, either for the missionary or the carefully, while very little change is wrought in native worker, but the results are gratifying. I the heart. This is a hindrance to the spread of am certain that if our founders (may God bless the Gospel. We have seen Africans educated to their memory) had started with the indigenous a very high degree-and we believe in education church in view we never would have had some of -but with a very little knowledge of the Lord. our present difficulties. The end of all missionary endeavor should be the changing of men's hearts. Anything short of this The free-lance missionary (so-called): I hesiis building with wood, hay, stubble. Was it not tate to discuss this subject for fear of being mis- Jerry McAuley who said, when referring to edu- understood. Will you allow me to make it clear cation without God, "An uneducated man will that I do not necessarily mean the so-called indesteal your watch, but an educated one will steal pendent missionary. The missionary to whom I your daughter." refer may either be independent or belong to a denomination. He is "independent" whether con- Pressing Western ways upon an Eastern peo- nected with a denominational mission, an interdeple: I doubt the wisdom of this policy. None of nominational mission, an undenominational misus would say that everything Western was so near sion or carrying on a work of his own. What I perfect that it would be desirable for an Eastern, want to say is, that this missionary will not work primitive people. Along some lines, no doubt, together with anyone. He will go in with his par- Eastern peoples can teach us some valuable les- ticular church where the field is already well ocsons. Naturally the native will adopt the customs cupied and sometimes overcrowded. In some which come from the land of the missionary, such cases he builds up this new church with those who as dress. He not only takes on the ways of the have been disciplined in other churches. This missionary, but unhappily he takes on too many kind of work makes it very difficult to administer of the ways of the white man whom he meets. He the discipline which will build up a strong body has to learn that there is a difference between the of believers. Only missionaries working on the missionary and many of the white settlers. We field know just what this means. are thankful to say that there are some godly settlers, but they are far too few. More especially III. Godless European Civilization would I emphasize the danger of the missionary trying to Westernize the native beyond what is It will be agreed by all missionaries that it is good for him. We are not called to Africa to make far easier to reach the African who is entirely unwhite folks out of the natives, but to make Chris- touch by so-called civilization than those whom it tians. A Christian African is a beautiful char- has reached. This is a shame and disgrace upon acter. How our Lord must rejoice over him! us as a white race. Some years ago as I was trek- king through a certain district, I greeted an old We come not to establish a Western church, be woman who was plowing in her garden. She an- . it ever so fine, but to Christianize the African and swered my greeting by saying, "Shewane, muthen let a church develop along African lines. lungu" (greetings, white man). I had a native Should it not be our purpose to build up an Afri- young man traveling with me, and upon hearing can church which will eventually be a self-govern- her greeting he said, "He is not a white man; he ing, self-supporting, self-propagating church? We is a missionary!" What he meant by this was should not build in such a way as practically to that there was too great a difference between the make it impossible for the African to carryon
HINDRANCES TO MISSION WORK IN AFRICA
missionary and the white man. This ought not not allow freedom of conscience. She will take to be so, but, sad to say, it is. We call ourselves any and every means to hinder the work of the a superior race, but in some cases the white man Gospel. In the section where the writer is workwill sink to lower levels than the native. The word ing we are now feeling this opposition. Children "ka/fir" comes from the Dutch and means dog. are forced in many instances to attend Roman Missionaries never use the word, speaking of the Catholic schools. When they do so they are no natives. Imagine the depths to which one white longer allowed to attend church services in any man had gone when he received from the natives other church, even though their parents are Protthe name of white "ka/fir!" It is not pleasant to estants. Even in sections of Africa where the dwell on this point, but in considering hindrances government is nominally Protestant the Roman it must be mentioned. Catholics are a hindrance to Protestant work. They readily accept the freedom which they re- IV. Native Movements fuse others.
The aim of all missionary work should be ulti- VI. Nationalism mately to establish an African church. To this we all agree. There are times when some native This may be expressed in various ways. For leaders, having more in their heads than in their instance, if mission work is being carried on in a hearts, break away from the Church governed by self-governing territory this may work as it does the white missionary and start a native move- in Mexico; that is, only nationals are allowed to ment. I am not referring to the African branches carryon the work. If the people are a subordiof the Church which have been set apart by sev- nate people this spirit may be manifested in aneral of the larger denominations working in this other way. Sometimes this nationalism means land. I am referring to the independent native Catholicism. In the territory where the writer churches which have been started by disgruntled labors the Roman Catholics are nationals and the native leaders. Very often they are simply racial Protestants are foreigners. One can easily see and political, with the slogan, "Africa for the the problems this presents. Church and State African." They go about spreading dissatisfac- have always been one; they are supposed to be tion among the believers and gather unto them- separated now, but the union is still apparent in selves kindred spirits. spirit. Therefore, it is believed, Protestants who are foreigners must of necessity represent a for- We have at least one notable case in Portuguese eign government. One can see that this line of East Africa. An ordained native minister of one reasoning is not conducive to missionary progress of the Church's great denominations, a denomina- in such countries. Then we have seen this nationtion which pioneered the work in a part of this alistic spirit manifested among the Africans colony, became dissatisfied and separated himself themselves. The slogan, "Mrica for the Afrifrom that church. He started a native movement cans," is no mere byword. In the religious realm and headed it as a self-appointed bishop. The these movements have manifested real hatred tonatives were told that this was God's way of de- ward the missionaries themselves, who were the liverance for them from the thralldom of the means in other years of bringing to them the glowhite supervision, and he promised them that this rious Gospel of emancipation. movement would sweep the country. The only sweeping it did was to sweep from some churches I realize that I have drawn rather a dark piccertain undesirable members. After a while the ture. The nature of my subject has rather neces- "bishop" was accused of immoral conduct. He sitated this. Thank the Lord, there is a brighter was brought to trial by the church which he had side. How mighty have been the triumphs of the started, when it was found that no provision had Gospel in Africa! Were it within the bounds of been made in the church rulings for the trial of a this article how my soul would revel in the privibishop! He had carefully seen to that. Then lege of recounting a few of these wonderful viccame a separation. And so it goes on. This sort tories wrought through the preaching of the Gosof thing is a serious hindrance. pel of the Son of God! I will have to forego this joy. Handicaps? Yes. Opposition? Yes. Vic- V. Roman Catholicism tories? Multitudes! Perhaps these very things which we have numbered as hindrances to the To those laboring in Roman Catholic countries progress of the Gospel have in reality been step- I need to say nothing more. Just to state the case ping stones to greater attainments than would would be sufficient. If the people are self-govern- otherwise have been possible. ing and are Roman Catholics the difficulties are of a certain character. If they are a subordinate God loves Africa; Jesus died for Africa; the people and ruled over by Roman Catholics then Holy Spirit works in Africa. Therefore, there is, the problem is different. If possible, Rome will and must be victory!
Men and
By OSCAR EMIL EMANUELSON,* New Haven, Conn.
I T WAS an old Zulu who once said: "There are day. The writer is restricting his remarks to the two kinds of foreigners in our country-white Union of South Africa, the area with which he is men and missionaries." This statement is sig- most familiar; but what follows would probably nificant for it points to the distinction which apply to Southern Rhodesia, Kenya, or any other every Mrican has sooner or later to discover, part of Africa where white settlement is permanamely, that the missionary does try to govern his nent. whole life by the teachings of Christ, while the average Christian layman is too often content to To the average native living near a mission stapractice his religion only on Sundays. tion in a rural area, the missionary is a person to go to in time of trouble, whatever the nature of The difficulty is a real one; for, to the Afri- that trouble. It may be that a loan is needed for cans, as to most so-called primitive peoples, re- the payment of overdue taxes, or for the purchase ligion is something that permeates the whole of of food at the stores where further credit is no life. For example, in the case of the Zulus, re- longer obtainable; it may be that a serious misligion plays an important part in tribal warfare, understanding has arisen between the native and in tribal first-fruit ceremonies, and in every crisis his white employer, or between the native and the in the life of the individual. The ancestral spirits government officials in connection with regulaare constantly looked to for help and guidance, tions for the control of epidemic animal diseases; and are propitiated with offerings. The ordinary or it may be that a child or a valuable ox or cow European in Africa, on the other hand, may open- is ill and in need of immediate attention. Of ly claim to have no time for religion; or he may course, the native in trouble often goes to his discuss Christian brotherhood in a very emotional white employer or an official and obtains both manner on Sundays and still use very questionable advice and assistance; but, as a general rule, it methods in dealing with his "brothers," particu- is still the missionary who is called on for help; larly his colored African brothers, in business and this is usually forthcoming, unless the mishours on week days. sionary's slender resources are quite unable to bear the strain placed upon them. Even non- The first permanent settlers came to the Cape Christian natives are frequently helped by misof Good Hope in 1652, more than one hundred and sionaries in circumstances like those just outfifty years after the Cape had been discovered; lined. Such is the position in the rural areas, to Natal the early settlers came in 1823, some where the so-called "raw" natives do definitely three hundred years after its discovery by the believe that missionary white men are different Portuguese; while the Transvaal and the Orange from, and superior to, ordinary white men. What Free State were settled by dissatisfied Dutch of the urban areas? farmers who started leaving the Cape as late as 1835. Missionaries were early on the scene in What the Africans Say each of these four territories, and they came in The distinction just outlined between "white the interests of the natives, to whom they wanted men" and "missionaries" seems perfectly natural to bring the Gospel of Christ; whereas the set- to some people; but beliefs are not held by everytlers entered these areas in their own interests. body for all time, and what seems axiomatic to This initial difference between settlers and mis- one person in one generation may stimulate doubt sionaries persists to a remarkable degree, even to- • Mr. Oscar Emil Emanuelson, the son of Swedish missionaries to and inquiry in another. It was in a spirit of in- qUI'ry that a qu-estl'onnal're was prepared and sent . the natives of Natal and Zululand, Is a district inspector of native out to representative natives in the largest urban schools in the service of the Natal Government Education Depart- area in South Africa. Among the questions asked were the following: "Are you a member of a ment. He secured the B.A. degree in 1919, and the M.En. degree in ChrI•s•tian church?. WhoICh one.? Are the ChrI'S- 1927, from the University of South Africa. Through the generosity tian churches losing or gaining influence among of the International Institute of African Languages and Cultures, urban native residents today? Why is this? he was enabled to spend the academic year 1934-35 in studying anthropology under Professor Malinowski at the University of London; and by the award of a Carnegie fellowship In Race Relations he was enabled to spend the academic year 1935-36 at Yale Univer- ~7. i~aa~::I~~~c~~o1b~~tt~~ ~f~i~YH°,;w~'au~~~o1:~~nRg;~e~~~a~l~~~ s~~~~t~~ri~~~ race relations In those countries before returning to [528 ]
WHITE MEN AND MISSIONARIES
Please let us have your honest opinion (perhaps enough already and should withdraw from mison a separate sheet of paper) of the work of the sion work among the natives; four thought that churches at the present time: their leadership, the missionaries were losing their influence bemethods, and value to the community." Three cause of the bad example set by the whites who of those who replied were sure that the churches did not attend church and who showed their inwere gaining influence, twelve were uncertain as difference to religion in other ways; four attribto what answer to give about the value of the uted the decrease in the influence of the missionmissionaries to the natives, and forty-two were aries to the counter attractions of liquor, dance sure that the missionaries were either useless or halls, and theaters; two explained matters by harmful to the native community. In other words, saying that the "educated" natives, especially of the missionaries of today in the urban areas do the younger generation, were indifferent to renot rank nearly so high in the opinion of the na- ligion; two thought that much could be accounted tives as did the early missionaries in the pioneer for by the presence of "formalism" in the mission days, before the building of large towns and cities. churches; while two complained of the absence of love from all churches and of bad treatment of From those who spoke definitely in favor of the natives by Christian whites. missionaries and their work, came the following comments: That the missionaries are on the Some Bantu Grievances whole good friends to the Africans, that the Christian mode of life is far superior to the heathen In connection with these adverse comments way of living, that the missionaries interest them- upon the missionaries and their influence, the conselves in both church and social questions, that sidered opinion of D. D. T. Jabavu is worthy of the missionaries do not keep all the best posts in close attention, for he is an Mrican author of sevthe church for themselves, that Christianity re- eral important books on a variety of native matduces the fears of the Africans, that the mission- ters. In his chapter on Bantu Grievances in a aries still do much more for native education than recent book, "Western Civilization and the Nathe government does, and that the churches are tives of South Africa" (edited by 1. Schapera; gaining more in influence than they are losing in Routledge, 1934), Jabavu says: "In religious numerical strength. circles, too, the color obsession is not wanting. In combined social functions, the Nordic races Twenty-six considered the missionaries to be fall far behind those of Southern Europe in soseekers of wealth, either for themselves or for ciability. Promotions to positions of responsibiltheir own denominational funds; sixteen believed ity due to our more advanced pastors are often that the churches were losing their influence, be- withheld because 'they are not yet fit for responsicause of the poor training which many of the mis- bility'; and it is odd to see our elderly ministers sionaries and other church workers had received; with ripe experience serving as underlings to very ten thought of the missionaries as plain hypo- young white ministers fresh from their theologicrites; ten felt that the missionaries were losing cal college. We see no progress made to enable their power, on account of their acquiescence in our men to qualify for this fitness, the determinacolor bars within the churches and the schools tion of which is left to the judgment of their under church control; ten maintained that em- white brethren." phasis on spiritual matters and neglect of social welfare work were reducing the efficiency of the Broadly speaking, the missionaries have been, churches; six believed that the missionaries could and still are, opposed to what are termed "repulnot become a power in the land until they were sive" heathen customs and beliefs; and in this prepared to sink denominational differences and the missionaries have the general white public abandon interdenominational strife to the point with them. To this extent, then, there is simiof amalgamating the churches; five could not see larity rather than difference; but the efforts of how the missionaries could have any influence the missionaries are also directed along another over the natives, when the churches followed pub- line, the replacement of faith in ancestral spirits lic opinion, instead of leading it and having a real by faith in Christ, and the general white public effect upon government legislation on native mat- is doing practically nothing to give direct help in ters; four accounted for the decreasing influence this task. For example, white farmers will ridiof the missionaries by the increasing unwilling- cule native belief in magic in the field of agriculness of the missionaries to trust and consult na- ture, but few of them will take any real interest tives in matters of church finance; four felt that in the adoption of Christianity by their servants; the missionaries had confused Christianity with yet the government and the general white public European culture, and had done their own cause are compelled to give support to the missions, harm by unnecessary interference with native especially when the lives of missionaries are in customs and the power of the native chiefs; four danger in periods of unrest. argued that the missionaries had stayed long
Criticism of this general tendency to condemn should be forthcoming locally if the natives are to native customs and beliefs comes from students be won for Christ. But that happy state of affairs of functional anthropology, who insist that these will not be realized in the near future, and the matters should be most carefully studied before mission societies will therefore continue to be dethey are interfered with in any way, lest the re- pendent upon support from overseas for some sults of such interference be far different from time to come. Local support will never become those anticipated. Missionaries have actively op- adequate without supervision and control of misposed the whole system of "bride price payments" sionary activity by the whites in Africa; and and the general practice of polygamy, even to the these will give neither the money for mission exextent of demanding that a native man should penses nor the time for mission supervision until keep only one of his wives and send the others they are persuaded, not forced, to follow the giveaway; while the anthropologists point out that and-take principle by giving a little more and takthe "bride price" is really a public seal to a con- ing a little less. It certainly seems futile to extract between the two families to which the bride pect the whites to follow in their daily lives a and bridegroom belong, and very similar to the philosophy which they do not whole-heartedly "dowry" so well known in some European coun- accept. Yet it might be objected that this is tries. The "bride price" usually takes the form exactly what the ruling whites expect the ruled of a small herd of cattle. natives to do.
As the natives of South Africa do believe in a In their attempts to do this persuading the mis- Supreme Being they do not oppose and resent the sionaries may be accused of "pussyfooting." In teaching of the missionaries concerning God. fact, they are being accused of that very practice. What they resent is interference with the old so- Witness the comments by natives quoted at the becial organization and the traditional practices and ginning of this paper. This matter calls for comcustoms; hence many of the Christian natives ment on the history of mission policy in South bring into their new religion the lack of sincerity Africa. At one time a certain group of missionand the stress on formalism which characterized aries, those who believed in the "noble savage" their old religion. At the same time, the mission- and stressed the struggle for political rights, aries have in a way become tribal officials who gained ascendancy over another group, those who worship "the unknown god" on behalf of the tribe. believed in the motto of ora et labora, and sought In other words, the missionaries get quite a great to secure spiritual and material development deal of recognition from the heathen members of rather than political and social status. This asthe tribe and even more recognition from the cendancy of the one group over the other is the Christian members, with the result that the aver- basis of much of the present unwillingness of the age missionary is an honored guest in the ordi- whites to "give" in matters affecting the natives. nary tribe. For this reason it might be argued that the mis- sionary "victory" of those early days is the cause Although many of the natives of South Africa of missionary "defeat" today-if the missionaries are still heathens, there can be very few natives are suffering defeat today, and that time alone who are absolutely unfamiliar with the main can show whether "pussyfooting" to secure willteachings of Christianity and also, unfortunately, ing and friendly consideration of native claims with the great difference between these and their will not prove more effective than direct attacks. general application in the daily life of the average white Christian. The natives realize only too well Even the worst enemies of the missionaries, that Christian pririciples apply better among the past and present, will agree that, however great Europeans themselves than they do between race may be the mistakes which have occurred, the and race, that Christianity as practiced by the missionaries have made valuable scientific conwhites does not help the weak of the land-the tributions to knowledge in the realms of ethnology native peoples, and that missionary effort is tol- and ethnography, and that, in spite of the apparerated by the whites in Africa so long as most of ently disruptive effects of missionary enterprise the money and the missionaries come from over- on native social organization, the work done by seas. missionaries to foster and preserve native lan- guages, reduced to written form by the mission- White Churches and Missions aries, is today -having an undoubted integrating. effect upon native society quite unlike anything In fact, the dualism between the white churches being done directly or indirectly by the general in South Africa and the mission societies there is white public. And the impartial observer would so glaringly apparent that it cannot be overlooked go further and say that the missionaries are still by even the most unobservant native. The white serving essential needs of the natives in the field churches should practice what the mission so- of religion itself. With this view the writer of cieties preach; the necessary sympathy and mis- this paper whole-heartedly agrees. sion workers and daily justice and mission funds
Christ Has Done for My
By BERNARD MOLABA, 1)1- Bantu Presbyterian Theological Student at the South African I Native College, Fort Hare, South Africa I T IS not easy within the compass of a brief ity and of the scientific treatment of disease will article to do justice to a wide subject like this completely disappear. -What Christ Has Done for My People-the Bantu of South Africa, and Africa's greatest need In a word, we can assuredly say that the Good of Him. It is indeed an attempt to reduce a News of the Man of Galilee is becoming effective whole book to a short article. But as I am limited among the Bantu. As He said, He came to preach, to this space I shall in passing only mention what teach, heal and free. Christ has already done, and I shall mention only The preaching of the Good News is being car- ried on every day and nearly everywhere among those needs which are of paramount importance. The state of affairs among the Bantu prior to the advent of Christianity is well known. True, the Bantu had religious ceremonies and observances, but these were accompanied by superstition and mystification, and were attempts to propitiate angry and fearful spirits. When Christianity with its cornerstone of love came, many of these mystical rites disappeared.
Three main things which have been definitely removed by Christ can be mentioned at the outset.
First, there were the intertribal wars, often accompanied by much bloodshed and misery.
Christ has now united these tribes which were at variance one with the other, and although they retain their separate totemistic clans they nevertheless feel that they belong to a wider racial circle which includes all the different little circles, BERNARD M'OLABA and that they are all one in spirit and purpose and need not destroy one another. The old destructive days have passed away.
Second, there were the tribal hatreds, spite, contempt, and disunion. All these destructive ele- ments have vanished. There was a time when a the Bantu. From the large cities to the remotest member of an alien tribe was your rightful foe, rural areas faithful worshipers of Christ gather but now we feel we are joined, not by those tan- to praise His Name for the salvation which is gible bonds of blood and flesh, but by eternal and theirs. They are called to worship by tower bells spiritual bonds of love and peace and good will in the cities, and in the villages by hand bells or and common purpose. We feel We are one in an old ploughshare struck by a hammer. They Christ. listen eagerly to the message, and thank the mis- sionaries who dared so much to bring Christianity Third, there were cruel and repugnant customs, like the slaying of twins, the sacrifice of children to them. It is true that we still have heathens, for the propitiation of angry spirits, and the but their numbers diminish with time. I am sure smelling out of witches. Through Christ these that even in old countries unbelievers are still have been removed, and where formerly was found. cruelty and bloodshed is now love, peace, and good Teaching has likewise been making progress.
will. Throughout South Africa, from the towns to the True it is that superstition still lingers in many lonely rural places, you find mission schools; and a village, but this with the progress of Christian- here secular education is based upon a solid foun- [531 ]
dation in Christ. Many heathens send their chil- is shown in various aspects of their lives. In agdren to mission schools, and these children in most riculture, education, literature, music and induscases refuse to go back to the old life. Generally try new ventures are being made. Some men say speaking every Bantu man realizes the benefits that the belief in witchcraft is still unshaken, but of education, and hence many children from hea- this is not entirely true. Young people now scorn then homes attend schools and ultimately become and ridicule this absurd belief, and it is no doubt followers of Christ. vanishing.
Within a short time education has made won- What Is Needed to Win Africa derful strides. Through missionary enterprise village schools have been founded, later institutes In the first place, some Africans cry out that and finally colleges. when the white man came to Africa he had the Bible and we had the land; now we have the Bible I am writing this article in the South African and he has the land. Weare crammed in a small Native College, at Fort Hare, which has a mar- piece of ground, here to perish with our cattle, velous history. Within the twenty-one years of but one European owns twice as much land as a its existence it has produced about sixty Bachelors whole village. They say that Christianity is a of Art and two Bachelors of Science, apart from drug to keep us silent and in hope of compensation eighty fully qualified doctors who completed their in the future world, that Europeans preach what courses overseas. No man who had not the Spirit they do not practice, and that they say, "Do as I of Christ could have convinced the government tell you and not as I do." These and many other that a native youth, given the opportunity, could complaints are voiced by discontented agitators, do any mental work which a European youth and, unless the Church wakes up definitely to face could do. We thank missionaries for dispelling them, Christianity may lose even the ground it by practical examples the idea of an inferior men- has. tality in the native. The idea that the native must be treated dif- The writer remembers well the time he spent ferently from the European is wrong. What is as a lad in the "cattle-posts." To have seen a good for the native is good for the European, and European then was a topic for weeks, to have vice versa. Christ treated all men alike, and spoken to him was a boast unbearable by other talked with the despised Samaritans. Our govfellows, and to have shaken hands with him was ernments are called Christian. One reads, for ina great honor; but within such a short time, stance, that the Union Government follows the through Christ, we do not only speak with them lead of the Almighty in all that it does. Can the and shake hands with them, but we have realized repressive legislation and color bars originate that black and white are brothers in Christ, and from God? These destructive measures are prothat there is a purpose for each here in South ducing a bitter attitude in the minds of Africans. Africa. White preservation and domination seem to be the main policy of our government, and these meas- We write the examinations in the same lan- ures are creating a new outlook in the minds of guages, and experience the same difficulties. All the Africans. This year, 1936, in South Africa a this has been done through Christ, in whom there most un-Christian act, which deprives the Bantu is "neither Greek nor Jew, bond nor free." of the rights of full citizenship, has been passed by a majority of 169 votes against 11. The Afri- Healing too is being fulfilled. Missionaries cans do not ask for social equality or indiscrimihave established hospitals, such as Lovedale, St. nate mixture; in all matters purely social we Matthew's, Lemana, Fraser Memorial, Jean would be as separate as fingers on the hand, yet Furse, and others. These are doing wonderful in principle united and with one purpose in view work to relieve pain and suffering among the -for Christ, for humanity, and for peace. Bantu. For long the government has left this work in the hands of the missionaries, and it is We see how memories of history are forgotten only now that it is waking up to its responsibility as far as white and white are concerned, but they and is providing clinics and hospitals. This has are ever green as far as the native is concerned. been wrought through the agitation of the Until the Spirit of the Master leads our legis- Church. lators, Africa will not be won for Him. His was' a method of love, of peace and of prayer, not of Christ came also to set free those who were in force, domination and punishment. bonds. Before He came among the Bantu, superstition was rife. This hindered progress in that The second need is union among the churches. men feared to make new ventures; it also hin- The African often wonders why, if we worship dered initiative because anything out of the ordi- one God, we should have different methods. And, nary and not traditional was viewed with fear and moreover, this denominational spirit is at times suspicion. But through Christ the Bantu are now breaking new and hitherto unknown ground. This
MORE AFRICANS ON THE WITNESS STAND
un-Christian. It is accompanied by rivalry, ha- the Abyssinians, and prayed on their behalf. They tred, spite and resentment. "Why," says an watched the events and marked how the League African, "these Christians are no better than our- of Nations kept on delaying and disagreeing in selves; they preach love, but they hate each other the application of sanctions which they had like fighting dogs." We pray for the time when agreed to apply to an aggressor. They read about union among the churches will be achieved. At the slaughter of women and children including present the Church is a divided house, and we all the sick in hospitals. No wonder some Africans know the fate of such a house. said that it was a war between black and white.
One cannot ignore the effect of the Italo- Africans, even the most illiterate, in the remot- Abyssinian war on the African mind. The war est corners of the African colonies, discussed has created a new outlook in him. From the be- these matters; no doubt these things have creginning of the war the Africans identified them- ated a new problem in seeking to win them to selves with the Abyssinians. They prayed with Christ.
More Africans on the Witness Stand THE Editor of THE REVIEW sent to several missionaries a request for articles by natives to show their views of the greatest needs of Africa and the value of missionary work, and to give their own reactions to the Gospel. The answers were translated by the missionaires, and from them we select for this number those below. The missionaries who so kindly secured this very original material are: Dr. James Dexter Taylor, Superintendent of Transvaal and Inhambane Districts of the American Board Mission in South Africa; Rev. R. H. W. Shepherd, Lovedale Institution Church, of the Bantu Presbyterian Church of South Africa; Rev. R. S. Roseberry, Chairman, French West Africa Mission of the Christian and Missionary Alliance; Rev. John T. Tucker, Missao de Dondi, Angola. These testimonies come from members of the Theological and Biblical class at Dondi Institute, Dondi, Angola.
1. How Christ has helped the Ovimbundu: We there are many districts where they have never recognize well that Christ has helped the Ovim- yet heard the word of the Gospel. Workers are bundu because in olden days our fathers knew needed. If you travel over all of Africa you will God only as they recognized Him through the find many countries where the people are like things He created, but they lacked the true knowl- sheep without a shepherd. They need the help of edge of His power. Now, however, we recognize the Word. The Umbundu Church is not strong Him because the Lord Jesus has shown Him to enough yet; it is still a child. us and has made us recognize by the Spirit all the good that God has done for us. Not only that, ANTONIO CHICO NUNDA. but He has raised us from the dust and shown us a true Way and has drawn together all the tribes 1. The Word of Christ has helped us in this of the Ovimbundu by His blood. Even though way, that we are now no longer as we were bethat union is not yet quite complete, still there is fore we believed. Of old we had no love for one much love and we expect that it will abound another, no joy or peace, between the tribes toamong the black peoples. ward the Coast and the Biheans upcountry. In those days we were always fighting, but when 2. What we expect that Christ will do for us: the missionaries brought us the word of Jesus Now that we are already on the path of salvation, there came love and peace, so that the tribes of what is now lacking is love among all the races the Ovimbundu became as one tribe, as we are toof the earth, so that white and black races may day here in Dondi. There are students from have one brotherhood. (John 15: 17.) And so if Bailundo, from Camundongo, from Chissamba all races have love one for another, they will be and Chilesso, from Chiyaka, from Galangue, from able to cooperate in things of the heart, because Hualondo Chilonda and other places, and we have our Leader, Jesus Chris~, goes before us and we all become brothers in Christ. shall all follow Him together in faith and will enter with Him into glory. (John 14: 1.) 2. Our hope is this, that God may help us now to enthrone Christ supreme in our Umbundu 3. What is lacking in Africa: The Word of God tribe. And that we who have already recognized is here, and there are some parts of the country Christ as the Living One who gives life, may which have believed, but they lack understanding carry to our comrades His word of salvation and of the Word of God and true faith in it. But grace.
3. There now remains to be done this, that with
one heart we pray to God, that even though we 1. In ancient days our forefathers knew indeed that there is a God, but they did not know what Ovimbundu have not yet made great progress, He was like. However, they named Him in all their big things. God's mercy is especially maniwe may yet be able to help together with our mis- fest in that He sent His own Son to bring us into His family. He has shown us God. He has desionaries to plan a way in which all of Africa livered us freely.
may be reached with the Gospel of Jesus and that 2. Our great hope is that God will enthrone Christ here. We ourselves cannot do this, but we may say, Lord, I am Thy servant; wherever our hope, set on God, is that Christ will reign supreme here. If He doesn't reign, we are as dead you send me, I will go. JOAO BATISTA. men. All true Christians look for Christ, that He will redeem His people from slavery. He alone 1. How Christ has helped the Umbundu tribe: is our hope. We can say that, even though other tribes have reason to give thanks for the help that Christ has 3. The things lacking in Africa are many: given them, our Umbundu tribe has greater reason for thankfulness. a. Those who have already believed should save others who are afar off and have not heard. a. Ever since ancient times we have been backward in everything; today because of Christ we b. All, missionaires and believers here, should have become able to come forward. be of one heart and mind to push forward the Word. b. Even our chiefs in olden times did not have knowledge of the best; today we have begun to c. We pray that God will send many more misknow the truth. sionaries to work among us. Many lands are quite untouched. All should be brought into the c. In olden times only the great and important fold of life; they are His sheep. people had joy and peace; today the Lord Jesus has brought joy to us all. JOAO KAPUKA CHITENDE.
2. What Christ can do for us in these days: 1. Christ has greatly helped our race. His sal- We pray this prayer, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy vation has come to us, hence the fear of death will be done in our country, in our hearts." We greatly desire that Christ may be made known, has been taken from us, even as He said, "He may be trusted, mllY be held in reverence and truly loved, and that we may no longer do our who believes on me shall not die any more." From own wills. ancient days the fear of death has been a night- 3. What yet remains to be done: a. That the missionaries and the Church should mare to our Umbundu family; today that fear work together, helping one another with one heart has gone. Christ has helped us too in that He and one mind. has brought us the blessing of being able to read b. We need love in order to spread abroad the Word of God to the many countries that lack the the Bible, and to write and to go ahead in things Gospel message. that help the body too. Our ancient chiefs, Katia- ALBERTO CANHANGA CATEMA.
1. The Word of Christ has greatly helped the vala and Ekongo, saw nothing of these things; Ovimbundu for originally we lacked cooperation. Now Christ has brought us the word of love with- we, their children, see them because of Christ. out stint. That love has bound us to Him and has taught us to help one another. Even those 2. Our hope is that our family will awake and who belong to another tribe we see are our brethren. will go ahead like other races. We know that 2. We trust Christ that He will stir up amongst Christ will do this for us because He has begun it. us Ovimbundu the desire to urge one another to go ahead and spread abroad His word among Looking back on what He has done gives us conthose who have never heard it. We trust that He will make us true workers for Him, helping, and fidence that He will continue to do it for us albeing helped by, our teachers from the foreign country. ways.
3. Here in Africa there is a lack of teachers 3. The greatest need of our country is that from abroad, as many lands have not the Gospel. Here in Angola untouched tribes are: Esele, the Word of God should be preached in all parts, Nyemba, Kuanyama, Luimbi, Gonzelo, Chilenge, Humbi, Luseke and many others. Let us work for there are many who as yet have never heard while there is light. it. Our prayer is that God will bless the churches RAUL KAMBISA MUKINDA. in the foreign country so that none will even think of reducing the number of missionaries who come here, but rather increase their numbers so that.
they and we may work together. Africa needs badly many teachers of the Word, also doctors.
The work is going forward rapidly now, but much remains to be done. We trust that God will put this thought into the hearts of the people in the foreign lands. ISRAEL C. CASSOMA.
A Converted Priest in Venezuela*
Transformed by the Power of God ELIECER FERNANDEZ was born and raised made director of the Sucre College and chaplain in the city of Cumana, the capital of the State of the town of Los Dos Caminos. He also held of Sucre, on the northern coast of Venezuela. conferences for the purpose of denouncing the This city has good federal schools and boasts of Protestants, edited two papers and a "Parish society and night life, and is quite a manufactur- Sheet," all dedicated to the destruction of the work ing town, as well as a busy seaport. His parents of the Gospel in Venezuela.
were Roman Catholics by birth, but as is generally Contending Against "Heretics" the case now in South America, neither went to church except on the great feast days. Being On the island of Margarita, just off the northern fairly well off financially, the parents sent Eliecer coast of Venezuela, Mr. and Mrs. Van V. Eddings, to the federal schools where he received a good the first resident Protestant missionaries had laid education. He studied also the Bible and philoso- the foundations and made plans for a chapel. In Puerto Fermin, a small fishing town on nthaetivceoabset~ phy and was altar boy in the Roman Church. this Gospel chapel had been built by the When he was fourteen years old, the Bishop lievers themselves, a native worker was in charge from Ciudad Bolivar visited Cumana and persuaded his parents to give Eliecer to the Church. and the work was spreading throughout the island. Thus, in blind faith he put on the black robes and became a "familiar" of the Bishop of Ciudad To this island came the young priest Fernandez, Bolivar. For two and a half years he was chaplain of the Cathedral Choir, where his work was then twenty-seven years old. Evidently news of so meritorious that he was then sent to Caracas and placed in the seminary by the Archbishop. He the Gospel work being done had reached the ears soon became head of the students and at twentyone years was ordained subdeacon. A year later of the bishops of Venezuela, for, after a conference the Nuncio (the Pope's personal representative) ordained him Deacon, and he showed such zeal at the capital, they made inquiry of Fernandez that when only twenty-three the Archbishop secured special permission from the Pope to ordain concerning the spread of Protestantism on the him as a priest. (The rule of the Roman Church does not permit ordination to the priesthood until island. As a result of his report they purchased the age of twenty-five.) for him, at the cost of some $720, the title of "Spe- At Caracas Fernandez won a scholarship in the Seminary at Rome, but he refused to go, because cial Missionary of the Holy See of Rome in Marhe could see no good resulting to other priests who had gone. His next office was that of Secretary garita against Protestantism." This title gave of the "Curia Arzobispal" (the Tribunal of the Church) which deals with the personal character him the privilege of speaking in any church on and reputation of the priests in all Venezuela, and thus he came to know personally all the priests of Margarita at any time and the priest made use of Rome in that country. He built the Church of Santa Rosa in Caracas and a chapel, "Capilla del ~t ze~lously, holding special services every night Carmen," and as a result was given a special two .years' course of lectures by the Archbishop and III dIfferent towns, warning against the deadly Nuncio, entirely devoted to opposition to Protestantism. The zealous priest began a vigorous min- heresy of Protestantism. Fernandez fired the peoistry against the Protestants, going first to Puerto Piritu, where he held conferences and built a ple with such hatred against the huneraentnicos~ntcheadt the chapel. Next in Miranda he founded a new par- Gospel services had to be held beish and was made Vicar of Ocumare del Tuy where he finished the church building and hind closed doors. With some one hundred and preached with such zeal that the Brethren missionaries from Caracas had to leave the town. fifty followers, he attacked the home of one of the The next year he was again called to Caracas and believers during a service, pelting the house with mud and stones. Being urged to more drastic steps by letters from his bishop, he decided to do away with everything Protestant in Margarita.
He had the Christians put in jail, forced them to work on the roads, carry his organ, bells, etc., in- cluding the images, as he went from place tkoepptlahcie~' taught the children to insult them and followers watching their every little act in order to find some cause for an attack.
Before the Protestants built their chapel in Puerto Fermin, the Roman priests had scarcely come to the town, but now Fernandez began to bu~ld a church there near the Gospel· Chape1.
PrIest Vasquez, vicar of the island and priest of "The Virgin of the Valley of the Holy Spirit"
(probably the best paying position in Venezuela) was made treasurer of the enterprise. One week the priest sent to the treasurer for money to pay • An article sent by a correspondent in Carupano. the men but the vicar claimed he had no money [535 ]
left in the treasury. Fernandez knew this could he immediately called together the eight men who not be true, so gave each workman an order on were his voluntary fellow-prisoners and swore be- the vicar for the amount due him. .These orders fore them that when he got out of jail he would were not honored and after much correspondence leave the Church of Rome, because she had failed between the priests and the bishop, the matter was to support him at this time. The remainder of his dropped, Fernandez deciding that it was simply a six weeks in jail were spent in reading the Bible personal grudge of the vicar. After the receipt of to the other men and writing twelve articles another letter from the bishop telling Fernandez against the infallibility of the pope and other Ro- that it was "now time to do away with Protestant- man doctrines.
ism on Margarita," the priest made plans to carry When taken ill, he was allowed to rent a house out his instructions literally if possible. Conse- in the town and stay there under guard. His fa- quently, on the fourth of July, 1921, aided by a ther came from Cumana to care for him and he company of people who had come from the adjoin- received many visitors, but absolutely refused to ing country to hear more about the errors of the see any priest or bishop. The bishop who had Gospel, he literally wrecked the little Gospel written him urging that the Protestants on the chapel, with clubs, picks, bars, etc., then set fire island be done away with, came to see him, but in to it, using every hymn book and Bible on the spite of his father's pleas, the priest refused to place. The little company of Christians fled to the see him. Soon after this he was at liberty and ac- hills where they spent the night. The next morn- cepted an invitation to spend a few weeks in a ing when Fernandez went to view the wreckage private home near Carupano, on the mainland.
he found a woman with the large pulpit Bible One year before the burning of the chapel on Mar- which had escaped the flames because of its heavy garita, the Orinoco River Mission had been estab- covers. She was just starting to burn it, but he lished, with headquarters in Carupano. Fernan- stopped her, saying that he wished to keep it as a dez was expecting to rest while in San Jose and remembrance of the occasion, and took it home, to consider the steps necessary for leaving the carelessly throwing it on the table where he kept priesthood. He was urged to serve the people as his writing materials. priest and did so, though he continued reading the Much to the surprise and chagrin of the young Bible and renounced alI" his titles. He visited his fanatic, about ten o'clock that morning special parents, informing them that he was going to take police came down from Asuncion to take him to off his robes and three times visited Rev. Van V.
jail. The people protested and would have mobbed Eddings, Director of the Orinoco River Mission, the police for taking the "padrecito" to j ail, but at Carupano. One afternoon Mr. Fernandez Fernandez quieted them with a word and accom- walked out of his house without his robes. Soon panied by eight men who volunteered to share his this was known all over the country. After this bonds started on the long, hot walk to Asuncion. he visited the mission at Carupano more fre- When they were quartered in the jail, Fernandez quently, even testifying in the Protestant pulpit realized that his stay might be prolonged so sent that he had left the Church of Rome because of its for the books on his table with the paper and ink. corruptness and was looking for the Way of sal- When the books came, with them was the pulpit vation. God was speaking to him but the priest Bible from the little Gospel chapel. He threw it was not yet truly converted.
into the corner and there it lay for two days. He Excommunicated called two lawyers to work on his case, but had no funds to pay them, so sent them to the Vicar Vas- Then followed a year of unrest, sorrow and sin- quez, who again refused him any funds. That fulliving. Upon refusing to return to the priest- afternoon, Fernandez sighted the Bible and began hood, he was excommunicated from the Church of out of curiosity to read it. Inside was a tract with Rome and banished from the State of Sucre for a list of Roman customs and practices, opposite one year. He went to a distant town, rented a each the Bible reference refuting it. After read- little house, furnished with three empty boxes, a'
ing and studying these for a few hours, he again native hammock and a Bible. He began to prac- threw the Bible down, but was rather frightened, tice law, living meanwhile illegally with a young for he now had his first doubts of the infallibility girl whom he could not marry because of the law of his Church. The lawyers returned with the forbidding a priest to marry. The girl died there report that the vicar had again refused to help and soon afterward Fernandez was allowed to re~ him but that the people of Fernandez' parish had turn home where he stayed for some months. Ac- paid the $120 necessary to start his defense. This cepting an opportunity to go to Trinidad, he found did not make the priest feel any too grateful to- employment in a department store, living mean- wards Rome. In this frame of mind he again read while a very worldly life. Some months later he the Bible, this time about the conversion of Saul was legally married to the sister-in-law of one of of Tarsus. Such was the effect upon his mind that the partners of the firm, a well educated woman
A CONVERTED PRIEST IN VENEZUELA
of much finer type than most Venezuelan women, of those listening went to the "society" with a rewhose father is an Englishman and mother a Ven- port that he had insulted them and had told what ezuelan. The young couple became constant read- they had confessed to him while a priest. The City ers of the Bible and soon gave evidence of changed Council took up the question and some wanted to arrest him but the Lord raised up two friends, lives. lawyers, who told the Council that they did not Later Mr. Eddings received a letter from Mr. believe he had told anything personal. Finally a committee went to the capital of the state and Fernandez, stating that he was assured of the tried to influence the governor with the help of the truth of the Gospel and wanted to return to those bishop. The governor would not listen to them. whom he once persecuted and reviled, in order Almighty God intervened in answer to prayer, or that he might preach the truth to them. Of his Satan would have caused serious trouble. own accord the expriest had given up drink, smoking, theater-going and spent all his spare time In due time both Mr. and Mrs. Fernandez were studying the Word of God. Broken by God's love, baptized. He began to preach in some of the they were truly saved by His grace, through faith small towns around Carupano. One night he in Jesus Christ. For months they studied dili- spoke in Playa Grande and some of the more fagently and through every testing time, proved natical men formed a committee and came to their real change of life and heart. Carupano, lodging a formal complaint against Fernandez. This resulted in two opportunities to Finally, without any promise of support or help, give the Gospel to those in high places. Mr. Fergiving up a good position, leaving friends and nandez demanded that his accusers meet him face relatives, Mr. and Mrs. Fernandez went to Caru- to face and again he was cleared of guilt and gave pano, to take up more definite study in order to be a powerful testimony. He knew the law better prepared for Christian service. They are living than those who were against him, and parted comin part of the mission home at Carupano, helping pany with them having made friends. in the daily work of the mission, and proving to all their changed hearts and lives. Mr. Fernandez Mr. Fernandez had continued his studies and is took charge of the day school and is making good a very energetic Christian, able to enthuse Chrisprogress with his young pupils, who otherwise tians to greater efforts for the Master. He has would have nQ opportunity for education. given many proofs of his desire to do the Lord's will and has been used for the spread of the King- The people of the town soon knew that Mr. dom. In September, 1927, they went to Piritu, in Fernandez was there at the mission and the next the State of Anzoategui, for a month's vacation. evening the chapel was crowded and the doorways While there he held several services, in one of packed with people. The midweek services were them there were 42 of his relatives present. Upon also well attended. He spoke to a respectful audi- their return they were stationed at Margarita, on ence and told in very simple language the story of the Gulf of Cariaco, to take up the work and build how God had touched his heart and of his deter- up a church. mination to follow Christ. Dangers lurk on every side, ready to attack this The following week he spoke of the evil pre- fearless follower of our Lord and Saviour Jesus vailing in society. He told how some of the "best" Christ. This man is a challenge to every praying people of Carupano used to come to him in the Christian. We must surround him and his faithconfessional, invited him to their banquets, and ful wife with a wall of prayer that nothing and no considered him almost a demigod, while all the one may hinder his public testimony and ministry time his priestly robes covered a multitude of sins. when the time is ripe for him to go forth with the Now that he had taken off the gown, and with it blessed Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus had discarded the old life of hypocrisy, lying, evil Christ, throughout Venezuela, where he once deeds, many of those same people were calling helped to keep the people blinded and ignorant. him sin verguenza (without shame), almost the worst name that can be applied in Spanish. Some AN AFRICAN MESSAGE TO AMERICAN YOUTH An African woman in the Congo-BeIge sent this message to the youth of America: "Tell the young people of America that they came in the past and awakened our sleeping souls. Tell them we have peace but we also have unrest – unrest because multitudes of our people are lost. Tell the young people of America to come, not cringing and hopeless. Tell them to come without clouds in their eyes. Tell them to come looking at the light that is on the face of Jesus Christ and knowing how to laugh at impossibilities in His name."-Dawn.
and Christianity in Africa
By the REV. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, D.D., Professor of Missions and the History of Religion t~o.- in Princeton Theological Seminary SOUTH AFRICA is the land of an established one dating from 622.A. D. and one from the birth Christian Church; Central Africa of an in- of our Saviour. Outside of Khartum, in the vast digenous church won from paganism; North Sudan, Islam still seems to be chiefly a veneer, and Africa has well been called the "land of the van- the Negro blood carries with it a characteristic ished church." Here is where Islam devastated jovial friendship and responsiveness to approach; the heritage of Christ and swept like a sirocco blast from the Nile to the Atlantic, wiping out churches-whose memory lingers in the names of Augustine, Cyprian and Tertullian.
Our Saviour found refuge in Egypt in his early childhood, and at the last an African from Cyrene bore His cross to Golgotha. But the work of the early Church is now only a memory. That Church disappeared for three reasons: The Scriptures were never given to the great Berber nation in their own tongue; the missionary spirit grad- RlLIGlOl,:S Cor-:Qlf….. r ually faded away; and the Church itself ceased to be truly indigenous and became dominated by _ l.ont" IJr ' I"N1mm.:tbn Con1)Oltd;uiun Greek and Latin theologians. Therefore it declined; at last the Moslem invasion of the seventh _ _ l.onl of ~I()hammedan Ad".lnc.: _ ' ….n" o{ ChrbtLlII AJv;mn."
_ "..II(":(,'Chri)t~lnt:lJo",,lIJ.tn..,"
century destroyed it. The Coptic Church of Egypt AFRICA which gave the people the Bible survives to this day. For twelve long centuries three religions .~h J<IC ~prno:nI' ~ !''''''UU1lI have struggled for the mastery in the Dark Con- oll"""n ""film h;i'm~ In ~…dtlh.r … :tl 1._10: .lno,' .omcriQn. Europr•• n.
.w_" ." "h".. Sc''l"h .-fri.,.", 1 • tinent. Three types of culture have striven for its inhabitants. THE RELIGIOU.S ADVANCE IN AFRICA The great Sudan is an example. Islam, Chris- North Africa-Moslem Consolidation; North Central-Moslem Ad- vance; South Central-Christian Advance ; South Africa-Christian tianity, and Paganism, and three races – the Consolidation. Dots represent Protestant missionary residences. Egypto-Arabian, the Sudanese, and the British- here have to live in harmony. Addressing a meet- but in Khartum and Omdurman Islam is stiffening of Arab notables in Omdurman at a tea-party ing and deepening its grip on the people. in the American Mission garden in 1926, I quoted Al Mutannabi's well-known lines: What is true of Northern Africa is, alas, true also south of the Sahara. Islam is everywhere I am known to the night and the wind and the steed, active. In Dahomey, on the West Coast, there are To the sword and the guest, to the paper and reed, no less than one hundred and fifty-four Koran schools, and Islam is rapidly winning its way and and added that these lines summarize the recent strengthening its grip. In Ethiopia the Gallas history of the Sudan: the night of pagan igno- and some other tribes have become Moslem and rance, the coming of the swift cavalry of the the inferior strata of the population seem more Arabian conquerors, the fire and sword of the and more ready to adopt the cult of the prophet.
Mahdi and his Khalifa, and finally the British Concerning the -province of Jimma Abagifar in "guests" with their new administration. Khartum Southern Ethiopia, Dr. T. A. Lambie wrote a few offers, as many another center in Africa, the con- years ago: "I saw something there that I never trast of two religions, that of the mosque and of heard of, namely, the Mohammedans sending out the church, of the Crescent and of the Cross, the actual mission colonies to the heathen Gallas."
standards of the prophet of Mecca and of our The conquest of Ethiopia by Italy has worked Saviour Jesus Christ. The city has two calendars, ill for the cause of Christian missions, for the new [538 ] rulers have given special legal privileges to Islam wholeheartedly by us. In compliance with this Declaraeverywhere. Arabic has been declared the official tion we solemnly sacrifice all our properties, real and perlanguage in Harar Province and schools and sonal, of whatever nature, even to the last penny in the mosques are being built in the chief centers, and cause of Ahmadiyyat. We further offer all our earthly special treaty rights given. connections, i. e., our dear wives, parents, children, male and female, our body and its life-blood, our honor and From Zanzibar, on the East Coast, the mission- above all our very souls, in the same holy cause. aries report a revival of active Moslem propaganda, enforced by many newcomers from Cairo From Southern Nigeria the Rev. L. C. Hickin writes (March, 1935) : AFRICANS READING THE MOSLEM OUTLOOK It comes as a real shock to hear that after eighty years of missionary effort Islam is still making headway in the south. It is to a certain extent accounted for by the activity of the Ahmadiya movement. They have copied our institutions and adopted much of our terminology.
The central mosque as Lagos is known as the "Cathe- dral" mosque (an indication of the way in which the building of our Cathedral has struck the African imagina- tion); it has a choir and "choir practices" take place on certain nights of the week just as at the Cathedral. A good example of this imitation of our methods is furnished uy the following notice taken from the Nigerian Daily Times of November 3, 1934: "In commemoration of the Lailatul-Israi-wal-Miraj, the Zumratul-Islamiyyah will hold a watchnight service at the Wasinmi Mosque tomorrow, Sunday, when Brother Abdul Ganiyi LawaI will deliver a lecture on the occasion, under the chairmanship of Mr. Alimi Baruwa, supported by notable Muslim savants and gentlemen. In continuation of the celebration, the Society will hold Revival Meetings . . . and The Clarion-Call of Islam will be the subject of the lecture at each centre."
who are trying to rouse the somewhat lethargic According to Dr. Julius Richter, Islam is pene- Mohammedans of Zanzibar into greater activity. trating with blighting influence through Tangan- In Liberia, on the West, the Government reports yika into the heart of Africa. Two millions of the that the Mohammedan Negroes are steadily pene- population are already nominally Moslems, "they trating into the hinterland. They cut down the represent an advancing host intent on occupying forests and take possession little by little, driving all the main roads and the main areas of the Terthe forest dwellers toward the interior. But espe- ritory." cially in the vast Anglo-Egyptian and the French Sudan, in Northern Nigeria and in West Africa, North Africa is now a highway to the Sudan Islam is the great problem. and motor traffic crosses the Sahara. The Niger valley, like that of the Nile and of the Shari, is We must turn to statistics to realize the serious- already an open road for the advance of Islam. ness of the situation. A recent study made by Only in Uganda and in Nyasaland are there ef- Monsieur A. Corman for the Bulletin de l'Union fective barriers for the continued spread of Islam Missionaire du Clerge Belge (July, 1936) gives in central Africa. There native Christian schools the total Moslem population of all Africa as fifty- have blocked its penetration. three millions, of which twenty-three millions belong to the Bantu races of what is generally con- The actual statistical situation can be studied in the accompanying table. But it is more imporsidered pagan Africa. That is, 34 % of the total tant to arouse the Church to the dynamic situa- tion. There are three factors that require empopulation of Africa is Mohammedan. In French phasis: West Africa alone, according to recent reports (June, 1936), there are 7,583 Koran schools w.ith 1. Islam has a carefully prepared program for the religious education of all Africa that has m59~v3e7m8epnutpsilusp. poOrntedthbeyGIonlddiaCnoMasotstlheme sAihsmalaadrlmya- never been investigated by a Phelps-St.okes Com- mission. At the important Le Zoute Conference ingly active. A remarkable letter appeared in only Pagan Africa had the right of way on the The Sunrise (August, 1936) written by a group program. In the popular mission study of Negroof new converts from Ashanti: Africa the textbooks generally ignore this factor. Yet to one who visits Khartum, Omdurman, Kano, We the undermentioned members of the Ahmadiyya Timbucktu, Capetown, or Johannesburg, it is clear community of Kumasi (Ashanti) do faithfully promise as the day that Islam is on trek into the Bantuand declare on our own accord that the great message speaking world. The Arabic-speaking area of the brought to us at Kumasi today from our Master, Hazrat Khalifatulmasih in India, through his accredited representative Alhaj Maulvi Nazir Ahmad, has been accepted
continent is expanding from the northeast toward always includes the Arabic speech and letters, the southwest. One is startled to learn that the which are spreading today in Africa. In Cape- base of this movement includes twelve countries town the Arabic character is used to print a Dutch where over ninety per cent of the population is (Afrikaans) commentary on the Koran!
Moslem: Morocco, Tunisia, Rio de Oro, Egypt, Islam's Advantages Libya, Tripoli, Mauritania, Zanzibar and British, French and Italian Somaliland. In these lands III. Islam has advantages because it offers the Islamic culture is dominant. Islamic ideals in- African entmnce into an exclusive cosmopolitan spire youth. The Koran has its way in primary brotherhood. education. In seven other countries fifty per cent The cosmopolitan character of the Islamic of the people are Moslem, namely, Algeria,Sene- brotherhood in Africa is emphasized by the use gal, Guinea, the Niger province, Northern Ni- of the same character in writing and the same geria, the Chad-district and Eritrea; while four speech in prayer and public worship. The wooden countries count over thirty-three per cent Moslem. slates in the hands of children at Fez, Timbuctu, The total Christian population of Africa both Mponda, Zanzibar,. Lagos, and Capetown, have Catholic and Protestant including Europeans, is the same copy and the same script: "Bismillahi- not over eleven million.* From these statistics ar-rahman-ar-rahim."
one can see that Moslem religious education, which Religious pride is the strength of Islam in begins with early childhood, has numerical advan- Africa, while racial pride is the peculiar weakness tage over the mission school. of Christianity in Africa. On these two state- II. The Arabic alphabet and language are still ments one could hang all the chapters of recent the vehicles of Islam in Africa. Louis Massignon religious unrest in the Dark Continent.
of the College de France points out that the so- The Mohammedan who witnesses for Islam has called close connection between "arabization and certain apparent advantages over the messenger islamization" is a false inference. The centers of of the Cross. He is in most cases a native of propaganda today in the world of Islam are in Africa and understands the language and habits non-Arabic-speaking lands. The Arab world is of its peoples. The ethnical gulf is not wide; and not exclusively Moslem, nor is the Moslem world the ethical gulf not deep. A government official specifically Arabic. Nevertheless, he admits that in Nigeria points out how the social ideals of in Africa, Arab influence is predominantly Mos- Islam help in winning native races to the accept- lem. And Cairo remains the center of this reli- ance of this new faith: gious propaganda. A letter just received states Polygamy has always been a rock, the wrecking rock, in that "eight of the best Arabic books published last the path of Christianity's advance amongst the native year were biographies of Mohammed and that the races in Africa. The pagans are polygamous, the Mohambroadcasting station of Cairo gives Koran selec- medans are polygamous, everybody accepts polygamy, entions twice a day and thrice on Sunday. Two dorses polygamy, practices polygamy-everybody, that is, thousand nominal Christians embraced Islam last except the Christians. year." The Moslem press was never more active and virulent toward Christianity in spite of its There are certain respects, indeed, in which own dissensions and disputes. Islam is a far better creed than Animism. Those who embrace its teaching make one great bound Tourists in Cairo seldom wander to what may forward and upward fr·om idolatry and its dark be called "Paternoster Row," the booksellers' degradation into the light of Islamic theism. In quarters. Here, near the Azhar University, piled some parts of Africa Islam has suppressed canhigh, you may see huge parcels of Arabic books nibalism and human sacrifice; it has removed addressed to Kordofan, Timbuctu, Capetown, some of the coarser features of priestcraft and Zanzibar, Sierra Leone, Mombasa, Madagascar. witchcraft. It has professed to enforce abstinence Islam pours out literature and extends the area of from strong drink and has generally succeeded. Arabic-literates every year! It has taught the sinfulness of gambling. It has inculcated the three positive duties of formal While at Zomba in Nyasaland, in 1925, I walked prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. some miles through the jungle to a Moslem village where I was expected to make an address through But on the negative side it produces a religious a Christian interpreter who spoke Yao. On ar- pride and arrogance that is characteristic of this rival, the courtyard before the mosque was faith everywhere. It has tolerated and encour.: crowded. I received a warm welcome, but never aged human slavery and worst of all by its theory used my Christian interpreter. The Imam and his and practice it has degraded womanhood. It also son had been to Mecca, spoke perfect Arabic, and gives a distorted view of Jesus and of Christianinterpreted for me into Yao. Islamic civilization ity. There is no hope for Africa in Islam; which is always a barrier and not a stepping stone to the • For detail see Zwemer's Across the World of Islam, pp. 188, 189. . Gospel message.
ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA TODAY
But today Christianity is gaining strength in A MOSLE"M MOSQUE" IN CAPE"TOWN every part of Africa. Islam is losing its former prestige and power; it no longer has the support Country Total Percentof Colonial governments it once had. Moreover Population Moslems age Islam only spreads but Christianity penetrates. French Guinea ……. . It creates new life and a new literature. Ivory Coast ………. . 2,095,988 1,600,000 70 Dahomey …………. . 1,724,545 The question is how can we develop a strong Haute Volta ………. . 189,699 11 Christian church on the border-marches of Islam? French Nigeria ……. . 979,609 Such a Church, indigenous to the soil, independent Liberia ………….. . 3,018,191 70,000 7 in its soul and awake to the call for immediate Gold Coast ……….. . 1,220,000 evangelism, would be irresistible. The Christian Togo ……………. . 1,700,000 444,000 15 Church of African birth already numbers nearly North Nigeria …….. . 1,500,000 four million and has peculiar qualities adapted to South Nigeria …….. . 1,032,000 952,000 78 this great task. What it needs is leadership. This Camerun …………. . 9,000,000 is especially true of the Coptic Christians. Oubangi-Chari …….. . 7,858,689 200,000 11 Among the special endowments of the Negro race Chad ……………. . 2,530,000 are a lively sense of God's personality and the ob- Nyasaland ……….. . 75,000 5 jective character of His manifestations; strong Union of South Africa 606,644 emotional experience; musical talent and the ex- Mozambique ………. . 1,271,371 30,000 3 pression of religion in song; social capacity and Madagascar ………. . • 1,218,238 sympathy; and an appreciation of authority. Reunion Island ……. . 5,973,394 Mauritius ………… . 3,120,000 If the Christian Church in Africa could be ZanziiJar …………. . 3,545,575 aroused to use these gifts in its present opportu- Tanganyika ………. . nity; be healed of its needless divisions (e. g., in Uganda ………….. . 173,000 South Africa); present a united front and pro- Kenya .. .. …. … …. . 385,000 claim a living Saviour, she would carry victory Italian Somaliland …. . 199,462 everywhere. Already ninety per cent of the edu- British Somaliland …. . 4,000,000 cational program for Africa south of the Sahara French Somaliland …. . 3,318,271 Eritrea ………….. . 2,500,000 IS in missionary hands. Every school produces Abyssinia ………… . 350,000 300,000 new readers; and they are all taught to read in 210,000 their own tongues the Book which is "as a hammer 406,000 and as a fire" to break down superstition and 8,000,000 kindle the flame of a new and purer life. The missionaries in Africa, and not Moslem dervishes, are laying the foundations of a literary education for the Negro races. In the schools of the Protestant missions in Africa there are nearly a million pupils – Christian, Pagan, Moslem children.
We must bring this glory and honor of all Africa into the New Jerusalem – the City of God.
5,855,000 64 Islam in Africa* 1,940,000 25 500,000 25 Total 25,000 5 Population country Percent- 920,000 72 6,063,496 Moslems age Algeria ………….. . 2,159,708 160,000 10 Tunisia …. . ……… . 4,750,000 5,174,872 82 Morocco ………….. . 1,932,184 93 45,842 1 Rio de Oro … …….. . 50,000 4,607,500 97 Egypt …………… . 14,186,898 60,000 2 Anglo-Egyptian Sudan . 50,000 100 Tripoli ………….. . 6,469,041 11,658,148 91 669,200 18 Barqa …………… . 569,093 Senussi Emirat ……. . 255,000 2,800,000 40 3,000 2 Mauritania ……….. . 20,000 553,081 91 Senegal ………….. . 261,000 252,450 99 44,955 11 French Sudan …….. . 20,000 100 1,318,287 254,000 99 199,462 100 2,737,119 915,000 68 684,280 25 400,000 10 600,000 20 1,000,000 40 350,000 100 300,000 . 100 210,000 100 • The following statistical summary is based on the best avail- 261,000 64 able sources. E"specially the Statesman's Year-Book and the "Anllualre du Monde Musulman" by Louis Ma88ignon, 1925 (E"rnest 3,000,000 37 Leroux, Paris) . The natural Increase of the population during the past ten years would make the total for all Africa over fifty-two 106,075,574 49,005,673 45 millions.
Ways of
'rested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home s. EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~,=,=============I~ AUTUMN GLEANINGS mated conversation about their ex- asking them to pick out all that per- periences on the field. Upon leaving tains to Africa – jewelry, automobile A tiny methods suggestion the train at Vacationland, strips of tires, dyes, ivory toilet articles and will often set your mind to work- items to be guessed are tacked on innumerable other items. ing to better purpose than a well rounded plan could do. Glance trees and shrubs, those guessing the Hold a combination home and forthrough these gleanings from greatest number aright being privi- eign meeting in which you consider many sources and find some- leged to sit in the Pullman section on "Africa in Africa and in America," thing which meets your mission the way oack. A variety of other feagroup's needs: showing how if you take "me" out of tures may be added. "America for Christ" you have "Af- List the new people in the autumn congregation. Invite them to your During the social period of a meet- rica for Christ" left. home for a "hobby party." After each tells what her pet avocation is, state ing, use African sayings as proverbs Sell "A Cure for the Blues" in pill that you have a friend whose hobby (see "Congo Crosses" for suitable or powder boxes, pricing them at $1.00 is missions and that you have asked quotations), shaking them out of a each and vending the wares either her to speak on the theme for a few among extension members (shut-ins minutes. Then reap a little harvest round box. of members for a missionary organization. One worker who tried this Have we any superstitions like those for various reasons) or at a public organized a young woman's mission- benighted Africans? Ask your audi- meeting. If the latter, have boxes ary society at the close. ence and hear their bombardment- opened simultaneously, but for the black cats, Friday, the thirteenth of former advise that they be not opened A unique birthday celebration is the month, throwing salt in the fire until an attack comes on. Sample furnished by having each member of after a "spill," seeing the new moon powder: "When you find yourself the missionary society bring in a new over the right shoulder, sitting 13 at getting blue, something for somebody member on her own birthday. As a else go do." In the open meeting, the wind-up, hold a birthday festival at table, etc., etc. leader announces after the opening, which such old members bring their new recruits and sit with them during Ask your librarian to let you consult "Now you are all cured of your 'blues.' an appropriate celebration. the National Geographic Magazine Here is a project list to choose your Don't allow offioes to become heredi- for June and July, 1935, when pre- work from." One organization netted tary. The speaker thus admonishing paring this year's foreign programs. $24.00 this way and doubtless hartold of a missionary society in which vested a goodly amount of fresh enan annual function was held wherein The numbers are full of maps and deavor besides. each officer had a candle lighted for pictures of Africa. everyone of her years of incumbency. (All the foregoing suggestions were One officer proudly stood in the glow Play the game of Who's Who, using of 35 candles! There was nothing in the names of Livingstone, Schweitzer, taken from methods .talks by Mrs. H. this organization for the younger etc., as found in current study books. M. Le Sourd at the Lakeside, Ohio, members to do. Death finally removed "Where's Where" may utilize geo- conference of Methodist Episcopal forthe president, but nothing ~uld re- graphical queries as, for instance, eign mission women of the Cincinnati move the others! "Lord, teach us to where is the only piece of African district.) resign !" land not held under a protectorate? The Men's Council of the Mondamin The late Mrs. Katherine Cronk said she had learned not to pray for more (Liberia.) "What's What" may deal Christian church, Des Moines, Iowa, is strength but for the ability to put 10 other people to work. with a 1936 model of something. A now three years old and has a mem- For a July meeting hold a train man and a woman may give a skit in bership of 60 men. It is divided into party for those who did not go away for a vacation. Arrange chairs with which the former says he is "not in- three sections, each of which holds a an aisle through the middle as in a railroad coach. Have missionary terested in missions." She may reply chapter meeting monthly. These men questions written on baggage or wrap checks. A fruit boy goes through the ruling out of his life all that comes cooperate with the Women's Council train, also a newsboy handling missionary magazines and other litera- from Africa, as material or finished in sponsoring an annual school of misture. Impersonators of missionaries sit as passengers and engage in ani- product-and he thus loses his tooth- sions. The men support home mis- brush, the piano keys, his auto which sion projects and have a budget for cannot run without rubber tires, his general missions. A similar Men's ring which containR hoth gold and a Council exists in the Osceola Christian diamond, his much-loved breakfast church at Osceola, Iowa. It holds cocoa and a hundred other items. monthly missionary meetings and sup- This is sure to affect the future mis- ports its definite piece of work on a sionary outlook. "How's How" may mission field. It was organized less deal with material on page 89 in "How than a year ago and has 20 members.
to Use" (booklet giving teaching- Thus are "the brethren" invading points for "Congo Crosses") – how some of the last territory formerly would you travel? etc. allocated to women!
"The Finding-Out Box," by Kath- "Sphinx" is the new game being erine Cronk, while written especially featured this year by northern Bap- for children, will give valuable ma- terial for the suggested skit. tists to combine missionary informa- tion and interest with entertainment Have a Newspaper Party, distrib- around the fireside, for Sunday after- uting newspapers to the members and noons at home, for Sunday school [542 ]
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
classes, young people's groups, schools brought from the lawn of each signed their responsibilities and of missions, ch arch socials, men's classes, women's circles-yes, and pas- home represented among the 25 spent several weeks in study for tors' conferences! Someone chosen as their parts. Two girls in costhe Reader first reads aloud very children and five teachers, to tume met the guests as they ar- these being added soil contribu- slowly a list of 52 questions so that all tions from Sugar Loaf-a prom- rived: two others told stories to others – known as Listeners – will know beforehand what they are ex- inent hill often used in cere- show customs of the land and pected to remember. Next the Reader monials and local gatherings, the help Christianity has brought gives a booklet, "Developing Africa's from several of the Denison to them: a demonstration Chi- Riches in Christ" clearly and delib- University fraternity houses and nese school was conducted to the erately, this requiring 21 minutes. Sheets of the questions are then dis- from the grade school attended amusement of all present: Chitributed among the Listeners and they by the children. There were fill out all the answers they can in 10 further imbedded with the roots nese games were supervised by another pair of girls, while the minutes, each working independently. a clam shell from Rhode Island, remainder of the group served On the check-up, each one making 50 bits of granite from Massachu- the "tea" (chocolate milk in tea points is counted a Good Listener. A score ranging from 50 to 75 points is setts, a Texas centenary stamp, cups) and puffed rice balls. This marked "A Very Good Listener." shell money and a stamp from work has thrilled the girls and Over 75 points is counted "An Excep- the Belgian Congo, Africa, a bit I am sure their interest in the tional Listener." Figures in paran- of writing from India, a letter rest of the world is more pertheses after each question indicate the from Burma, stones from East sonal than it would have been in number of points to be awarded for and West China and tiny pieces a more formal method of study. correct answers. The questions cover of pottery from Mexico. Then the continent, the region in which the planting was consummated. MRS. H. E. BLOUGH. Baptists are working, the specific Though others will call it a for- Clear Lake, Iowa. missions, evangelism, education, med- sythia bush, the children will alical work, personnel and general in- FROM OUR LIBRARY formation. Booklet, question and an- ways refer to it as "Our World swer sheets may be obtained from The TABLE Woman's American Baptist Foreign Friendship Tree." See America First (Home Mission Mission Society or the American Bap- MRS. HELEN LEACH, tist Foreign Mission Society, 152 Madison Ave., New York City, for 5 Junior Superintendent. study): Sketch or cut out picture of cents to cover mailing. young woman seated in comfortable Lesson outlines on "Consider Af- A PLAN FOR INTER- chair reading a book. Print: "Travrica," as taught by their author at a MEDIATES eling via Arm-Chair De luxe at (time, Leadership Training Class at the date, place)." Draw map of states Winona Summer School of Missions A group of intermediate girls included in territory under consideramay be obtained from Mrs. Garret have been studying world fellow- tion. Print: "Come, Clasp Hands Hondelink, 417 Alexander St., Roch- ship indirectly. Meeting twice a with Some of Our Home Missionester, N. Y. Price, 10 cents plus 6 month they prepare handwork aries," adding place and date, this to cents for postage. These outlines for the primary classes, have be under large sketch of hands cover appropriate Scripture, clear demonstration lessons of meth- clasped across the map. analyses of the text, devices such as ods in primary teaching and do "check tests," "opinion tests," "true individual research w 0 r k in In the program, aim to get across and false tests," etc., and assignments world fellowship. The latter the spirit of the theme as well as the such as: Who has gained the most consists of projects, individually subject matter. Put over to those who from Africo-Western relations – the and as a group. During vaca- are to take part that they are taking black or the white man? Prove your tion Bible school a map of our a trip "staying at home." '" Make point. missionary fields was placed on seven books any size out of paste- the bulletin board with "The board. Paste between covers extra Do the happiness and well being of Hope of the World" mounted pages for pictures of scenes and mis- Africa mean anything to the rest of sionaries. U sing black ink, print the world? "See America First" on all of them in as large type as the size will allow. What can we do to help solve the Have girls prepare to give biographindustrial problem in Africa? ical sketches in their own words.
What effect if any will our dealings The setting is simple. A large slipwith Africa have on the attitude of above it. As the girls told stories covered chair from home or a big one Asia toward Christianity? from the church platform, covered Is education a blessing or a curse of the various fields they placed with a sheet or any gay, cool material representative pictures around will do. On a small table by the chair to the African. the map. It now stands to keep have pitcher of ice' water or lemonade. What kind of education does he the children interested in the A foot stool completes the furnishings. world children they met in the You may have enough chairs to go need? stories. around and let the girls stay in com- fort instead of leaving them when AN ADVENTURE IN A Chinese party was the through talking. Use large map and HORTICULTURE largest group project. The invi- point out places as they are men- tations were written on a piece tioned. Have enough reserve lemonade A "Friendship Tree" was to go around after the program.
planted last spring on the parish of paper folded and cut to repre- Devotional may be on "Christ the house lawn at the Baptist church sent a Chinese tea cup. The Missionary," as follows: in Granville, Ohio, this being the outside cover was decorated with First girl says "Christ was a misclimax of a year's mission study Chinese characters and the in- sionary to the poor when he opened the eyes of the blind beggar." Second by the juniors of the Sunday side contained the invitation in girl reads John 9: 1-7. First girl: school. A bag of dirt was jingle form. The girls were as- "Christ was a city missionary when
he taught in Samaria." Second girl the salvation of our countrymen-yes, the Burlington District in the Iowareads John 4: 39-42. First girl: "Christ was a missionary to the rich for the whole world. Des Moines conference. Its topics when he opened the spiritual eyes of Zaccheus." Second girl reads Luke Tonight we resume our journey were developed under the heads of "A 19: 1-10. First girl: "Christ was a through Home Mission fields by way Look at Ourselves," "Our Work," missionary on the cross to the robber of the arm chair, knowing that intiand his last commission was the Mis- mate stories of the missionarv friends "Our Purse," "Our Youth," "A Look sionary Commission." Second girl can be found on the page of a book Together," and "A Backward Look reads Mat. 28: 19, 20. Prayer for when to unearth them on a hurried missionary zeal. visit would be impossible. We shall for Forward Thinking." A pene- meet three of these friends and trating "Look at Our Embarrassing Leader introduces topic by remarks glimpse their fields. on interest of Americans in travel; Heritage" was taken by the local pasthe large number of Christian tourists Girls enter as before, one bearing girdling the world for and with God, tor. The session closed with the disstill others having been equally zeal- trict superintendent's message, "Look ous in their globe trotting; a majority, however, resorting to the very to the Light." pleasant method of arm-chair traveling. Advantages of this method- book on "Cuba, Island Queen," in simple, easy dress, a footstool, accessibility to cooling lemonade simply by orange ink, another with "OF Man MOTIVES OUTRANK raising one's arm to a tall pitcher River and the Chinese," in yellow ink. METHODS (pours sip of lemonade), ease with which mind can embellish details and the third with the name of a noted where fancy wishes, etc. Therefore we shall visit some of our Home Mis- itinerant missionary preacher and or- There are many missionary sion fields from inviting depths of the ganizer of Sunday schools. methods and many minor moslip-covered arm chair. tives, but there is only one su- Leader sums up the high lights of First speaker enters here carrying the journey and asks girls to pray for cardboard book with subtitle, "Indian the work and the workers to which the preme and compelling mission- Reservations" (or any desired desig- journeys have introduced them. nation) printed in red ink. Settles ary motive-the dynamic wantherself in chair, opens book and -Adapted from "The Window speaks, turning its pages as she pro- of Y. W. A.," August issue. ing which all else is vain. The gresses, as if actually reading. Gives thing that has most impressed colorful, informal sketch in tourist terms (as in a diary or travel note- Through Eye-Gate. It is note- me in the widespread discussion book) of journey through fields in worthy how much of the plat- of the future and predicted fate which her denomination has mission form work is now being done by of foreign missions is the failure work. Seems to see illustrations as means of demonstrations, vis- to mention the basic missionary the "reading" progresses. "Now if I ualizations and picturesque, motive upon which the whole were traveling in the West in any imaginative imagery. The fol- enterprise depends. We have other manner than Arm-Chair De luxe lowing glimpses taken from the been told repeatedly that the pro- I should not have had this detailed gram and policies of foreign misstory about so-and-so." summer and September numbers of "Woman's Home Missions" sions must be radically recon- Second speaker comes in with book will enable others still devoted structed if the enterprise is to whose subtitle is "Leading Sights in to the "call- a – spade – a – spade" French Louisiana," in purple ink. method to shape up their presen- survive and succeed. The mass Similarly sips lemonade and tells her tations more attractively: of critical opinion, much of it story. pessimistic in tone, has caused At a North Carolina meeting the de- no little disturbance of mind and In like manner as many "books." partment secretaries presented all reeach titled in appropriate color of ink, ports in demonstration form, closing loss of confidence on the part of are introduced by their readers as the with a play, "More Than a Name." many who do not know what to program is designed to cover. think. . . . By far the most im- The theme, "A Year of Vision," portant part, to my mind, is the Leader closes with remarks on the was carried through the program of call for a new emphasis on the delight of this method of travel and anticipation of another meeting of the a convention at Cozad, the devotions too often neglected and obscured same character. being under the title "Looking Up," missionary motive. Jesus Christ implanted this in the Great Traveling Home Mission Trails, for the financial report featuring "Look- Commission, and it is equally the ensuing meeting, follows a like ing at Our Business," the organizaform. Its devotional is on "Jesus Sets Forth His Life Principle"-Luke 4: tional describing "Looking at Our De- 17-19. This was to give life to the partments," others being "Looking at imperishable – one changeless poor, hope to the broken hearted, free- Our District," "Looking at the World dom to the enslaved classes, sight to of Our Auxiliaries," "Looking at God's thing in a changing world. . . .. the blind, a rich, full life to all, here Little Ones," etc. The round table He (the missionary) makes and hereafter. (In each case apply discussion was on "Looking at Our known a Saviour such as no the objectives to modern conditions, Problems." The closing address was other religion can offer. For such as folk crushed by our economic on the main theme. system, slavery to machinery, blind- Christianity alone offers in Jesus ness to one's own moral state, etc.) Another picturesque annual meet- For all our progress, world in much ing was conducted in Brooklyn (N. Y.) Christ the one Redeemer and the same condition as to its needs as South District with the topics center- personal Friend who not only rewhen Christ came-selfishness, wars, veals the Way of Life but who immorality, worldliness. Do we be- ing upon "Building" – "P I a n sand gives His disciples power to lieve there is still sin? Then we Specifications," "Foundation," "First should adopt the proclamation of the good tidings as a life principle for Floor," "Second Floor," "Roof," "Cu- walk in it. . . . While I have pola," "Weather Vane," "Pillars," "Garden," "Tools" and "Prospective thus purposely centered atten- Building." tion upon a single point, I am "Through the Looking Glass" fea- _not unmindful of the many ques- tured various actual kinds of glasses tions raised concerning neces- with which to view past, present and sary changes to meet new mis- future. sionary conditions. But when "Kaleidoscopic Views" was the title under which a district president gave all has been said the pivotal our annual address. thing is the motive.
"Through the Window" was the HOWARD B. GROSE, in subject used at the annual meeting of "Missions" Magazine. The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK ~~I~~~~~~========================~ "Thou Art the Christ, use throughout the year but -Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii especially preceding February the Son of the 12, 1937. Around the world creased by the number of Chris- there is now a fellowship of tians who anticipate the Day Living God" prayer among Christians who and by flexibility in plans. The have agreed to pray on each local World Day of Prayer Com- In 1920 the first Fri- Monday throughout the year for mittees should plan and secure day in Lent was se- the World Day of Prayer and material several months before lected for the "Day of the brotherhood of man. Will February 12. They should se- Prayer for Missions" you join through prayer either cure the participation of men when man y church as an individual or with a group, and women, young and old, and women of many de- which you may form? should not forget the children, nominations in Canada for "of such is the Kingdom of and the United States The picture on the program Heaven." A poster in every joined in com m 0 n and the poster for February 12, church, and every church open prayer. The Call to 1937, is a photograph of "the for meditation throughout the Prayer was sent out Easter Morning Cross," on top Day! A program for everyone by the national wom- of Punchbowl, the extinct crater participating would make pos- in the heart of Honolulu where sible extension of the influence en's missionary organ- hundreds of nationalities gather of the prayers for more than a izations, hom e and for worship early Easter morn- day. foreign. The theme ing. The World Day of Prayer prowas "The World to The program this year is pre- gram is secured and published Christ We Bring," and pared both for young people and each year by the Foreign Mis- adults. The program is to be sions Conference of Nor t h the Call was for meet- adapted to the community and America, 156 Fifth Avenue, ings to be held "in the persons attending the inter- New York City, and the Council cities, towns and vil- church meetings. The effective- of Women for Home Missions, lages, morning, noon, or in the ness of the observance is in- 105 East 22d Street, New York, evening, to ask God's mercy N.Y. upon the troubled and confused [545 ] nations." The thought of a day of prayer spread until at the request of far-away friends, the World Day of Prayer was first observed in 1927.
For the observance of the World Day of Prayer on the first Friday in Lent, February 12, 1937, the program was written by Miss Mabel Shaw, founder of the Livingstone Memorial Girls' Boarding School at Mbereshi, Kawamba, Northern Rhodesia, Africa. Miss Shaw went to Central Africa in 1915. She is the author of "God's Candlelights" (1935).
The program, "Thou Art the Christ, the Son of the Living God" is being used on the same Day in various forms in more than fifty countries.
Of the Call to Prayer over 500,000 will be distributed in the United States. These are for "Neither Lost Nor Stayed" Inner Strength fulfillment here and beyond our The National Kagawa Coordi- In a recent editorial of The ken. nating Advisory Committee with New York Times, "I nne r "Now we see in a riddle, but present headquarters at 285 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, Strength" was the heading of an then, face to face: now I know New York, has issued Discovery, article beginning wit h the in part; but then shall I know A Manual of Prayer for the fully even as also I was fully Kingdom of God. "That cause words, "In a jittery world." The can neither be lost nor stayed" content was a report of the "Sec- known. is a Danish hymn, included in the manual, which emphasizes retary of State, Mr. Hull's re- "Trinity in Midsummer" the truth that "each noble service that men have wrought was strained and thoughtful address Please turn to The New first conceived as a fruitful before the Good N e i g h b 0 r Yorker of August 29 and read thought" ; and "each worthy League." The purpose of this for yourself the eight-column recause with a future glorious, by statement is to indicate the sig- port of the Sunday morning quietly growing becomes vic- nificance to the country of "inner services on a midsummer day in torious." Hence no storm can strength" which was defined as old Trinity, Wall Street. You dismay one's faith in the harv- requisite in a people if their gov- will find that St. Clair McKelest, and the scattering of thou- ernment is to have a satisfactory way did not just go "look-see," sands of seeds, nor is any cause foreign policy. The qualities re- but he stayed through the servlost "which takes the course of quired are "patience, sympa- ices and describes the members what God has made." thetic understanding, s tea d y of congregation and reports the poise, and ass u red inner hymns and sermon and lingers Dr. Kagawa's vision of world- strength" which the editor said later to secure accurate inforwide economic reconstruction are demonstrated in Mr. Hulls mation, so that what he wrote through Christian brotherhood, own personality. or economic cooperatives rein- might be true. Though only forced by religious spirit, won the continuing interest and serv- eighty – five worshipers we r e ice of many Americans. The manual, Discovery, uses an ad- The Fellowship of Action present and not any "whom you dress of Dr. Kagawa which deals would call young," he makes with the way to put this plan Who are these that go about clear that "the services at Trininto action beginning with directed prayer. the streets of the city and upon ity Church are continued with- As a part of the follow-up pro- the paths of the world? The out interruption throughout all gram to conserve and further develop the impress of Kagawa Word of God is in their mouths, the months of the year, the only in this country, C h r i s t ian s should study courses, as Carl the bread in their hand, they change in the summer being the Hutchinson's Seeking a New World through Cooperatives. It share, they bind up the wounded omission of the sermon on Suncosts but twenty-five cents and is available at the Methodist and comfort them that mourn. day afternoons. There are five Book Concern, 150 Fifth Avenue, New York. Who are these? services every Sunday and four Literature and bibliographies These are the stewards of the every week-day, at all of which should be selected and placed at the disposal of church leaders. loving-kindness of God, and the everyone is welcome and the The best introductory pamphlet costs but ten cents; it is A day laborers in his Kingdom. pews are free. This church is Prayer for Consumers by Dr. B. Y. Landis, Association Pre s s. They are the harvesters of here to serve all those who have The Cooperative League, 167 children, the saviors of the sick, need of it." West 12th Street, New York City, has excellent material and theconsolers of the desperate, One of the mission children information concerning cooperatives. the friends of the prisoner and was baptized after the services.
Here is a call to Christian peo- the family of the poor. The curate knew the name of the ple everywhere to come alive to the possibilities at hand for a They are of every race and child, who was "from a family new world order, and a new interpretation of the Lor d's every tongue, and they are un- of the parish." The phrase, "a Prayer. destructibly one. mission for the people of the They are the pioneers of peace parish," catches the imagination.
and the fellows of Christ in ac- Surely that seems to be missions, tion. – Jean Kenyon Mackenzie, beginning at home. You may in "Women and Missions" (Pres- not enjoy all that you find in the byterian, U. S. A.), October, article but the moral of the tale 1930. is clear, if one wishes to find it.
Jean Kenyon Mackenzie, Ed- And the old couple who knelt mund B. Chaffee, Fred B. Smith, all during the service, the vestry- S. Parkes Cadman, and others of man with the large white mus- our fellowship, leaders in real- tache who attends almost every izing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Sunday, the colored clergyman have recently joined the host of – pleased with his interview with God's children active in other the curate, the gentle-looking realms of the Kingdom of God. man dressed "g r a vel y – for Like the ascension of Jesus, our church," the boy sopranos, the Lord and Master, their going Japanese observer-all these in- from our midst leaves us griev- cluding the reporter himself ing and yet, wondering over the make a good company, for whom Glory of the Light shown in life's the Church exists.
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OU£M!~r~~:!~:cu~~!~Ok I EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO ==================================~~~ WESTERN ASIA curing that native Christian that the "untouchable" exodus leadership which is the out- .from Hinduism has not "been Leper Home in Jerusalem standing need of every mission worked up but has grown out, The enmity between Jew and Arab in Palestine has not af- field. inspired by God. It is the outfected the Leper Home. But both nurses and patients keep as growth of Christian missions." much as possible within the boundaries of the home, on ac- INDIA, SIAM AND And a writer in the Indian Witcount of the danger of riots. CAMBODIA ness says: "God is in it. Let us Extensive building in suburban Jerusalem has led to an Plea for Unity be careful lest we thwart God's offer being made for the site of will and God's way of bringing the home, with the suggestion of a new site on the road from One of the strongest pleas for India to Himself by our fears, Jerusalem to Bethlehem. The union which has yet been voiced our hesitations, our delays." matter has not yet been decided. is the appeal of 163 missions in One significant outcome is a -Moravian Missions. India for some form of church "Youth Movement" among un- unity. Missionaries on the field touchables. In certain places, Changing Thought in Iran declare that only a united youth have collected and burned The Bishop of Iran writes in Church can hope to win India sacred books to show their con- The Life of Faith of radical for Christ. The appeal points to tempt of Hinduism. changes that had taken place during his year's absence. Most the slow progress which Chris- Without any knowledge that striking of all he found, upon tianity has made in India, where, this secession from Hinduism his return, women sharing in after two centuries of mission- was coming, Miss Clementina the family and social life of the ary effort less than two per cent Butler, a former Methodist miscountry almost as if it had been their normal habit from the be- of the population is Christian. sionary, had 18,000 prints of ginning. Husbands and wives "The Good Shepherd" ready for come together when invited to a The denominational differences distribution among these shephome. herdless people. Through her which may have significance to initiative a committee has been "Corresponding with these the Western churches are not changes one is conscious of a even understood by native Chris- formed in America to produce change of thought and attitude. tians, and serve only to confuse It is hard to define exactly what them. The presence of mission- the inexpensive chromo picture it is, but it is perhaps a sense of aries of the different denomina- -dear to the Indian heart-porfreedom and of satisfaction at tions raises the question in the traying scenes from the Gospels; accomplishment of what many mind of Indian Christians why evidence, as one of the workers of the more advanced and these groups worship the same said, that God has His own calthoughtful have for some time God, yet remain apart from each endar. felt to be a necessary reform. . . . I am full of admiration other. The break-up of Indian at the way in which these great religions and the mass movement Christian "Mela" Sets a Goal social reforms have been introduced." among the depressed classes who The annual Christian mela of are turning toward Christian In Teheran, the bishop sees missions for social and spiritual Belgaum District brought tosigns of a movement among the emancipation, the impatience of gether representatives from 21 more thoughtful, educated men Christian youth in India at what Christian villages of the district, to study Christianity. If this they consider narrow restricmovement spreads to other tions of official Christianity are who came filled with zeal to towns and is fostered and deep- make the mela a success. Reened it may prove a means of se- other arguments offered by the vival meetings were conducted missionaries who plead for per- by a young Christian sadhu, mission to form a union among with the result that many were themselves, without separating greatly strengthened. A magic from their various mot her churches in the West. lantern lecture was given on the Life of Christ, and pictures of -Christian Observer. prominent I n d ian Christian leaders and of village improve- Reaching the Untouchables ment schemes were shown. The following aims were set Dr. Murray Titus, a Methodist for next year: village Christians missionary in North India, says and the workers to become per- [ 5471
sonal soul-winJ?-ers; to sell.more uncanonical interpolations or er- mixed European and Singhalese or Indian parentage. His son, G.ospels; to buIld churches III the, roneous transcription, as in the Arnold Paynter, is continuing vIlI~ges, to see th~t regular o~- case of suttee. Meanwhile, as this task and now has about 80 gcoanmdzuecd~,edsyasttemevaetrIcy worshIp IS the legal approach is at best young people in the orphanage place with uncertain, Christian preaching and homes at Nuwara Eliya, solemmty and rev~renc~. Ceylon. Here the boys were and teaching on this evil must taught the building trade, while -Ind7an Wttness. continue. the . girls learned gardening, cookmg and domestic duties. Christian College Jubilee In the Kond Hills Such work cuts across a 200- year-old tradition, for hitherto Isabella Thoburn College, the A hundred years ago nothing it was an unheard-of thing for first college for women in all was known about the people in E.urasians to labor with their the Kond Hills, although they hands. Later, the problem arose Asia, is celebrating its fiftieth" as to the future of these young year. The enrolment this year were on the map, some 400 miles people and it was decided to is the largest in its history, but southwest of Calcutta. It was form a colony on the slopes of the fact that it is only 188 is in- only when the ruler of a small the Himalayas. Accordingly in dicative that only a small per native state, having refused to 1~32 Mr. Paynter set out, with cent of India's girlhood have as pay his taxes, took refuge among SIX young people between the yet the opportunities, or the the Konds, that these people ages of sixteen and eighteen, on a 2,000-mile journey to the expreparation for college. In fact came into notice. While seeking treme north of India, where they only 2% of India's women ove; the offending rajah, government have established themselves in a twenty can read or write. As six-roomed house, built by their yet it is difficult, however, to find officials learned the terrible con- own inexperienced hands. At ditions a~ong the Konds,-hu- first they subsisted on fish, game openings for the graduates aside man saCrIfice of the most ghast- and wild fruit. As more colofrom the teaching and medical ly sort, infanticide and degraded nists arrived the government professions. Some have mar- heathenism. The British Gov- granted additional land. Two ried men of wide influence. One ernment at once took steps to weddings have taken place, and of last year's graduates is Y. W. stop these inhuman customs thus the young people are set- and after some years succeeded tling down in their new homes, C. A. secretary in Calcutta. Sev- in doing so. But except in so far removed from their former eral graduates are full members far as they have come under the temptations and handicaps. All of the Lucknow Conference. influence of missionaries, these were won to Christ before going to the Himalayan colony. Fam- Child Marriage people are today much the same ily prayer is held morning and as they were a century ago. evening, and there is also a serv- ice on Sunday mornings. Spir- It is more than sixty years They are still animists, and ituality is a marked feature of therefore live in constant fear the life of the colony. The work since Malabari, Parsee reform- of evil spirits. has received the highest com- mendation from Government ofer, introduced a bill to deal with The British Missionary Soci- ficials, and from leaders of the ety is the only organization at chief missionary societies. The child marriages. When nearly work among them. In the very Secretary for Ceylon believes it grove where human sacrifices to be the solution to the problem accepted it had to be withdrawn were formerly offered there now of Eurasians in Ceylon, and stands a Christian church. There many Anglo-Indians in India. to placate Hindu opposition. A is the beginning of a Christian literature, including a hymn -The Christian. Miss Sorabji in a letter to the book. There are eleven schools Is Tibet Going Modern? London Times, sets forth some wit h twenty-nine Christian Even in Tibet conditions are of the grave difficulties that teachers, and over 700 scholars looking up. The town of Lhasa in attendance. G 0 v ern men t is now lig~ted by electricity, inwould arise even if amending gives grants-in-aid while at the stalled entIrely by Tibetan elec-" same time allowing absolute tricians. A not her recent legislation to make the 1929 Act freedom in regard to religious achievement is the completion teaching. A number of young of the whole Bible in the Tibetan effective were placed on the language, a task of thirty years' men trained in the mission are duration. It is the work of a statute book. The difficulties teaching in government schools. succession of missionary schol- At present there is a Christian embrace such points as these: community of over 2,000.
how could such legislation be en- -The Christian.
forced by police methods? How could reliable evidence of age be secured? How could evidence of intended marriages be ob- tained. Miss Sorabji considers that the only possible sound re- form must come hferocomopewriatthiion~ and that without t of the Hindu priests little can be done. She suggests that San- Eurasians in Ceylon skrit scholars should be set to work upon textual examination A few years after his arrival of the Hindu religious books in in India in 1882, a young Eng- the expectation that the doctri- lishman, Arthur Pay n t e r, nal sanction of child-marriage founded the India Christian Mis- can be found to be based upon sion on behalf of children of
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
ars, with the invaluable aid of a and helps with the Bible teach- missionary careers in China was Tibetan Christian pastor of the ing in the schools. He has also that of Dr. Rosewell H. Graves, Moravian Church. made eighteen tours to more dis- of Baltimore, who reached Can- tant places with gratifying re- ton in 1856, and stayed by his Open Hearts in Cambodia sults. Trips to nearby places post for fifty-six years. He was out of the city are made regu- a physician by t r a i n i n g, a Though the doors are still larly with members of the VOl- preacher of note, a litterateur closed in Cambodia, the Holy unteers. They go out somewhere and translator of outstanding Spirit is at work. Last summer every week, and always have a ability, and laid the broad an elderly Cambodian came to good hearing. During the year foundations of the work in and the home of Rev. F. C. Peterson 5,553 Scripture portions have around Canton, w her e the in Kompong Trach, to learn been sold, the income being some Graves Theological Seminary about the Gospel. From his lit- seventy-five ticals. The "market and the Graves Memorial Church tle hut in the rice field he had chapel" is kept open as a read- are named in his honor. walked about four miles in the ing room, and attracts many hot sun, seeking peace of heart. young people. The Southern Baptist Board As a Buddhist priest, he had has extended its efforts into gone through all the rites of Work in the two schools has Shantung, Anhui and Honan, Buddhism, and now after nearly gone on most favorably. There and the Northern Baptist work seventy years spent in that reli- has been no trouble with the has reached out into far away gion, he still lacked what he new government regulations Szechuan. Baptist C h u r c h sought. A few years ago, he said, and the standard of work has members in more than half the his son had bought a "heart improved, as well as the attend- eighteen provinces of China, tract" in Takeo, and after read- ance. number not less than 70,000. ing this, he concluded it con- Two institutions have been fostained the message for which his Dr. Boon Itt was asked to tered jointly by the Northern heart was longing. It was no teach in an Institute for Doc- and Southern boards – the Unieasy matter to give up Buddhism tors which was held for fifteen versity of Shanghai and the as error, and turn to a new mas- days in Pitsanuloke. All the China Baptist Publication Soter. Finally the Holy Spirit won government doctors in the coun- ciety. The English Baptist Misthe victory. It was a joy to kneel try gathered for instruction. sion cooperates in the work of with him and point him to Christ Two high government medical Shantung Christian University, who takes away the sins of the officers have visited the hospital and the Northern Society in the world. and expressed satisfaction at West China Christian Univer- the work being done. Regular sity in Szechuan. It has been a joy to watch this days for visitors have been arman grow in the knowledge of ranged, and many have taken ARTHUR R. GALLIMORE. God. He sits down with his New advantage of this and given Testament and reads many chap- money to help in the work. The Government Asks for ters at a time. He witnesses hospital is full to overflowing, Missionaries faithfully in his village and ex- and the table of statistics for the pects many others there to turn medical work indicates an in- The National Christian Counto the Lord ere long. He is faith- crease along almost every line of cil of China asks for a hundred ful in walking the long distance treatment. -Siam Outlook. missionaries to work with boys to our home for prayer meeting and girls of the Government and Bible instruction. We were CHINA AND MANCHURIA schools. They are promised unhappily surprised the other day bounded opportunities outside of to hear him quote from memory Century of Baptist Missions school hours for guiding youth many verses from the Bible. Re- in their recreation, their adjustcently some Buddhist priests Baptists are this year com- ments and life. came to visit us while he was memorating the hundredth annihere; it did our hearts good to versary of the beginning of their Rural reconstruction has passhear him preach the Gospel to mission in Macao. It was in ed the experimental stage and them with no uncertain sound. reality an outgrowth of William has become a national movement. Carey's mission to India in The Christian Far mer has -Alliance Weekly. 1792, in the support of which 40,000 readers and 2,000,000 Baptists in America found an people come under its influence Work in Siam Goes Forward outlet for their missionary zeal. and mass education movement is Carey had felt, when his son preparing thousands to read. The Home Mission Committee went to Rangoon, Burma, that of the National Church of Siam this might be the precursor of an This Year's Famine now has the oversight of all entrance into China. Macao, in work done in Pitsanuloke sta- 1836, was a flourishing Portu- There is famine every year in tion. Aside from his regular guese Colony. Later, in 1843, some part of China. This year duties as pastor of the church, medical work under the Baptist it is affecting 30,000,000 people Rev. Seng Saa Chairatana does Board began in Ningpo. in Szechuan and Honan provreligious work in the hospital inces. Repeated floods and un- One of the most remarkable usually dry summers, and at-
tacks of Chinese Communist walls bare, so things suggestive JAPAN-CHOSEN soldiers bring about this condi- of the Christian life are substi- Nation-Wide Evangelism tion. Starving parents in some tuted. It is important that a cases have sold their children to Christian atmosphere be cre- A Commission on nation-wide buy food. Dogs and cats have ated in the home. After these evangelism has completed its orlong since been eaten, and it is preliminaries, an altar is set up ganization, and is asking Chrisreported that some of the na,tives in the guest room and a service tians throughout the empire to have resorted to cannibalism. is conducted, with an appropri- remember this movement in This section of China in previous ate talk to the family and their morning devotions, and years has had plentiful crops. friends who have assembled for also to organize groups which In some sections more than 70 the occasion. Bible women visit will undergird this evangelistic per cent of the towns and vil- in these homes as often as pos- effort with a volume of united lages have been destroyed by the sible and try to carryon a defi- prayer. A budget of 5,000 yen Chinese Communist soldiers, nite program of instruction for has been adopted for the present who are, themselves, starving the women. Families are urged year. It is hoped that during the since no government is back of to attend the short term schools, first year of the movement spethem. -Watchman-Examiner. to become familiar with Bible cial campaigns may be conducted ideals. -The Living Church. in the empire's six major cities "Normal Contagious" – Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Changsha reports an analysis Inspection Trip in Manchuria Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe-and in six of church membership wherein near-by cities. members are classified as "in- Rev. Charles Leonard of the active," "active but ineffective" Southern Baptist Mission, sta- -World Outlook. and "normal contagious." The tioned at Harbin, after a tour of church officials are working def- mISSIOns located at Mishan, Christianity on the Increase initely to bring a larger propor- Tungning, Suifenho, Lishuchen, tion into the "normal conta- and other points in the large Dr. Kagawa declares that gious" group. Inactive members area east of Harbin, reported Christianity is on the increase are sought out and followed up. that said area has suffered more in Japan. As proof he cites the For the "active but ineffective," than any other during these past doubling of the Christian comdirect challenge is made for few years from bandi.try. For munity in the last ten years, the deeper personal Christian liv- three hundred miles it is moun- phenomenal growth of the deing, with more time taken for tainous, wild country, in much mand for Christian literature, prayer and Bible study. Mean- of which roving bands of robbers the conversion of leading govwhile the "contagious" Chris- have held sway for many years. ernment officials, including memtians, perhaps simple country Following the change of govern- bers of the nobility, and the fact women, perhaps highly educated ment numerous trains we r e that the indigenous religions are university men, continue about wrecked and looted; villages increasingly influenced by Christheir Father's business of mak- burned, homes destroyed; thou- tianity. Buddhists have adopted ing Christ known to all with sands killed; garrisons, groups Christian hymns, frequently use whom they come in contact. and individuals kidnapped and the Bible and are introducing tortured. At present, however, the cross into their temples. -Monday Morning. conditions are improving. As re- gards Lishuchen, Rev. Leonard – Watchman-Examiner. "Cleansing Services" states that this coal-mining town Open Door Clubs Sixteen groups of students "When a family becomes in- has its own railway line, over have organized "Open Door terested in Christianity and which many have come these Clubs," each with its own offiwi she s to affiliate with the past several years to push their cers and staff. The regular pro- Church," writes an Episcopal way as settlers into the farthest gram includes a study of various missionary at Changshu-Ku, "we steppes of northeast Manchuria. phases of religion, prayer, Bible, go to the home and hold what During past years two Russian worship. Nearly every group we call a cleansing service. All Baptist families connected with meets once a week. Out of these the idols, superstitious pictures, the mines had assisted in raising meetings have come some sigetc., are carried out and burned, funds for purchase of a place for nificant and hopeful things. even the ancestral tablets are Chinese and Russian evangelistic Members spread the news and removed. In place of all these meetings at the coal-mine town. recently a new g r 0 U P was are installed things of a Chris- But as these Russians have left, formed. Twenty-six young men tian nature; a picture of Christ one family migrating to Brazil- came at once asking to be led in . occupies the most important with other Russian Protestant Bible study. Only two of the position on the wall; then there families, and the town proper, group had ever seen a Bible beare pictures illustrating family Lishuchen, having grown, it has fore, but all were eager to know unity, and attractive scrolls been decided to move the meet- its contents. Students and fac- with Scripture passages written ing place into the heart of said ulty members of the Imperial on them. We must not leave the town. -China Weekly. University are being reached
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
and are becoming interested. men, unmarried, banded to- the other hand, if the bride is One recently came asking for help and saying that unless he gether in Francis of Assisi fash- lazy, or in other ways unsatiscould find the thing he needed in Christ, he would have to com- ion, supported by a peach factory, she may be sent back to mit suicide. He found what he sought and left with courage orchard, and preaching the Gos- her people; and the purchase great enough to face his problems. pel. A furniture factory was price must be refunded. Since, -The Presbyterian Banner. found unprofitable but they are however, the money has prob- Suicide "Specialist" now tearing away the earth ably been divided among many, Japan has a "Suicide Preven- from the side of a sheer preci- some ill-feeling is engendered tion Society," with a suicide clinic, under the direction of a pice and filling in a barren salt and the girl falls into disfavor. man known as "the suicide specialist." This new society seeks field, in the hope that when their' Responsible relatives train both the establishment of proper institutions for the prevention of arduous task is finished they youths and girls in the obligaself-destruction, to sponsor investigations, to publish litera- may raise rice, settle down and tions of marriage. ture on the subject, and show motion pictures. A memorial marry and preach the Gospel to -The Australian Missionservice for the young men and women who have committed that area of the Inland Sea as- ary R.eview. shiniu or love suicide together was held in July. It is estimated signed to Baptists. These men that 20,000 persons commit suicide annually in Japan. are not yet bapti~ed, but they are Sunday Schools in Fiji -Alliance Weekly. ready to enter the church at any Rev. H. Chambers, of Davui- time, and have been doing mis- levu, Fiji, says that this field has United Children's Service sionary work for a long time. the largest Missionary Training Christ Church, Yokohama, re- Anglican World Conference Institution in the South Pacific. cently held a united service for It comprises five institutions, Sunday school children. In addition to the children from this The first world conference of namely, the Theological Instituchurch, there were present more Anglican churchmen in Asia is tion, the Village Pastor Trainthan 200 children from Yoko- to be held in Tokyo in May, ing Institute, the Teacher-Trainhama Union Church, St. An- 1940. The date has been set to ing Institute, the District 'Boys' drew's Japanese Church, Yoko- coincide with the international Technical School, and the Prihama Chinese Church and the exposition now announced by mary School. Sunday school Kawasaki Anglican Church. At Japan to commemorate the must be written in the plural, one point in the service a Jap- 2,600th anniversary of the for- for the Sunday schools at Davuianese girl, a Chinese boy and an mation of the empire and to per- levu are as numerous as its insti- American girl read Gospel pas- mit attendance of about 200 tutions, with one in additionsages. The address by Bishop bishops of North and South the Kindergarten. A Prepara- Heaslett was given in alternate America who will be going to tion Class is held on Friday Japanese and English. London to attend the Lambeth nights, when the lesson is given Conference, called every ten verbally, after which the full The collection went toward years by the Archbishop of Can- notes which have been put up providing a place for Christian terbury. Plans are being made on the blackboards earlier in the worship in Sanjo. to accommodate 1,000 church- day, are copied by the teachers. men. -The Living Church. -The Australian Mission- Self-Supporting Evangelists ary Review. Rev. H. O. Sisson, writing for the Watchman-Examiner, gives ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC Bible Study in the Philippines a striking example of self-sacrificing leadership in Japan's In- Defense of a Native Custom Two or three years ago about land Sea where the barren hill- 210 high school students enrolled sides are so valuable that they Students of social customs in a six months' course Bible are terraced all the way to the among primitive peoples find study and 120 received the Suntop to produce what slim crops that some ideas, repellant to the day School Union diploma. This are possible. Here he found ten casual observer have a useful year three new features have purpose. For example, when a been introduced: the study is man buys his wife the "pur- made intensive by meeting from chase" is the very thing which three to five times a week; prevents his abusing her. The teachers went to the pupils' price is a guarantee of good homes, instead of asking them faith since, after marriage, if to come to the school, and gen- the young man is cruel to his eral courses have been offered in wife, she returns to her people; addition to technical stu d y. but the youth's relatives cannot, There were 300 students en- under the circumstances, de- rolled. About 225 completed mand the return of the payment. their studies and took the exam- Since economic sanctions make ination; 190 passed. Next year remarriage difficult for the di- it is planned to have four or five vorcee, the bridegroom is en- three-week periods of Bible couraged to behave with consid- study. eration towards his wife. On
Oannibals Learn Gospel Songs Interracial Relations; W 0 rId There are in the United States Relationships; the Church; and 8,676,000 Catholic youth under twenty- A group of cannibals heard the Church's Adult Program. five years of age, and of this number the Gospel for the first time on only 1,870,000 are enrolled in any a recent Sunday afternoon when The conference was called by parochial or other religious school three canoes arrived at the "Unevangelized Fields Mission" sta- the committee on religious edu- under the auspices of the Catholic tion in Papua, containing nearly cation of adults of the Interna- Church. So 78.4 per cent of the youth forty of these men, who ex- tional Council of Religious Edu- of the Catholic Church are not being plained by interpretation that cation. they had come to sell sago, and reached by the Church. There are in not to fight. They then told the -The Presbyterian Banner. missionary that they wanted a the United States 1,630,000 Jewish teacher, and were willing to children under twenty-five years of build a house if one would come. They remained one night, and age, of which number 1,543,000, or the opportunity was taken to 95.2 per cent, are not enrolled in any teach them some choruses, "Yes, Mobilizing Spiritual Forces Jewish synagogue or other educational Jesus loves me," and "All the way to Calvary, He went for The National Committee for agency under the auspices of the me." This tribe, living 200 miles Religion and Welfare Recovery Jewish Church. There are in the from the mission station, fre- United States 42,891,825 children who quently raids other villages for consists of more than four hun- are Protestant, or nominally Protheads and food. estant, under twenty-five years of age, dred leaders from the major re- and of this number 28,529,950, or 66.5 -The Christian. per cent, are not enrolled in any Sun- ligious faiths, and includes 61 day school. Netherlands Mission bishops, Catholic and non-Cath- olic, 65 pastors, priests and In twelve separate fields Gos- rabbis, 25 college presidents or Put this alongside the statepel work is being carried on by other educators and 143 national ment of Supreme Court Justice the Netherlands East Indies officers of church and benevolent Lewis L. Fawcett, of Brooklyn, Mission. Mr. R. A. J affray re- boards, in addition to a consider- with eighteen years of experiports great blessing in the four ence on the bench, that "Of 5,000 fields in Borneo, where no fewer able number of laymen. than 8,000 Dyaks have come to The program is educational boys less than twenty-one years Christ. Nearly 100 students and cooperative but not adminis- old who have been arraigned behave recently entered the Bible trative. Emphasis is placed fore me, only three were mem- School, and many are already upon the efficiency of existing bers of Sunday school at the occupied winning souls. The re- church and welfare agencies, time of committing their crime. maining eight fields of the mis- without any attempt to create a Of 1,092 boys who were sension present a more. difficult superorganization or federation. tenced to go to Sunday school problem, for Mohammedanism The Committee calls all church and bring a written attendance is strongly entrenched in them members and sympathetic citi- report from the minister, only all, and there are millions of peo- :?ens to rededicate both life and ninety-two of them ever apple in the islands to whom no substance to the service of God peared in court again; out of missionary has yet been sent. and their fellowmen, and to 1,092, 1,000 were cured by the recognize that the recovery of Sunday school treatment. -The Christian. material prosperity will avail Pioneers of Today NORTH AMERIOA little without sound foundations United Adult Movement of religious faith and unselfish A newly appointed worker in Over two hundred leaders in moral purpose. Idaho describes the situation he special fields of adult activity, pastors, religious education spe- A Ohallenge to Every found: cialists, and delegated lay work- Oommunity ers, assembled recently at Lake In the presbytery the population is Geneva, Wisconsin, to confer so scattered and so transient that in upon a proposed plan of work through nine commissions cov- "If you were to make a house- many large sections there are no minering: Personal ReI i g i 0 u s isters, no Sunday schools, and no re- Growth; Christian Home and to-house canvass of your com- ligious teaching of any kind. There Family Life; Education, Character and Community Life; Eco- munity," says a writer in the is only one resident minister in the nomic Life; Leisure Time and Christian Observer, "you would Cultural Life; Inter-Group and perhaps discover that the great large county of Owyhee, a Congrega- majority of the children of your tional minister with a small church. Every school in this county is a one- teacher school. In the county of own community were not in Sun- Boise there is but one resident min- day school." ister, and he is blind. There is no minister in the county seat. In the There is a challenge in the county of Elmore there are many towns with no Sunday school. statement that nineteen out of every twenty Jewish children under twenty-five years of age It is difficult to organize Sun- are not enrolled in any Jewish- day schools because the adults.
school; that three out of every have not had religious training, four Roman Catholics of the and are not prepared to fill places same age are not in any Catholic of leadership. Through leader- school; and two out of every ship-training co u r s e s in the three Protestants of the same points he can reach, this mis- age are not in any Sunday sionary hopes to develop leaders school. To go more into detail: who will become interested in
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Sunday school organization, and period of four years will be position to the ecclesiastical auhungry for a knowledge of the 1,000,000 such donors or a total Bible. -Presbyterian Banner. of $12,000,000 a year. thorities is unquestioned, do not Bible Society's New Home Methodists will seek to relate hesitate to deplore a system of the life of their church to social After occupying the old Bible and economic problems besetting education which ignores the res- House on Astor Place, New York modern civilization. They will City, for eighty-three years the also seek to deepen the personal thetic and spiritual needs of American Bible Society is now piety of Methodists. located in a new home at the humanity. corner of Park Avenue and -Presbyterian Tribune. Fifty-seventh Street. The six- A sign that the Government is story building, purchased in Staff Increased at Sage 1935, has been altered to pro- Hospital feeling secure in its position is vide for the Society's activities in supplying Scriptures through- Sage Memorial Hospital at the fact that President Cardenas out the world. It gives accom- Ganado, N. M., is the only Indian modations to the retail store of hospital in the Southwest fully has recently authorized the rethe Eastern Agency, as well as accredited this year by the offices and storage space. There American College of Surgeons. opening of certain Cat hoI i c is on exhibition a large illumi- The recent addition of two docnated world map showing the tors to the staff has made it pos- Churches which were closed by location of all the Society's home sible to add a regular full time and foreign agencies, a twenty- program to the pioneering field order of President Calles in one foot chart containing the work reported for the first time names of the 972 languages and a year ago. Each doctor in ro- 1934. -World Survey. dialects into which the Scrip- tation has spent his entire time tures have been translated, and for a month in field visitation, Christian Literature in Mexico electrically lighted dioramas pre- clinics and examination and senting the work of translation treatment of children in the In Mexico, crisis means, as the and distribution in for e i g n eight Government day schools Chinese say, "both danger and lands. The building will be for- within a twenty-five mile radius opportunity." Political movemally dedicated in November. of Ganado. This service is ex- ments are producing a wholly ceedingly important from the unexpected interest in the Chris- For the past eighty-three point of view of remedial and tian message in its bearing on years the output of Scriptures preventive health work. It gives social and economic problems. from the old Bible House has the mission contact with many In 1931, the Christian literature been enormous. The volumes families not reached through publishing interests were "at the printed, purchased or imported any other activities. Another bottom." Now the union pubthat passed through the Bible new service this year is a per- lishing agency under Baez Cam- House in the past eighty-three manent dental clinic. The School years to December 31, 1935, the of Nursing, the only training argo is meeting with remarkable grand total was 134,179,512, or school for Indian nurses in the success. The v 0 I u m e "Has at a rate of about three every country, continues to grow in Science Discovered God?" has minute, night and day. popularity and range of influ- been avidly read. Atheistic and ence. Started in 1930, and now communistic literature has flood- Methodists Seek $12,000,000 fully accredited by the American ed this and other Latin Amer- Medical Association and the Na- ican countries, but minds are Methodist leaders met in Evan- tional League of Nursing Edu- open, and there is a demand for ston, Ill., July 8th, for "The cation, it enrolled this year nine- such books as "Christ and Hu- WorId Is My Parish" movement, teen students from twelve dif- man Service," the "Life of Kaa special effort to continue ferent Indian tribes scattered gawa," "Science and the Invisible through four years for the ex- from Alaska to Arizona. World." Missions have been retension of the missionary and -P1"esbyterian Board News. stricted in some types of work, benevolence enterprises of the but are putting greater effort denomination. One part of the LATIN AMERICA into literature and social service. plan is the enrolment during the The people are eager for the first year of 500,000 persons, Wider Tolerance in Mexico Gospel. groups and organizations in local churches who will subscribe There are unmistakable evi- Youth in the Caribbean one dollar a month or twelve dences that there is a reaction dollars a year to the missionary among thinking Mexicans from The Church in the West Indies and benevolence program. The the extreme materialism so much is well on the way to being a goal sought for the first year is, in evidence during recent stages young people's church. The thus, $6,000,000. The goal for a of the Church and State con- young people's conferences, first flict. Educational writers of held in the three islands only a recognized standing, whose op- few years ago, have grown in- creasingly popular. The results of these summer conferences are making themselves felt in the communities to which the dele- gates return. A group of Cuban young people, for ins tan c e, wanting to put into practice some of the ideals inspired at the conference, organized for the purpose of serving their communities along material and
spiritual lines. Puerto Rican the Presbyterian Church in Misplaced Reverence pastors also reported that the Colombia, has formed a group Charles W. Clay, in World conferences inspired a higher of young men in his church into Outlook, tells some things he saw standard of work and a new will- a Bible school, and is training here and there. A shop selling ingness on the part of the young them to preach from notes he cheap perfume does business people to assume responsibility took in the Costa Rican school. under the sign, "Good Jesus." for church activities. Domingo Fernandez, class of In Para there is a restaurant, 1934, is evangelizing in Spanish called the "C a f e Baptista," -The Presbyterian Banner. villages. which displays a large sign showing John the Baptist, in Sunday Schools in West Indies A man and wife, both trained heaven surrounded by angels, in this Institute, started a little telephoning to the "Cafe Bap- The progress of Christian edu- school and have not only sup- tista" to send up one hundred cation in the sixteen islands and ported themselves, but gathered pounds of their coffee, for it is island groups of the West Indies together a group of people into the brand which has entrance to is shown by a net increase of 49 a thriving evangelical congrega- heaven! A further illustration per cent in Sunday school enrol- tion. Two young women grad- of gross irreverence in advertisment since 1932. The Bahamas, uates, working in different coun- ing is the following doggerel nowhich should benefit by direct tries, maintain themselves by ticed in a street car: and invigorating influences from taking children whose parents the United States, show, how- desire that they be taught the "Are you sad my dear? ever, a decrease of 7 per cent Bible. Have you a cough or bronchitis? over the same period. There are Institute students evangelize It's a law of our Saviour some troublesome impediments while studying. They carry The only cure is 'Contratosse.' "
to a general advance of the West packs with necessary belongings -World Outlook. Indian peoples which may only and Scripture portions. In one be removed by an indoctrination place the priest told the people of their youth with new think- that it would be no more sin to EUROPE ing. The lack of sensitiveness in the social conscience with re- kill them than to kill a dog. Evangelism in Spain and gard to an astounding ratio of Throughout the country are iso- Portugal illegitimacy in many of the lated believers, twos and threes, won by this itinerant method. Mr. H. Martyn Gooch, Generislands is an example to the al Secretary of the World's point. Youth, with an enthu- -So S. Times. Evangelical Alliance, has made siasm for doing the right thing an extended visit to Spain and Needy Colombia Portugal. He believes that poand a will to break from custom litical conditions in both councan alone change a discreditable Leaders of the missionary en- tries are helpful rather than a situation. terprise have not been as active The Islands have a Protestant in Colombia as are commercial hindrance to evangelical work, community of 1,873,216, a body interests. Colombia has vast and in reply to the question "Can which if united in purpose could potential wealth and produces Spain and Portugal Be Evangelachieve anything needing to be everything that is grown in tem- ized 7" says that the answer condone. They send only 277,680 perate and cold climates as well cerns the spiritual equipment of children to the Sunday schools, as all tropical fruits; Protestant forces, rather than although they have 468,400 of But there is as yet little effort Roman Catholic opposition. Althem under 14 years-a leakage to give the Gospel to the millions so, a united front is of supreme of nearly 200,000. Problems in Colombia who have no oppor- importance. Mr. Gooch adwhich are the despair of the tunity of hearing it. There are dressed many gatherings, and churches will only begin to show only about 90 Protestant mis- met with clergy, ministers and a solution when the importance sionaries in the whole country, other representatives of Protesof youth and the child is more with a mere handful of native tant organizations. His visit to clearly understood. workers. One missionary to one Madrid coincided with the visit of Professor Baez Camargo of -World Survey. hundred thousand p e 0 pIe is about the proportion but one- Mexico, and they shared in a One School's Work fourth of the total missionary warm welcome on the part of force is on furlough, and a fair the Committee of the Spanish The Latin American Bible In- proportion are new people stilt Evangelical Alliance at special stitute in Costa Rica has put struggling with the language. gatherings arranged in the two, seventy workers in the field. Four-fifths of the missionaries largest Evangelical churches. Alfredo Cardona, now preaching in Colombia, has raised up The Portuguese Evangelical Alseveral congregations of be- are along the Pacific Coast, leav- liance, the British and Foreign ing much of the country without Bible Society, the World Domin- any Gospel teacher. ion Movement and the United lievers i n t 0 self – supporting -Latin American Evan- Society for Christian Literature churches. Hernan Bautista, of gelist. all are at work on a cooperative
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
basis. Six evangelical churches steenberghe is known as an greatest historical importance- in the north of Spain are threat- eloquent speaker, and is hoping "A question whether the Chris- ened with extinction through the to visit America for deputation tian faith shall continue to have withdrawal of financial support work. The buildings owne.d by rights in Germany." Attacks hitherto available from Ameri- the Mission, covering among upon Evangelical beliefs and ca, and the help of the World's other places Brussels, Bruges, practices were exposed and de- Evangelical Alliance has been G hen t, Antwerp, Charleroi, nounced. The declaration af- sought in an endeavor to enable Tournai, are all free of debt. firms that "in the country of these churches to continue. Ro-· Workers, including wives, num- Martin L u the r, Evangelical man Catholic forces would re- ber 130. The two Bible Train- Christians are prevented from joice in their demise. ing Schools are guided by com- bearing witness to the Gospel in -The Christian. petent leaders and the various public meetings." A spiritual administrative posts are in the demand is made that "the inces- Paris Student Union hands of approved workers. sant interference" by the State While a student at the Sor- -The Christian. shall cease, and that liberty shall bonne, Miss Agnes D. Stoneham be granted to the people to atwho was formerly a North Afri- Beatenberg Conference tend Gospel services, and to the ca missionary, realized the need pastors to proclaim the truth as for an Evangelical Union to In one of the most beautiful it is in Christ Jesus. work among the students. Un- spots in Switzerland, at Beatenable to return to North Africa, berg, 150 people of about twenty The protest was made with she felt the call of God to estab- nationalities recently gathered full realization of what the cost lish such a work. In a little over to pray for world revival. The might be, for it concludes: "We two years young people from conference was divided into four call upon the servants of the twenty-three nationalities have groups, two speaking German, Church to bear witness to the been helped in their spiritual the others French and English. Gospel of Jesus Christ without life. It was urged that all Christians compromise and without fear of must know in their own experi- men. Many have been sent to The student population of ence victory over indwelling sin, prison and concentration camps, Paris numbers 50,000, of whom and fully understand the minis- have had to suffer expulsion and 8,000 are from overseas. The try of God the Holy Spirit. other trials. We do not know vice-president of the union is a what may still be in store for us. Japanese student. The story of Immediately following the But whatever this may be, we one member, an Armenian doc- Convention, a students' confer- are bound to be obedient to our tor, is stirring. A nominal ence was arranged under the heavenly Father." Christian, he was brought into auspices of the Intervarsity Felblessing through the Union. He lowship of Evangelical Unions, -The Life .of Faith. is now a keen soul-winner, and to consider how best to bring a looks forward to his return deep spiritual revival in Euro- Anatolia College Jubilee home to engage in evangelistic pean universities. There were work in his hospital and univer- representatives there from Brit- The Golden Jubilee of Anasity. Until recently, various dis- ish, French, German, S w iss, tolia College, Salonika, Greece, cussion groups and meetings Dutch and Hungarian univer- was celebrated on June 20th. were held in drawing rooms sities. Reports from Hungary An address was given by Dr. kindly lent by friends, but re- and other countries of Europe Wright, the new president of cently the Union has rented its indicate that this is a day of Robert College, Istanbul. The own ,room, admirably suitable great opportunities for reaching procession was led by Pastor for the work. students with the Gospel. This George Anastasiades of the first Beatenberg Conference did much Anatolia College Class, of 1887. -The Life of Faith. toward helping to unite Chris- Doctors, lawyers, teachers and tians throughout Europe. business men, graduates of the Belgian Gospel Mission college, gathered to pay tribute -The Christian. to their Alma Mater. King Future direction of the Bel- German Evangelical Manifesto George II of Greece was also gian Gospel Mission, since the present at the celebration and death of Mrs. Ralph C. Norton on July 19, devolves upon two The most courageous protest showed deep interest. The presable and experienced workers, yet heard in Germany against ident of the college is Rev. Er- Mr. John C. Winton and M. O. the repressive Nazi policy to- nest Riggs, a grandson of the Vansteenberghe. The former is ward the Evangelical Church famous Elias Riggs, for many a man of gracious personality was made in a manifesto which years an American Board misand unique administrative gifts, was read in every Evangelical s ion a r y at Constantinople. and M. Vansteenberghe is equal- Church acknowledging the Con- Among the pressing needs of the ly qualified to maintain the high fessional movement. This stated college are a boy's home, an standard of executive ability dis- that the German people are con- Alumni Hall, and a retirement played by Mr. Norton. M. Van- fronted with a decision of the fund for the college staff.
Christian Heroism entering Russia on the ground mIssIOn is that of the United that they are considered by the Presbyterian Church. In Soviet Russia 47 pastors Soviet authorities as enemies of have been suffering for years in B 0 Ish e vis m. Pastors and A large increase in Roman concentration camps, on the churches in Russia, in addition Catholic converts is anticipated White Sea, or in Siberia. Two to persecution and extinction, under Italian domination. In were recently condemned to are heavily taxed. This tax fact, the Catholic population death; others have been forced seems already to have gained by to stop their work. Probably money is furnished by free-will less than 20 evangelical pastors gifts. Recently two old men, 400,000, for Mussolini has anare still at work in Russia out of more than seventy years of age, the 300 who formerly preached nounced that 400,000 Italian solthe Gospel there. Two Christian were given a sentence of three diers and laborers would remain colporteurs not long ago were years in the penitentiary for preaching in a village. Suddenly having given money to the permanently to colonize Ethioone fell, shot through by a bul~ pia. let. His comrade immediately took the Bible from the mar~ church and not to the state. The Catholics Propose Conquest tyred man, and continued Soviet has issued a handbook en- of Ethiopia preaching to the frightened lis~ titled: "What Shall I Do in Case teners. His heroism made such My Parents Try to Force Me to The Vatican, which placed no an impression that a revival be~ Go to Church?" The advice giv- obstacle in the way of Mussogan in the village, and spread en includes the following: Re- lini's conquest of Ethiopia, is far beyond. port the case to the authorities; now pushing a religious con- -Church Missionary Gleaner. call the police, bring action be- quest there. Bands of Salesians fore the courts. The punishment and Capuchins, already known Russia and Religion is loss of work, starvation and in Ethiopia, are following close death. behind the Italian columns, as The dechristianizing of Rus- they proceed with the difficult sian school children goes stead- AFRIOA business of mopping up. These ily on, though still is far from being completed. At Saratov it Religious Outlook in Ethiopia missionaries are provided with is reported that 49 per cent of all the means they need to carry the children still live "in the old World-wide interest in Ethi- their message to the most disreligious superstition." Fifty opia draws attention to religious tant and primitive peoples. They per cent still pray at home. conditions there. The Indian Witness states that among the have the funds to open schools An order was issued on De- estimated Ethiopian population and hospitals. Other missioncember 1, 1 9 3 5, t hat all of slightly more than 10,000,000, aries are being trained by the churches, chapels and prayer there are 5,000,000 Coptic Chris- Sacred Congregation for the houses must report to the civil tians, 150,000 Jews, 3,000,000 propagation of the faith. But authorities or be closed. No new Mohammedans, 2,000,000 pa- anything that would suggest the buildings may be erected to gans, 16,000 Roman Catholics serve as churches, synagogues and 12,000 Evangelical Chris- imposition of Catholicism on the or mosques. An exception is tians. During the 300 years that Ethiopians by force is to be made for foreigners who speak followed the meeting of Philip English. They may have their with the eunuch a large part of avoided, in accordance with own churches and worship as Ethiopia b e cam e Christian. Mussolini's promise that there they please. Thus, an American Then came the long theological would be genuine religious free- Roman Catholic church is now being built in Moscow by Father dom under Italian rule. Brown. A Protestant church is -The Christian Advocate. also to be erected there for Eng- 1ish-speaking people. The work controversy over the question Medical Missions in Morocco of closing the churches is going steadily on. The Reformed whether Jesus had a single or Church at Odessa has been made a theater. The chapel at Pris- dual nature. For nearly 1,000 Morocco has always been one chib has been torn down. St. Michael's Cloister at Kiev is years the church in Ethiopia of the most difficult of Mohamabout to be sacrificed. Another cloister in that city has become was isolated from the rest of medan mission fields. F. J. a factory building. Christendom. About the year Scrimgeour writes of a visit he According to a new ruling, pastors from foreign lands from 1500 Catholic missionaries again has made to southern Morocco, now on will be prohibited from entered the country. In 1830 now a protectorate of France.
the Church Missionary Society Eight stations were visited, un- of England sent two mission- der the South Morocco Mission, aries. From that year may be established about fifty years ago, dated the modern work of mis- and the Bible Church Mission- sions. The Bible has been trans~ ary Society, which has opened lated and is now available in 20 – work in some of the larger vil- .
languages. Until the war com- lages during the last ten years.
pelled the evacuation of some Although motor roads cover the stations, Protestant missionaries country and educational train- totalled 184 at 35 stations, while ing is available, fanatical Moroc- Roman Catholics had a force of co continues much the same. 45 foreign priests and 30 native Legal restrictions and prohi~ priests. The largest American bitions of action imposed by the
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
French authorities have ham- The Message Refused leaders in the fight, and one of pered efforts at direct evangel- the Methodist black men adization, stopped all school work Mr. Jenkinson, of the Unevan- dressed the House of Assembly except classes of very elemen- for nearly an hour in executive tary teaching, and no~ t~reat~n gelized Fields Mission, at a re- session. to close all medical mISSIOn dISpensaries as they are at present cent meeting in London told how -Christian Ad'vocate. conducted. Under French administration an official medi~al he arrived in an African village Christian Council for service is being developed WhICh extends into all the cities, towns one afternoon and realized that South Africa and larger villages. R.egulatio~s have been issued whIch forbId much good might be accom- The first steps toward formmedical practice to those who ing a Christian Council in South are not legally qualified to prac- plished there. "The chief was Africa were taken in May, 1934. tice in their own country, be After two years, negotiations they British or of any other na- not sober, but came and sat are nearing completion. On tionality. This applies equally June 24, over sixty representato nurses, midwives and chem- down on the veranda of the rest- tives of churches and missionists, and the terms of the law are ary societies met at Bloemfonso worded that doctors may not house where I was staying. I tein to consider the proposed supply or dispense their. own constitution, which was finally prescriptions unle~s ~here IS .no talked to him for two or three adopted. The functions of the chemist's shop wlthm a mIle. new Council are: But H. M. Consul-General inter- hours, and by that time he ~as vened, and a concession ,,:as. ar- (a) To bring together for periodiranged whereby those mISSIOn- practically sober. Then he saId: cal conference and counsel representaaries who were actively engaged tives of the churches, mission sociein giving medical treatment to a"Wll eylOl~ white man, I have heard ties and other Christian agencies of the Moors in the year 1913 are have to say. I will have South Africa, particularly for consulpermitted to continue to do so tation upon matters bearing upon the until they retire. Dispensaries the drums beaten tonight to tell spiritual and general welfare of the more recently established-as non-European races. those of the B.C.M.S.-may also all my headmen to come and give medical relief with simple, (b) To promote, through commitnonpoisonous remedies; but. the hear this message, and they can tees, commissions or otherwise, study Consul-General deprecates the and investigation of the problem of extension of such work. decide whether they want to evangelizing and Christianizing the people of South Africa. -E. M. M. S. Quarterly. hear further, or whether they (c) To take joint action on any Seek to Evangelize Moslems would rather you go away." matters within the scope of the au- thority that may be given to the A recent development in the The drums were beaten, and Council by its constituent bodies. field of missions is the lively interest in the evangelization of early next morning the people (d) To promote cooperation in mis- Moslems in their North African sionary work, especially in evangelisterritories, shown by the Protes- began to arrive. The headmen tic, educational, medical and social tant youth of France. The work, and in the production of ver- Young Men's Christian Associa- came carrying their spears, nacular literature. tion, the Student Christian Federation, Association of Scouts their' wives walking behind. (e) To promote such fellowship and Guides and missionary among the churches as will create an groups have since 1932 been They talked for some time, but atmosphere of respect and confidence united in the "North African and will lead to united thinking, inter- Sheaf." A missionary camp is in the end their decision was: ceding, planning and action on the held in September at Constan- part of the Christian forces of the tine, Algiers, or Oran. There "We do not want you; we do not country. are also fifteen groups of the Young Women's Christian Asso- want your message." It seemed (f) To represent the Christian ciation in large centers like forces of South Africa in their rela- Tunis, Constantine, Algiers, as if the powers of evil were tions with the International Mission- Oran and Rabat, doing splendid ary Council and with national Chrismissionary and social work. loosed in that village. Mr. J en- tian organizations in other lands.
-World Survey Service. kinson continued: "I would ha,:,e -South African Outlook.
done anything to reverse theIr MISCELLANEOUS N decision but it could not be Promoting Race Harmony done. ext morning I went The History Society recently sadly away, and so far as.I know sponsored a contest on the sub- ject "How can youth develop co- the Gospel has never agam been operative and harmonious rela- tions among the races of the preached there. It is only earth ?" open to those under thirty living in Africa, Austra- prayer that can overcome these lia, Canada and New Zealand. The winner, Mr. Tsotsi, a twen- things." -The Life of Faith.
Race Question in Cape Colony In the Union of South Africa the race question is a burning issue. The Government has P!O- posed to abolis~ the Cap.e natIve franchise. ThIS met WIth s~ch opposition that the. premle.r withdrew the bill. HIS substI- tute measure does not recognize the right of the native to att.ain full citizenship. The Methodls~s of South Africa have made theIr influence felt in this controversy. The Conference declared, "The African people form an integral part of the Union, and they are entitled to the opportunities of attaining citizenship." Natives flocked to Capetown during the discussion. Methodists were
ty-one-year-old South African in Denmark, Norway, Rumania Too many times missionaries try to Negro, suggested the denuncia- reproduce their own parish life as they and Yugoslavia. Meanwhile, tion of all statements that inten- Tunisia has sent in 9,500 signa- knew it at home. Thus, we do not sify race feeling, the boycotting tures and in Ceylon the Wom- produce a native church but a trans- planted one. Under the circumstances of all books and films that preach en's Political Union has voted its we should not wonder why our conracial domination and the encouraging of all that demon- endorsement. verts show so little initiative and sense strate the advantages of cooper- -The Churchman. of responsibility for self-support and World Statistics self-propagation. The unity we main- The Statistical Institute of the tain is one of Western customs and League of Nations estimated the ative action. As if with one world population at approxi- practice. By maintaining this kind of voice, all the papers called for a mately two billion. The popula- uniformity we have avoided heresy fair system of government un- tion is increasing. annually at a and schism, but thereby we have also der which everyone would have little more than eighteen mil- prevented the creation of a native thean equal opportunity to learn lions or about 50,000 a day. Fig- ology. Because there has been so little and to serve. gures for the continents are as creative thought on the part of the follows: Asia, Russia not in- mission church, there has been little Mr. Tsotsi is of the Xhosa cluded, 1,710,000,000; Europe, missionary zeal and little sense of retribe and is a teacher at Blyths- fifth in size, 382,000,000; Rus- sponsibility for self-support…. wood Institution in Butterworth, sia, alone, 164,000,000; Africa, a town of 575 inhabitants. He both white and black, 143,000,- The early church was a Koinonia, traced many of the causes for 000; North America, 135,000,- a fellowship, before it was an ecclesiu, racial antagonism to the fact 000; United States, alone, 127,- an organized body. We must restore that in Asia, Africa and Ameri- 000,000; South America, 85,- to the <::hurch its primary duty of ca there was "the anomaly of 000,000; Central America, 35,- evangelization. Our task is one of white capital and colored labor." 000,000; Australia and Oceania, inspiration, not institutionalism. We He will receive $300 as his prize. 10,000,000. Population in Rus- need to rely more on the Holy Spirit. sia is increasing faster than any -New York Times. Faith Missions Mandates Against War A recently published pamphlet summarizes the service of pop- People's mandates against ularly called Faith Missions. war is an international move- The Interdenominational For- eign Mission Association of North America was formed in ment. In Hungary seven large place else on earth, 4,000,000 a 1917 by a group of foreign misassociations are collaborating. year or at the rate of 2 per cent. sionary societies that were not In Holland the text of the Man- denominationally related, but date was reprinted in 600 news- New Newspaper Evangelism which held identical doctrinal papers. In Sweden 100,000 peo- Newspaper evangelism, first convictions and adhered to simple signed the Mandate at 200 tried out in Japan, is steadily ilar missionary principles and reaching into other countries. practices. Prayer fellowship, peace meetings. In China, the movement is still conferences concerning mission- In Czechoslovakia 30 impor- new, although two Hankow ary policy, and united appeal for papers have carried daily adver- world evangelization are aims tant organizations are enlisted tisements about Christianity for of the organization. in this cause, while in Finland months, and a number of en- 16 groups are at work. Syria quiries have been received. In Listed in the order of their reports 18 groups with 30,000 India, a weekly article inserted inception, the sixteen societies in a Karachi paper has brought that are now members of the signers. enquiries from people of all Association are: The Woman's In Australia the text of the classes and faiths. An experi- Union Missionary Society of ment in Christian journalism is America, the China Inland Mismandate has been spread on also being carried on in Moham- sion, the India Christian Mispostal cards and in Greece six medan countries; while in Spain women's organizations are col- the editor of El Popular, a wide- sion, the South African General laborating. Work has also be- ly read paper, has agreed to P!lb- Mission, the Central American gun in Egypt and in Spain. lish a Christian article of 1,000 words every Sunday for a year. Mission, the Sudan Interior Mis- In France more than 30 organizations representing 600,- -Report. sion, the Ceylon and India Gen- 000 members, as well as 60,000 Missionary Institutionalism eral Mission, the Africa Inland other individuals, have voted for Mission, the Bible House of Los the Man d ate. Conspicuous In a most able and persuasiveamong the signers here are ex- address Bishop Ludlow, of the Angeles, the Inland South Amer- Protestant Episcopal Church, service men. made some far-reaching state- ica Missionary Union, the Bo- In Great Britain 28 societies ments concerning the conduct of livian Indian Mission, the North the church's missionary endeavand 1,027 meetings had signed or. He said in part: East India General Mission, the· up to last March. These meet- Evangelical Union of South ings were arranged by women's America, the American Euroassociations, the Labor Party, pean Fellowship, the Orinoco religious groups, the Society of River Mission, and the Latin Friends and by the Liberal America Evangelization Cam- Party. paign. The campaign has also begun Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information I ~,===========-=–,~ Puritans in the South Seas. By Louis and tireless-not the foolish and the daily life of the fellahin, the B. Wright and Mary Isabel Fray. selfish, uneducated and selfish Illustrated. 8 vo. 347 pp. $3.00. zealots here depicted. downward drag of Moslem en- Henry Holt & Co. New York. 1936. Some critics of missions fur- vironment and the trials of new The authors of this story of nish interesting and useful read- Christian missions in Tahiti, ing, for they write facts and de- converts. The book is very read- Raratonga and Hawaii cannot scribe scenes dramatically and hide their antipathy to the Puri- with a sense of humor. These able and will awaken interest tans, their disapproval of mis- authors are dry and give pracsions and their lack of sympathy tically no information of value and intercession. S. M. Z. with Christian standards and in regard to the islands and the ideals. While they claim to have people. They repeat the same The Story of the American Negro. written without prejudice, their cynical criticisms over and over By Corinne Brown. The Friendship whole attitude and the words again ad nausium-missionaries Press, New York. 208 pp. $1.00. they use reveal their lack of 'uneducated; seeking to create knowledge and their antagonism markets for European goods; Perhaps no better textbook to the whole enterprise: "Zeal- tempted by the easy morality of for the study of the racial prob- the South Sea women; super- lem in America has appeared ots" impose their religious and ficial in their work, etc., etc. from the press for a decade. It social points of view on a primi- is based on authoritative sources, tive people; "popish supplies to It is unfortunate that "Puri- it traces the story to its sources keep away scurvy"; "mission- tans in the South Seas" could and is unpartisan. It is brief aries had come to T,ahiti in the not have been written judicially but not scrappy and holds the expectation of turning an honest to reveal the mistakes and the reader's attention. The writer is penny"; "the work of the Lord achievements of the early mis- a recognized leader in the pres- sionaries and to show some of ent younger generation and by proceeded on a solid foundation the lessons learned and put into birth, training, wide travel and of real estate." These are some practice in later years – in the real sympathy is qualified for of the phrases that occur in the way of dress, education, the ap- her task. The ten chapters tell first few pages and similar ones preciation of native character us how and why the Negro came recur many times throughout and customs and the develop- to our shores, and what were the the book. In fact, the evident ment of Christian life and conditions in his ancestral home; aim of the authors is to hold mis- service. what the colonial pattern of sions in the South Seas up to slavery meant for master and ridicule. While they quote from The Soul of Egypt. By Allison slave; how it was modified by missionary letters and reports, it Douglas Boutros. Marshall, Morgan the industrial era followed by is to give unfavorable views of and Scott, London. Zondervan Pub- the breakdown of slavery and a lishing House, Grand Rapids, Mich- civil war which did not emancithe work and workers. When igan. 126 pp. 40 cents. pate in the tragic era of reconthey quote other authors, they struction. We learn of the never quote friendly and sym- A vivid portraiture of the land struggle for freedom, the Black of the Nile as a field for evan- Man's burden and the emergence pathetic reports like that of gelism by an independent mis- of "Brown America" with its Robert Louis Stevenson. sionary who through marriage chief problem – how to live to- and close contact with the gether or apart and to love each Honest, constructive criticism Egyptian people writes with other. A full bibliography, notes, of missions is welcomed. Mis- knowledge and sympathy. The references and a good index comtakes have been made in men note of personal experience is plete this unique study. and women sent out, in methods dominant and there is little used, and in aims held in view. about the work of other missions S. M. ZWEMER. The way missions were con- carried on for many decades, ducted a hundred years ago were nor much breadth of outlook on A Preface to Racial Understanding. different from the way they are the strategy of missionary occu- By Charles S. Johnson. Friendship pation and administration. Press, New York. 206 pp. $1.00. conducted today. The Puritans were strong but uncompromising There are telling chapters on The author is director of the and at times were without sym- Department of Social Science at pathetic understanding, but as a Fisk University. He has served rule they were brave and true as Director of Research and In- vestigation under the Carnegie Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the REVIEW publishers on receipt of price.
[559 ] Foundation and is editor of the the development of personality. among the natives, but after all magazine Opportunity. This, . . . Only as men are regenerate it is only as men are delivered his most recent work on the can they build a regenerate so- from the "Power of Darkness, American Negro, bears a modest ciety." The author has never al- that Old Serpent, the Devil,"
title and covers an enormous lowed mere "story-telling" to ob- that we can hope to see the "new field of investigation. A recent scure the great spiritual burden order of life" which is "Christ in bibliography of the Negro in on his heart. He says also: you, the Hope of Glory."
Africa and America contains "The spiritual enters profoundly Second, the author might have 17,000 titles. The bibliography into the complex reactions of made more prominent, especially here selected suggests less than human life, in sickness as well in the appeal of his last chapter, threescore books, of which the as in health, and the physician that the missionary's endeavor gist can be found in these eight (the author is a physician) first, last, and always is to save chapters. They relate the story whose ministry is merely to the souls unto eternal glory. True, of the Negro, his social life, edu- body is rendering only a defec- eternal issues are being decided cation, contribution to American tive service." here and now, but this present civilization, and give examples Anyone not familiar with na- life is not The Life, that eternal of Negroes who attained in tive life in West Africa will find life. There should be not less church and state. The last chap- her e picturesque descriptions stress on cooperation, councils, ter is practical on the Conquest and information which gives a schools, etc., but more stress on of Racial Prejudice. The lit- clear understanding of the situa- the experience of the new birth; erary contributions of the Negro tion, together with folk tales and for thousands of natives who to American life and especially stories that relieve the common- have accepted Christ nominally, to music are described at some place. as yet know little or nothing of length. The author holds that It has been interesting, as a the "power of His resurrection." the greatest contribution of the fellow missionary, to observe dif- Dr. Lerrigo has addressed church to the Negro has been ferences in methods of work in. himself to a great problem, and the work of pioneer missionaries the Congo Mission and in the has tried to make other people since the days of reconstruction. Cameroun stations of another see what he has seen in his re- The Negro church today has a society but such details in no cent tour. He says, "The Chrismembership of over five million wise disturb the general sim- tian cannot assume that he is the and expended in one year for its ilarity of mission work. The only single-hearted person in the upkeep more than forty-three author shows himself intimately world. Other great idealistic million dollars. It is unfortunate acquainted with the main cur- movements have arisen in comthat even today less than twenty rents of life in the Congo, and petition, and the genuine comper cent of the Negro clergy hold its problems, government policies munist or even the socialist is academic or theological degrees. and projects, and the present de- likely to laugh at the mild ideal- The church of America is the termined effort of the Church of ism of the traditional Christian testing ground for the great Rome. Says he, "A few white who has taken his conviction moral issue of racial understand- folks coming with a great spir- second-handed, and whose reliing and the conquest of racial itual me s sag e have found gious habits are copies of a pre- S. M. ZWEMER. response, comradeship and af-. vailing type. This sort of Chrisprejudice. iection among these folks of tian experience does not get one Omwa? Are You Awake? By P. H. another race, and t h r 0 ugh very far." Dr. Lerrigo sees J. Lerrigo. self-effacing toil have released clearly that a time may come This book should accomplish springs of initiative and power when "for Thy sake we are killed its purpose to awaken the mis- which have already carried the all the day long" (Romans 8: sion-minded constituency of great Negro community far 36). Continuing, he says, "But churches in America to a new realization of what the mission- along the road to self-under- if it ever does come, I believe soary enterprise is about, and how standing, self-control and a new called Christian people will imperative it is to maintain the order of life and growth." quickly separate into three al- Christian message among the most equal classes: Those who unevangelized "while it is yet On two points I could wish promptly and cheerfully abanday." that the author had placed more don their religious profession to stress: First, the chapter on go with the tide; those who halt The reviewer, as a mission- "Worship : Outdoors and In" between two opinions and suffer ary for thirteen years in West should have included some de- profoundly in the process; and Africa, I can testify that the au- scription of the "principalities finally those whose Christian thor's descriptions are true to faith is steadied and quickened the original settings and the in- and powers" of the demon hosts until they are ready to die for ferences have been clearly de- against whom the missionary it" (page 170). All in the homeduced. must contend. All the accessory land, who name the name of enterprises of mission work, Christ as their veritable Master, such as schools, hospitals, agri- cultural institutes, etc., are Dr. Lerrigo says: "The mis- necessary to bring about "self- are urged to be "stripped and sionary contribution to Congo's understanding, self-control, and equipped for Christ's service." life has to do preeminently with a new order of life and growth" L. PAUL MOORE, JR.
Book. House. Press and Publications CALVERT'
Board. London. Valorous Adventures: A Record of "The School That Comes Sixty and Six Years of the Wom- Shaping the Future: A Study in To You" an's Foreign Missionary Society, World Revolution. Basil Mathews. Methodist Episcopal Church. Mary 160 pp. 2s. 6d. S. C. M. Press. No matter where you live, you can Isham. 446 pp. $1.25. Woman's London. give your child a superior education Foreign Missionary Society. Bos- from kindergarten to high school with ton. With Christ Into Tomorrow. Hun- Calvert school home study courses. ter B. Blakely. 160 pp. 50 cents. First, the Kingdom I The Story of Presbyterian Committee on Publica- Recommended by Mission Boards, Robert Fletcher Moorshead, Phy- tion. Richmond, Va. Educators, State Department and SICIan. H. V. Larcombe. Illus. Army and Navy Officials. 184 pp. 3s. 6d. Carey Press. Lon- The Dawn of Religion. Eric S. don. Waterhouse. (Great Religions of Daily lessons, selected books, station- the East.) 134 pp. 2s. 6d. Ep- ery, special materials and personal India. Part I, to 1837; Part II, worth Press. London. guidance . . • by mail . . • from our 1858-1936. H. H. Dodwell. (Mod- prominent and successful private day ern States Series Nos. 9 and 10.) Christianity and the Malays. Lawr- school in Baltimore. 131 and 274 pp. Each 3s. 6d. Ar- ence E. Browne. 78 pp. Is. S. P. rowsmith. London. G. in Foreign Parts. London. Write today for illustrated catalog.
Ten Africans. Edited with introduc- Children of Sunny Syria. Myrta H. Mrs. G. S. Rhoad•• tion by Margery Perham. Map. Dodds. 147 pp. $1.50. Crowell. Director of Home Instruction 356 pp. 15s. Faber and Faber. New York. London. CALVERT SCHOOL East Is East. Lessons on the Church Alien Americans: A Story of Race in Korea. Ruth Henrich and Elsie 1811 Tuscany Road Baltimore, Md. Relations. B. Schrieke. 208 pp. Fox. 60 pp. Is. S. P. G. in For- eign Parts. London. . $2.50. Viking Press. New York. Indian Thought and Its Develop- Okumeinscher Verlag. Stettin. The World Quest, 1936-1937: The ment. Albert Schweitzer. 265 pp. Germany. Fourth Unified Statement of the $2.50. Holt & Co. New York. Work of the Church Overseas, its The Story of the Bible. Edgar J. present position, opoprtunities and The Land of the Morning Calm. Goodspeed. $1.50. 150 pp. Univer- needs, in those areas which receive Ruth Henrich. 80 pp. Is. S. P. sity of Chicago Press. Chicago. help from the Church of England G. in Foreign Parts. London. and its Sister Churches in the Brit- Twelve Negro Americans. Mary Jen- ish Isles, together with a survey of The Medieval Missionary (World ness. 180 np. $1.00 cloth, 60 cents the response of the Church at home. Mission of Christianity Series) . paper. Friendship Press. New Illus. Maps. 131 pp. Is. Church James Thayer Addison. 175 pp. York. Cloth, $2.00; paper, $1.25. I. M. C., If you use New York.
PRINTING Stories of Korea: Lessons for Little JUST OFF THE PRESS! Children. K. O. Brightman. 28 pp. YOU will profit from an ac- quaintanceship with us. We S. P. G. in Foreign Parts. London. ~!,mn~ do the job complete in our own plant, whether it be large or Secrets at Sidleigh. Margaret P. small. Neill. 252 pp. 2s. Pickering & While our specialty is Books, Inglis. London. of tbt Mag~inu and Pamphlets, yet "I Am Jesus." And Other Evangel- we have a variety of modern istic Sermons. J. C. Massee. 117 equipment to meet all the re- pp. $1.00 cloth, 65 cents paper. ((bri~tian quirements of your particular Zondervan. Grand Rapids. job. You will find our service prompt, careful and courteous. The Living Christ. Will H. Hough- 1.ift ton. 133 pp. 75 cents. B. I. C. WU! you allow U8 to estimate Assn. Chicago. elf BOOK of worship in song, com- on your next printing? We be- bining a hymnal for general lieve you will be delighted with Preaching Christ in Corinth. Klaas church use, and a song book for evan- our product, price and service. Jacob Stratemeier. 114 pp. $1.00. ~tic purposes. Otily songs sound Zondervan. Grand Rapids. m the Faith and inspirational- in char- The EVANGELICAL PRESS Portraits of Christ in the Gospel of acter included—emphasizing Evangel- PrinteT. of John. Harold S. Laird. 126 pp. The Missionar,y ReOli…, of rile World 75 cents. B. I. C. Assn. Chicago. ism, Missions, and the Deeper Life.
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The Missionary Review of the World — October 1936
1936
THE AFRICA NUMBER Progress and Challenge in Africa Alexander Mcleish An African View of Indigenous African Religions Donald G. S. M'Timkulu The Gospel Among Primitive Peoples John S. Hall Revival in Central Africa Andrew MacBeath The Gospel and the Women of West Africa Jewel H. Schwab The Church of Christ in Uganda J. J. Willis Material Progress and the Africans John M. Springer The PrintedWord Among the Bantu Robert H. W. Shepherd A Medical Missionary on Tour Albert D. Helser The Unoccupied Fields John Steytler Africans on the Witness Stand Various Authors 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember executive secretary of promotion. He International Dollar
will serve as chairman of the joint October 12-18–International Con- staff of the missions council and pro- Approved by Women's Boards of For- vention of the Disciples of Christ. motional units of the American Board eign Missions to meet the Grave Emer- Kansas City, Mo. and the Home Boards in the Congre- gency caused by decreased appropriations gational Church. for Vellore Missionary Medical College October 14-15 – Annual Meeting, for Women. Unless friends will help American Mission to Lepers, New The Rev. Gr*ant* K*. Lewis, Secre- quickly through the York City. tary of the Home Department of the Good Samaritan Dollar Bonds October 21-24–National Council of United Christian Missionary Society Young Men's Christian Associa- of the Disciples Church, has resigned. Dr. Scudder must close some of the work tions, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. G. Orissa*Ta*ylo*r, born in India, and turn away eager Indian Christian stu- November 17-19 – National Confer- dents who long for training as doctors. ence on the Rural Church, Ames, has been appointed deputation travel- Already one Roadside Clinic is closed. Iowa. ing secretary of the Zenana Bible and Medical Mission. Dr. Taylor worked One Hundred Million Indian November 23-24 – United Steward- at Chittagong Hill, India, as a B. M. Women ship Council Meeting, Dayton, Ohio. S. medical missionary, was invalided ho~e, and for twenty years was su- will die without medical or spiritual aid CONFEREI'TCES AND SCHOOLS permtendent of the Islington Medical unless we meet the need quickly. Send OF MISSIONS Mission. Then, five years ago, he and for free literature and Bonds to Mrs. Mrs. Taylor went back to India again Henry W. Peabody, Chairman, Beverly, Affiliated with the Council of Women to work with the Nilgiri Medical Mis- Massachusetts. She will also send Prize for Home Missions and the Com- sion. Offer for those who will sell Bonds. mittee on Women's Work, For- eign Missions Conference Dr. Harold A*. M* oo*dy, of London, A Superior Education Houston, Te~a8 – September 28 – Oc- a Jamaican Negro, took office last Offered by Calvert Courses tober 2. month as president of the British Dean – Mrs. A. B. Hynes, 618 Christian Endeavor Un ion. Dr. FOR CHILDREN Highland, Houston, Texas. Moody is a practicing physician and founder and president of tbe League More than 50,000 children have ac- Warren, Okio–October 6-7. for Colored People of England. quired a superior elementary education Mrs. George Konold, 814 Scott . . . in their own homes • . . in this St., N. E., Warren, Ohio. Obituary Note. interesting and simple way. Recommended by Mission Boards, Edu- Baltimore, Md.-October 19-21. Fred B. Smith, author and former cators, State Department, and Army Mrs. David D. Baker, 410 N. Cal- moderator of the National Council of and Navy Officials. houn St., Baltimore, Md. Congregational Churches, died at his Daily lessons, selected books, stationery, home in White Plains, New York, on special materials and personal guidance Personal Items September 3d, at the age of seventy … by mail … from our prominent years. He was born in Lone Tree, and successful private day school in Dr. C. T. Wang, former Foreign Iowa, and spent one year at the State Baltimore. Minister, has been named Ambas- University of Iowa. After his con- Write today for illustrated catalog. sador to Washington to succeed Dr. version at the age of twenty-five he Sao-Ke Alfred Sze. Mr. Wang is a entered Y. M. C. A. work. He was M~!.~~~~~.!i~~~~~me , graduate of Yale, and was at one chairman of the World Alliance for Instruction time a Y. M. C. A. secretary. He is International Friendship and chair- 1810Tuscany Road, Baltimore, Md. now a member of the ruling Kuomin- man of the religious committee of the tang party's central executive commit- Y. M. C. A. during the World War. Planned along ad. tee. He is fifty-four years old. He is survived by his wife, two sons vanced peda;ogical Unes and three daughters. to provide both Home and Cia.. *** for the pupil. Varied (Continued on page 449.) such as Quizzes, Reading Tests, True Mr. John H. Reisner is spending False Test.. and Completion Tests, eight months in Africa under the LET YOUR GIFT the pupil to work out each lesson from auspices of the Agricultural Missions PAY YOU Bible for himself. Foundation and the Rural Missions Cooperating Committee. His itinerary A LIFE INCOME Interesting -:- Inspirational -:- In.hu"H",. includes Gold Coast, Nigeria, French Cameroons, Belgian Congo, Angola, I YOAUNR~UGJITfTY OPLNANTHE ~ SeM 8c in .bmp' lor curr_t in". Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rho- – will provide b you Sample. oj Oour S,.II'1d..y School pubhc.Uon••nd desia, Nyasaland, Portuguese East lind your dependeab Africa, Union of South Africa, Kenya Bible CO&rae.lor YCNRV People', Societi.. and Uganda. He expects to reach I.~' UlIChAanSau{unr8e aInd~ Mnt ft.. Oon ,,,,,,,••t. New York about January first. fully guaranteed by ~ serve funds required by EST.ISBS The Rev. W.*Y.*Ch*en has been ap- – New anYnourikt·ie"sjiIta.p.teromlaWptllloy All CHRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS.lN<! pointed General Secretary of the Na- paid "Inee 1876. tional Christian Council of China, By your CIft 700 Wlll 1502 N. Third St., Harrisburg, Pa. succeeding Dr. Cheng Ching-yi, who stiare tn world-wide resigned in 1984 to become General Christian work of the Secretary of the Church of Christ in ChurCh•. China. I'Dr ",,1 ialDriuIloII fWIu *** ~….:t~1~~ The Rev. Leonard M. Outerbridge, formerly a missionary of the American Board in North China and recently Associate Secretary of the American Board, has been appointed
MISSIONARY How African Evangelists are
REVIEW OF THE WORLD Trained, by L. Paul Moore, Jr. High Speed DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor What Christ Has Done for Afri- at Low Cost cans, by Bernard Molaba. VOL. LIX OCT., 1936 No. 10 Speed is often so important when Pioneering for Christ in Africa, crossing to the Orient. That's why Publication and Business Office– by Herbert Smith. busy travellers go by Empress. You Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. go faster … in maximum comfort The Greatest Need of Africa To- . .. and at surprisingly low cost. Editorial and Executive Office– day, by S. S. Tema. 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Only lQ days to Yokohama by Entered as second-class matter at We deeply appreciate the general Empress of Asia or Empress of cooperation of missionaries and other Russia. Or via Honolulu in just 3 Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., unde, friends of Africa in the preparation days more by Empress of Japan Act of March 3, 1879. of this special number. Busy workers (largest, fastest liner on the Pa<:ific) have freely given of their valuable or Empress of Canada. 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. time to record the progress and prob- Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. lems of missions in Africa as they Low round-trip fares . . . First, Published monthly. except AUghst. have seen them. They throw much Tourist and Third Class. All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. light on the Africans themselves, both British agents – Marshall, Morgan Christian and non-Christian and de- Regular sailings from Vancouver scribe the methods and difficulties met and Victoria in Canada's Evergreen t~~d~~~t~. 1~. p~te~~~~~~~ ~~;ld~~;:: in the work. Weare especially glad Playground. Orient fares include to have a large number of African passage from and to Seattle. If you 10 shillings a year. Christians contribute articles on what sail from California, connect with an Christ has done for them and for Empress at Honolulu. Orient ports- MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- Africa. This is a most fascinating of-call: Yokohama, Kobe, Nagasaki, LISHING CO" INC. field, immense and varied in its ex- Shanghai, Hong Kong and Manila. BOARD OF DIRECTORS tent but very fruitful in the results • World Tours . .. $579.90 up, that have followed the faithful wit- Combination of Classes. Write for ROUERT E. SPEER. l'r" .•ident nessing for Christ. folder of six most popular routes. A. L. WARNBHUIB. Vi06-Pre8ident Vv· ALTl<~R MCDOUGALL, '1'rew.;urer Obituary Notes Booklets, information from YOUR DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary AGENT or Canadian Pacific: New (Continued from second cover.) York, 344 Madison Ave.; Chicago, SAMUEl. MCCREA CAVERT 71 E. Jackson Blvd.; San Francisco, Mrs. Calvin Mateer, who, fifty- 152 Geary St.; and 38 other cities WILLIAM I. CHAMBERLAIN seven years ago, as Miss Haven, vol- in the United States and Canada. D. J. FANT unteered for missionary service in MRS, OHI<lN R. JUDD China, died in Peiping on August by WM. B. LIPPHARD first. She was born in Brookline, Mass., in 1850, and later married Dr. ~(fa4c ERIC M. NOR'fH Calvin Mateer, a missionary of the SAMUEL M. ZWEMER Presbyterian Board of Foreign Mis- EMPRESSES sions. Mrs. Mateer taught in mission Editorial Chat high schools, prepared textbooks, and translated a numoer of volumes into We would express our sincere grati- Chinese. Later she taught in the tude to Mr. Robert M. Kurtz for Women's Bible Training School in kindly undertaking to put through the Peiping, and after her honorary relast of the September number and for tirement in 1924 continued teaching his effective editorial work on the and writing. present issue of THE REVIEW. This is especially important as it is the mis- *** sion study number on Africa and will be widely used in mission study Missionary Muller, of the Hercircles. Already our extra edition of mannsburg Mission in Gallaland, the June American Negro Number West Abyssinia, lost his life at the has been entirely sold out. It will be hands of rioters and robbers who inwell for those who desire extra copies fest that section. He thus becomes the of the October REVIEW to send in their first martyr of this mission in that orders immediately so that they will area, which, because of its remoteness not be disappointed. from the capital, has not yet been placed under military law. *** *** Owing to limited space and to the failure of some promised articles to Miss Grace Stephens, Anglo-Indian reach us on time, a number of articles missionary, who began work among planned for the October number must the women and girls of India fifty be held over until later. Some of these years ago, passed away May 30, in the are very important and we expect to Ellen Thoburn COWen Hospital, Kolar, print them in November and Decem- India, at the age of eighty-five. At ber. They include the following: one of her zenana parties in 1892, where four hundred women had gath- Roman Catholic Activity in Pa- ered and were seated about on the gan Africa, by Kenneth G. floor, she stealthily sent for Bishop Grubb. Thoburn. When he appeared, many of them, purdah women and Brah- Hindrances to Christianity in mans, looked askance, but after a Africa, by C. S. Jenkins. time more than a dozen women pushed through the crowd at Miss Stephens' The Influence of White Men in invitation and shook hands with the Africa, by Oscar Emil Eman- bishop. It was a considered a great uelson. triumph and no unhappy results fol- lowed. The Progress of Islam in Africa, by Samuel M. Zwemer. (Concluded on page 512.) Missionary Work as Seen by an [449 ] African, by John L. Dube.
Achievements in West Africa, by R. S. Roseberry.
Some Results in Central Africa, by Virginia M. Clarke.
Missions in the Congo BeIge, by Thomas Moody.
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T&Il&,ie ..R.ut:i.j..a Or ~~ ..f '" s asta ane"tt& -.— usa f' ' ,. Casablan 0 SF.. '~A Con&ta"oBiskra I UNI _,,. eo <f A • M.kirl!l • L G E R I A. l.'T Sf" .~"..•'.'-''.y ", ._.thardaia,.. 0 MOROCCO Gabes • Morocro .r;' .. .' Agadlr – – -) Colomb • • ___ – Bechar ~:hadames ,._.J RlODEOJ !' . LIB Y A , . o Murzuk I Kh"gaO ) , .J. ,'— ~ ~. "' . , L'.-._.-.A-sw.a~,.. W.dyH,lfa ( " Oongof,o Port Sudan FRENCH WE S T AFRICA < "("'> Dakar Timbuklu O JI..::U "Kayes °Sinder • ."- "'."……–..~ ~< EIObel Kuka aBamako I i oW.gadugu 0 Abeshr. SUDAN Ko . " ,. _ . ,• J.:.. I. anD .Yakuba ( ..: 1 Kon~o i !? ,,' N I G E R I A " 0:: ·1-..I. JS ,.)' r I /GOLD . 🙁 IOHesha @B K l a . ~ …… /Kumassi Q • "'fbada" '.. '. (ETEI1 J'IA) • Cd'AST • oAsaba , "'sagmo _ _ _'!"'oo&..;A;;;k",k~~~~ ; ; Bangui . ___~ ~ ·(Bra~n·o~'~.~r<?~!¥' ~ .' 0 Upolo ~~.. ir '"– ._., .-) '·…. :~4J Ynd 0' ~ au ~~DA) " (.:.' ._. ~nteb~{>"~BRITISH ~" ,! StanleyvilleO * – Vir/orio ~ 4. J'/ BELGIAN . 'E'A0~ °l am, oKindu '
B"Z"'~ CON G O . TAGANYlKA ' I N DI A N ~a CABIXDAl • .wl~ A T LA N T I c ,'-'-''l Kongotoo • oc EA N EAN 0 0 ' ( . ~ ••…1•…, "-·'~.1 ~ loand. Cassani' j • ~ Matanle '> ' – – . "flit"ab.!.~Y/~eo · A No G 0 L A ,….,I' ~. ~E v ;''I f~.;z. 4J Bihe . 'l or-:: I NORTHEll~', "-c-~ .0;.. …B.la.nt~ yr,~.olombal).'" Mossamed •__. _ ~ . i il2M ' " , "" ~ I • .-…… …..,lSOUTHERN . v r ' – ' , RHODESIA ~ G,.,gtfont.in j " 'r' ' SOUTH WEST BECHUANALAND' 0 Bulawayo. 0"'l 01" r-s '!@.dh~ Palapye '~. o I O ~./ ;;; /. ~,{TRANSVAA~ I loh/a'n;l..l.e'.iy?~JI,'~~: '. ouren'" nhambane I" ~ ~q~ II ~ &..,.,," t… " _/'Gf.~"'r."'.p '",•..,' B..Kciomnbsefrt"eyl~~,~"~~"~.:N;" oLJdysm,ih oPrelirmantzbu'g o Paas,i o0~~Be~au'fco-rt"~.~~~~~'a/s.t;Londonurban ~~ CLEARTYPE ~oo,~ .., '1A/f'fd i'lizabeth II.. u.s. " •. 0#.
Principal Cities Map of *KEY TO POPULATION NOTICE Over 100,000 nlth ……¥~h.od_… n.. …. ~"" …. AFRICA S 20,000 to 100,000 ;::-:::::::::'COZ'"::t.":i.i;!;~ o Less than 20,000 MAP No. 966 Capitals of Countries (underscored) Scale of Miles COfJ)Tialu 200 Amuican Mao Company. '"e.• N .Y ..- 8392. . ORLD VOLUME LIX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 10 OCTOBER, 1936 Topics of the Times WHY STUDY AFRICA One answer, or rectification rather, to that question is that no great human agency is any There appears to be a special opportunity and longer justified in attempting to maintain bounduty before the Christian Church to study Africa. daries between "home" and "foreign" needs. What is done about American race relations will In a sense, not true of any other great world profoundly affect Africa. What is done about unit, human or geographical, there is no one, any- African economic questions will continue greatly where, effectively to think and plan for Africa as to influence American living. And so throughout a whole. Africans cannot do it yet. Eight hun- the earth. dred languages, as many tribes, a millennium of almost complete tribal isolations prevent. The six But the basic reply to that question is that the European powers governing in Africa, and the problems in many of their aspects are universal, one striving to return there, will not do it. One and that Christianity has the answers to them need only name them-Britain, France, Italy, wherever they occur. They are by no means con- Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Germany-to make fined to America or to Africa and those nations clear the improbability of their presently agree- which have given themselves burdens in Africa. ing on anything, much less on the future of the They are universal. And the Church, by its very Africa which is so rich in raw materials and claim to universality, or better, by its very unihuman power as nearly to have precipitated an- versality, finds itself sharing those burdens. other great war this past year, when the world was crying out against all war. The "gratuitousness" of the Church's continued and increased intervention in African affairs is No, there is no prospect of unity of thinking thus also answered, with the added observation about Africa-unless it be that the Church shall that, in practical human relations, mere political do it. Therein lies a great challenge and oppor- control of a territory has seldom operated to pretunity, not only for performing a beneficent serv- vent ideas and pressures from nations other than ice for Africa and the world, but for exercising the one in authority entering and influencing the and strengthening within the Church those quali- country, sometimes very deeply indeed. ties of spiritual and moral leadership which remain so often latent and are. yet so sorely needed In the case of Africa, for example, where the in the world. United States has not a mile of territory and but relatively small financial investment, American Many American Christians may feel that it is education, American philanthropy, American gratuitous, even impossible for the Church, of medicine and methods of public sanitation, Amerwhich they are a part, to project its thinking and ican agricultural experience, American transporideals concerning a future Africa into those quar- tation material, American accounting devices, ters within and without Africa where that future American mineralogical engineering, Americanwill be determined. the list could be continued in a well-nigh exhaus- tive enumeration of human experience-have al- How can a church, some will ask, which has not ready affected fundamentally nearly every part yet achieved a common front on such "domestic" of Africa. The precedent is abundantly fixed for fields as race relations, cooperatives, public own- American participation in African matters. As ership, economic security, armaments, class ex- for the Christian Church, probably no single inploitations, hope to attain such on a "foreign" field?
[451 ]
fluence has thus far been greater in transforming strengthened. And, beyond the slightest doubt, the internal life of Africa. the animistic Africa of today can be transformed into the Christian Africa of tomorrow. What is now needed, besides the continuance of that internal transformation, and what is posted EMORY Ross. as a great challenge to the Christian international, is the forming and directing of world policy THE GODLESS MOVEMENT concerning Africa, and in Africa, so as best to aid Africa and the African to develop in both in- In this country until lately many remembered ternal and external relationships. World policy the atheist as one of the local "characters" of their is certainly not so directed now. Correctly speak- home town. He might make a professed convert ing, there is no world policy regarding Africa, now and then, but he seldom greatly disturbed the unless indeed it be expressed as universal white religious life of the community. But now atheism, domination. like all sorts of propaganda, has become an or- ganized and aggressive foree, not only national, In some respects it would be ruinous for Afri- but international, in scope, another of the world's ca, and in other respects it might well prove dis- great evil forces that challenge the right of the astrous in world relationships, for the sum of Church of Christ to live. One wonders at the present policies toward Africa to continue. singular mentality that can become so hostile to the preaching of the Gospel-which no one is Within Africa, they have already set up in many obliged to accept or even to consider-as to make places such strains, racially, economically, social- of him a monomaniac. Indeed, whether one bely and in some cases religiously, that the structure lieves in a personal devil or not, when he exbeing creakingly reared threatens even now to amines the activities and sacrifices of organized fall. anti-Christianity and hears or reads its blasphe- mous utterances, it seems as if the idea of Satanic Outside Africa, the world's attitude and actions leadership is the simplest and most logical. extouching Africa have on at least four occasions planation of these manifestations. The Presbybetween 1897 and 1935 nearly resulted in armed terian has republished this item, credited to I. C. European clash, plus the tragic African events of P. I. S., Geneva, which gives some idea of the zeal 1936 which appear to have resulted in the post- that is going into international atheistic work: ponement and increased preparation for war, rather than in averting it – just as in 1911 the The periodical, Antircligio'snik, published in the U. S. Agadir crisis was adjourned to 1914. . . . S. R. by the Central Council of the League of the Fight- ing Godless, includes in a recent issue an article on the There is in all this need the possibility of an then impending international congress held in Prague. unique and inestimable service to be rendered by In this article, the task of the Free Thinkers' Internathe Christian Church to Africa and the world. tional is put forward as that of fighting for democratic To render that service, or even intelligently to rights and freedom of conscience, for economic and culargue against the possibility of its being rendered, tural progress against clerical reaction, and for the cothe Church must study Africa. ordination of the godless all over the world. The article further states that in regard to the colla'Joration of the In America not without reason is Africa various Free Thinkers' Associations with the Godless thought of, more than any other continent, as Movement, and in relation to the struggle against Fascism, "mysterious," "darkest," "remotest," "unknown." war and clericalism, fundamental agreement has already It is unknown in many of its elements. We are been reached. Similar views have been expressed by the generally quite unaware of how profoundly Africa League of the Fighting Godless, in the A'pril issue (page already affects our life. Still less are we conscious 2) of Bcsbcschnik, published by the Soviet Union. In the of the inevitability with which it will continue meantime, the fusion of the Brussels Free Thinkers' Inand increase its influence in the whole range of ternational with the Proletarian Free Thinkers' Internahuman affairs. How widely is it realized, for ex- tional has taken place, thanks, not least (according to ample, that in certain important and real senses, "International Correspondence" of May), to the active Africa is the richest continent, the most produc- collaboration of the Soviet delegation, which was composed tive continent, the coming continent? of Professor Lutaschewsky, representing the League of the Fighting Godless in the U. S. S. R., and Professor Let us study this continent, not only during the Savadowsky, President of the Ukrainian Godless League. months just ahead of what we call mission study, The reports of these members of the congress "made an but in the days beyond that when Africa and its essential contribution to the clarifying of the basic quesneeds will continue to grow and its influence con- tions of the Free Thinkers' Movement." Professor Savatinue to mount, voluntarily and involuntarily, for dowsky, it is further stated, declared in his address that good or for evil in world relationships. "it is only today that it is possible, with the union of the two Internationals of Free Thinkers, to estimate the whole If we study, and are convinced, and act, the value of the assistance rendered by the liberated science "African problem" can be solved, and with it will of the U. S. S. R., to the ideological struggle of the Free be solved many other problems, now fearfully con- Thinkers against Fascism and clericalism." The merging fronting individuals, nations and the world. Our of the two Internationals of Free Thinkers is not to be own Christianity can thus be expanded and regarded as an aim in itself, but as a means of coordinat-
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
ing "the best forces Qf progress and of science in the after commenting on harvest conditions as he had noticed them when crossing the country: struggle for Socialism." R. M. K.
MILLIONS OF SHEPHERDLESS SHEEP May r remind you of another kind of harvest which seems to have been shunted into the background? r am The anxious demand for economic security is speaking to you as a fellow American who during the at the bottom of the prevailing social unrest. This social conflict differs notably from the age-old last two decades has spent most of his time outside the struggle for political freedom. The latter was the concern of citizens within a nation. In one coun- borders of our country on duty in Europe and the Far try they might enjoy a high degree of political liberty, while those of a neighboring state were East. Each return to America reveals marked changes greatly oppressed. But now the world has been so brought into communication that the strife not only in the physical appearance of the country but over social and economic theories has overflowed boundaries between nations, and great interna- in the mental and moral climate which show now and tional groups are beginning to overshadow the old national parties. When the masses come to think, again a spiritual drought of wide areas of American life. and act, internationally the world has reached a critical point in its history, and one which the r find myself especially impressed by the fact that you Church cannot ignore. and others, who are my countrymen, are placing undue But the Christian Church will not meet its op- portunity and accomplish its appointed work by emphasis upon the lifting of the standards of economic entering any heated secular debate. It can fulfill its Great Commission only by bringing men to life. Weare being told on every hand that we need to realize that they live not by bread alone. It is quite evident, from the present emphasis upon the seek economic security and that when that is achieved all "social gospel," that the central Christian message . of redemption through the Cross is not very popu- will be well. I find myself definitely calling in question lar, but that is no reason for neglecting to press it upon men's attention. Rev. Dr. D: E. Hart- that conclusion. Davies, of Edinburgh, Scotland, in a sermon re- cently delivered in New York, put the situation in We have lifted the standard of economic security very these words: much in the last few decades, but we definitely lack ·that something which can bring peace, prosperity and happi- ness. There is need for much further planting of spiritual seed in the hearts of men so that along with the harvest in the fields there may be likewise the harvest of cultural and spiritual gifts and graces. This, and this only, will lead the people of America intQ that quest of real life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. R. M. K.
The world of humanity may be likened to a vast Oriental THE CHURCH AND THE YOUTH wilderness upon which millions of shepherdless sheep are MOVEMENT grazing. One of the phenomena-perhaps, rather, one of the symptoms-of our times is the prominence of I never go into a big city like London, Glasgow, Bir- youth, to the extent of almost making them a dis- tinct social class. This is very naturally leading mingham, Chicago or New York without feeling my own youth to take itself with exceptional seriousness, so that in its mass expression it is inclined to put helplessness as I look upon the masses of the people close in "a very large order." An instance is this stateup. Though their aims are manifold, there is an intensive ment from a declaration of rights adopted at the passion for leadership. Meanwhile, the Son of God has third American Youth Congress, held last July in Cleveland: appeared and made the great claim of the ages, "I am the light of the world. He that followeth me shall not walk "Our generation is rightfully entitled to a use- ful, creative, and happy life, the guarantees of in the darkness but shall have the light of life." which are full educational opportunities, steady employment at adequate wages, security in time Your eternal salvation and mine depend ultimately upon of need, civil rights, and peace."
this one simple thing: the personal appropriation of the Excepting infants, people of any age are right- fully entitled to much the same things. The sad Son of God as the shepherd of the soul. R. M. K. thing about this rather complacent claim upon life is, that it is stained with the blood and tears of OVEREMPHASIS ON ECONOMIC many generations of men who have demanded of STANDARDS life just such benefits, only to find that, taken to- gether, these boons spell Utopia, the undiscovered One who visits a country at intervals of years country. What life really gives is discipline, now has unusual opportunities to observe and appreci- more severe, now less, but discipline always. Beate various changes. They are presented to him cause youth is proverbially hopeful and the dewith a vividness that the citizen who has seen the pression has so blighted youthful hopes and gradual progress of things fails to sense. Such thwarted youthful ambition they need all the an observer is Bishop Edwin F. Lee, of the Meth- sympathy and help that their elders can offer. odist Episcopal Church, who has charge of its However, that does not mean that sound judgment work in Malaysia and the Philippines. In a ser- should give way to an emotional attitude that may mon delivered in New York last August he said, mislead considerable numbers of young people into thinking that somehow the working of eco-
nomic laws can be modified to suit their very real everywhere else, it will seek to win the youth, we needs. Of course, this is a weakness not confined to the young, but marks people of all ages who have an added incentive to bring young people the have never become mature enough mentally to save themselves from social and political dream- world over, as well as at home, to know their ers and false prophets. The truth is, that unnumbered thousands of youth, unknown and unsung, Lord and to see human life in all its interest as have always had to face such difficulties in their individual lives as trouble millions today who find He would have them see it. R. M. K. a bond in their common sorrows and their united efforts for betterment. NO MERE ACADEMIC MATTER The problems of these millions will be met much There is a disheartening amount of adverse as those of the thousands before them have been. Faith in God, patience, perseverance and the criticism of the present condition of the Churcn, other virtues can win comfort and peace-though some hopes will fade. But unsound theories, even from within, and it is to be feared that much radical mass movements and ill-advised revolutions are not going to change human nature or the of it is well founded. How can things be made underlying principles of things. Of course, we must recognize the evidence of a changing social right? They say that one of the best ways to order, apparent at home and abroad. To natures that are well-balanced this means a time for cau- learn is to teach, and that one of the best ways to tion and careful study. But it also means the great opportunity for the social and political ex- keep one's body in trim is to engage in active tremist, who finds valuable allies in discontent, discouragement, and despair. work. Teach and work. So, then, how can the But another serious factor is beginning to be Church renew her life and power in any better noticed among the more than six million unemployed Americans under twenty-five years of age, ways than by teaching-and so relearning-the and that is a disposition to refuse the responsibility for improving things. More than this, much basic truths of her faith, and by energetically radical propaganda that appeals powerfully to young people of unfavorable background, does not working to put them within reach of all men seriously seek real improvement of the economic order. Instead, it proposes the appropriation of everywhere who have never heard them? the best material advantages in the present order for the less fortunate. Hence the demands for In our generation there is an appalling lack the confiscation and redistribution of wealth. These disturbing tendencies are becoming more of knowledge, or else only the vaguest knowledge, and more evident in America, but they are present the world over wherever youth finds it~ way of the meaning of such mighty terms as "incarnablocked by general conditions. tKiionn~daotmonoefmGeondt,." redemption, regeneration and The Church cannot settle the economic prob': But knowledge of thel'le things lems the times present for youth. But it can and must boldly urge the high moral claims of Chris- will never come by sermons and study cOurses tianity which include the cultivation of that very sense of responsibility just referred to. It was and programs that deal with everything save the intended in the moral economy of God that men should regard themselves as their brothers' keep- Church's supreme concerns. If the Church has ~rs. It is this moral responsibility that is to be laid upon the hearts of youth. But the particular any great service to render to the world it is to political or social systems or methods or schemes by which this obligation is to manifest itself is deliver to all men everywhere the good news not the burden of the Church. the Lord has given her for them. What is more Now, since we are finding that such anti- Christian agencies as communism are invading necessary for the Church than to be made to realeven the great mission field of Africa, where, as ize her responsibility for obeying Him in this matter? How men can be lifted out of the selfish- ness that is threatening civilization is shown by contributions to this issue of THE REVIEW.
But the Church's lessened vitality, serious though it be, does not reveal how critical the situ- ation really is. Weare not experiencing merely an ecclesiastical depression; the Church is ap- proaching a great religious crisis, of profound im- portance to civilization itself. Dr. Samuel Henry Prince, Professor of Sociology at King Univer- sity, Halifax, N. S., while preaching in this coun- try last summer, observed that religion had "con- tributed mightily to the survival of the individual and the human race, and a failing Christianity will presage a decline of the West." And he con- tinued: "The decline of the West is no longer a matter of mere academic consideration, of interest to the followers of a Spengler. It raises the whole question of the factor of religion in social con- tinuity. Whether Christianity shall be allowed to collapse or shall reconquer the Western mind and redeem it of its secularism, megalomania and self- complacency is a greater issue than an American labor schism or a Spanish civil war." R. M. K.
and Challenge in
By REV. ALEXANDER McLEISH, London, England Survey Editor, World Dominion Movement T HE hope of the Church in Africa lies in its and medical work missions have also pioneered becoming a truly indigenous African Church. the way for governments which are rapidly tak- Let us glance at the Protestant occupation ing over these responsibilities. Evangelistic work of Africa in its main geographical divisions. carried on for more than fifty years has resulted Ohristians in the creation of the largest Christian community Mission- Per in any mission land, now numbering, according Population aries Ohristians Million 676 48,150 1,528 to the latest computation, 7,904,514.3 North Africa .. 31,503,298 East Africa … 25,935,548 824 172,302 6,643 The Moslem infiltration from the north con- West Africa .. , 44,463,884 1,140 1,130,529' 25,425 tinues, but has been held up by the Coptic Church Central or Equa- of Abyssinia, by the great progress of missions in 24,439,048 1,479 739,379 30,254 Uganda, and by the chain of mission stations torial Africa. 20,460,759 3,473 4,000,000' 173,408 stretching across the Sudan. Along the old slave South Africa ..
146,802,537 7,592 6,090,3612 38,448 route in Tanganyika, however, Islam is extending The slow progress in Moslem North Africa is its influence again as well as along the coast as far south as Lourenco Marques. at once apparent, and becomes more striking when Roman Catholicism has launched a new and it is remembered the Christians are drawn mainly vigorous campaign for the conquest of Equatorial Africa. The ambition of Cardinal Lavigerie has from the Copts of Egypt. been largely realized and one of the greatest con- solidated spheres of Catholic missions has been If this occupation be distributed under the vari- built up, stretching south from Anglo-Egyptian Sudan to Northern Rhodesia, and west from ous governments it appears as follows: Tanganyika through the Belgian Congo to French West Africa. Rome claims over four million Cath- Ohristians olics in Africa, more than half of whom are in Equatorial Africa. Mission- Per aries Christians Million Africa, however, has proved the most respon- Population sive to Protestant missions of the great world British …….. 4,820 4,564,602 ' 73,347 French …….. 56,225,671 720 933,930 24,359 38,351,128 Portuguese …. 342 285,000 33,290 Belgian ……. 8,561,545 Spanish …… . 13,328,601 1,012 221,000 16,582 .. Italian …….. 1,678,846 22 1,399 834 2,534,814 International 33 3,110 1,226 51,000 Independent … 26,070,932 16 20 392 627 81,300 3,310 fields. David Livingstone, dying upon his knees, 146,802,537 7,592 6,090,361 2 38,448 is forever the symbol of a church sustained in The impact of the European powers has had many an hour of persecution and difficulty by tremendous repercussions in Africa. The recent divine power. Madagascar, Nigeria, Uganda and centenary (1933) of the abolition of slavery in South Africa show the most remarkable progress. the British dominions is a reminder of a hundred The tragedy of North Africa is its vanished years of steady transformation. Native opinion Church. That Church was without an equal in in the south has been profoundly stirred over the Christendom from the second century to the fifth.
color bar legislation. In other parts of the conti- Even in the fifth century, though already in denent the years since the War have seen an increas- cline, it still numbered over 500 dioceses. Its decay ing sense of trusteeship among foreign govern- was due to three significant things: The Scrip- ments, which, however, has received a severe blow tures were never given to the great Berber nation in recent days. Governments have dealt more ade- in their own tongue, the missionary spirit graduquately with educational and social problems. ally faded away, and the Church itself ceased to Four-fifths, however, of the education of the Afri- be truly indigenous and became dominated by can is still in the hlmds of missions. In social Greek and Latin theologians. Therefore it de- clined, and the Moslem invasion of the seventh 1 The British (and the Dutch) have been the only Protestant colo- century completely destroyed it. The Coptic nizing powers in the continent, and it may be seen how predominantly the Protestant Church is established in those territories where 3 This does not include the Coptic Church of Abyssinia and Egypt they have held or still hold sway. Comment is needless. or European Christians scattered over Africa.
2 This number (1936) is now 7,904,514.
[ 455]
Church of Egypt, however, which had given the does the evangelization of the land of Simon of people the Bible, survives to this day. Cyrene hang!
Throughout the Dark Ages and until today the A few years ago, out of the population of thir- Moslem has been the religious dictator of North teen million in Egypt there were nearly a million Africa. The Crusades did not shake him, and Coptic Christians, 66,000 Protestants, and 117,000 almost the only missionary was the lonely but un- Roman Catholic and Uniat Christians. The daunted Raymond Lull, martyred in Algeria in Christian population chiefly resides in upper 1315, and who ever was true to his own motto, Egypt. Between Cairo and the Mediterranean, "He who loves not, lives not." The millions of among six million people, there are only one-quarthese regions still unevangelized remain a per- ter of the Protestant Christians. The Coptic petual challenge to the Christian Church. If to Church is one of the ancient Christian churches, this be added the other Moslem populations of very similar to the Greek Orthodox. Since the Africa, we are faced with almost half the total British occupation of Egypt (1914) the Copts population for the most part still unreached by have mingled much more freely with the Mosthe Evangel. lems, and not a few have gone over to Islam. The Coptic Church does not view with favor the work The partition of North Africa 4 began in 1830, of Protestant missionaries. The Moslems number when Algiers fell to the French, who today govern ninety-one per cent of the population of Egypt. Tunis and the Protectorate of Morocco also. Spanish Morocco is relatively small. Italian Trip- There are about 440 missionaires and 20 misoli and Cyrenaica are vast, but sparsely populated. sionary societies in the country. Forty per cent French administration has been enlightened and of the missionary force is in Cairo, and there are thorough, but it has not helped to solve the reli- 33 other missionary residential centers. Much gious problem. Illiteracy throughout North Africa evangelism' has been carried on among the Copts amounts to about ninety per cent among the men, since 1859, and a very large part of the Protestant and is almost universal among the women. Church has been built up from among them. Progress among Moslems' has been exceedingly Roman Catholic Christianity in North Africa slow, but the present situation is viewed hopefully. does not really assist the Moslem to accept Christ; Many social and educational reforms are being its ceremonies and images are foreign to him. carried out in the country today, but there are Protestant missions, most of which are interde- powerful elements which view with apprehension nominational, were started about fifty years ago. any weakening of the traditional Moslem position Their work is threefold: that among the Jews, and prestige. of whom in Tunis and Algiers alone there are over 200,000; that among the European colonists, Turning to East Africa,5 let us consider the French, Spanish and Italian, in some cases also situation in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan.6 The numerous; and, finally, that among Moslems. River Nile is the unifying highway of the Sudan. The tribes have no affinity, either racially or tem- Work among Moslems has been, and is extraor- peramentally, with the peoples of Egypt. The dinarily difficult. The number of missionaries country is today experiencing a new development. considerably outnumber the number of converts. The future, in the material sense, would seem In Morocco, for example, out of six and one-half promising for the Sudanese. As for the Christian million persons, five and one-quarter million live Church, there are about 100 missionaries and sevoutside the centers of missionary occupation. eral thousand communicants. Six provinces with Evangelization does not really depend upon more a population of over 1,200,000 are practically unforeign missionaries, but upon the sacrificial touched. There has recently been considerable prayer of Christians everywhere and the emer- progress in numbers and influence, and in Bible gence of Spirit-filled indigenous evangelists. The translation, and in the pagan parts of the south work must be largely that of men, but at present many have been pressing into the Kingdom. Conwomen workers predominate. Of the total work- siderably more than half the population is pagan, ers in Morocco, three-quarters are women. For and only the few mission stations oppose the onthose who know the constitution of Moslem society ward march of Islam. The southern Sudan may this needs no comment. well be one of the desperate battlegrounds of the future between Christianity and Islam. The occupation of the field, too, is unequal. In all Tripoli and Cyrenaica there is only one medi- Abyssinia, or Ethiopia, has a population of from cal missionary-in Tripoli city. The Italian gov- eight to ten millions, of which probably one-half ernment had put severe restrictions on religious are pagan and the remainder equally divided beliberty. Two very small groups of Italian believers have been organized. On such small threads 6 Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, Abyssinia, Somaliland, Eritrea, Kenya, Tanganyika (area, 2,267,708 square miles; population, 25,727,684; 4 Modern Populations: Tangier, 51,000; Spanish Morocco, 720,273 ; density, 11.3). French Morocco, 4,500,000; Algeria, 6,553,451; Tunis, 2,410,692; Lybia, 719,663; E'gypt, 14,217,864. • Area, 1,008,100 square miles; population, 5,728,551.
PROGRESS AND CHALLENGE IN AFRICA
tween Islam and the Abyssinian Church. The over two million Moslems, but many think that the last few years saw a great advance in the work number of real disciples is not more than 300,000. of Protestant missions. A new spirit among the What is certain, however, is the rapid superficial priesthood, a general readiness to hear the Gos- increase. Roman Catholicism is represented by pel, and the printing and publishing of the New about 700 workers and 200,000 Catholics. It is Testament by the government press were out- pursuing an active and aggressive policy, greatly standing facts. This progress has been arrested hampering the work of Protestant missions. meanwhile, and it is not known what the future of Protestant missions will be. Missionary work There are 13 Protestant missions and a Chrisdates from 1830, and before the recent war there tian community of 125,826. The German miswere eight societies, with a staff of about 200 sions, excluded in the Great War, were permitted missionaries. to return in 1925. Probably the areas of least progress are in the Eastern and Western prov- This will remain for long a very needy area and inces. The former borders the Indian Ocean, must be included in the unevangelized area of and among its half million people there are under Africa. Missions may be able to continue their 1,500 Protestant Christians. The latter lies along work in cooperation with the Waldensian Prot- Lake Tanganyika. The Lake Province, the most estant Church of Italy, which views with sym- populous, contains a large number of unevangelpathy and concern the condition of the Evangeli- ized tribes. It is important to note that no defical Christian communities in Ethiopia today. nite steps have yet been taken for the evangeliza- tion of the Moslem populations. Eritrea (Italian) and the SomaIilands (British, French, and Italian) are grouped around Abys- The history of West Africa 10 has been marred sinia in the "horn" of Africa. The population, by slavery. Slavery is still said to survive in which is Moslem, is small.7 Moslem bigotry pre- Liberia. Missions and governments are now desents special difficulties in the way of missionary voting all their energies to native interests. Islam work. Only in Italian territory has evangelism has made great inroads from the North. In many actually been carried on by the National Evan- villages, formerly pagan, the call of the muezzin gelical Missionary Society of Sweden. This work floats from the minaret. Yet the Church has has now been suspended. made much progress, particularly in British ter- ritory. In British West African colonies there are Kenya 8 is a young country. Thirty years ago some 252,000 Christians, and in Nigeria nearly a Nairobi, the capital, was an experiment in tin million. All this ground has been won at great shacks; today it is an up-to-date city. Its high- sacrifice, in the loss of missionaries by sickness lands are suitable for white settlers. The difficul- and in the sufferings and persecutions of the naties between them and the natives have been tive Christians in the past. greatly exaggerated, and even the trouble with the natives over the discovery of gold in 1932-33 has The task of Africa's evangelization is not only been satisfactorily settled. There are eleven mis- that of the foreign missionary. The Church has sionary societies in the colony, and much progress not been without its own leaders, and in more rehas been made. The territory is fairly divided cent times "prophets" have arisen here and there. between these bodies, and the unoccupied fields Some of these have been men of little worth, but are to be found mainly in the north where, how- one deserves more than a passing reference. The ever, the population is not dense. Work has re- "prophet" Harris was a Liberian of the Grebo cently been begun in these regions. The unhealthy tribe. As a young man of twenty-one he felt the regions of the coast have still many neglected call of the Holy Spirit. Of his early years of groups. In the west the influence of the great ministry little is known; but in 1913, when he work that has been done among the tribes of was about sixty, he came to the Ivory Coast, and Uganda has been strongly felt. God began then to use him in a remarkable way. His message was simple, his life apostolic, and he Since 1920 Tanganyika Territory 9 has been ad- was undoubtedly taught of God. A Bible and a ministered by Great Britain under a mandate of bamboo cross were the insignia of his mission. the League. The administrative reconstruction of His converts on the Ivory Coast are variously the region has been carried out with special ref- reckoned up to a 100,000. Persecution fell on the erence to the welfare of the native peoples, and Christians, but the majority refused to comproseeks to stimulate native authority. A living issue mise. Harris himself was deported in 1915 to in the religious field is the progress of Islam. Liberia, where he later died. Zanzibar and the East African coast are almost completely Islamized. The last census records Nothing was known of this to the missionaries at this time. Strange stories came to them of a 7 Eritrea, 621,776; Somalilands: British, 344,70'0; French, 68,965; Italian, 1,010,815; Island of Socotra (British), 12,000, 10 French, British (InclUding Nigeria), Spanish and Portuguese territory and Liberia: Area, 2,458,745 square miles; population, 8 Area, 224,960 square miles; population, 3,091,064; density, 13,5. 42,432,017; density, 17.3.
o Area, 366,632 square miles; population, 5,022,640; density, 13.7.
work in the interior which passed human analysis, are only one or two stations. Most of the mission- of fetishes destroyed by thousands, of churches ary effort in the vast stretches of the interior is which had never seen a missionary. When in- very recent. The Christian and Missionary Alli- quiry was made it became clear "that right along ance has taken a considerable share in pioneering, the Ivory Coast, and up into the interior, there but the six societies in this large region today had been such a mass movement as had never been have only 30 stations. French West Africa is, to heard of in the history of modern missions." a large extent, still spiritually destitute.
With all its inadequacies-and they were many- Of the population of the interior fully forty per here was a stirring in the African soul which cent are Moslems. The most important tribes are came from God. In recent years the Methodist probably the Fulani and the Mosai, numbering Missionary Society has taken over the care of about two million. In the past the Fulani influ- large numbers of the "Harris Christians." ence has been the stronger, and they were the A few figures must suffice to describe the situa- chief bearers of Islamic culture. On the great tion in West Africa today. Let us take British bend of the Niger stands Timbuktu, long since territory first.ll Nigeria ranks third in popula- shorn of her former glories. West and north in tion in the Empire, after India and Great Britain. the desert live the Veiled Folk, the Tuaregs, once Of the 899,000 12 Christians of Nigeria, 188,000 perhaps a Christian people. Wide indeed is the are Roman Catholics. The enormous majority of field here and vast the task to be undertaken!
the Christian community is in the Southern prov- In Spanish 14 and Portuguese15 territory in inces, nearly 700,000 coming from the lbo, West Africa there is a small work on the Cape Yoruba, and Ibibio groups alone. The north is Verde Islands and a station is projected in Portu- less occupied, and here Islam is strong. Christian guese Guinea.
schools in the south enroll 176,886 scholars and The independent state of Liberia is about the in the north, 5,969. Moslem school enrollment in size of England, and is a member of the League the north is 183,374, and in the south nil. of Nations. It was founded in 1822 by liberated The Northern provinces are of great interest. slaves from the United States, who were assisted Roughly seven and one-half millions are Moslems by American philanthropists. Today there are and about four millions pagans. Up to 1901 there about 10,000 Americo-Liberians, 60,000 others was only one mission station established; now who are civilized and also use English, and about ten societies are at work, reaching over 160 tribes, 200,000 who are partly civilized. The remainder totaling some 3,000,000 souls. What is needed is of the estimated population of a million are il- not so much the advent of new bodies, but the ex- literate. Many missions, mostly American, have tension of existing work. The unreached popula- worked in the republic, and the Christian commu- tion is mostly in the Mohammedan emirates. For nity is over 30,000. This is practically confined a long time, evangelization was prohibited in these to the English-speaking population. Very little is areas by the government, but this prohibition is being done to reach the population of the interior, now removed. On the whole the outlook is en- and the state of many of the existing churches is couraging; in 1932 the whole Bible was published very low. One authority writes: "There is no in Hausa, one of the most widely spoken languages vision, no discipline, no authority in the churches."
of West Africa. Four stations have recently been opened in the As for other British territories: In Gambia hinterland, and the churches are being encour- there are some 2,000 Christians; in Sierra Leone, aged to support themselves and to evangelize their about 40,000; in the Gold Coast, 200,000; and in fellow countrymen.
British Togoland, about 10,000. The hinterlands The Union of South Africa presents many prob- of all these territories are still largely unoccupied lems. In the provisional census of 1936 there by missions. were over 6,529,784 Bantu, 755,282 "colored," and French West Africa 13 is an immense territory, 215,529 Asiatics. Europeans numbered 1,979,390.
equal in area to India. Of the 60,000 Christians, The native population has increased by thirty-nine 45,000 are in the Ivory Coast, the fruits of the per cent since 1921. Afrikaans has become the long unknown labors of the "prophet" Harris. common language.
Nearly all the remainder are in the coastal ter- The Bantu are unquestionably a people with a ritory of French Togoland and Dahomey. In great future, and today they are combining with.
Mauretania there is no work, and in Senegal there the "colored" folk in defense of their rights.
About 2,000,000 are still living the tribal life. The 11 Nigeria, 91,928,171; Gambia, 20'0,000; Sierra Leone, 1,768,479; present land policy, as seen in the allocation of re- Gold Coast, 3,040,446; Togoland, 293,714. 12 Census, 1931. serves to the natives, has not given very satisfac- 13 Population: Mauretania, 323,819; Senegal, 1,584,273; French 14 Rio de Oro and Adrar, 495,000; Ifni, 20,000. Sudan, 2,853,655; Upper Volta, 3,000,243; Niger Territory 15 Portuguese Guinea, 364,929; Cape Verde Islands, 153,70'0. 1.542,714; French Guinea, 2,236,968; Ivory Coast, 1,866,316: Togoland, 750,065; Dahomey, 1,112,000.
PROGRESS AND CHALLENGE IN AFRICA
tory results. Of the acute race problem and the of missions followed, and today there is a Protescolor bar legislation all that can be said here is, tant Christian community of over 120,000. The that nothing would so much contribute to its solu- Presbyterian work has grown steadily and has retion as a deep and widespread revival movement. sulted in the formation of a Central African Na- tive Presbyterian Synod. It is interesting to note The leading church among the whites is the that, in contrast with Rhodesia, Islam has spread Dutch Reformed, with nearly a million adherents. widely in Nyasaland, the Moslem population being A very large number of denominations and mis- reckoned at 73,000. sions work among the Bantu and colored peoples; and this "fragmentation" from abroad is outdone Portuguese East Africa 20 lies adjacent to by native enthusiasm. "Separatist" movements Nyasaland and South Africa. There are large are many and frequent. In Johannesburg alone stretches of entirely unoccupied territory in the there are said to be 121 denominations among North, for the missions are almost all in the South. African Christians, and in 1932 Professor Brookes Special conditions attend missionary work in these compiled a list of 326 native sects. Notwithstand- Portuguese colonies which need careful study being this, there has been much real progress. About fore new work is begun. There are about 20,000 2,500,000 Bantus are Christians, and there are Protestant Christians in the colony. some 40,000 Bantu workers. In some churches Bantus have a large share in church government.16 In the history of African missions few stories are so stirring as that of Madagascar. The Lon- A,r,eain Popula- Density Protes- don Missionary Society founded a station there in tion 1818, and the witness rapidly spread. By 1834 Sq. Miles 48.8 tants there were 30,000 pupils in its schools. Then ter- 571,600 0.5 rible persecutions fell upon the Christians. Mis- Basutoland ….. 11,716 160,000 140,000 sionaries were driven out. Men and women were Bechuanaland … 275,000 123,320 18.3 16,000 slain by the spear, hurled over precipices, sawn Swaziland …… 6,704 27,000 asunder, burned in the fire, or sold to slavery. And yet persecution stimulated the growth in Basutoland and Swaziland are, relatively speak- numbers, so that by 1861, on the death of the cruel ing, the most occupied regions of Africa, while queen, the Christians had increased tenfold. At substantial progress has been made in Bechuana- last in that year freedom was proclaimed.
land. The reconstruction began in 1861, and the work Southwest Africa 11 is administered by the has continued ever since. Difficulties have been many, but the triumphs have been an abundant Union under a mandate of the League of Nations. reward. Widespread and rapid church building Of vast size, but very sparsely populated, it is one has been a keynote of the work. In one period of of the most fully occupied mission fields of Africa. ten years since the war over a thousand new Christians number 85,000, of whom about 10,000 churches were organized. Today there are some are Roman Catholics. There are 381 missionaries 720,000 Protestant Christians.21 More than oneper million people, or 910 when Roman Catholics third of the total number of churches in Africa are found in this island. are included. Rhodesia 18 is a vast territory, as yet thinly Any reference to Central Africa may well begin with Uganda.22 A long line of remarkable names populated. The pacification and evangelization of marks the progress of the Gospel there. H. M. the natives, together with the colonization of the Stanley, the explorer; Alexander Mackay, the country, forms one of the romances of African pioneer; Hannington, the martyred bishop; Pildevelopment. Today the administration faces kington, the brilliant linguist; and many others questions of land, color, and industrialization, but are among them. When King M'tesa heard from it has the experiences of South Africa from which the first Church Missionary Society missionaries to learn. The number of African Christians in the name of Jesus, of whom Stanley had previ- Southern Rhodesia is only 86,000, of whom nearly ously spoken to him, he caused a salute to be fired 30,000 are Roman Catholics. In N·orthern Rhodesia the total is 142,000, and of these somewhat .0 Portuguese East Africa: Area, 297,657 square miles; populamore than half adhere to the Roman communion. As there are 14 missionary societies in the North tion, 3,995,831. and 15 in the South, there is no call for additional organizations. The evangelization of the country ., Roman Catholic adherents number 460,000. It is worth noting awaits the extension of the e~isting work and the that the Comoro Islands (population, 130,253), adjacent to Madagasgrowth of the missionary spirit among the Afri- car, are unoccupied.
can Christians. Reunion (French): Population, 197,933. The population Is Roman The land around Lake Nyasa 19 :was first ex- Catholic. There is no Protestant work.
plored by David Livingstone. The establishment Seychelles (British): Population, 27,786. Two missions are at work. 16 Basutoland, Bechuanaland and .swaziland are native protectorates. Mauritius (British): Population, 400,904. Christians number 122,836, of whom only 5,345 are Protestant. 11 Area, 322,394 square miles; population, 273,876; density, 0.8. 22 Uganda: Area, 94,204 square miles; population, 3,584,758. 18 Northern and Southern Rhodesia: Area, 438,744 square miles; 1.population, 2,502,340; denSity, 5.6. Nyasaland: Area, 37,596 square miles; population, 1,609,915.
for joy. Under M'wanga, his son, the Church was spiritual desert, and around them a thirsty land baptized with fire, but stood firm. The threat of where many tribes know nothing of the Light.26 Islam and tbe strife with Roman Catholicism were challenges she was called on increasingly to meet. Remarkable progress has been made in Angola27 But today the Church of Uganda is a mighty (Portuguese West Africa) jn the face of many Church. There are well over half a million Chris- difficulties. One mission alone witnessed 900 tians today, and, although there is some discrep- church members increase to 9,000 between 1921 ancy in statistics from different sources, they seem and 1931, and there are today eleven missions to be about equally divided between Evangelicals with 240 missionaries at work in 51 centers. and Roman Catholics. Catholics in the same decade increased from 77,000 to nearly 300,000. Yet both in the North- Belgian Congo23 is a vast territory, nearly east and South of the colony there are populous eighty times the area of the home country, but tribes and large areas still untouched. The Protwith a relatively small population. Its past has estant Christian community numbers 240,000, of been melancholy, but today roads traverse its ter- whom nearly 3,000 are Christian workers. ritory, mines penetrate its ground, and the government is making increasing provision for the The whole situation today in Africa may be welfare of its native peoples. The jubilee of Prot- summed up briefly. The Roman Catholic populaestant missions in the Congo was celebrated in tion of Africa amounts to about 4,304,222, in the 1928, and the picture was a very different one proportion of 4 to North Africa, 22 to Central from that of the days when George Grenfell con- and West, 8 to East, and 9 to South. The Protstructed his little steamer, the Peace, with his own estant population is 5,638,252, in the proportion hands, the two Scotch engineers having died be- of 0.5 to the North, 18 to Central and West, 2.5 fore reaching Kinshasa. Today there are some to East, and 35 to South Africa. From this it 43 societies with about 900 missionaires in this will be seen that the Catholics are strongest in the field, and between 1920 and 1930 church members Central, East and West, and the Protestants in increased from 55,000 to over 200,000. Many un- the South. The Christians number 10,000,000 or evangelized regions still remain, but they consti- about 7 per cent of the total population. This is tute a challenge to existing bodies rather than a 1 to every 14 people, which may be compared with call for new missions. Catholics are variously China proper, where there is 1 to 500 people, or estimated from half a million to two million, and India, where there is 1 to every 56 people. There the sudden growth and influence of Catholic mis- are over three times as many missionaries to every sions is seriously embarrassing the evangelization million people in Africa as compared with India, of the colony. but, owing to its large area, only one-seventh the number to each 1,000 square miles. Out of Ruanda Urundi/4 with its small area and dense Africa's 65 territories, 42 are inadequately occupopulation, became a mandated territory of Bel- pied, 23 are adequately occupied, but 15 of these gium after the War. A Belgian mission has taken are excessively occupied if 1 missionary to 20,000 up part of the former work of the German mis- people per 1,000 square miles be taken as the sions, and the Church Missionary Society has been standard. extending its work southwards from Uganda. With the addition of two or three small Protestant Whereas there are 15 missionaries to the milmissions this is the extent of Protestant effort in lion people north of 10° N., there are 148 south one of the least occupied areas of Africa. The of 10° S., and between 10° N. and 10° S. there Roman Catholic missions are making great prog- are 50. The missionary occupation is, therefore, ress and aim to capture the whole area. very unequal, being three times more in the South than in Equatorial Africa, about 10 times more in French Equatorial Africa and Cameroon 25 to- the South than in the North. gether comprise an enormous area of over a million square miles with a scattered population. It The same is true of the distribution of the stretches from the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan to Lake Christians, who are in the proportion of 146 in the Chad, from Libya to the Belgian Congo. Only South to 28 in equatorial regions and 1 in North in the south (Gabon and Cameroon) are missions Africa. at all well established, and even there much remains to be done. For the rest a few lonely pio- These facts reveal at a glance the regions of neer stations appear on the map as oases in the greatest need, and should determine all plans for the evangelizafion of Africa. 23 Belgian Congo: Area, 918;000 square miles; population, 9,485,091. 2. Rio Muni and F'ernando Po are Spanish colonies. Rio Muni: Area, 10,036 square miles; population, 140,000; 2< Ruanda Urundi: Area, 20,550 square miles; population, density, 13.9. 3,500,000. Fernando Po: Area, 795 square miles; population, 23,846; density, 29.9. 2r. Area, 1,078,538 square miles; population, 5,477,236. The Methodist mission works in Fernando Po and a live develop- ing work exists in Rio Muni under the American Presbyterians.
27 Angola: Area, 323,295 square miles; population, 4,141,730,
PROGRESS AND CHALLENGE IN AFRICA
South Africa is fully occupied, and for our pur- Sudan call for reinforcements, and on the West, pose has ceased to be a foreign mission field. The Belgian Congo and French West Africa, owing to activities of its 3,547,892 Christians should cover their large areas, are still very needy. the unreached sections of the population, which should be regarded as their home mission field. The great Moslem countries of North Africa must still be considered as the most needy part Basutoland and Swaziland, which fall within of Africa. this area, are excessively occupied as mission fields. The first has 67 missionaries to 571,600 British territory, owing to greater facilities people, of whom 136,332 are Christians; the sec- available, is now probably adequately occupied, ond has 80 missionaries to 123,320, of whom and attention should increasingly be given to the 25,818 are Christians. Southwest Africa is in territories of the French, Portuguese and Belgian much the same position with 105 missionaries to colonies till these also are evangelized. 267,905 people, of whom 73,412 are Christians. Bechuanaland, with 17 missionaries to 160,000, This in a word is a bird's-eye view of that great and 15,200 Christians is too well provided for. continent which only sixty years ago was indeed the Dark Continent, but which today is well on A move northwards of a large number of the its way to becoming the most enlightened of all. foreign missionaries to the unoccupied regions of The great cleavage at the heart of the enterprise Portuguese territory, East and West, to Ruanda between Roman Catholics and Protestants casts a Urundi seems called for. The Rhodesias, Mada- dark shadow over the landscape, but the virility gascar, and Nyasaland are probably as well occu- of African Christianity and its power to organize pied as the situatian calls for. On the East, itself along its own indigenous lines promises well Tanganyika, Abyssinia, and the Anglo-Egyptian for the future when Africa shall have become, as it certainly will, a Christian continent.
ST. PAUL'S CATHE'DRAL. MENGO, UGANDA, LOOKING EAST (See page 478)
African View of Indigenous
Religions * By DONALD G. S. M'TIMKULU New Haven, Conn.
To THE ordinary man who has heard about same way as I would behave to my own brothers . Africa the phrase, "African religions," con- and sisters. In this way the family circle is ex- jures up a confused mass of superstitions and ceedingly increased, and the kindred are bound curious beliefs which seem to him very childish, together in a very close and intimate way. In if not entirely foolish. To some it might even most African societies, however, preference is seem like straining the connotation of the term given to one set of kin at the expense of another; unduly to call this hotchpotch religion. It is not L e., either to the mother's people or to the fa- necessary here to prove that suclJ. opinions are ther's people. This is the basis of the clan, or sib, the results of generalizations based on very inade- which is a strong group of people claiming to be quate data. Those who have tried to understand intimately related either on the mother's side or the Africans and to see life as they see it have on the father's side.
found that they possess not only well developed The clan is not only the most important group religious systems, but a religion which enters far in the African kinship system, but also the pri- more into their day by day conduct than is the mary religious group. Since all members of the case among the peoples of the West. clan are linked together through their ancestors, In spite of the vast expanse of Africa and the the ancestors come to take a most important place variation in cultural features presented by its peo- in the life of the group. They founded the clan, pIes, it is still possible to speak of the country as gave it life and made it what it is. The present a whole, on account of a number of fundamental generation, therefore, owes all that it has to those principles which underlie the social structure of who have gone beyond. The ancestors are thus the whole of tribal Africa. This is particularly as much a part of the clan as the living; they. are true of the Bantu tribes, and it is with the religion as interested in its welfare as those who still walk of these peoples that I mean to concern myself in thIs earth. For, according to African belief, "the this paper. dead are not lost to society, they are merely in- A great part of the religious life of the African itiated into another part of the society, the spir- centers round the worship of ancestors, but such itual unseen part." Thus the clan with its begin- a statement needs some elucidation. To under- nings far in the dim past can only make secure stand truly what the cult of ancestors means to provision for the future by consulting and work- the African we must probe deeper into his social ing in harmony with those whose wisdom is un- background. The social and economic unit in doubted, and who now can tap sources of power Africa is the individual family. To bind the fami- which are not available to mortal man. The es- lies together in a larger social unit, the intimate sence of ancestor worship lies in the effort on the and binding family ties are extended outside the part of the living, by various acts of remem- immediate family. .For instance, my father's brance, to maintain friendly relations with those brothers are my fathers; I call them so, and I, who are now of the spirit world, and thus to se- behave to them in the same general way that I dq cure their help and guidance.
to my own father. Similarly, my mother's sisters True enough, fear enters into the worship of are my mothers, and their children are my sisters ancestors, the fear of consequences that will fol- and brothers; I behave to them in exactly tlie low any failure_ on the part of the living to per- • Donald G. S. M'Timkulu Is the son of a well-known Methodl'st form their pious duties. But we would be greatly' in error if we assumed that the religious motive in pastor in Durban, South Africa. He received his high school education at Adams Mission and at Lovedale before proceeding to Fort faenacre.stoTrhewoArfsrhicipanisreaallll ysupmutm' s ehdIS up in the word Hare College, where he received his B.A. in 1927, securing a "double trust in the anfirst" In English and ethics. On the strength of this he was awarded cest ors, and h"IS f al"th I"S a 1IV""lng everyday fal"th" a university scholarship (the first of his race) to read for his M.A. The Afr"Ican a1so be1 lev"es"In a great "Sp"lrItua1 (English), which he received in 1931. Since then he has been power, a Supreme Being, more or less personified, teaching at the Healdtown Missionary Institution in the Cape Province and at Adams College in Natal, where he is now head of the high school department. He was editor of the (Jape African Teach– e,rs' Association Journal until his resignation to come over to Yale University, where he now holds a FellOWShip in Race Relations.
[462 ] who made the world and created all living things, illness by manipulating the all pervasive "Pobut has since had no direct dealings with man. tence" against him. For the African believes that Now and again one may hear his angry mutter- some people are able by long training to make use ings in the roar of the thunderstorm, as he hurls of this spiritual power in the universe either for forth his thunderbolts at some individual who has good or for evil. This is the basis of the Afriangered him. can's belief in witchcraft and the efficacy of charms. For to protect myself against the machi- Among some of the southeastern tribes, how- nations of the wizard, I must have some object in ever, he is regarded as a great chief of the spirit which is concentrated a stronger power than that world, Unkulunkulu (the greatest of the great), which the wizard can direct against me. Without who is so great that ordinary men cannot ap- this I am at the mercy of my enemies. Thus the proach him for any favors. Amongst these tribes African has ever haunting him this fear of unseen the ancestral spirits have come to be regarded as powers working around him, and perhaps against mediators at the court of the Great Chief. Those him; for this reason he clings tenaciously to his who were great in this life, the chiefs, are much witch doctor, who is the only man who can give more likely to be in the inner circles of the Great him sufficient protection to make life worth living. One, and thus can do more for the people by pleading with the Great One in the traditional manner Let us next consider how far these beliefs and that marks the successful and polished councillor. practices are influencing the lives of native Chris- In times of calamity, therefore, the spirits of the tians in Africa. While it is no doubt true that the greatest chiefs of the tribe are invoked to help form that the Christian Church in Africa will ultheir children and save them from disaster. These timately take depends, in the last analysis, on ceremonies are always conducted by the para- what the Africans themselves make of it, it is mount chief of the tribe, in whom, by reason of none the less also true that Christian Africans his birth, is concentrated the highest spiritual must accept the fundamentals of Christianity unpower man can have, and who is the recognized diluted, as it were, if they are going to live Christintermediary between the people and their most like lives. As Archbishop Temple says, it is futile powerful spirits. The power of the chief, there- to consider whether the message of the Gospel fore, is based ultimately on religious sanctions. suits the African or not. If the Gospel is true, He is not merely the political head but the high then it is true for all men, be they black or white. priest of the tribe, and thus the dependence of the If one, however, is thinking of Christianity mere- African on his chief is a very real one. ly as a drug for the curing of social diseases, then one might well ask if it suits the African. If, on Apart, however, from this belief in a first cause, the other hand, Christianity is a Way of Life for the Africans believe in a Potence, an Energy, that all men, then we must recognize the fact that is imminent in all things, intangible and yet all- there are certain fundamental beliefs and points pervasive. While drawing itself into a focus in of view in African religion which are incompatible certain objects, it is, at the same time, sensitive with the Christian spirit. These must be shed, if to human conduct, so that irregularities in the Christianity is to mean anything for the African. world of men react immediately on the world of nature. In African societies, as Mrs. Hoernle While thousands of true and fervent Christians says, "events in the world of nature are inter- are to be found in most parts of Africa, it is neverpreted entirely from the point of view of their in- theless a fact that for many other thousands fluence on the life of the society; the world of Christianity is no more than a veneer, a top dressnature and the world of man are one, changes in ing, which peals off just when it is most needed. the world of man are inevitably accompanied by In the real crises of life they turn to their beloved changes in the world of nature, and vice versa, ancestors in whom they still have the utmost faith, and the laws governing the one world are con- although outwardly adopting the forms of the ceived of as being the same in the other." If, for Christian religion. Many a Christian family when instance, the harvest is poor, it is because the in trouble will secretly sacrifice a beast to appease proper rites have not been performed, or because the injured spirits, so that they may remove the someone has sinned or done wrong, and his wrong curse and establish friendly relations once more actions are somehow preventing things from tak- between the dead and the living. ing their proper course. There are other Christians, however, who have Because of this firm belief the African can definitely set their faces against the old tribal rites hardly conceive of anything happening naturally, and ceremonies; but this is about all they have i. e., uninfluenced by the actions of men, either liv- done. In these lives Christianity has only replaced ing or dead. If a man gets sick, for instance, his one set of taboos by another. This attitude has sickness is either the result of his neglect of some not been a little encouraged by the numerous customary ritual or some duty to the ancestors, "don'ts" which have formed the greater part of or else some evilly disposed person has caused the the "Christian message" of some missionaries.
The Christian in Africa has thus become a man the machinery of Western civilization, whose ex- who does not do a great number of things. The ponents are out to get as much as they can from African can understand such a religion, for it is the dark races.
just his old religion with the dire consequences On this account they have dubbed Christianity made a little less immediate. "the white man's religion," and they will have But the real persistent evil in the African Chris- none of it. This conviction is not lessened by the tian Church is that old belief in the powerful fact that many white missionaries identify their mystic forces of the universe which are ever ready strait-laced Christianity with Western civilization.
to do men harm at every turn. Accusations of The African is continually being told how lovely witchcraft and sorcery are not uncommon even in and beautiful everything is in the white man's our oldest mission stations. Venerable old preach- garden, and how weedy and ugly his own is in ers or deacons will tell you of one of their number comparison. The disillusionment that follows, of who keeps a baboon on which he rides out every course, is not very pleasant either for the mission- night to do his nefarious work. Many a fond ary or the African.
mother, for instance, will not dare to bring her The criticism of the unbrotherly attitude of the child to church for baptism, unless he has been white Christian gains more point when it is lev- thoroughly "doctored," lest the influence of some elled against the missionary himself. It is no other child who has been "doctored" cause a fis- doubt true that the spirit of Christian brother- sure in her child's skull which inevitably brings hood which characterized the life of the early mis- about his death. sionaries is slowly dying out. Social snobbery The old beliefs in witchcraft, therefore, are not and a certain irritating aloofness is not uncom- only still with us, but the practice of witchcraft mon among modern missionaries. In traveling is thriving under new forms showing an excellent round the mission stations one hears such signifi- adaptability to new conditions. Witch doctors cant remarks as this from the old people: "Oh, are doing a better trade today in the towns than we do not knock at the front door of the mission they ever did before. The old technique of try- house now, we have to go to the kitchen door."
ing to pooh-pooh these ideas and laugh them out One hears also of missionary teachers who fail to of court is futile. These beliefs are deep rooted recognize their fellow African teachers as soon as in the African, and now he not only feels he has they are outside the bounds of the mission station.
Biblical authority to support him, but also a fund These may seem like trivial considerations, but of anecdotes in which Christian ministers have they are just full of meaning for the African- been worsted in the fight against the wizard. The they are the straws in the wind. Is it any sur-, missionary, therefore, must concentrate on chang- prise, then, to find that the African in the older ing the African's unscientific view of the world. missionary fields is gradually losing his confidence "Nothing less will do than the gradual revelation in the white missionary?
of the complexity of the universe. Let the Afri- And yet all thinking Africans deplore this can once realize that the universe runs its course tendency; first, because it does not take into ac- by immutable laws which he cannot alter, and he count the great contribution that missionaries will be relieved of an incalculable burden of the have made and are making to African welfare.
spirit." Without this changed outlook the Chris- Second, and perhaps more important, is the fact tian missionary will be building his house on sand. that there is a danger that, with this loss of con- There is a new threat to the life of the Christian fidence in the white missionary, the African may Church in Africa, to which we now turn. In those also lose his hold on Christianity. For, as we parts of Africa where the natives come into very have sought to show, Christianity is still very close contact with the whites there is growing up, much of an exotic plant in Africa.
among some of the leaders of the people, a spirit The present tendency, therefore, among some of revolt against the Church. These men feel that missions to root Christianity in true native soil the Church is not living up to the spirit of Christ's has great possibilities for the future. For, it teaching in its attitude towards the race question. seems to me, the very highest ideal that missions They declare that color bars are rigidly enforced can hold for the future of Christianity in Africa even within the very precincts of God's house; in is the creation of a truly native church, "whose many churches the African clergy are merely the motivation will be emotional rather than mainly "boys" of their fellow white clergymen; some of intellectual, which will take cognizance of native the white men who stand high in the Church are psychic and mystic experience, whose forms and in no way different in their treatment of Afri- functions will be rooted in native life, background cans than any other white man. In these and in and environment, and whose leaders will be true many other ways, they declare, the Church has natives, integrally a part of the community and shown that even within its fold there is no broth- not mere preachers cut in the image of white mis- erhood for the black man. It is merely part of sionaries."
Gospel Among Primitive
By REV. JOHN S. HALL, I Sudan Interior Mission, Kaltungo, Nigeria 1)1- ~==========================~ THE country of the 40,000 Tangale-speaking to another man, that we may feast upon another people is in Nigeria, West Africa, inland one goat." Farthest reaching of baneful practices thousand miles northeast of Lagos, chief sea- was that of the parents, who threw the children of port of Nigeria, which is an important Protector- both sexes together for immoral purposes, all with ate of Great Britain and boasts a population of a view to enlisting the boys for labor on the farms twenty millions. The Tangales had their first of the girls' parents.
sight of the white man only thirty years ago, and A corresponding situation was to be found in their first contact with the Christian missionary the religious sphere. The Tangales' spiritual ten years later. The white ruler's advent ended heritage is cumbrous. Recognition is made of the a strange age-long cycle of seven years of inter- Supreme Being, Yamba, but no worship offered to tribal war alternating with seven years of peace, him. All shrines and altars are dedicated to other and ensured the gradual extirpation of cannibal- spiritual beings-demons, ancestors and haunting ism. Cloth was rare. Leaves sufficed for cover- human spirits. The primitives may not be so ing for the women, while the men used little cov- lacking in many things as superficial observers ering beyond occasionally wearing tanned hides say, claiming that they are without this, that and of animals hung by forelegs from the neck. the other, but omitting to observe that they have Their story is interesting, especially regarding powers that with us are dormant or dead. They Christian missions, and the fact that the condi- are, however, without the most satisfying and en- tions obtaining among them are typical of those nobling of human wants. For they have no hope among all primitive peoples. Illiteracy prevailed, and are "without God in the world." With no with the absence of books and the arts of reading books, they have not the Book, with its Messianic and writing. Their difficult and wonderful lan- light and life in prophecy and history. They are guage had only oral use. The world for them did without the dynamic of the preaching of the cross not exist beyond the extremities ofa fifty-mile and of the Spirit. The emotional reactions to the line, where heaven met earth and was upborne by spiritual environment are those of uncertainty strange, conveniently dwarfed beings around the and dread.
meeting line, holding sky-supporting sticks aloft. Sent by the Sudan Interior Mission, C. G.
With limited horizons of knowledge, the tribe Beacham and the writer settled among the Tan- moved as one man in a narrow orbit, unprogres- gales in February, 1917, and began to learn their sive, static. language. Three years later the Gospel of Luke There was that in their "moral" codes which, in Tangale was in print, published by the British without elevating or quickening the tribe, pre- and Foreign Bible Society. Successively, till served it as a unity, with a sturdy sense of iden- 1930, ten more books of the Old and New Testa- tity and independence. Marriage by uniform pur- ments were translated and in use in print, to- chase was recognized and was made honorable gether with the complete New Testament in by laws of legitimacy and inheritance. Laws ap- Tangale in manuscript. The British and Foreign plying to consanguinity and incest assisted in up- Bible Society undertook the cost of an edition of holding marriage and maintaining purity of tribal 2,000, so that the complete printed New Testa- stock. Over against these helpful things lay many ment in Tangale was in circulation in 1932. To antisocial habits. The bonds of marriage were date half of the edition has been sold, and as only uncertain, owing to the polygamous tendencies of readers, professing Christians, buy the book the men and women, and from easy temporary unions reading public in that once totally illiterate tribe and prevalent promiscuity. Illuminating is the amounts to a thousand, and the Lord's following prayer always made when the large goat from the reaches the same number.
bride-price payment was being eaten by the men School work, simply the teaching of reading of the maiden's hamlet in the sacred grove: "We and writing in the vernacular and of the Scrip- have just begun to eat her [i. e., the woman was tures, was begun only after two years. The en- an occasion of feasting]. Incline her soon to run rollment for a year thereafter was two. The next [465 ]
year it increased to three, and the following year by the young people themselves, who follow them. to eight. The enrollment now is 2,000. The first The Gospel was made for that kind of situation, seven years passed before any girls of the tribe where it can be trusted to be God's power unto came to school. Now the enrolled women and salvation. Moreover, the Africans can be trusted, girls nearly in number equal the men and boys. having "received Christ Jesus the Lord, to walk Of necessity at the first the teachers were the mis- in him, rooted and built up in him, and stablished sionaries. Now the teaching of reading and writ- in the faith, as … taught." To withhold from ing is left to the Christian natives, of whom one them that confidence or to make concessions to . hundred are 'under regular appointment to super- supposed weakness or peculiar wants injures and vise, in thirty-eight "schools," without remunera- slanders them and dishonors Christ and His Gos- tion. With a speeded-up farming schedule and a pel. The privilege and duty rather are, to uphold great saving of time formerly given to growing the New Testament demand and standard as re- much grain for beer, they follow their accus- gards purity and spirituality, together with an in- tomed farming, devote certain time to systematic tensive New Testament indoctrination. It is a Bible study and, with regulated substituting ar- senseless, heartless procedure to ask monogamy rangements, see to the manning of these teaching or one-until-death unions from people whose codes posts. . To evangelize farther outposts, ten mar- never included these conceptions, unless New ried couples in fellowship standing in the churches Testament doctrine and dynamic are intensively gave up home and farm and went where taking imparted and fully conveyed. Hence the Bible root afresh would be slow and toilsome, where schools, with their whole-church enrollment and privation would sometimes be their lot, and where systematic opening of the Scriptures. Hence the their only, but most glorious, reward would be magnifying of the church, the local assembly, as souls won for Christ. the school, the home of the saved community as a community, the sphere of mighty movings of God R. J. Campbell, in his Life of David Living- and the birthplace of saving outward movements stone, mentions the attraction his lantern lecture of wide reach. Hence, too, the simple and ex- was to the Africans, and adds that that was the clusive character of the mission's principles re- only Christian propaganda Livingstone was ever specting "education," with a nonsecular program asked to repeat. The Tangales have not yet seen and curriculum best fitting and generally lantern views. God's Word has been put into strengthening the believers for every spiritual their hands, and they have built two Bible schools and secular contact. where they gather to study the Scriptures. When we saw these buildings rise and asked, "What To an extent not always realized social pressure time will you give to the study?" the whole read- and safeguarding rules assist straight living any- ing, godly community of men and women enrolled where. In Tangale teaching is shaped and rules for regular attendance through nine months of framed to induce the right social pressure in the the year, every Monday and Tuesday mornings Christian society. Some of these rules are, that from 9 to 11, with daily sessions through a period boys may not meet with girls anywhere at night of four weeks twice a year. or in enclosed places, as huts, through the day; and that every Christian is responsible for rebuk- This spring we had the third of these four-week ing and reporting breaches of that rule and will periods in the two Bible schools, the average daily be held by the church as culpable as the offenders attendance being 525. The Epistle to the Hebrews if he does not meet this duty. Sense of personal was taught, with analytical outline, careful exe- and mutual responsibility and keenness of pergesis and application. Blackboard and notebooks sonal and social conscience are developed in this were used, and examinations given. The enthu- way. siasm and the mental and spiritual growth accom- panying that daily work within the cool, spacious In Tangale, as has been mentioned, the girls did grass-roofed buildings, with the high sun's heat not come to services or school until the seventh outside, cannot be computed or verbally conveyed. year of the work. The young men who came, Under what a spell the mystical Melchizedek held besides adjuring the practice of early sexual rela- these black students until, as they gave earnest tions, were taught to wait for domestic partners heed to argument, warning and entreaty, he to until they and the partners-to-be were baptized. their view dissolved into the Divine Prophet- Some did not wait; others did, and gave a noble Priest and they were strengthened and rejoiced lead. One of these first ones waited seven years to follow Him! "The Word to us is mother's from his first confessing Christ to gain a girl nurse," they cried. "Give us more; you stop too baptized one week before their marriage. An- soon! Hurry back!" other, a big muscular fellow who had waited five years from his first testimony, was similarly I have already alluded to the moral situation united then to a baptized Christian maiden. These created by parents in their handling of youth and
THE GOSPEL AMONG PRIMITIVE PEOPLES
weddings had profound effects; as from that time tian lives and their own Heaven-blessed home. the marrying age among believers advanced con- Then there is Shebu, who was living with an siderably, and the stability, security and satisfaction of marriages of baptized to baptized became unmarried woman and had a child by her. Both manifest. began to confess Christ through the testimony of a volunteer teacher. We said they should sepa- The case of one Shombo is interesting. He had rate and prove Christ singly, looking forward to two wives. They all heard the Gospel from an their Christian marriage duly. They stayed apart early convert. Shombo and his second wife, whom twenty months, were instructed and grew in grace he liked the better, came under conviction and and knowledge of Christ, then were baptized and began to confess Christ. They rightly reasoned came together through a Christian marriage. Shombo should have just one wife, and she the one first wedded, no matter that she seemed the THREE COUPLES IN CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE ON THEIR least attractive and had no heart for Christ. It WEDDING DAY. LAYUNGDUNG AND HER HUSBAND took a struggle, but they parted, and the young AT LEFT woman, Layungdung, went to live with her "problem" and her testimony at her brother's. After Glorious results followed in the domestic sphere. some days, finding her brother's wife vexatious, Shebu's mother, sister, two brothers, an aunt and she quarrelled with her, and she, her brother and a cousin all sought the Lord and were baptized. sister-in-law came together to us with their trou- The cousin and the sister have married Christian ble. We were from 7 p. m. till 1 a. m. smoothing men; the two brothers remain unmarried until it out. We counselled forbearance and forgive- they can be suited with baptized wives; Shebu's ness, which Layungdung thought too hard, but at boy, happily named Paul, is choosing wisdom's 12 : 45 a. m. we knelt together and praised God ways; a considerable group in Shebu's hamlet, for victorious grace. Layungdung returned and old and young, and among them an old blind lived with her brother and sister-in-law, till she woman, have been baptized. And Shebu and his saw them confessing Christ and, with herself, wife also serve Christ freely now in a needy out- post. baptized. Pagan men, who could not endure seeing a young woman unattached, pestered her for Christ's Gospel has given to a multitude in marriage, until all attempts ceased because it was Tangale newness of life, a new orientation of publicly known that they had failed. She was mind, soul, spirit and social life and habit. waiting God's time and for a baptized companion. God's time-though after two years-came, and also the companion, a young widower faithful in witness. And these two are one of the couples who, with their family, have sacrificially migrated with the Gospel to an outpost.
Shombo himself now loves his first little wife, who has received salvation and baptism. Both his mother, a former spiritist medium, and his influential seventy-five-year-old father are baptized and in the Church, as is also his younger brother. His children, also, two dear girls, are readers of the Word and happy confessors of Jesus. And in Shombo and his wife we have another couple who have given up all and have gone to an outpost, 20 miles distant, to serve souls with their Chris- A NATIVE EVANGELIST'S APPRECIATION "There are many things that tempt a servant have good chairs to sit on, not just boxes. As a of the Lord," said a native evangelist one Sunday rule they have good looking wives and children. in his preaching to the other evangelists. "For Often they have a horse or a bicycle, too, and yet us black people the spirit of pride is a great dan- with all this you cannot find any pride among ger. However, when I look at the white mission- them on this account. They are just as pleasant aries, then I can't help but thank God for them. and friendly. Yes, I have noticed that the more They may have two or three coats to put on and they have of such things, the more kind they are more than one pair of shoes. Sometimes they to share with us black natives."-Reported by L. have both a sun hat and an ordinary hat. They A. Tweiten, in The Missionary Broadcaster.
in Central
By REV. ANDREW MacBEATH, B.D. I Ii- Baptist Missionary Society, Bolobo, Belgian Congo THEY say that the darkest hour is just before locusts. We turned once again to the Book of the dawn. When things are at their very Joel and read of the locust hordes, and our read- worst we have the more reason to expect a ing took us on to the promise of the outpoured change for the better. January, 1935, certainly Spirit. Little did we realize how near the fulfilwas a dreary, almost a desperate, month in Bo- ment of the latter promise was. The floodtide of lobo, Belgian Congo. Our deacons had sought to blessing began to come in February. resign in a body, and the monthly communion service was suspended until some better under- A young carpenter in mission employ read a standing and confidence was established between little booklet, in the middle of 1934, which told of Sammy Morris, a Kru boy from Liberia, who the church members and their missionaries. Sus- traveled to America with a hungry, overmastering picion and bitter criticism were rife. How was desire to taste the full life that God offers in the it that things had reached this point of strain? Holy Spirit. The story of that boy's hunger for For several years our hearts were burdened the living God, and the brief but glorious course with the low spiritual level of our church fellow- he ran as a fervent evangelist to others, fired our ship. There were twelve hundred communicants, young carpenter's heart. He saw that God does but we felt that very little of sterling quality could not need to wait for worldly advantages of breedbe claimed for their Christian faith. Every ing, wealth or education. Wherever He finds a month a saddening list of names was read out, man ready to concentrate on God and give Him a the names of church members being suspended highway through his life, God has His chance. from fellowship because of some serious moral Our young carpenter brooded over giving God lapse. The white missionary who sought to know such a chance in his life.
the inner side of village life came to feel that there At Christmas a missionary pageant was prewas an impenetrable wall of secrecy which dea- pared by the school children, showing the condicons and deaconesses made it their business to tion of children in many lands. The lads from maintain in front of their white missionaries. At the Pastoral Traini:ng School represented scenes last, in October, 1934, a conference with native from the life of William Carey, showing his paschurch leaders was arranged. It was hoped that sion to take the Gospel to India. The theme song the frank interchange of opinion about the exist- around which the action was grouped was the ing state of things in the church would arouse missionary hymn, "Far, far away, in heathen them to a sense of their responsibility and fur- darkness dwelling." The effect of this missionary ther the cause of cooperation. From the very pageant on the soul of the young artisan dreaming beginning of that conference, the indigenous lead- dreams of serving God with all his powers was to ers met their missionaries in a spirit of antago- bring him to the point of crisis. During the weeks nism. A questionnaire had been prepared to of January an intense inward conflict developed.
stimulate their reflection on some of the unsatis- He dreamed of making Christ known to the farfactory elements in our church life, elements of off heathen, but God told him first to be reconciled evil which quite paralyzed the effectiveness of our to his own father. The struggle robbed him of witness among the heathen. Instead of giving sleep, but he could get no peace until, down on his calm or prayerful thought to the questions at face with tears he promised to buy his father a issue, church leaders and church members turned blanket as a reconciliation present as soon as dayround and told their missionaries some of their light came. The flood of joy that burst over the outstanding failings. young man's heart, once he had given up his con- After that conference three more months troversy with God, knew no bounds. passed, the road winding "uphill all the way." Meanwhile the situation in the church had been Then in January came the ultimatum of resignation from the deacons in a body. And in the end growing almost desperate. To make confusion worse confounded, swarms of locusts were all of January our district was invaded by hordes of around us, wearing us out with the effort to keep [468 ] them from alighting on our gardens. And then The preacher, exhibiting the dinner knives and the young carpenter asked permission to speak in later showing the absurdity of toiling away with public. He was given permission, but the experi- a mere ax head in the hands, showing too the long ence of which he tried to tell was too great for wooden handle inserted in the ax head that enhim. He could not articulate the story. At his sures swift and powerful strokes, was that mornsecond telling of it, he began an exposure of the ing convincing the reason and firing the imaginasecret sins that were destroying the church's life tion of his audience. They saw the truth. And and sapping the vitality of the community. the climax came when he used a pictorial phrase which put his closing appeal in a nutshell. "God A few young men gathered round him in pri- gave each of us two legs," he said, "but we have vate to learn more of what had happened to him. been stupid enough to suppose that with two legs Older men were skeptical and superior. They de- we could travel at the same time on two roads. rided him, especially because his new walk with We church members have had one leg on the way God made it necessary for him to do his daily Heavenward, and with the other leg we have been work conscientiously. Many declared that his traveling the world's way." brain was decaying or that sleeping sickness had him in its grip. Long ingrained habits of secrecy One could almost hear the strokes of a scythe and deceit made our people construe as madness that was gathering in golden sheaves for God's any willingness to admit a fault and confess it. granary. There were over thirty young people One deacon thought he had effectively vanquished who went forward at the close to occupy these the young man's crusade when he showed, as a empty forms on the platform, to signify that they stalwart Protestant, that confession of sin was a were out for the consecrated life that has given peculiarly Roman error! up half-measures and hypocrisy.
But the ferment had been thrown into Bolobo's From that moment we knew that harvest time life. The unheard of began to happen. People had come. We had heard the sound of a going in were disturbed in their dreams or kept from the tops of the mulberry trees, and we knew to sleep by the accusing voices of their sins. Young bestir ourselves. When the men gathered in large men, gathering round our splendid native pastor, numbers in their afternoon service, the appeal were looking up in the New Testament what God was made to the older men and deacons to range had to say about their sins, and the way of release themselves alongside the eager young men who that He offers. On February 24, the church was were pressing forward, and the question was put packed when the morning service began, and we in this form: "Shall the Isaacs offer themselves noticed that the native pastor had arranged some willingly and go up the Moriah road, but shall forms behind him on the platform. These forms Abraham hold back?" The older men explain that remained vacant during the service, and we real- the putting of that question roused them from ized that they were not placed there simply for sleep. At first it puzzled them. What more reuse in case of overcrowding. We had never dared mained for them to do? Were they not church to try an upstanding appeal amid an African members? Had they not been baptized? audience, nor had they ever seen a penitent form. Yet the pastor's inner ear had been prepared to They remained to an aftermeeting, and after hear, and he had come to preach that morning that the group went to the preacher's house, resure of results. Had he himself not come through questing that it be made plain to them what furthe Holy Spirit's searching scrutiny, and found ther gift God was offering them and what further how He burns up all our refuges of lies? Never claim He was making on them. At last hearts did anyone wield more effectively the rapier of were open and ready to take in the truth. God's the Spirit than he did that day. It pierced to the gift of fulness of life in the Holy Spirit was set dividing asunder of joints and marrow. It dis- forth. From that time onward never a day passed cerned the thoughts and intents of many hearts. but souls were coming through crises and conflict to freedom and fulness of joy. Their faces told Showing in one hand a rust-corroded knife and the story before they reached the missionary's' in the other a shining knife of stainless make, the presence. Going to the hospital that night, one pastor asked his audience what kind of Christians heard the sound of weeping in the doctor's private they wanted to be. Bringing out an ax head from room. One of the native male nurses had come under his table, he asked the woodcutters present to confess that he had pilfered medicines from the if, when they felled giants of the forest, they dispensary, and he had brought 25 francs in paywent at their work merely clutching the iron ax ment. People who had been living in enmity were head between their hands; "Hasn't God in His humbling themselves in seeking reconciliation and Holy Spirit offered us a helve for our ax head forgiveness. Stolen articles began to come back which will put force into all our labor in the in a stream. tangled forest of sin that we are to clear away?" A testimony meeting was held Monda.y evening,
and there the thoughts of many hearts were re- transformed by the love of Christ and sitting bevealed. The truth was out, told by black people fore His table to partake of their first communion, themselves. Their sins were finding them out. was to feel that Heaven had come down to earth, Meanwhile prayer and supplication became a and that grace had swallowed up sin and death mighty stream. All who had realized the ending in victory. One could not but think of the aged of life's discord began to pour out their hearts in Simeon and his satisfied request for removal; he intercession for their friends. One knew at last could depart in peace, for his eyes had seen God's what God-inspired prayer is, and how irresistible salvation. With a score of such new-born souls in its sweep. Two missionaries had met with the before us, we realized anew what it means to "denative pastor every morning for two years to pray part in peace." For them Jesus has robbed death for revival, but they were amazed to see how, of its darkness and robbed it of its sting. when revival came, they themselves were carried along as on a mighty stream of prayer. Much more remains to be told. Other mission- aries would learn much if one told of the prob- The evangelistic and missionary passion of the lems and difficulties that the revival created, as young carpenter's heart was communicated to all well as of the marvelous doors it opened and the who tasted the Heavenly gift, and folks in the opportunities it brought. Yet mention must be villages of the hinterland became aware that made of one result which will prove of far-reachsomething had happened because, as they them- ing importance. The revival brought out the censelves put it, young fellows who had formerly trality of the cross as the core of our message. been chiefly interested in swaggering about town It made prayer and Bible study the very breath on a Sunday afternoon in showy clothes and were and daily nourishment of Christians. It brought quite incapacitated for'life by their own conceit, the promise of the Holy Spirit out of the dim and suddenly seemed to feel concern for other people hazy background of truth right into the center of and took the trouble to walk through the forest life as a throbbing reality. And, quite decisively, to other villages to proclaim the good tidings..The it made the triumph of the Resurrection stand out impression was immediate and widespread. There as the corner stone of a Christian message that is was a common impulse to relieve the burdened to win Africa. conscience and the uneasy mind by public confession, and the crowds frequenting the services In the early days of the revival a Christian made it necessary everywhere to enlarge the vil- died, and the way in which the Christians made lage chapels. that funeral a triumph will never be effaced from memory. The problem had hitherto been to per- One of the most wonderful events of all has just suade church members to cut adrift the old had its sequel, a year later. Once the church heathen mourning customs, and we had failed. members cleared their lives of deceit and sham, Wailing and noise and confusion seemed inevitathe heathen became uneasy and stirred in their ble, till on one glorious day the Christians rose sleep, and awoke. The old people, the people most as one man and said, "Never again." That tristeeped in heathenism, began to "ask the way to umphant funeral of a believer has set its seal on Zion with their faces thitherward." Once they the community's life. Now the women gather in had seen fellow villagers who had been reputed to their, brightest clothes, sit in rows around the be Christians really making a clean break with house and sing hymns. Some stay to uphold the witchcraft by bringing out and casting away their chief mourner when the corpse is removed, and secret fetishes, the heathen opened their eyes and all the others follow to the place of burial singing opened their hearts. The story of their awaken- hymns. Who told them to do this? "They shall ing is a constant source of wonder to us. It was be all taught of God." Things we had labored marvelous to see great-grandfathers and great- to .instill into public opinion by preaching and grandmothers in inquirers' classes where the teaching became a public possession overnight. story of Jesus was told to them "simply as to a We who had formerly felt so conscious of labor little child." and sorrow, who had called ourselves workers for God, realized that we were but spectators. "What On Sunday, March 1, the first of these aged hath God wrought!" folks from the town of Bolobo itself were baptized and received into the fellowship of the Into Africa went the Christ twenty centuries ago, when' Church. They numbered twenty. A great crowd gathered on the beach when they were baptized, his own folk sought to slay him. for it was a wonder of wonders to the natives. To see the women who had been most prominent Out of Africa came the Christ, sheltered and safe, to at all heathen funerals and the most adept in all mourning orgies and dances, and well acquainted live his mission and die his death, that the world might with palm wine or sugar cane beer drinking, be saved.
Into Africa may he go again, proclaimed by eager and impelling disciples.
Out of Africa-may Christ come, with a continent fol- lowing after. EMORY Ross.
on the Witness
WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE FOR ME are set forth on a new path of righteousness and By REV. JAMES J. R. JOLOBE, B.A., devotion to higher things.
A survey of the influence of Christ in Africa Presbyterian Church of South Africa cannot, however, be complete without mentioning PERHAPS to one born in a Christian home it education. We owe a debt of gratitude to the may be a little difficult to appreciate fully missionary enterprise for the enlightenment what Christ has done for one; but the life which is rapidly helping us adjust ourselves to from which the Christian religion has helped us modern conditions and to civilized standards of to emerge may help one to realize in some meas- living. It is true there are some who would have us develop along our own lines. If this means ure the gains brought to Africans by embracing preserving all that is good in our past we welcome the Gospel. In the primitive stage of our exist- it. But if it means that we should be content with ence, neutralizing the good things which were a the old primitive life, in other words to be misfits blessing and should be preserved, were attendant in an advancing world, inefficient in an efficient evils ingrained in the social system which, though in a way supporting it, threatened to undermine the vitality of the race mentally and morally.
Among these was superstition. It is only when one actually comes into contact with those en- thralled by this evil that he can appreciate fully what Christ has done and is doing for our people in connection with superstition. The constant fear of imaginary harm, the suspicion engendered against innocent people, and the unwarranted hate against supposed agents of witchcraftthese and many others were the things which were not conducive to the growth of personality.
Christ has liberated us from this bondage and set Africa free to develop to the highest degree with- in her reach.
Again, Christianity has enhanced the value of human personality. On the whole, among our peo- ple life was sacred and the individual had a cer- tain amount of value as a member of a tribe, but REV. JAMES J. R. JOLOBE, B.A. this new religion intensified and widened this conception. In a practical way this was achieved by denouncing polygamy and proclaiming in no un- society-if it means this, we emphatically refuse certain voice that a man should have only one to accept the idea of developing on our own lines. wife. With us, in some cases, several women We feel we have benefited by the assistance of were permitted to one man. This new teaching Christianity, which has helped us, through edu- not only raised the status of woman, but it was cation, to emerge from primitive ideas to a civi- also a blessing to a people who were soon to be lized outlook. We are told, and we see it for ourlaunched into a whirl of economic conditions selves, that it is the fittest that survive under under which a man with a very large family, as modern conditions, and to be fit our race must in polygamous society, would succumb. avail itself of all the best, materially, mentally Africans are human, and being so have their and morally, which mankind has gained down the full quota of the frailties which bring guilt to the ages. Education is doing this for the African, soul, which guilt can only be removed by the for- and we thank the missionaries upon whom this giveness offered man by God, in giving His Son duty devolved for many years past. Even if the to be a propitiation for our sins. Christ has met idea of developing in our own lines were taken in the supreme need of Africa-a Saviour. By the its best sense, we claim that we have a right to cross many are being raised from a low life and know first the universal standards in order that [471 ]
even what is distinctly African may be governed ences, and most unfortunately Africa has im. by them in order to be recognized by the world. proved upon the original. This has resulted in arresting the real work of evangelization, while a I believe the summary of the influence of Christ great deal of energy is being wasted in petty camin Africa is after all a summary of individual ex- paigns of mutual proselyting. Church loyalties periences. If there is an indigenous church grow- are taking the place of loyalty to the Founder of ing up in Africa it is because individual souls the Church. A united church would, I believe, have been touched by the healing hand of Christ. eliminate this, and besides would have greater May I give this witness? I recognize Christ as power and prestige in the eyes of the still nonmy Saviour. He has given me a purpose in life Christian Africa. Moreover, by pooling its reand strength to struggle towards the attainment sources it would be better able to meet the extenof that purpose. Moreover, I am of that class of sion of the rule of Christ. our people which is in the transition stage. These people have inevitably severed their connection But, great as is the need for extensive work, I with many of the old customs and traditions and think the need is greatest for intensive cultivation consequently have lost the salutary restraints de- in church work. The victories won must be solidirived from these, because they were upheld by fied. It grieves one to find that sometimes in old unconvincing sanctions. It was therefore oppor- mission stations, after the second or third gentune that, when these restraints were beginning eration of Christians, a reaction to the old life to be shaken, Christ came and furnished us with sets in. This seems to point to the need of more restraints supported by higher and better sanc- intensive work. To gain this end I think Sunday tions. This saved us from drifting aimlessly. school facilities must be exploited to the full in The best of our people realize more than ever to- Africa. The preparation of candidates for the day that our only salvation as a race and our only full membership of the Church must be long and condition of progress lies in accepting the new thorough, and in the services the preaching must restraint-Christ. In one word, therefore, Christ be more instructive in tone. When people have is my anchor, and not only that, but also my been converted their question naturally is, "What haven, and the wind to help me sail toward that must we do?" The preaching in the churches haven. must seek to answer these questions intelligently and convincingly. From this we can see that, But when we have mentioned all that Christ though it is true that Africa must be evangelized has done for Africa, we find that a great deal still by Africans, she needs a fully trained and well remains to be done. It is true that in Africa educated ministry. Christianity has produced some men of sterling Christian character and women of outstanding In closing may I say that the period we are witness, but the gains registered must be multi- passing through as a people is a difficult one, and plied throughout the whole race. Vast numbers it will take a strong and efficient church to tide of our people live and die without Christ, and this us over it. Our people are rapidly leaving behind points to the need of more extensive evangeliza- the old primitive life. Christianity, education, tion. As the result of missionary activities in- and contact with civilized races are responsible digenous churches are rising up in Africa, but the for this change, and we welcome it. We, however, work still to be done is greater than these bodies regret that with the old order go also the recan accomplish without outside assistance. I be- straints which were furnished by old customs and lieve there is still room for the mother churches traditions. Under these circumstances, therefore, to work among us by guiding the infant churches our hope lies with the Church of Christ. The and by continuing financial help to maintain full- task is big, but we believe that if she addresses time workers in heathen areas. It is just here that herself to it with faith, courage and intelligence our indigenous churches fail. Their funds are she can cope with it. Christ, the Redeemer of the sufficient only to keep going what has already world, is equal to any situation, in any race, and been done, and that with difficulty. They lack the in any age, as He is the same yesterday, today surplus funds for launching aggressive campaigns and forever. of evangelization. Whatever work of this nature is done by them is only on the fringes of their WHAT CHRIST MEANS TO ME pastoral charges. – By BOKARI SABA, However, even with sufficient funds, I believe that the task of evangelizing Africa is beyond a Sangha pres Bandiagara, French Sudan, divided church. The need for union is urgent in French West Africa this country. Europe has rendered us great service by bringing us the Gospel, and we are thankful I AM a fisherman. For years I walked in darkfor this; but with this she has bequeathed to us ness, offering sacrifices to the Water God and a bitter legacy in the form of religious differ- praying Mohammedan prayers, but that did not help me to get rid of my load of sin. One day
AFRICANS ON THE WITNESS STAND
I heard the Word of God-one cannot accept Saviour of the world. Whosoever believeth in God's Word until he hears. I believed that Jesus Him shall not be destroyed, but whosoever does Christ was my Saviour. My load of sin fell off, not believe Him the wrath of God abideth upon and I entered into light. During the first year, him." however, I did not have much strength and still continued to fight with people. Because of this I The commander asked me who was my witness. fasted and prayed. God filled me with the Holy I did not have anyone with me, so I replied, "Com- Spirit and gave me power in my life. mander, I am doing the will of God. I have no witness here, but God is my witness. He sees my I returned to my father's house, and my people work." The commander bowed his head for a wanted me to join in sacrificing a black goat to time and then replied: "I do not see any lie in the Water God as is their custom. I told them you, but I cannot let you go as you have two witthat Jesus gave His life for the world and we nesses against you. I will give you five days in should not offer sacrifices any more. They said I prison." I prayed to God that He might give me would not gain any fish. I replied that I knew wisdom to look to Jesus, and He helped me in a that He whom I follow would help me. However, wonderful way. Good food was sent in for me, my heart was burdened as I had been away from and He caused the guard to trust me, putting me my country for some time and was no longer over several other men during the working hours. skilled in spearing fish and drawing in the net. But best of all I was able to preach to the other We began to fish. I fell into the water three times, prisoners, and two accepted Christ. I was reand they all laughed. I prayed to God and asked leased after five days, but returned once more to Him to give me sense. I did not fall into the the prison to further testify about Jesus to those water again, and before morning my boat was full who had accepted Him. of fish. Everybody was astonished, as I had gained more than they all. I went back to my father's house during the rice harvesting season, and while there received a My arm became swollen, and everybody said it letter asking me to come to Sangha. From the was because I had not made a sacrifice. I said, beginning of my life I had always been near the "Jesus, Thou art my doctor. Here is my arm." water and now I was asked to go away from the It healed quickly and did not hinder me from river, to the rocks of Sangha. I said, "God, let working at all. Thus God strengthened my faith Thy will be done," but Satan tempted me, saying, in Him. "How will you, a fisherman, live if you do not get any fresh fish." When I prayed, God said to me, One day I received a letter requesting me to go "Look at the cross of Jesus, how He died for you." to the San district to tell others about Jesus. I At that time I worshiped God for thus showing prayed for three days and God showed me that me the love of Jesus, and my heart was at rest. He had work for me there. With my wife, Pali, Here at Sangha I do not get any fresh fish, but and two children I went to San, about 250 miles joy is in my heart always. God has blessed me from my home. There my little boy, Mousa, be- among the rocks and in the plains. In numbers came very ill. I prayed and said, "Lord, let Thy of villages there are those who have now heard will be done, not mine." We took the child to the the message of salvation and have repented, burndoctor and he treated him, but the third day the ing their Mohammedan and fetish charms. I child died. The tears flowed, but God lifted the thank God that He helped me, in the Name of the burden so that I could say, "Thank God, Thou Lord Jesus. who has given hast taken away. Bernde am woyi konno bernde am dyalli." (My heart cried, but At Sangha, too, we have had our testings, but my heart laughed). I knew that my Lord had God has given deliverance time after time. One given His life for me. My heart was sweet for I day a Mohammedan teacher from Mecca, and knew God was the rewarder. To this day the greatly revered, passed by our house. When he Lord is blessing mightily in that district, and saw that my wife was pregnant he said, "Take s,cores of souls have found Christ as their Sav- out a sacrifice and give it to me or your wife will iour. I know it was not by my power or thought, 'die." I replied, "I will never take out a sacrifice but by the power of the Holy Spirit. Before I again, for the Lord Jesus is my sacrifice." Anleft this place God had given me another child. other Mohammedan teacher came, and in my ab- sence gave a charm and holy water to PalL When Later I was sent to the Dedougou Circle to I came home she showed them to me and I said, testify. Here Satan caused two men to tell lies "This is Satan's work." I tore the writing and about me to the French commander. One Sunday broke the bottle. I prayed to God to give me while I was preaching a guard came and seized power over Satan. I called the Mohammedan and me. I did not know what I had done and was talked with him, and the next day he left the coundeeply burdened, but I was conscious that Jesus try. One Sunday morning while I was preaching was with me. The commander asked me what I I asked the people to pray for PalL Before the was teaching, and I said: "Jesus is the Lord, the
service closed a Christian woman came with the At the time of my birth my father and mother news, "Praise God, Pali is delivered." All were were in the Catholic religion. I was also baptized surprised, saying, "Even before we finished in that faith and received the name Augustine.
speaking God worked." All the town who knew When I grew up and saw their works I perceived about the prophecy of the big Mohammedan that they had very many objects of worship, teacher marveled and came to greet Pali. Thank Jesus, Mary, Peter and many like them. They do God, I know that His blessing is with me at not give God's Word to men. And also, I was Sangha, and this increased our faith in Him. taught that one can give money to "the father,"
The Habbe people of Sangha as a tribe are who is able to grant him a period of time in fetish worshipers, and they too tempt us. Last which he may commit any sin he likes and he will month, as their big yearly celebration drew near, pray for him. A religion like that does not save their representative, Antando, met me on the one. I forsook that forever.
path. He said, "Bokari Saba, I have come to ask After that I entered Mohammedanism and re- you something hard, but something easy." mained in it for seven years. I saw in that also I said, "Is it peace?" that one could commit any sin he liked, just as He replied: "Peace. We have inquired from long as he was faithful in doing the salaams five the sacred fox, and he says that a fisherman is times a day, facing the East. Why? Because to open our celebration this year. If you will kill there is a stone in Mecca which is the big Moham- the chicken as a sacrifice and walk around our medan object of worship, and Mohammed's grave.
idol three times we will give you grain and They give one a charm called lisimoun, to put on chickens. " for a protection. When I heard the Word of Light I said: "Antando, if I could I would break and took account of my ways, I saw that we wor- down your idol to say nothing of worshiping it. shiped nothing less than Satan and idols, and bur- Do not talk to me again about this matter. I am dened ourselves with much we could not carry.
a fisherman, you a Habbe. Weare sister tribes. Mohammedan teachers also say that we must not Anything in my house that you want you can observe their works, but believe the word of the come and take, but do not speak to me about hon- Koran only. Why? Because their works are evil.
oring your idol. If I have my way, I will destroy There is no end to secret matters with them in it." such a religion of deception. I forsook that for- Praise God, I will not approach a fetish again ever. It does not save one.
with a sacrifice, for I know that Jesus Christ, I saw truth and love in Jesus, which are not in whom I love, is my sacrifice. I need chickens any other road. What is God's will? "And this and grain, but God gave me strength to refuse is the will of my Father, that everyone that be- them when offered in this manner. holdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should Pray much for me that I may not look at the have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the things of the world. I do not have any strength last day" (John 6: 40). I also saw that trouble of myself, but I know God will give it to me as I and persecution were with Jesus on earth.
pray to Him. He has given me His promise that "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep whatsoever I ask in the Name of the Lord Jesus and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye I shall gain. The promise stands true. God has shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be given me the witness in my heart. Praise God turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail because of the blood of Jesus, for the blood of hath sorrow, because her hour is come; but when Jesus took off the old garment of sin from my she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no neck and gave me a new garment of righteous- more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born ness. I want to go forward doing His will till into the world" (John 16: 20-21).
He come. Amen. I saw another thing on the Jesus road which is not in any other road. If a person says to you, WHY I ACCEPTED CHRIST "Throwaway your coat," but does not give you By JEAN KEITA, a new one, will you not take the old one again? But if he gives you a new one, you will have no Siguiri, French West Africa use for the old one. Praise the Lord because He THE first thing I saw in Jesus was a revela- gives His own a new spirit and helps him to con- tion of myself. I saw that Jesus is the light, quer himself, Satan and the world, and enables· myself a sinner. The works of darkness him to walk with God. Otherwise none of us filled my heart; I did not know that I was so could walk God's road. "But ye are not in the wicked until Jesus showed me myself. After I flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of saw His love and goodness I earnestly desired God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not Him, but I could not have Him until I forsook my the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Romans own will and the love of the world. 8: 9). SOME TYPES OF WEST AFRICAN WOMEN The Gospel and the Women of West Africa By JEWEL H. SCHWAB Presbyterian Mission, Cameroun, West Africa I N ORDER to appreciate the changes the Gos- fear of malignant spirits always hovering about pel has wrought in the lives of the women of at the stream or in the forest at sundown, or at that part of West Africa with which we are midnight in the hamlet, waiting to seize her or familiar, a brief survey of their state before the her children; fear of childlessness, that she be "Words of God" came to them is essential. without anyone to care for her in her advancing years-fear might be said to have been the Zeit Significant are these words spoken by the at- motif of their lives. Also significant is the sobritendants when a girl child is born, U tan u tora, quet applied to a girl child in contrast to that of ba koba we u hemle, which translated means, a boy. The latter is known kek Ii njok, the molar "Deny, deceive, but if they catch you in the act, confess." A woman must always be on the de- tooth of an elephant-a prized possession; a girl, fensive, and so as one of her weapons she is ad- kop ba sem-a fowl to be sold or sacrificed.
vised by her sex from birth to admit nothing un- Thus was bred in Basa womankind an inferior- less actually found out. Fear of what might fol- ity complex, a secretiveness and a suspicion mak- Iowa confession of being the host of a witch, thus ing for a conservatism that has in the past acted unwittingly causing the sickness or death of hus- as a barrier to their acceptance of the Gospel. It band, relative or child; fear of consequences, such was youth, their sons, those prized possessions as wounds inflicted, being hung over the fire by who attended mission schools, who first success- the thumbs, if angering her husband; fear of be- fully broke down the barriers and won them to ing killed or buried alive if her husband died; the hearing of the Gospel and later the surrender- [475 ] ing of their hearts. A Basa boy's best friend is stretched, preventing them from going on. Her his mother; as the Basa proverb has it, "A son husband said to the apparition, "Are you blocking does not exchange his mother for the most beauti- the path because of my sins? If so, then let my ful girl," and so he wishes to share his "pearl of wife pass; her heart is cleaner." She went on, great price" with her particularly. As the "Good and the beauty of that better life was unfolded to News of the Words of God" became more widely her and the time when she would inherit it was known and accepted, women of their own volition revealed. Some time later Ngo Tjomp's husband began to follow the "path of God," making their died and was given a Christian burial, but the choice deliberately, confessing their sins openly fact that both she and her husband had been and fearlessly that they might begin their jour- Christians for many years did not prevent some ney with a clean heart, putting their trust in God of his relatives and friends from taunting her. that He would sustain them. A friend came to sit with her one day, as is cus- One such woman was cruelly beaten by her hus- tom during the nine-day period immediately folband. "Are you sorry you confessed?" she was lowing death, but instead of speaking words of asked. She replied, "My body is sorry because it comfort she accused Ngo Tjomp of desiring the is full of pain, but my heart is glad because for death of her husband, and even of being the cause the first time I have found peace." Her husband of it. Ngo Tjomp sat with bowed head, silent continued for a month or more to beat her each under the abuse, missing her husband, who altime she returned from attending service in the ways had been her helpmeet on the farm, and little chapel built on the outskirts of their village. shared the burden of carrying firewood and food over the long narrow path back to their hamlet. AFRICAN WOMEN ON THEIR WAY TO MARKET Months passed; then late one afternoon Ngo Tjomp appeared, her face radiating a new-found Daily he picked up the earthen pot containing tid- peace. "0 mother," she said, addressing her misbits she had prepared for him and smashed it to sionary friend, "Christ says, 'Bless those who perbits on the floor. He expected her to become secute you'; He has given me strength to follow angry, to refuse to bring him his daily food, but this teaching. Ngo Ngaga [the one who had she was silent and respectful always, each day taunted her] has an ulcer on her foot. She canbringing another pot or dish of well cooked food not leave her house. I gave her a copper to buy for him. Finally he succumbed. If her Christ medicine for it and prayed with her that God was able to· inspire such endurance and love in would bless and heal her." His disciples He must be worth knowing. Today this man may be seen coming out from under the Tjega stood tall beside his buxom little wife at overhanging eaves of his little brown hut, when the altar, each with a child in arm, a boy and a the call drum's clipped tones break the hushed girl, to consecrate the twins to the Lord. "We silence of grey dawn, together with his wife and have named the boy Moses," beamed the mother, children, to join the line of worshipers filing along "for we are giving him to God that he may lead the path on their way to morning prayers. Woman his people on the path that goes to our Father's is not only becoming emancipated from her fears town." Eight years previously Ngo MbOt had and developing a will and ideas of her own, but mothered another little lad, not her own, but a in this new freedom that is hers the heart of the weazened six-month-old starveling that had been Christian woman, bathed in the warm sunshine nourished on palm wine since the death of its of Divine love, is slowly unfolding, developing into mother. When he was brought to the mission staa sweet scented flower of wondrous beauty. tion a wet nurse was sought for the child in vain. Noone was willing to risk illness or death for her- Ngo Tjomp had a dream. She and her husband self or children, which is believed to be meted out were walking along a lovely level, grassy clearing to the foster mother by the angered spirit of the in the forest when suddenly an arm appeared, out- dead mother. Finally Ngo MbOt was approached. She replied, "I am in the Lord's hands. I do not fear. With His help I will care for the child as my own," and she took the child. A few months after this she became quite ill. Her neighbors predicted her death, and it was ,suggested that she return the child or refuse to nurse it. To all this. advice she merely said with unshaken faith, "God has put this child in my care. He will take care of all of us." And He did.
"I am going down to my son's town to die," as she hobbled along the forest path under giant trees, meaning she would stay for the rest of her
THE GOSPEL AND THE WOMEN OF WEST AFRICA
life. Her only child, a boy, she had left many girls sell food they have raised and prepare and years ago in the town to which she was now so carry palm oil and palm kernels to trading cen- eagerly hastening, when she ran off with another ters. man to his hamlet. So many years had rolled by since then that she had forgotten her misdeed and This new found freedom for women is a bless- thought only of the fact that she had a son, flesh ing only in so far as it is a controlled freedom, of her flesh and bone of her bone, who would care consecrated to the Lord. Only those whose lives for her in her last years. How her heart sang as have been given direction and an ideal for which she thought of the greeting awaiting her after to strive are going to be benefited by it. A girl this long separation! In anticipation she was from one of our Eastern colleges remarked that warming her stiffening joints at the comfortable she would like to go to Africa to do welfare work fire under the roof of her boy's home. How she among the women and girls, but it must be solely strained her eyes as she neared the town for a welfare work entirely divorced from religion. possible glimpse of him! At last she saw him in There has been a tendency to consider social servthe court of his hamlet. "0 my heart, my son, my son, your mother has come! Your own Courtesy of The Missionary Herald. mother who bore you, she has come! Myself, it is she !" Her son, grown to manhood, made sure he ice as sufficient to raise a people to a higher level had heard aright and then turned his back on the of living; but it has been our experience, and the approaching woman and entered his palaver experience of others who have lived and worked house. She had deserted him when he needed with African women, that it is the woman who her, now let her suffer. has been won for Christ first who is susceptible to suggestions and willing to improve her living Heartbroken, she threw her old wrinkled body conditions. Without the stimulation which comes on the ground and sobbed forth her disappoint- from a changed and purified inner spiritual life ment and humiliation. Soon a crowd gathered. she is not willing to defy age old customs and The son forbade anyone to take her home to care habits, be they ever so unhygienic. The African for her, threatening them with a heavy fine if they woman must first be led to the feet of the Master, did so. The Christian women in the community who alone can set all captives free, before she can tried to intercede for her. He was deaf to all en- help to win Africa for Christ. treaties. Finally they told him that, if he refused to care for her, they as Christians could not let her suffer. Suiting action to word they built a little house for her, carried firewood and food to her daily, succeeding at length in lighting the fires of another love, a greater love, in this African woman's heart.
Economically there have also been great changes. Laws governing marriage and divorce, the opening up of roads giving free communication and the establishing of courts with the final appeal to the European officer, who tries to decide cases justly, has made for a measure of freedom for womankind. But this freedom, unless controlled by inner promptings of the heart, is not entirely beneficial, as is indicated by the flocking of girls and young women to trade centers to become "company women"-prostitutes now licensed and inspected by the government. The young woman running away from home and husband, who greeted Miss Mackenize on the path one day with, "Mornin' Matches, I am flee!" was one of the many who are turning this freedom into license-freedom to flee from home and responsibilities. As women must pay a government tax as well as men, those whose husbands do not provide for them-and they are manymust earn money to pay it, as well as buy the clothes necessary for themselves and sometimes for their children. To do this the women and
Church of Christ in
By RT. REV. J. J. WILLIS Recently Bishop of Uganda; Assistant Bishop of Leicester THE story of Christian missions in Uganda is It was through the influence of Stanley that one of the best known of all the romances of Mutesa's famous appeal to Christian England the mission field. Few missions have, in their came to be written. The appeal, published in the early days, come nearer to disastrous failure; few Daily Telegraph in 1876, led to the sending out by have, in so short a time, achieved a more con- the Church Missionary Society, in 1877, of the spicuous success; few have exhibited on so large first missionary party, to be followed two years a scale the perils of an easy triumph; and none, later by the first representatives of the Roman perhaps, have shown more clearly the hand of God Catholic White Fathers' Mission. Himself guiding, preserving, and out of weakness making strong. The early effort came perilously near to dis- aster. Of the eight men who formed the original To Krapf and the pioneer German missionaries party at one time only one was left in Uganda. in East Africa, in the early half of last century, Under pressure from the Arab traders and his must betraced the impetus which led to the dis- own pagan and Moslem chiefs, Mutesa again and covery of the Victoria Nyanza, and, on its north- again wavered in his loyalty to the mission which western shores, the kingdom of Buganda. The had come to the country on his invitation and as first European traveler to enter Buganda was his guests; he remained on the whole friendly, Speke, in 1861. He was followed in 1875 by H. but never himself joined the Christian Church. M. Stanley. Both men were impressed with the When he died, and his son, Mwanga, reversed his outstanding qualities of the people of Buganda father's policy, and turned savagely on the deand the possibilities of their country. Brave, in- fenseless infant Church, when the missionaries telligent, highly organized and disciplined, they were expelled from the country, and the Chrishad long since passed from the patriarchal stage tians scattered and in hiding, it looked as if the to the monarchical. Clothed from head to foot, Christian effort were doomed to failure. If the clean, and with perfect manners, they presented hand of God may be seen in the discovery of a striking contrast to the surrounding tribes. Uganda and in the visit, at the critical moment Speke saw at once the possibilities of such a peo- of Stanley, it is seen even more clearly in the surple from the point of view of civilization; but vival of the Church, when, without European Stanley realized the possibilities of this dominant leaders, and with nothing more than a single Gosrace, led by a progressive and all-powerful king, pel, St. Matthew, to inspire, it passed through the from the point of view of the Kingdom of God. fires of persecution, and emerged a larger and a Such a people, brought under the obedience of stronger Church than at the beginning. "The Christ, would, he saw, be an incalculable influence bush burned with fire, and the bush was not conthroughout central Africa. sumed," because God Himself was in it.
Buganda, or in its Anglicized form, Uganda, Since those early days of persecution the was at heart pagan. But at the time of Stanley's Church in Uganda has passed through many vavisit a thin veneer of Mohammedanism had been ried experiences. Three religions have struggled, laid :<,)Ver the country. Arab traders had influenced as in so many parts of Africa, for supremacy, and the King, or Kabaka, Mutesa, and under his the victory of Christianity over its rivals has, to orders chiefs and people had hastened to declare all appearances, been complete. In Buganda today themselves Moslem. But all was as yet superficial; paganism is almost out of sight, and Moham- Uganda was still malleable, and had not yet hard- medans are a small minority. Christianity has ened into the bigoted hostility of a Moslem state; been divided as-a house against itself; Protestants but had Stanley come later, or had he been a man and Roman Catholics have fought one another in of a different type, the whole future of the coun- a war which was at least as much political as retry would have been strangely different. Stanley ligious. Again the "French" party, the Roman arrived at the right psychological moment, and, Catholics, have combined with the "English" by sheer personal influence turned the tide and set party, the Protestants, in common hostility to the it in the direction of Christianity. Mohammedan and pagan parties. At one time a [478 ] Moslem king, at another a pagan and at another missions are working independently over the same a Christian, has sat on the throne. ground. There are three strong Roman Catholic But steadily and increasingly Christianity has missions, a French mission, an English mission, won its way, and no one could question the domi- and an Italian mission. These divide up the coun- nant position it now occupies in the thought and try between them; but the native Anglican life of the people, not only of Buganda but of all Church organization covers the whole area, and the surrounding tribes, for a radius of hundreds the Synod of the Church is representative of every of miles. The first two bishops of Eastern Equa- part of the Protectorate.
torial Africa died before reaching Uganda. Bishop Hannington was murdered, in the time of the per- secution, in 1885, within sight of Uganda; Bishop Parker died of fever on his way to the country.
When the third bishop, Tucker, reached Uganda, in 1890, the adherents of the Church Missionary Society mission numbered a bare 200; when he retired in 1911 they numbered 70,000.
For years the work was confined to the imme- diate vicinity of the capital, Mengo (or Kam- pala) ; today the furthest occupied stations lie 600 miles away, in Belgian Ruanda and Urundi, and the whole intervening country is covered with a network of churches, schools, hospitals, dispen- saries and welfare centers. Great cathedrals, Anglican and Roman Catholic, crown the hill tops in the capital; Christian teaching permeates the thousands of schools which have brought educa- tion within the reach of practically every child in the country; Christian homes are beginning to make their influence felt in the new world which has been created. It is difficult to realize that Christianity is still such a new thing in Uganda and that men and women are still living who themselves passed through the furnace of perse- cution in the days of Mwanga.
It is worth while considering what it is to which, under God, this very remarkable change is due, for to Uganda has been given a success out- ward and visible not ordinarily given to missions.
1. The Kingdom of Uganda occupies a strategic position in Africa. Its people are a people of out- standing natural intelligence, a dominant race.
The seed was sown on fertile ground. TEACHING CHILDREN IN AFRICA 2. Christianity in Uganda was first in the field.
Western civilization, with its more materialistic 5. British rule, again, has created conditions al- outlook, followed later. European and African most ideally favorable to missionary work. Doubt- first met on the higher spiritual plane, a fact less Christians missions would have survived and which has colored all their subsequent relation- in the end would have won their way, but it would ships. have been impossible for the Gospel to advance 3. The Christian appeal was first made, as in with anything like the same rapidity had there England, to the king and chiefs. Missions en- been no British administration in the country.
tered Uganda on the invitation of Mutesa, and the Law and order, communications with the outside missionaries were there as his guests. Christian world by railway, internal communications by chiefs have been from the first the acknowledged road, active cooperation in education, the sympa- leaders and whole-hearted supporters of the thetic attitude of officials, general prosperity and Church in Uganda. Their influence among their industrial development have all contributed to- people has been a decisive factor in evangeliza- wards the progress of the Gospel. What the Ro- tion, in education and in medical development. man government meant to Christianity in the first 4. Uganda has been kept from those difficult century, as it swept along the highways of com- problems which arise when a variety of different merce and captured the strategic centers of civi-
lization, that, and much more, has British admin- of the Church. Indeed the whole history of that istration meant to the Church in Uganda. Church might be written around the names of its 6. The Bible has from the first held a pre-emi- leaders, some of them men of outstanding ability, nent place in the life of the native Church. It some men of no obvious importance, yet made was Stanley who first brought before Mutesa the great by the Spirit who dwelt in and inspired Book on which his own faith rested. Mutesa's them. And in that succession of leaders not the first question to the first missionary party to ar- least have been those saints and humble men of rive was, "Have you brought the Book?" Chris- God, as Apolo Kivebulaya, of the Pygmy Forest, tian converts have always been known in Uganda whose simple faith and utter devotion have been as "readers." From the time of Pilkington, in the very life blood of the Church.
1897, the Baganda have had the whole Bible in The natural advantages of the country, the con- their own vernacular. It has been translated in ditions created by a strong and sympathetic gov- whole or in part into at least ten languages in the ernment, the personality of the leaders, the policy Protectorate. No adult convert may be baptized adopted, all these have had their place in the prog- (unless manifestly too old to learn) unless he is ress of the Gospel in Uganda, but above all there able to read the Gospels in his own language. The has been the hand of God Himself, and few mis- Bible, read in the homes and taught in all the sions in the world have called forth more interest schools, is molding the character of the rising and sympathy and prayer than has Uganda; to generation. The voluntary abolition of slavery, that prayer is due whatever of the seeming suc- the social uplift of the women, the eager evangel- cess proves to be real and permanent.
ization of hitherto hostile tribes, the devotion and But rapid success carries with it inevitably its self-sacrifice shown in medical service, have all own dangers. An East African Bishop, visiting been inspired directly by the study of the Book. Uganda, summed up his impressions in the words The place given to the Bible goes far to explain of the Queen of Sheba: "'The half was not told the decisive influence of the Church Missionary me'; the best and the worst exceed all that I had Society in Uganda. heard." It is fatally easy, in our appreciation of 7. The Church in Uganda is essentially a native the success, to lose sight of the other side of the church. Very early in its history, when it was account. But when Christianity has become popu- still in its infancy, European leadership was per- lar, when a mass movement, led by Christian force withdrawn, and all through the dark days chiefs, is sweeping over the country like a prairie of persecution the Church had to depend, under fire, when a Christian name is almost necessary to God, on itself. Church councils have played a con- any social status; and Christian education is the spicuous part all through its history-parochial highway to promotion, it would be strange indeed councils, diocesan councils, synods, in all of which if Christianity kept pure. Like weeds, springing natives form an overwhelming majority. The al- up with the first rains, old superstitions and old ready existing native political organization, with immoral practices that had seemed dead spring its system of native courts and native chiefs, made again to life. Converts who have endured without the organization of a self-governing church a com- flinching the ordeal of persecution fail and dis- paratively easy matter; and Bishop Tucker's,,·su- appoint under the harder test of popularity and preme contribution was the organization of a prosperity. Familiarity with holy things may Church which was entrusted with real responsi- easily breed contempt, and a generation arises bility and was, to a marked degree, "self-sup- which is Christian not by conviction but by birth.
porting, self-governing, and self-extending." The further the boundaries of the Church are 8. The Uganda Mission has been blessed with a extended the more difficult becomes the task of succession of missionary leaders whose names effective shepherding. And, with the introduction have become household words; Bishop Hanning- of Western civilization, counter attractions mul- ton, the martyr bishop, who by his tragic death tiply, and temptations become inevitably greater.
on the threshold of his life work accomplished A church in its adolescent stage needs perhaps more perhaps than might have been effected in a not less, but more, care than a church in its early long life; Alexander Mackay, the Scottish mis- childhood; it is less interesting, but its position sionary, who was the life and inspiration of the is more dangerous.
Church in the days of its martyrdom, who worked A great work has been done in Uganda. The for fourteen years without once returning home Gospel has proyed its power in the face of bitter and died at his post; George Pilkington, who in opposition; it is left to us, in our day and genera-'
seven short years gave the Baganda the Bible in tion, to see that the ground so hardly won is not their own language, and when his life work was lost, and that the Church in Uganda is so trained done was killed in his thirty-third year; and many and equipped that it may fulfill in Africa the great another lesser known man and woman whose per- task that now lies before it, that the purpose of sonalities inspired and molded the growing life God in it and through it may be realized.
Progress and the
By REV. JOHN M. SPRINGER, D.D.
Bishop for Africa of the Methodist Episcopal Church I s MODERN material progress a bane or a into cloth, and molded clay into pots for cooking blessing to the African? Like so many other and for containers. The more skilful blacksmiths questions, the answer cannot be a mere un- attained the making of razors, needles and other qualified yes or no. Losses of one sort are bal- fine tools. Cotton was quite widely found and was anced by gains of another, and gains are balanced spun into thread, and here and there looms were by losses. A brief consideration of the typical vil- fashioned to make cotton cloth. Many different lage and economic life of the African is necessary musical instruments were made to express the inin order to come to a right judgment of the ques- nate melody of African souls to while away the tedium of the journey or of idle hours and to give tion. rhythm to the dance. But, nevertheless, the life The African maintained a fairly uniform and of the African was simple in the extreme. He sat on the ground, he slept on the ground, he ate from unchanged status of existence for undetermined the ground. His cattle, when he had any, were of generations. His was a self-contained economic little or no industrial use. They supplied meat for order; he needed no intercontinental or international commerce to supply his few necessities; they were obtained locally. The neighboring tribe in most cases was as far as he needed to go to barter for things he required. If no trader from outside his own community came his way, it usually did not matter much. His necessary tools were few, a hoe, an axe, a knife, the latter length- ened to a spear. His ancestors had come to a continent where iron ore is found in nearly all parts and in high and low grades. If some tribe chanced to settle where not even the low grade iron was to be found, necessity for tools would drive them to a tribe more fortunately situated. Or members of that more fortunate tribe or else professional traders would be stirred by the commercial in- stinct to wander afield with their wares. In the NATIVE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS village spaces. or at the recognized market centers Three primitive "pianGs" – marimbas with wooden keys and or by the wayside there would be dickering and gourds of various sizes bargaining, and the trader in due time would depart with a few goats or chickens, or with mats, his feasts and constituted units of value for marpots, and so on, made by local artisans. But to riage portions, to pay fines or to purchase articles. affect this exchange it was necessary as a rule to contact only a neighboring tribe. Was the African content with his mode of Africa is widely and, as a whole, abundantly existence? To many a passing visitor who saw supplied with raw materials, thus constituting a him in his casual, lighter moods and chanting in rich prize that Europe covets, has sought for and his moonlight dances he has seemed to be happy. is still haggling over. The African, though more But to those that have penetrated below the sur- or less belated in industrial development, has the face and have seen his response to a fuller life, rudiments of all the arts and industries in his ele- it has been revealed that deep down there was a mentary life. With his primitive tools, hoe, axe great restlessness and discontent. As a result, and knife, he has gotten his food from the ground with the early trader who penetrated Africa, bear- -not forgetting that in Africa it is the woman ing articles of trade – cloth, blankets, beads for with the hoe-his meat from the veldt, his honey ornament, mirrors, soaps, scents, modern hoes and from the hollow tree; he constructed his home, guns of wonderful power – there came to the vil- • prepared grass and other fibers and wove them lagers an urge to possess these things that started [481 ]
a procession of youths out from the villages. This grass or harsh bark cloth, and wanting clothing, change has come to be so widespread that it is the not only for comfort and utility, but for ornament rare village that has not contributed its quota to as well. The supporters of the second thesis of the modern army of industrial workers in Africa. the old time debate as to whether man first wore And it was not merely to secure these new articles clothing for utility or for ornament would in that Africans left the old life. In the cases of Africa find much to sustain his contention that very many there was an attraction and a holding the vanity of man has more than a little to do with power in the employment he found with the Euro- determining his attire. pean, in kitchen, on trek, on farm, in shop, that So there has been an enlarging number and held him through years of service. The dull and variety of articles of foreign manufacture de- nonprogressive round of village life had no fur- manded by the African, and notably by his wife, ther fascination for him. until today they are customers, not only in the Has the new day brought with it more of bane "Kaffir Store," the store for natives, but also in or of blessing? We need to consider this subject the stores kept primarily for Europeans, and the as it concerns not only the stay-at-home villager range, quality and extent of their purchases of arand the village life, but also the natives, including ticles of world production are limited only by the the women, that join the urban mining and indus- amount of cash in hand or by the credit they can obtain. As to tools, from using almost exclusively crude homemade ones, today in many villages it is hard to find any homemade tools, and the sub- stitution of imported ones is extending across the continent.
The sons of the Lomani blacksmiths who used to win their iron from bog deposits, transform it into steel in their crude furnaces and turn out from their very simply equipped smithies well wrought tools and implements are mainly the ones who are tending the blast furnaces at Lubumbashi and Panda. They are skilled in handling daily hundreds of tons of ore, instead of making the few simple articles that rewarded their labor of many OLD POTTERY, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE BASIN, days as they toiled with their fathers. The clay IN WHICH THE DAMP POT RESTS cooking pot has given way to the aluminum one, the earthen water jar is superseded by the enamel trial group. The two cannot be wholly separated bucket or pitcher, the grass basket is being rebecause of the constant movement back and forth placed by the wide enamel basin. And so has disof the individuals and of groups. appeared the demand for one native article after another. A missionary living close to the people Consider the village life first of all. The articles and who was keenly alive to what was happening of daily use have changed almost completely with- in village life stated that one art and industry in a generation. Europe not only wants raw ma- after another was rapidly being dropped and disterials for the factories manned by her teeming appearing entirely from the life of the people. populations, but she wants markets, and she seeks these markets keenly. To have these markets dis- Dame Fashion also steps in and holds sway in turbed and lost brings consternation, and some- Africa as among all other humans. When one times decisive action. For decades Italy supplied woman in a village becomes possessed of one of the larger portion of the fabrics purchased by these new and more desirable articles, a spirit of Abyssinians. A few years ago Japan invaded that envy is at once awakened in that community and market and largely captured it, as she has done continues until everyone has the same article. in other parts of Africa, to go no farther afield. Blue beads of a certain sort once ruled the day. Who will say to what extent the loss of this There was a change of style, and we not only market may have been a factor leading to Italy's found our stock useless for barter, but the dames recent decision and policy and the course she pur- and damsels of those interior villages, so remote sued? Think of a market such as Africa offers, that they were-"back of beyond," disdained to do' a hundred million and more people scantily more than glance at them and refused to accept clothed at best, many not clothed at all, but all them even as gifts. wanting clothing and blankets, and a goodly supply of all, and preferring to purchase the imported Not only in the industrial realm has life changed, but also in the tribal and social. The article as against the homemade fabric of coarse old primitive life was not wholly bad by a good
MATERIAL PROGRESS AND THE AFRICANS
deal. It is the rare tribe that has not had some edge and by the experiential mastery of forces good traditions and customs which were definitely and causes, will not do it. The instance is known taught to the youth, male and female. There was of a native who, unchanged as many are from an initiation which took place usually no later their old animistic beliefs, but skilled in detecting than during the age of puberty. Some features faults and frictions in very complicated machinof it were good, some decidedly bad. During re- ery and used to applying scientific tests all day cent decades it has been the rare youth who was to locate the trouble, returned to his hut one night in his village during this period, so, on his return to find his wife ill. What was causing her sickfrom industrial centers, he has been in no small ness? Not having accepted the Christian faith sense a stranger, unrelated to the community life he was stilI gripped by the old idea of spirit posand interests. So he has often made light of the session and, disregarding the medical service proold ways and customs and displayed his knowl- vided by his company, he sought out a witch docedge of the new ways of the town to advertise his tor, practicing secretly now, to smell out the witch own self-importance. In the old life there were that was causing the trouble. That is but a typirestraints generated by the fear of evil spirits, it cal case. is true. With those fears lessened or eliminated by new associations the individuals violated old The native woman joining the industrial group customs and codes. So was lost, in measure, re- is placed in particular temptation through the spect for elders, devotion to tribal affairs and in- transition from an economic order, in which she terest in tradition. Formerly thieving from strangers was approved, particularly if done so OLD S TAMPING MORTARS AND BASKETS. NOTE BICYCLE cleverly that the thief was not caught; but fear AND MODERN CLOTHES of known charms of alleged potency used by neighbors and the desire to live at peace in the was the main tiller of the soil, needing to grow home village largely worked for the protection of food for herself, for her children, and more or less property in the community. for her husband according to the number of wives he had, to the conditions obtaining in the Euro- As regards material blessings of this new age pean centers. Here, if married, she needs only to of industrial penetration of Africa, until the de- cook the meal, meat and other food rationed out . pression took away so largely, at least for a time, for her husband and his family. The firewood, the markets for labor and for produce, the Afri- formerly gathered mostly by herself, is generally cans were moving steadily toward a more abun- provided. Water is piped to near-by faucets, and dant life. The people, even the children, were she has a minimum of general work to do. "Satan being clothed quite generally, some of them elabo- still finds mischief for idle hands to do." And rately. There was developed a sense of ability mischief aplenty abounds in these centers. As for to do things, as the rawest villagers became with- the unmarried girl or woman, tired of the monotin a few years chauffeurs and machinists, clerks ony of village life, especially with so many of and telegraphers, engineers and medical assist- the men gone, and attracted to the garish centers, ants. That Divine discontent that drives men on where she becomes the concubine of a white man, to better and greater things has taken hold on with usually every want supplied, or plies her Africa. There is a growing and intense desire trade among men of her own color, she is a sad for education, and, on the part of many, for the object, at best, especially after a few short years highest. The educational value of work, of learn- when her charms are gone and venereal diseases ing to do skilled and more highly paid work, is have left their marks on her body. The natural seen to be a stimulus to general education. heart of the African man, and woman, as of un- The dead level of native life is being broken up and individuals no longer need fear to go ahead, to emerge above the crowd. The intermingling, through industrial life and wider travel, of the different cultures developed in the various tribes is producing new standards. Evil, too, travels and spreads as well as good and creates new problems. While lessening the old tribal control, the total process is .gradually cementing the different tribes into a new oneness and into a consciousness of being a common African people.
What will eliminate the gripping fear that controls so generally in native life? The scientific factor alone, as represented by the greater knowl-
regenerated man generally, is desperately wicked, control of enlightened, well disposed government, whether in the isolated village of the backwoods as in most parts of Africa today, and accompanied or in the pulsing industrial centers. Changes of by a presentation of the Gospel of God's love and geography do not effect changes of heart and life salvation from sin, it can be and actually is a great in Africa any more than elsewhere. benefit to the African.
What modern industry does to the African de- But it is not a case now whether modern induspends not a little on what sort of African is in- try shall invade Africa. That decision, whether volved, whether he is still gripped by the fears for good or for bad, was taken decades ago, and that have ruled society there for generations, or such a development was inevitable in a rapidly whether, having been delivered from that thrall- shrinking world. The entire continent of Africa dom by the new birth, he has now gained a knowl- is in the process of industrial transformation. edge of the Great Good Spirit that made the world Governmental activities control well nigh the full as being love, a faith in Jesus Christ and a heart one hundred per cent of the peoples of the contiso filled with love that fear has been cast out. If nent, all but the one million people of Liberia behe has had this new spiritual experience he faces ing under European governments. Industry dithe world and life with confidence and with a rectly or indirectly reaches on toward approxikeener outreach for increased knowledge. Indus- mating the same percentage. The Christian try in and of itself is not a spiritually transform- Church has enrolled approximately five per cent ing agency. It never was the Divine intent that only of the population and constantly or occasionit should operate alone. It is but one of the three ally contacts perhaps up to twenty-five per cent. major factors of religion, government and indus- When we shall discharge our obligation in reachtry found in every group of people the world ing effectively anywhere near the total group we around. Conducted alone, modern industry may believe that the modern industrial penetration of be and undoubtedly would be more a bane than a Africa, instead of being a bane, may and will be blessing to the African. Carried on under the a real blessing to the Africans.
The Printed Word Among the Bantu By ROBERT H. W. SHEPHERD Director of Publications, Lovedale, South Africa JUST over one hundred years ago the eastern nothing could be done, and after a stay of a little portion of Cape Colony in South Africa was in more than a year he withdrew. Some fifteen years a ferment. The Bantu tribes had pushed down later there arrived, as Vanderkemp's successor, from Central Africa, had ousted the original in- Joseph Williams, who is notable as the first man habitants of the south, the Bushmen and Hotten- to give his life for the evangelization of the native tots, and had advanced as far as the southern sea- peoples of South Africa. Following two brief board of the continent on its eastern side. Being years of labor Williams died through ill-health stopped by the sea they turned to go west, but and disheartenment. When, however, some five soon found their progress blocked by the advance years after, the first converts among the Bantu guard of European civilization spreading over were baptized it was found that they had been from the Cape. War succeeded war. It'is inter- won for God through the instrumentality of Wilesting now to note that the two races faced each liams. Few pieces of Bantu literature existing other in territory which includes the land on today are more noteworthy than a hymn composed which the Lovedale Missionary Institution now by one of Williams' converts. It is perhaps the stands. noblest of all Xosa (Kaffir) hymns and has been sung for more than a century by Bantu congre- . Early Missionaries gations. A translation may be of interest: Toward the close of the eighteenth century Dr. He is the great God in heaven. John Vanderkemp, a Hollander, acting as a mis- Thou alone art the Shield of truth. sionary of the London Missionary Society, came Thou alone art the Refuge of truth. as the first bearer of the Gospel to the Bantu. So Thou alone art the Hiding-place of truth. unsettled were the tribes, however, that he felt Thou alone dwellest in the highest.
THE PRINTED WORD AMONG THE BANTU
THE BOOK STORE', LOVEDALE INSTITUTION He is the Creator of life, He created above. few days after Ross' arrival, December 16, 1823, This is the Creator Who created, He created the Heaven. "On the 17th we got our press together; on the This is the Maker of the stars and of the Pleiades. 18th the alphabet was set up; and yesterday The star shot forth. It spoke to us. (19th) we threw off fifty copies." It was inevita- This is the Maker of the blind also; He did it of purpose. ble that the missionaries should begin with the The trumpet spoke, it summoned us. alphabet, for the Amaxosa tribe of the Bantu, He is the Hunter, hunting for souls. among whom they had settled, although speaking He gathers together the flocks that do not agree. a wonderfully flexible and expressive language, He is the Leader; He led us. had absolutely no knowledge of writing. He is the great robe which covers us. Thy hands are wounded. This early determination to provide the printed Thy feet are wounded. Word has been a marked feature of South African Why didst Thy blood gush out? history. Soon after the setting up of the press at Thy blood wast shed for us. Gwali, later known as the Lovedale Press, the This great price have we called for it? Methodists were operating a press at Mount Coke, This village here have we summoned it? about fifty miles to the east. The Paris Evan- gelical Society, which entered Basutoland in 1833, The Fi'rst Printing Press has made a special feature of its publication work. Other societies, such as the American Board, have In the early twenties of last century the London shown similar diligence. Dr. Westermann has de- Missionary Society, the Engli-sh Methodist clared that the literature of many African tribes Church, and the Glasgow Missionary Society of can be carried in a lady's pocket handkerchief! Scotland almost simultaneously placed mission- The charge cannot be levelled at South African aries in the field. The coming of the third of the missions. In the valuable "Bibliography of Chris- Scottish band is one of the romances of modern tian African Literature," published in 1923, with missionary work on the literary side. The Rev. its supplement of 1927, something like one hun- John Ross brought with him a printing press dred publications each are listed in the Xosa, which, after the voyage of 6,000 miles by sea, he Zulu and Suto languages, and about fifty in conveyed by ox wagon a journey of 600 miles Chuana. These are the principal languages of the more from Cape Town to Gwali, ten miles from southern end of the continent. . the present site of Lovedale. John Bennie, a catechist, who had arrived two years before, wrote a
The Bible Translated ants; wherever they lead he must follow. If my son is willing to go, I make no objection, for no The aim of the pioneers was not merely to pro- harm can befall him even across the sea; he is as vide as soon as possible some printed word, but much in God's keeping there as near to me." Tiyo the printed Word. Rev. J. W. Appleyard, a Soga, one of thirty-nine children of a polygamist Methodist minister, early translated the Bible headman, afterwards became the earliest ordained single-handed into Xosa, and his translation is missionary to his own race and did magnificent popular even today. A board composed chiefly of work. His translation of the first part of "Pil- Scottish and German missionaries produced a grim's Progress" is acknowledged to be a masterscholarly version in the same language. As to the piece of Xosa prose. The second part of the same other South African languages a similar story can book was translated into Xosa a few years ago be told. The work of the American and British by one of Tiyo Soga's sons, who has followed in Bible Societies deserves hearty acknowledgment. his father's footsteps by devoting a large part of Largely because of this determination to put first his missionary service to the production of literathings first the Bible remains the best seller in ture for the Bantu. the various South African vernacular tongues. The Position Today It is also the best evangelist, for it carries within its covers the very Gospel message and brings Today the tide of literacy is rising among the Christ to men and men to Christ. The British Bantu, and with it have come increased opportuand Foreign Bible Society and the Scottish Na- nities for the ministry of the printed page. Untional Bible Society have in recent years made it fortunately literacy is bringing also increased oppossible for a book caravan to itinerate through- portunities for appeals of a different kind, so that out the district which was formerly the scene of the situation is becoming critical. For example, the wars between the Bantu and colonists. The to the writer's desk there comes every month the driver-colporteur is not content merely to sell magazine of the Communist party directed to the books, but conducts services in three languages. educated classes among the Bantu, a pUblication The Scripture Gift Mission of London and the altogether true to type. While the Christian Lovedale Press have also been publishing tracts agencies are teaching vast numbers to read, it is in South African vernaculars, solely in the words our duty also to see that it is not left to the nonof Scripture. Christian and even anti-Christian elements to sup- ply the reading matter. We must supply more Religious Classics and better books.
As in many other parts of Africa, Bunyan's Thousands of Christians would find their faith "Pilgrim's Progress" was early translated, and deepened, love increased, and service made more the spiritual life of multitudes of Bantu Chris- effective if wholesome reading became part of tians has been nourished on this book. The Xosa their daily life. And beyond these stand hundreds version was admirably rendered by the Rev. Tiyo of thousands still unwon. The day has dawned Soga, the first ordained minister among the Bantu, for a forward movement in good literature whose history has more than usual interest. In throughout southern Africa. The situation calls 1846 war once more broke out between the Bantu for action and not merely resolutions. The Jeand the colonists. The missions lost heavily in rusalem meeting of 1928 said of the production, property, and Lovedale Institution, which had publication and circulation of Christian literabeen opened five years before, was turned into a ture : "It is generally recognized and admitted fort. Among the Christian refugees at another that this is the most neglected part of the missionfort was a godly native woman named Nosutu, ary enterprise. There is possibly no other miswho came with her son, Tiyo Soga, a pupil at sionary subject on which so many resolutions have Lovedale when the war broke out. In the dreary been passed and so few put into effect." The prosurroundings of the fort the lad contrived to pur- duction and distribution of books must have an sue his studies. Since he had no means of pur- increasing place in the thought and work of the chasing even a taper his mother daily collected missionary forces, especially in view of the rising sneezewood splinters to burn so that her boy tide of education and the anti-Christian propamight see to read his books during the long win- ganda being c!irected towards the Bantu. ter nights. This fact has been realized in recent years and Later it was proposed to Nosutu that Tiyo ac- some steps taken to meet the new situation. Those company Rev. Williams Govan, the first principal leading in the movement have been greatly heartof Lovedale, to Scotland and there complete his ened by the visit of Dr. John R. Mott, under education. To this the mother replied, "My son whose leadership the subject received considerable is the property of God; wherever he goes God attention. A South African Christian Council is goes with him. He is the property of God's serv-
being brought into being, one of the secretaries and in the day of his extremity this man was forof which will have this matter as his special saken by kindred and friends. By means of a charge. Missionary societies, American, British trick he was finally cast into prison, but through and Continental, will be urged to cooperate and all his faith 'remained undimmed and his deterto make arrangements to assure the production of mination unshaken. Today, some ten years later, the best literary work. Meantime several presses he remains a flaming evangelist among his people, are seeking to cope with the situation. One mis- adorning the doctrine of God, his Saviour, by his sion press last year published and sold 70,000 daily life. The significant fact is, that when encopies of vernacular books, besides innumerable quiry was made as to what led him to be at the pamphlets and books in English. church door on that first Sabbath morning it was learned that it was the Book. At school a brother Pressing Needs had been presented with a Bible as a prize. The reading aloud of the sacred page in the dark, mud- Some of the most pressing needs of today are walled hut at home became for the elder brother vernacular commentaries, Bible dictionaries, daily a life-giving ministry of the Word. readings, and other helps to the study of the Scriptures, including helps for preachers, Sunday In the press we have one of the most powerful school teachers and other Christian workers, at- of Christian agencies; and as education spreads tractive Biblical literature for the young, tracts that agency will become mightier. The missionary and pamphlets for evangelistic work, translations as a personal factor, the living voice, must always of religious classics, the wider use of newspaper be a dominant influence, but the printed word has evangelism, good recreational literature, such as its peculiar power and function. As Dr. J. H. inspiring stories, high class pictures, literature Ritson has declared: "It can be read and reread suitable for youth movements and a Christian and pondered over; it can reach a vastly greater newspaper. congregation than is to be found within the sanc- tuary; it can accompany the hospital patient to One of the encouraging present-day features is his home; … it can travel forth as the pioneer that many Africans are offering manuscripts for where the climate is deadly and the population is publication. These deserve encouragement, and sparse and conditions are unfriendly and hostile. advantage should be taken of their efforts to pro- The printed page alone is the ubiquitous missionvide facilities whereby they may influence their ary." fellow Africans for God. A BLACK FISHER OF MEN The Supreme Need In one of our conferences a young man stood But in all efforts to carry out a more masterly up to testify to the saving grace of God, saying, and united plan we must never lose sight of the "I am not as well educated as some of the rest of fact that our dependence is on the Holy Spirit you, but I can read that Jesus Christ died for my working in the individual heart. The Saviour's sins. I can also read that Jesus said, 'If you folhope for a redeemed world is through individual low me, I will make you fishers of men.' By God's men and women. A printing office becomes trans- grace I will be a fisher of men." figured only when we see its products owned and used by the Spirit of God. One Lord's Day morn- One March evening in 1927, I stood before a ing the writer went to deClare the Word of God group of people with this young man by my side. at an outstation in a remote part of Tembuland. The spokesman for the group said, "We believe Sometimes it was difficult to prevail on two or the words you have spoken to us, but where shall three to enter the little church building in that we find Christ? Show us the way and we will district. On the morning iIi question a man, clad follow." only in a blanket, the badge of heathenism, was lying at the church door waiting for it to be Turning to the fisher of men I said, "This is to opened. As the service proceeded no listener be your work. Can you lead these people to could have been more eager than this man on Christ?" whose countenance was stamped generations of paganism. Within a few weeks he confessed a "By God's grace I can try," was the simple desire to follow Christ, and thereafter every Sun- reply. day morning, and on many week days, he could be seen coming down the valley and entering the Five years later, March, 1932, I was back in little church that he might, sometimes all alone, this same village and with me again was this same converse with God. black son of God. He had called me to dedicate their first church, only a thatched roof mud-build- So complete a break with the customs of a ing, but nevertheless a house built for God by grossly heathen district could not pass unnoticed. those that he had led to Christ.-Clarence E. Carl- Persecution sprang up as if out of the ground, son, in Gems of Cheer.
A Medical Missionary
By REV. ALBERT D. HELSER, Ph.D. Kano, Nigeria, British West Africa, Missionary in West Africa Since 1922 W E ARE just back from a medical preach- rotting flesh and dead bone she groaned and called ing tour, on which Mrs. Helser and David, on God to help her bear the pain. Several men aged four, accompanied me. We went by who had followed me urged me to leave her and Ford, horseback and on foot. A man named said repeatedly, "Save us from the curse of a liv- Dankandi had invited us to visit him and to sleep ing death." As I told of Christ's love for her and in his house. The way was longer than we had of His power to help, a smile softened her tight thought, and it was dark when we reached the mouth and she said, "Will He not help me?" As home of this seeker after God. We had never I was on my knees dressing the foot the mother seen him, but the Eternal Spirit had been working knelt by me and said, "If you will be patient and in his heart and he wanted to be in his house with help my child, I will give her to you that where God's messenger. Before the camp beds and our you go she may go so that she may be like you." few belongings were put away, he whispered to Each week I go to this area some twenty miles his new friend, "Come with me into the stable, I away and as the great open sore heals her little have something to tell you." At first I was tempted heart thrills to the story of Christ's love for helpto say that we could talk the next day, but when less children.
I thought of the great first work of the Church We would like to enlist prayer helpers in the and saw Dankandi's eager face, I went with him. battle for souls here in North Central Africa. We saluted one another, and then ever so· tenderly Hundreds of men, women and young people are this bearded African told me of his love for Jesus, dying every day who have never had a chance to his Saviour. All he knew was that Jesus died for hear the glorious message of redeeming love. They him, and his face was aglow even in that dark have never had a chance to hear how God's own stable as he pressed closer to me and told of how Son went to Calvary's cruel tree in their stead. a great peace had surged through him every day Somehow more and more we feel that God would since he surrendered his all to Christ. This simple have more prayer power brought to bear on sinblack man was not only himself at the gate of ners who have no consciousness of sin. We need Heaven, but he took me with him. prayer helpers who will pray that a consciousness of sin may come into these pagan hearts and make As I sat on the seat provided for the chief's them cry out for mercy. We need some friends guest in Gun Dutse, a child's voice kept calling, who know what Christ has done for them to give "Let me in, let me in." Friends were being greeted and medicines were being prepared for themselves to prayer. various ailments, and no one had time to pay any Kussari is a young man about seventeen. He attention to the slip of a girl though she was sick was desperately sick some weeks ago. Nobody unto death. Then as she was being ordered to be knew what was wrong with him. Some said that quiet and to hide herself, I caught these words, he had an evil spirit. Others said one thing and "Will he not help me?" My first thought was, another. We went to our knees for Kussari. As another beggar or another insane child, but I prayed a pagan nearby cursed and scoffed. Just Christ's love would not let it rest at that. The as surely as God brought down fire on Carmel He least of these need Him most. I left the impor- heard our prayer, and those wild eyes became tant men about me and went out and found a little steady, and that twitching body found rest and girl about eleven who needed loving care for her peace under God's mighty power. Praise God broken body, and especially as a great ulcer was with us for Kussari. rotting away her left ankle. She trembled as I examined her, and my mind went to our own little Take the case of a leper family. The father's girl, who is now eleven, and I loved this helpless hands are both off at the wrists, and his feet off one all the more. Her eyes kept asking, Will God's at the ankles. Leprosy has actually eaten them messenger help me? The mother said, "She is as away. The mother's hands and feet are partly gone already. The little girl, about seven years good as dead." When I began to pull away the old, seems well, but two leper spots show already.
[488 ] courtesy of Missions A BELGIAN CONGO BABY CLINIC AT LEOPOLDVILLE When she was born she was perfect, for leprosy noon and night. The Spirit of God moved on the is not inherited, but by living with her leprous people of Shapa. A man named Audu was saved, parents she has contracted this awful disease. A and the miracle God wrought on his body brought little girl about two and a half, with pearly teeth, others to their Saviour. Audu was left to die; is almost sure, unless we can do something soon, his body was swollen and his eyes would not close to get this same disease. Pray that some way may even when he seemed to sleep. The first four to be found to heal the father's painful, open sores, confess Christ, and other interested friends, went and not only help him to find Christ but also ren- with me to his lone hut. All other friends had der him noninfectious. Pray that some way may deserted him. As we prayed and administered be found to save what the mother has left of her medicine we felt Heaven's power in answer to our hands and feet before they slough off. (I can prayer-helpers' earnest intercession on our behalf. hardly bear to see those filthy hands taking up A prayer-helper had provided for the medicine that precious child.) Pray that some way may be and had backed each tablet and each drop of medifound to treat the seven-year-old girl, who some- cine with prayer. Each morning we went to the how tells me by her eager eyes that she expects us sick one for prayer, and many times during the to save her from the fate of her parents, who have day medicines were sent. Some of the believers given way to despair. Pray that some way may made chicken soup for the forsaken one. He said be found to rear the tiny tot for Jesus and away on the fourth day, after declaring each day that from the danger of contamination. he could not live another day, that he had found a new world with new pe.ople in it. What a change Our hearts overflow as we write. A policeman Christ makes when He saves a lost sinner. When by the name of Ali, who gladly testified both in we left Shapa he came to say good-bye. Several public and private and was baptized some time villagers said, "Under the power of Christ and ago, has since been dismissed from the service be- His servants' medicine the hopeless are given new cause of his stand for Christ. He goes on rejoic- hope, new bodies, new minds and new souls." ing. He laughs and says: "Christ is enough for "Born again" is what Christ says about such as me. Since He has taken possession of me I lack these. God has now given us a new post in Kano, nothing. He is my all in all." in the midst of 3,000,000 souls. Less than a hun- dred natives have accepted Christ. What a par- During a recent village preaching campaign we ish? By His grace and your help many of these held fifty-four services in fifteen days. God honored your prayers by saving twenty-seven souls. shall experience the power of the blood. We lived in their midst and preached morning,
Unoccupied
-<!III By JOHN STEYTLER* IIll- HISTORY tells us that the Christian Church, trade and the practices of the witch doctors. He established in North Africa during the first was followed later by Stanley, who also opened century, flourished until the sixth century, up fresh trails to the interior. Missionaries rewhen disaster overtook it, and it was destroyed by sponded to their appeal and followed them. Pio- Islam. These North African churches have lost neer missionaries moved into Nyasaland, Uganda, their vitality, some think, because they were more Congo, Kenya and Rhodesia. Gradually the mis- concerned with theological discussions than evan- sion movement gained momentum, and numerous gelizing the pagans. Whatever the reason may other mission stations were opened in the interior.
have been, the natural expansion of Christianity, These missions can be compared to shafts of radiating from its source, Palestine, through light penetrating far into the domain of darkness, North Africa southward, was cut short before it superstition and fear as they penetrated deeper penetrated far inland. and deeper, ever expanding and spreading their Afterward nothing was done for evangelizing influence over wider and wider areas, building Africa till the time of Henry the Navigator, when churches, schools, hospitals and trying to bind up the early Portuguese explorers began to feel their the terrible wounds of Africa. Today it is esti- way south along the African coasts. They car- mated that there are nearly 11,000 organized ried with them the cross, the emblem of Christian- Protestant churches and about 2,000,000 profess- ity, and planted it at various points on Africa's ing Christians. The achievement has been im- inhospitable shores, but no attempt at mission mense, considering the time in which it has been work was made. The Dutch colonists were the accomplished; and on the face of it, it would first to try to introduce the Gospel to the natives seem as if Africa has been occupied.
of southern Africa (1665). They were followed But if achievement be appraised from the by the Moravians (1737) and the London Mission- standpoint of the numbers of profes;ing Chris- ary Society (1789). In central Africa the Roman tians, it is very insignificant, for the Christian Catholics opened a mission near Tete on the communicants only form two per cent of the total Zambesi River (1750), but for the rest the in- population of the whole continent. It would there- digenous peoples of equatorial and southern fore appear that missions are only in their youth, Africa remained untouched by Christian influence. and have taken only a step, the first step. Though With the opening years of the nineteenth cen- millions live in the areas that can be considered tury there was a great awakening of missionary virtually occupied, there are still millions that are zeal in European countries, many mission societies as yet untouched by the Christian message. If were established, and pioneer missionaries were Christian missions and their spheres of influence sent in increasing numbers to all parts of the could be thought of as points of light, then view- globe, including Africa, but for half a century ing the map of Africa, it would resemble the pat- little beyond the coastline on the west and south tern of light and shade, which a leafy tree, stand- was reached. The unexplored hinterland, tribal ing in bright sunshine, might throw on the wars, the gloomy forests, the malarial swamps ground. The darker areas would represent those and the sun-scorched plains discouraged attempts areas where populations are still held in the thrall at occupation. of witchcraft and superstition, where disease is In 1852 the intrepid explorer, David Living- rampant and Jesus Christ is not known.
stone, braved the dangers of Africa and laid bare Even in the areas which are considered occu- the wounds of the Dark Continent. What he saw pied, the Christian influence is often very limited.
filled him with profound pity, especially the ter- In the northern parts of Nigeria there is one rible suffering and iniquity caused by the slave Christian to 20,000 people; in the southern dis- • Mr. John G. Steytler graduated from the University of Stellen- tricts of the same country, one Christian to 31,000 people; in French West Africa there are less than bosch, South Africa, in 1917. After teaching in the Cape Province a thousand Christians to 14,000,000 people; in for five years, he joined the staff of the Dutch Reformed Church the Provl·nce of Khartoum there are less than Mission in Nyasaland, East Africa., where he has been head of the twenty missionaries to 1,000,000 inhabitants; in yDeeapras.rtmTenhte ogfenEedruocsiattyionof wtihtheinCathrneegMieissCioonrpfoorratitohne hlaasst mthaidrteeeint ~f:~!b~~/~~llh~'r 1t~3~:Udy at the Graduate School, Yale University, [490 ] Tripoli one missionary to 1,000,000 people. These In the Tete district of Portuguese East Africa were the estimates in 1926, but the position would which adjoins Nyasaland, till 1907 no Christian be more or less the same today. work was done among the 150,000 people living in that area. There was one Roman Catholic mis- Leaving out of account these areas where there sion, which had been established on the Zambesi is definitely some Christian work being carried River about 300 years ago, but it did not try to on, however inadequate, there are others where extend its work beyond the borders of the mission nothi.ng is done at all. Mr. W. J. W. Roome, that station. The Dutch Reformed Church, which had indefatigable traveler, who has on behalf of the a mission in Nyasaland, just across the border, British and Foreign Bible Society traveled tens was repeatedly asked by the natives to extend its of thousands of miles in Africa, gives a list of work among them too, and attempts were made to these fields in his book, "Can Africa Be Won?" secure the permission of the Portuguese officials. From this I select the largest areas mentioned: Permission was consistently refused for several years, but constant dropping can wear away even 1. Abyssinia, which is largely an unreached land with the stony hardness of a Portuguese official, and eight to ten millions of people. permission was eventually given. While these ne- gotiations were proceeding, the government urged 2. Tanganyika, west of longitude 32 east to the shores the Roman Catholics to forestall the Dutch misof Lake Tanganyika, a distance of about 300 miles. sion, and survey parties were sent out to choose a site for a mission in the area where the Dutch 3. A very large area confined between the following mission intended going. The latter managed to boundaries: From the River Tana in Kenya to the Abys- secure from the Roman missionaires a written sinian border, west to Mount Eglon and then north as far agreement as to the boundaries of the spheres of as the Sobat River, a tributary of the White Nile, the field influence, and for a time all went well. lying between Abyssinia and the Nile. Then suddenly, like a bolt from the blue, all the 4. West of Uganda between Lake Albert and Lake Ed- teacher-evangelists of the Dutch mission, totaling ward and stretching 400 miles into the Congo. sixty-five, were arrested by the authorities on the grounds that they did not know Portuguese. Of 5. Another is to be found from the point where the three these teachers seventeen were already in possescQuntries, French Congo, Belgian Congo and Anglo-Sudan sion of Portuguese certificates, and all the others meet, northwards into the Umbangi Province in French were studying the language. Protests were of no territory. This area lies between 20° and 25° east longi- avail, and all were deported to Mozambique and tude and approximately 5° to 10° north latitude. This part were forced to work on sugar plantations. Some is aptly called the "heart of Africa." Its situation justi- managed to escape, others died of hardship, it is fies the title. said, and a few were deported to the Portuguese islands of Panjim and Timor in the West Indies. 6. The middle part of eastern Congo between 20° and After many years some returned to their waiting 24 ° east longitude and 1° to 4 ° south latitude. families, but in 1925 four were still missing, and in 1934 one returned from Panjim Island. 7. From the Lualaba River in the southeast corner of Belgian Congo northward and west of Lake Mweru to the It seemed as if the promising work was ruined shores of Lake Tanganyika. because churches, schools and dwelling houses were left to fall into ruins, but the natives who 8. Portuguese West Africa, especially the southern and had accepted Christianity during the short time northeastern regions. the mission operated, carried on the work of Christianizing their fellow tribesmen in secret. 9. All Portuguese East Africa excepting near the coast. Meetings were held, and are still being held, in 10. The Cameroons, all east of 12° longitude. secret in the leaders' huts at night, or during the 11. The northern territories of the Gold Coast, Togo- day in the bush. One leader was discovered, arland, Dahomey, including the bend of the Niger River. rested and jailed. His Bible and hymn book were 12. The northern section of Liberia, Portuguese Guinea destroyed and he was threatened with more severe and all the French territories of the Ivory Coast, French punishment if he continued his work as Christian Guinea, Senegal and south of that river and the Niger. teacher. This has had the effect of stimulating Christian endeavor, as is evidenced by the fact Within these areas there are 30,000,000 people that every few months scores of Portuguese naabsolutely beyond the reach of the effort of exist- tives who have been taught as described above, ing mission societies. The question arises, Why come across the border into Nyasaland to be exhave these areas not yet been occupied? There amined and taken up into the churches there. are to my mind four main reasons: A more or less similar experience has been the 1. Governments often restrain missions from entering certain fields. In northern Nigeria, for instance, missions have not been allowed to enter the emirates of Kano and Sokoto on the ground that the Mohammedan emirs were told that, when their countries were brought under administration, there would be no interference with their religion by the government. Such restrictions, probably for political reasons, apply with added force to the Portuguese territories. The writer has personal knowledge of the extreme and unreasonable lengths to which such restrictions have been pushed in Portuguese East Africa. The following bit of history will serve to illustrate this.
lot of the mission of the Church of Scotland work- formed which holds regular meetings, and plans ing among the Lomwe tribe in the Quelimane are being discussed for the occupation of Portudistrict further north. Since the European mis- guese East Africa through African evangelists. sionary· has been made to suffer all manner of Two Africans who have offered themselves for hardships and indignities and his work has been "foreign" service are at present studying Portuhampered as much as was possible within the law, guese at Lourenco Marques. One of them, Paulo the mission has been withdrawn temporarily. MiIoto, is a chief in Portuguese East Africa, and There are other missions working near the coast, he has voluntarily given up his chieftianship and and they seem to be less harried, but always they is going to devote his life to the evangelization of are confronted with a hostile government. The his fellow tribesmen in the present unoccupied result of all this has been that Portuguese Africa field of the Tete District. is today still a virtually unoccoupied field. The population is about 3,500,000. The writer does not know whether or not this has already been done in other parts of Africa. 2. Another reason why fields are often unoccu- He, however, feels convinced that that is the evenpied is malarial climate or the prevalence of sleep- tual solution of the problem of spreading the ing sickness. The European missionary is not as Gospel of Christ into areas which are today out resistant to these diseases as the native African. of reach of existing societies. If the history of Thousands of graves remind us of men and wom- the Church in Africa has a lesson to teach, it is en who have, in spite of the danger to which that the church that has no missionary zeal is they exposed themselves, consistently put service doomed to unfertility and eventual stagnation. before self and have given their lives for the The churches in the home lands have to be on Cause. This difficulty is being gradually overcome their guard against this danger, so have the inby the enormous advances made by medical sci- digenous churches in Africa. The ideal of all the ence. The medical missionary more than anybody churches of Christ, in America, Europe and in else has opened up Africa and has made it pos- Africa, is to spend themselves for the cause of sible for the white man to live where it would have making Christ known and regnant in the hearts, been impossible twenty to twenty-five years ago. not only of civilized peoples, but also of the mil- lions of Africa in the occupied as well as the un- 3. Opposition from the natives themselves has occupied fields. until recently kept missions from certain areas. This opposition is still active where Mohammedan CHANGING RACE DIRECTIONS influence is predominant. But this, too, is breaking down. Missionaries from all territories testify Once the missionary to Africa faced chiefly that the doors are open wider today than they pure native problems-superstition, sin, disease, have ever been before. ignorance. The coming of modern industry is so changing great regions that he faces a different 4. Lack of funds is increasingly becoming the race, struggling with the old adverse influences main reason why missions cannot extend their in- still and many new and complicated ones. Rose fluence in the areas where they already exist and Henderson, writing upon the subject, "Modern over the borders into the unoccupied fields. The Industry Changes Africa," in The Southern W orkserious reduction in the budgets of the home boards is endangering the mission enterprise in man, gives this glimpse of new conditions in the field after field. One wonders what the reason for this may be. To the writer it seems like an great copper mining region: act of Providence for bringing the missions to the situation where they will be forced to look more Lying 2,300 miles north of the Cape of Good Hope and to Africa than to Europe and America for help. at about equal distance uetween the Atlantic and Pacific The time has not yet come when the Africans can Oceans, the copper mines employ some 35,000 native workcarryon the work alone, and they will need th~ men and supply a third of the world's copper. Here in help and advice of the white missionary for many the midst of the bush jungle which, two 'or three decades many years. Yet the center of gravity must grad- ago, was hardly inhabited, millions of dollars have been ually shift to the indigenous church, and missions expended by white capitalists and thousands of Negroes will increasingly have to follow the policy of dev- have stepped from primitive jungle huts to modern mines olution. and machinery. Native villages have sprung up, along with hospitals, schools and recreation centers of the mine An encouraging beginning has been made by owners. Black men from ninety different tribes, speaking the Presbytery of Mkhoma, Nyasaland, where the ninety different languages and representing as many difindigenous church has begun its own foreign mis- ferent cultures have been brought together in the employ sion, which is organized, controlled and financed of white capitalists. The result of this industrial developby the Africans, with the help and advice of the ment, as complete as any of its kind in Europe or Amerwhite missionaries. A "home" board has been ica, is a realignment of peoples, a transformation of the continent. The balance of native life has been upset. The direction of human races has been changed. Roads and villages have shifted, customs and beliefs have been up- rooted, ancient cultures and ideals are being destroyed.
CALL
The Drums of Congo and the Gospel By VIRGINIA M. CLARKE, Bolenge, Africa A MONG the Bantu people living in theequa- In many mission stations a special house has .r.. torial forest of the Belgian Congo the been erected to hold a number of these drums signal drum is now being used as an aid which are used regularly to call the people to the to the spread of the Gospel. In a land where it Sunday school, the church services, elders' meetis impossible to see for long distances the only ings and mission school classes. Often it is the way to send a message without a messenger is by special pride and joy of the young boys in the sound. Formerly the chief purpose of the drum boys' boarding schools to beat the message on the was to call people together for fighting. What a big drums which will start old and young hurry- triumph for Christ is this new, peaceful use of ing along the village paths leading to God's the drum! house.
When a missionary is itinerating through the Among the Bankundo, who are found along the tropical forest his heart is gladdened as he wearily equator where the Congo River crosses it for the approaches a village to meet a band of villagers second time, a particular group of phrases is used singing Christian hymns. They come joyfully to to call people to a Protestant church service. In . greet him and to make him welcome. Usually the their language (Lonkundo) it is: "Ikongo ifonge evangelist is in the lead, followed by the Chris- kukola baseka enganbe ea njambola, lotakana, tians and inquirers seeking baptism. On asking lotakana. Tokende bonteke bolosambo bole nda the evangelist how he knew of his coming, the ikongo ifonge kukola." Translated rather freely missionary is told that the drum in the village this means: "Protestants, come together, come which he visited the preceding night had boomed together. Let us go to the church service which through several miles of jungle and swamp to ap- is where the white man is found." prise them of the arrival of the "man of God." Perhaps in the near future the Christian lead- While the missionary is resting before his hut the ers of Congo will find new ways to use their won- evangelist is beating out the call to all the Chris- derful drum language in telling the story of tians to gather for the evening service. Christ's love for all men.
[493 ]
Ways of
'rested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~'=I======================~==~ A CLIMBING RACE of missionary interest and en- nominational headquarters. The deavor. value of united, sequential study Slow moves the pageant of a climb- need hardly be dwelt upon, with ing race; Toward this end your Depart- the abundance of helps and sug- ment Editor has striven earnest- gestions available in magazines Their footsteps drag far, far below ly to assemble worthful material in correlation with the themes. the height, from· many sources to supply If the world is ever to be won leaders of the several group in- for Christ it will be by united, And, unprevailing by their utmost terests with plans and sugges- synchronized effort, not random, might, tions for shaping up programs, individualistic attempts to obey studies, discussions and projects. the Great Commission. Seem faltering downward from each Space will admit of little more hard won place. than citations for these; but it INFORMATIVE MATERIAL may be taken for granted that No strange, swift-sprung exception although a number of different The volume of this is almost we; we trace denominations are involved, unlimited. Your Department nothing is mentioned herein Editor can mention only such A devious way thro' dim, uncertain which is specifically denomina- helps as have been sent in for light. tional. Such details as do appear her personal inspection, as fol- in a few may easily be elimi- lows: Our hope through the long vistaed nated or replaced with the de- years, a sight sired data. As classification ac- "A Course on Africa for Young cording to type of subject matter People" (P), 25c. Of that our Captain's soul sees face is most efficient and saves space, to face. please note that (B) stands for "West Africa Mission" (P), lOco Baptist, (C) for United Chris- "The Road to God's Town" (P), lOco Who, faithless, faltering that the road tian, (L) for Lutheran, (LE) "Africa Journey" (P), lOco is steep, for Miss Leavis, who is litera- "To Africa! To Africa" (for chil- ture secretary for the Central dren) (P), lOco Now raiseth up his drear, insistent Committee on the study of For- "The Pageant of a Climbing Race" cry? eign Missions, (M) for Meth- (C)-yearbook of Home and Foreign odist Episcopal, (P) for Pres- Programs, 5c; packet of activating Who stoppeth here to spend awhile in byterian, and (M.E.M) for material. 50c for either, or 75c for set. sleep Missionary Education Move- Not ready until January. The studies ment, all of whose headquarters for young people alone have been Or curseth that the storm obscures addresses appear at the close of changed to include only the foreign the sky? this article. Nearly all publica- theme. Packets covel' not only infor- tions from nondenominational mative material but dramatizations, Heed not the darkness round you, dull sources may be obtained from poetrv, discussions, etc. and deep; your denominational literature "Missionary Facts on Africa" (B) headquarters, as the "tools in -story material for use in opening The clouds grow thickest when the type" are in reciprocal, neigh- and closinl; exercises of S. S., 15c. summit's nigh. Ready in December. -Paul Laurence Dunbar. borly use. Booklet of Leader's Helps accom- panying each textbook, 15c. The current year's study of THE STUDY BOOKS "Africa View"-book by Julian "the climbing race," particularly Huxley, $2.50. in its foreign aspects, affords an It will not be necessary to take "Education of Primitive People," unusual opportunity to attract space to enumerate these, as by Albert D. Helser, $3.00. the uninterested and enlist the they have been mentioned many "The Remaking of Man in Africa," indifferent. The subject matter times in this and other mission- by J. H. Oldham and B. D. Gibson, is rarely colorful with its appeal ary magazines, and free cata- $1.25. to the exploring impulse; the logues inclusive of descriptive Other auxiliary material will qe universal use of the narrative material are available at de- listed later. form which is indigenous to the African whether in argument, [494 ] PROGRAMS description or instruction-the story is always dominant; the "African Palavers" – a program vivid settings and background plan book (M.), 20c. For young peomaterial; the warm human in- ple but easily adaptable for women's terest; the profound problems organizations. A complete year's outpertaining to development of lines beginning with "The Assembling primitive minds and native leadership, the raising of standards; and most of all the adj ustment of races in a perfect maze of conflicting interests, temperaments and political manipulations. Every wideawake church has its paramount chance to use Africa as a lure into the realm
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
of the Tribes" in September, continu- "Consider Africa" (M.E.M.), 25c. "How to Make an African Village" ing through chapter-by-chapter stud- ies of Margaret Wrong's "~he L~nd A course on Africa by Mrs. Margaret -patterns and directions for making and Life of Africa" and mcludI!lg and setting up; to be used by leaders "The Tribute Festival"-a specIal Holly Tuck. , of boys' and girls' groups (M.E.M.), thank offering program, "Jungle Jam- 25c. boree" for a missionary party, rally "'the Story of the American Negro' or banquet a special "June Palaver," "Pattern Sheets"-African wood an "Intern'ational Program" in July (M.E.M.), 25c. Young People's course carvings; flags of African prote~tor and an "Outdoor Safari" (expedition and mealie roast) for August. The by Ina C. Brown. ates; map of Africa for enlargmg; colorful programs are reple~e with African call drum sketch; nut or native nomenClature and storIes, cos- "A Preface to Racial Understand- tumes, rituals in African fashion, of- candy holders like African hl:1ts; ficial titles such as "keepers of the ing" (B), 15c. Programs by Mrs. wooden articles received from AfrIca; fires," "story tellers," etc., use of util- elephant; hibiscus; dance drum, etc. ities such as the call drum, games, Augusta Comstock. demonstrations, dramatizations etc. (M) 10c. Has the true African atmosphere. Other program s.eries, as s~nt in~o "The Healer"–colored poster, 21 x this Department, wIll ,oe mentIOned m "Six Missionary Programs and 28, showing doctor working with s0l!le Eight Teaching Outlines" (Anna Can- later numoers. native Africans with a shadowy PICada Swain) (B), 15c. Based on ture of Christ standing in the back- "Omwa? Are You Awake?" Pro- DRAMATICS ground. Very beautiful and impresgrams excellently adapted for both sive. (St. Philip's Society, 1664 Glenyounger and older folk and c.over the "Africa Gives Thanks" (L), 10c. worship period, abundant mforma- Pageant for thank offering meeting or mount Ave., Akron, Ohio), 85c, but a tional matter, visualization~ and oth~r study class; 11 characters;. simple work of art. entertaining features, natIve musIC, setting and costumes; symbohc. Very special set of 10 English postdiscussion topics, poetry etc. Topics "Robert and Mary" (M.E.M.), 25c. are: "A Treasure Hunt," "Listening Thirteen characters; true story of ers of African life in choice, natural Ears" "Bridges," "Call a Doctor," Moffats; one hour. colors size 15 x 20. These rc'l'ltarkable "Buiiders " and "Studies in Black and pictu';es are used in the schools in the White." 'The study outlines are for "Through the Dark" (M.E.M.), 15c. Congo and 'Were seen by Miss Marlocal church groups using the text- One-act play; 4 characters; medical garet Wong, who had them printedJri mission setting. book. They analyze the subject mat- quantity in England. .An expl.anattqn ter comprehensively. "Ordered South" (M.E.M.), 15c. written by Dr. Cathertne Mabte (mw- Project for enlistment for African sionary) will accompany the set. En- Six Programs on "Congo Crosses," mission work; 3 scenes; 6 adults-4 tire set $1.00, or 5 (not selected but by the same author (B), 15c. For men and 2 women. taken by rote) for 50c. Counting women's missionary societies, business postage, this is actual cost, as all and professional women's groups and "Kanjunda" (M.E.M.), 25c. Shows orders requiring more than 15c postsenior young women's societies. Titles: waning of witch doctor's power; 15 age will be sent at a loss. (LE) "Stop Look, Listen"; "Always Prob- characters; one hour. lems—-'-Even in Primitive Congo"; Attention is called again to the long "Do You Care?"; "Here Comes the "Livingstone Hero Plays" (M.E.M.), Bride"· "Fact Finders of 1937"; 15c. Four dramatizations of Living- list of African program materials aI?-d "On Their Knees." The discussion stone stories which may be used sepa- novelties given in this Department m topics are particularly suggestive and rately or consecutively; for juniors; heart-searching. 40-50 minutes. the July issue of THE REVIEw.a!ld ob- tainaule from LE. In addItIOn to "Lights Aglow in Congo"–outline "Alexander Mackay's Han d s" those mentioned previously, Miss for young people's programs (ready (M.E.M), 10c. Leavis adds a choice leaflet, "The in January) (C) . Titles: "ABo, Glowing Ember of Prayer," by Jea,n Congo!" – showing the importance, "In Our Land It Is Very Dark" position and potentialities of Africa Kenyon Mackenzie, priced at 2c. ThIS in the world today; "Paths in the (L")A,2ncn.a InspI.res a M"IssIOnary C·Irc1e" is a wonderful devotional reading. Dark"-presenting problems crea~ed (Powell and White, 528 Walnut St., by the industrial conquest of AfrIca Cincinnati, Ohio), 15c. Maps and charts, particularly the and the need for education; "Sinister picture maps of Africa with shee~s of Shadows" – social problems which "In Congo Land" (B), 15c. cut-outs to be pasted on progressIvely grow out of impact of Western civi- "Livingstone and Stanley Meet and as different features and regions are lization upon age-old customs; shows Part" 15c. that there must be a give-and-take or "Robert Moffat Returns with Afri- studied, may be purchased at pracsharing as a new world is built; caner," 10c. tically all the denominational head- "Lamplighters"-picture of mission- quarters. The usual price is 50c f.or ary work in Congo, showi~g. ~h~t the "The Teeth That Did Not Drop the map and 10c for the separate PIC- African has all the posslblhtles of Out" (L), 2c. tures. other human beings as well as a passion for developing them; "Around "Our Husband" (C), 25c. Don't try to teach with words only. the Camp Fire"-intended to create a "An African Village Trial" (P), 5c. Visualizations and project work are bond of fellowship between young peo- Sketch presenting the African Chr~s particularly fitted to elucidate African ple here and in Africa who have had tian Church and the problems of ItS studies. like experiences through summer con- young members. Six principals and ferences and "akitelos," and to im- 10 or 15 secondary characters. press others as to what that experience can mean to them; "Lights STORIES ADDRESSES FOR MATERIALS Aglow"-to help the young people see "Peter, the Chief's Son"; "A Li?,u Baptist: Baptist Board of Educatheir responsibility in industrial and Hunt"· "Captain John's Mother ; social relationships with their own "Malin'da"; "The Lamp in the Des- tioLn~t1h5e2raMn:adiWsoonmAenv'es.,MNiesswioYnaorryk.Soand other races and countries; to cast ert"; "Just Like Women"; "The Boy ciety, 723 Muhlenberg Bldg., Philadelout greed and prejudice and to pat- Who Won a Town"; "The House of tern their actions after Christ's. Their Hands"; "The Verses That phia, Pa. , Made Livingstone Brave" (L)-2c Methodist Episcopal: Women s For- each. eign Missionary Society, 420 Plum "Even Unto Death" (P), free. "The Congo Woman's Way" (B), 2c. St., Cincinnati, Ohio. .. A wealth of other narrative mate- rial may be obtained from denomina- Christian: The United ChrIstIan tional literature headquarters, some of which will be listed in our later Missionary Society, Missions Bldg., issues. Indianapolis, Ind. . VISUALIZATIONS AND Missionary EducatIOn M~vement: PROJECTS 150 Fifth Ave., New York CIty.
Picture Sheet of Africa, for use in Miss M. H. Leavis (designated scrap books, posters, and to paste on maps of Africa (M.E.M.), 25c. previously as LE) : 186 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, Mass. . Presbyterian: Board ?f ForeIgn Missions of the PresbyterIan Church, 156 Fifth Ave., New York.
Gleanings from the Editor's "Costumes – How to Make and New York, has been experiment- Notebook Wear Them" is a cover-all pamphlet ing with a new program which inclusive of detail from many foreign has some most attractive fea- Spending the entire summer fields, obtainable at the BaptIst Board tures. It is designed for chap- at Lakeside, Ohio, with its of Education at 25c. ters who wish to meet weekly wealth of summer conferences, instead of monthly. It extends the Department Editor's note- This board also handles a "Catalog the Hero Courses into projects book overflowed with sugges- of Plays and Pageants," which is a and is built on a Four Point tions for making current studies selected, classified list according to Project basis. The following ex- attractive and forcible. These country and subject, with names of ample using Livingstone as a will be doled out from issue to authors and publIshers. Its 24 pages subject is illustrative: issue during the year, but a few cover more than 400 plays and pagitems of miscellaneous but help- eants, lOco 1st week (Skill Meeting): ful character may be given here- Map-making project. with. Look these over, for you The play listed previously as "An may find just the methods African Village TrIal" illustrates the 2d week (Study Meeting): "gadget" that you need. way in whiCh an ordinary Sunday Hero Program – Life story of school class may change itself in a one whose success depended on Mrs. Kellersberger, author of moment into an African village by ability in map-making. "Congo Crosses," is giving her ~nt,ire shift of furnishings and play of honorarium to the Protestant MIssIon imagination, with no properties or cos- 3d week (Service Meeting): Council with headquarters at Leopold- tUming. Making map of Paul's journeys, ville, Africa, for work among the of missionary fields, of local women and children. She keeps not a Poetry and Music: Both ~re invalu- community, etc. single cent for herself. Isn't this an able in presenting essentIal Negro object lesson in devotion? character both in our land and Africa. 4th week (Inspirational Meet- While more expensive song books may ing): Ceremony of Maps, us- Incidents easy to dramatize are not be practical for the average ing Livingstone and Africa; found in abundance in the study group, "Southland Spirituals," ar- Paul and the Inland Sea; Chris- books "Consider Africa," "Christ in ranged by the Rodeheaver Co., and tianity and world map. the Great Forest," "We Sing Amer- sold by all denominational literature ica " and other Friendship Press books headquarters at 25c will serve the pur- With each missionary hero a on 'current studies. You may get help pose admirably. An abundance of in making your dramatizations in Negro poetry-mostly concerning th,e different project is introduced. "Meet Your United States," by Mary American Negro but true to the UnI- For example: Chalmers-Proj- J ennes (cloth, $1.00; pa~er,. 60c ~ ; versal type – may be found in, pal- ect in swimming and life-saving. and in "Informal DramatIzatIOn III verton's "Anthology of AmerIcan (He was a swimmer and saved Missionary Education," by Elizabeth Negro Literature," 95c; "Singers in boys from drowning); Grenfell Miller Lobingier (paper, 10c)-both the Dawn," compiled by R. E. Eleazor, – Boating and shipbuilding. from the Friendship Press. Scribner'S and sold at the Conference on Educa- (He was a builder); Ian Keith have a more ambitious work entitled tion and Race Relations, Atlanta, Ga., Falconer – Cycling. Paton- "Ventures in Dramatization," by for lOCi James Weldon Johnson's Farming. Whitman-First aid. Hulda Neibuhr ($1.75). "Book of American Negro Poetry," Morrison-Woodworking. $2.00; and "Caroling Dusk," edited Bear in mind a few pointers in pre- by Countee Cullen and sold at $2.5.0. -Missions Magazine. senting Negro dramatizations, how- Your own publishing company WIll ever. usually secure for you standard, books A Circulating Library like the expensive ones above CIted. Rigidly avoid caricature in costume, For a number of years the manner or "blacking up." Negroes Manner and Motivation of Negro Women's Department of the may be brown, their impersonatio~s Presentations: A leaflet by the M.E.M. Baptist State Convention has being taken by brunettes, or the skm of the United States and Canada says: operated a circulating library. may be left white rather than to elicit The work of circulating the the merriment caused by the "black- A program on the Negro should be books has been under the direct face." what any program should be. It supervision of the State Reading should tell something that is worth Contest Secretary. A definite Is it fair to show only the illiterate, passing on; something that one group amount is allowed each year for superstitious, ignorant types, the wants other people to know; some- the purchase of new books and "savages," as representative of Afri- thing that makes them think and feel postage incurred in mailing can population when picturing com- the way they wish them to feel. If them to the various churches. munities that have educational and the members of any group have The rule is that the church using intelligent industrial types also? drawn inspiration from Negro poetry the books should pay return and music, and have come to respect postage. There is no time limit While Negro spirituals are invalua- and admire Negroes as a race and as for keeping the books, as it has ble for atmosphere both with Ameri- indivduals, then it will be easy to pass been found by experience th~t can and African Negro studies, should on those facts and inspirations and at- it is better to allow each church they not be sung with true devotional titudes. . . . You may decide that the privilege of keeping the spirit, as they were originally sung, Negroes will fill Negro roles more ef- books as long as they are being rather than to create laughter by fectively than white persons made up. read. When no longer in cir~ "acting up"? And you will be right about this. , , . culation they are returned to the If your group has no Negro members State Secretary. An attempt at Negro dialect may but has Negro friends who would like lead to the same serious error. Never to help out, it would be wise to invite -Missions Magazine. betray your programs into the hands them to do so. But do not ask any of the "Amos and Andy" type of per- Negro to participate unless .you a!"e formers. If you do you will lose all sure that he will be treated WIth courmissionary effect. tesy and respect not only by the mem- bers of the group but also by the Dramatic Helps: Reasonable brown audience. skin effects may be obtained from Steain's Preparation for Theatrical ANew Educational Program Work available at drug stores or in mail order houses. Rev. Theodore L. Conklin, High Counsellor for Eastern
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BULLETIN OF The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK "WHERE MY POOR LIVE"
"Once, a long, long time ago, God feelin' tired, went to sleep an' had a nice wee nap on His throne. His head was in His han's an' a wee white cloud came down and covered Him up.'
Purty soon He wakes up an' says He: "'Where's Michael?'
"'Here 1 am, Father!' said Michael.
" 'Michael, me boy,' says God, '1 want a chariot and a chariot- eer!'
" 'Right ye are!' says he, and up comes the purtiest chariot in By courtesy of Art Exten&ion Press, Inc., Westport, Conn. the city of Heaven an' the finest charioteer. CRElATION OF FLOWERS – DRAWN BY AN AUST R I AN CHILD " 'Me boy,' says God, 'take a Prayer for Slum Clearance* the special strains and irritations, and million tons of th' choicest seeds the moral exposures of crowded quar- of th' flowers of Heaven an' take Father of all mankind, who hast ters; by our pleasure in the joyous signally blessed the human family as play of our happy children in God's a trip around th' world wi' them. the cradle of divinity, and hast out-of-doors, do Thou lay upon our Scatther them,' says He, 'be th' granted to us the security and conscience the plight of countless roadsides an' th' wild places of strength, the joy and comfort, and the families whose lives are cramped and th' earth where my poor live.' supporting goodness of our homes, do thwarted for lack of space and air in Thou forgive us that we have been which to live, and play, and grow in " 'Aye,' says the charioteer, content to accept these precious gifts stature and in favor with God and of life but have taken little thought man. 'that's just like ye, Father. It's th' purtiest job of m' afther life of those whose lot confines them to the By the anguish of our prayers for slums of our cities. our own children, that they may be an' I'll do it finely.' saved from sin and may grow in grace "'It's just come t' me in a Give us, we pray Thee, a vivid sense and goodness, do Thou make us ashamed of our toleration of the dream,' says th' Father, 'that of the little children condemned to live slums, which in disproportionate in crowded tenements and to play measure continue to make criminals th' rich have all th' flowers down amidst the traffic of the streets, de- and prostitutes of many boys and there and th' poor have none at prived of the simplest elements of girls who never had a chance. 0 God all. If a million tons isn't human health and happiness, rojbed of love and justice, we acknowledge even of the common heritage of pure before Thee our personal and !orpoenough, take a billion tons!' " air and sunshine. Make us conscious rate responsibility for the sins of At this point I got in some of the preventable disease which such perverted lives. breeds in the narrow alleys, and in questions about God's language the dark inner rooms where sunlight Grant us grace at this time to gird and the kind of flowers. never comes. "Well, dear," she said, "He ourselves for action. May our city spakes Irish t' Irish people. . . . By our hope of Thy mercy as we sit and the nation put their hand to the "Th' flowers," she said, "were concerned by the sickbeds of our own clearance of the slums and to the little ones, may we be willing in love building of homes more fit for the primroses, buttercups an'daisies, to share the anxiety, the anguish, and children of God. Vouchsafe to us in . . . an' from that day to this the grief of the parents of the poor this task of Thy kingdom a special there's been flowers a-plenty for as they watch by their sick or mourn sense of Thy nearness and Thy love, the death of those who need not have inasmuch as we would do it unto Thee. us all everywhere." sickened or died but for the conditions For Jesus' sake, Amen. Thus, "My Lady of the Chim- in which they are oJliged to live. • F rom "Prayers for Self a nd Societ y, " by ney Corner" told her ninth child, In the measure of our longing for James Myers ; As sociation Press, N. Y.; 15c. Alexander Irvine, of the crea- a happy home for our dear ones, with space for gracious living, free from tion of the flowers.
[497 ]
ARE YOU PRAYING? "A LIFE TO GIVE" Missions, on the theme, "The Negro in America." Even the For the observance of the In "God's Candlelights," writ- catalogue is good reading.
World Day of Prayer on the first ten by Miss Mabel Shaw, and "Glimpses of Negro Ameri- Friday in Lent, February 12, available for one dollar in cloth, cans" is a 24-page illustrated 1937, the program was written Friendship Press, New York, booklet giving in concise form by Miss Mabel Shaw, founder of the Livingstone Memorial Girls' the author relates: facts about eight areas of Negro Boarding School at Mbereshi, Kawamba, Northern Rhodesia, One clear evening I went life today: Where Are They? Africa. down to the leper camp at the Who Are They? Where Do end of our village. There were They Live? How Do They Sup- very few of them there. It was port Themselves? Where Do In accepting the invitation to not a pleasant place. . . . And They Get Their Education? prepare the world program, yet they gave me a glad wel- What About Their Health? Do Miss Shaw wrote, "You will be come. They had many needs to They Go to Church? Are They interested to hear that Mbereshi make known: not enough fire- Citizens? The booklet closes 'kept' the Day of Prayer this wood, no salt had been given with a section asking, "Where year. There was prayer in the with last week's rations, they Do You and I Come In?" in school chapel, unceasing from were naked, could I not see? . .. which the interracial movement dawn till set of sun. The girls were there in small groups; even They told me a lion had been is described and the opportunity the little children took their part. At sunset there was a about. . . . before the churches is pointed gathering of all the Christian women in the village church." At last I rose to go. I gave a • out. 6 cents a copy.. $4.00 a When it is ten o'clock, morn- last word and greeting, promised hundred.
ing, in New York, the .tiI?e of I'd remember all their needs, The Department of Race Relations, day in Northern RhodeSIa IS five and was just about to mount my Federal Council of Churches, has colo'clock in the afternoon. bicycle, when out of one of the lected pamphlets from various sources. There are two packets. Packet No. 1 A CALL TO PRAYER little houses came, the old leper contains the pamphlet described above, head-man. He held a spear be- "Amer ica's Tenth Man," and "School tween the stumps that once were Money in Black and White." 15 cents hands, and he went h0bblI' ng a single packet. along the path in front of me. I called to him, and he stopped and Packet No.2 is supplementary ma- looked round. terial for leaders of groups; for ex- Together let us "Where are you going?" ample, a 43-page booklet on cotton- growing communities in rural Amer- Thank God and praise Him for the ica. 30 cents a single pack et. manifestation of Himself in Jesus Christ, and in the abundant life; "I am going to escort you to ……;==::::;] Thank God and praise Him for fol- Mbereshi Village, you can't go alone with lions about/' lowers of Jesus Christ who have made Him known; I smiled at him. "But on my Thank God and praise Him for the world f ellowship of prayer-and bicycle I'll be there in a minute." let each seek a new consecration to Jesus Christ. He would not have it, it was not fitting for me to go alone. I Together let us pray looked at him, a feeble old man, That the church be strong and cou- rageous; handless, feet half-eaten, his whole body covered with marks That the missionary zeal of Chris- of disease, and his face most tians be purified and spread pitiful. through all the world; That the community in which we I said to him half-banteringly, live be recreated through the con- secrated service of God's children; and with a smile, "Now what That our nation measure all activi- could you do if a lion came?"
ties by Christ's law of love and He drew himself up, and with universal brotherhood; a quiet dignity said, "Have I not That the whole earth be filled even a life to give?" in this our day with the knowl- I was silent, seeing a Cross. I edge of the living God, and of His followed him to the village, Son, Jesus Christ.
The World Day of Prayer is thanked him and came home, sponsored by the Council of having met with God face to Women for Home Missions, 105 face. . ..
East Twenty-second St., New ARE YOU STUDYING? York, and the Foreign Missions Conference, 156 Fifth Ave., New Good reading, as well as edu- J. R . S oo tlord York. The Day is observed in cational in content, are the new DOR CH EST E:R AC AD E MY SCHOOLGIRL. more than fifty countries. books published by the Mission- ary Education Movement and McI NTOSH, GEORGIA The program material for F ebruary 12, 1937, is ready. the Council of Women for Home
i OuJM!:~r~~~:~feCu~~~?Ok I '~II=.======================================
.it EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO "
~11=========~==========I$ii)§i AFRICA back to Ethiopia after furlough ment. Twice follow-up meet- in America, have been able to ings have been held with the re- One By One Work in Egypt continue their interrupted jour- sult that hundreds of the rather Missionaries in Egypt deplore ney. -The Life of Faith. wild mountain Bakiga are flock- ing to the churches. Large the lack of desire to win "other Christian Police Association bands are going out teaching. sheep," even on the part of born- One outcome has been that na- About a thousand new mem- tive church collections increased again Christians. Words flow bers joined the International by about half during the last easily, but there is little definite Christian Police Association in three months of the year. It is praying for the conversion of South Africa last year. About expected that the Diamond J ubisouls. A few years ago a coun- ninety police stations and depots lee may be celebrated in 1937. terpart of the English "One By at different places in the Union were visited by the Traveling -C. M. S. Outlook. One Band" was started, and the call to individual work was p:r:e- sented. It was urged that it Secretary, and the most encour- The March of Progress would be a help to be definite in aging feature is that so many prayer if answers were recorded men have accepted Christ as A significant evidence of in the little book "Throne of their Saviour. change in West Africa is seen Grace"; many have now joined The membership of the I. C. in the attendance of the native the Band and some have had an- P. A. in South Africa is now King of Oyo at the reunion of swers to prayer for individuals. about 3,800. During the year old students of St. Andrew's 1,000 New Testaments have been College, Oyo. In all the years of A little group of Egyptian' circulated, besides thousands of the college's history it has never "One by One" members now ex- tracts and leaflets, and many let- been visited by a king. He is ists at almost all the stations of ters of thanks have been re- regarded as too sacred to be the Egypt General Mission, com- ceived from those who have re- looked upon by the common peoposed of teachers, Biblewomen ceived blessing through these. ple, and always when giving auand a few Christian women in The strength of the European the districts. At a testimony force of the South African police dience his face would be hidden meeting of members among the is between 7,000 and 8,000, plus by a veil of coral beads suswomen in Zeitoun last October, the native police, which is be- pended from his crown or coral one told how she had long prayed tween 3,000 and 4,000. headgear. But even the most for a brother who had been ter- strongly entrenched customs of ribly opposed to even the men- -The Life of Faith. the old days are giving way betion of Christ or religion, and fore the march of progress. To- how her prayer had been an- The C. M. S. in Uganda day the theory is gaining ground swered by the brother's conver- that as a king is supported from sion. Dr. J. E. Church of the C. M. the taxes paid by his people, the S. tells how one and another of people should both see and know -Egypt General Mission News. the Christians in Uganda and the man whom they support as Missionaries May Remain in Ruanda have been led during their ruler. Ethiopia the past six years into a new and -C. M. S. Outlook. deeper knowledge of Christ, and Dr. T. A. Lambie, Director of have a keen desire to bring oth- Open Doors in Nigeria the Sudan Interior Mission in ers to Him. "Those who had The Northern Provinces of Addis Ababa, writes that he has this new experience returned to Nigeria-Kano, Sokoto, Katsina obtained permission from Gen- their homes or to visit friends and Bornu, with some other Mo- eral Graziani, the Viceroy, for at other stations, and caused a hammedan sections-have been the missionaries of the Society stir by their obvious joy and en- strictly closed against the misto remain and carryon their thusiasm. Following a conven- sionary and his message. Ef- work. As a result of this news, tion at Kabale last year a move- forts have been made to secure Mr. Eric Horn, a New Zealand- ment of individual conviction religious toleration, and in 1933 er, and his wife and three-year- and repentance began, and in and 1934 sites were given the old son, who were held up in the 250 out-schools this became Sudan Interior Mission in Kano London last April on their way in some places a mass move- and at Garko, thirty-six miles [499 ]
from Kano City. This year the Cameroun Churches WESTERN ASIA Mission has been granted further openings into the once There has been a gain of about Keith-Falconer Mission Jubilee closed areas, and sites are prom- 1,000 in the communicant memised in each of the provinces bership of Pre s by t e ria n The Keith-Falconer Mission above named. One site has been churches in the Cameroun, in South Arabia completed 50 selected at Roni, seventy miles bringing the number to 37,935, years of service in 1935. Today, northwest of Kano City. with a gain of nearly 2,000 in the mission station at Sheikh the number of catechumens, who Othman is many times the size Recently, one of Northern number 52,782. The average of the small grass hut in which Nigeria's leading Emirs said; Sunday attendance for the sixty- Ion Keith-Falconer started his "I would welcome missionaries four churches with their 1,230 work; but it has approximately anywhere in my territory, even outposts is 115,000. Christian the same site. The medical staff in this town where I live, and work is harder than in earlier comprises two male doctors and any of my people who wish to days, due partly to the contact one woman doctor, two nursing become followers of your faith with a civilization shot through sisters, and an Arab staff of sixwill not be hindered in so do- with evil, the deplorable fact teen. The boys' school has fifty ing." Negotiations are under that second generation Chris- boys and four teachers; and way for missions to take over tians are in general less depend- there is a small girls' school. the provincial leper camps, now able than first and the large The influence of the mission is under government supervision, number who make a start then felt throughout the Aden Prowhich will mean a further open- leave the Christian way. tectorate and beyond; patients ing of the Moslem areas to mis- come by the hundred for treatsions. Nearly 7,000,000 people But over against this is the ment from the mountainous and are now brought within the pos- splendid force of native Chris- fertile Yemen. They carry back sible hearing of the Gospel. tian assistants, many of whom to their homes the example of are as earnest and as loyal to the Christian service and the seeds -The Christian. cause as the missionaries them- of Christian truth. There are at selves. These native workers least three small dispensaries Sleeping Sickness Problem are not confined to the evangel- staffed by mission-trained boys. istic force, but are in the educa- The Nlong River with its tional, the medical, the indus- Literacy is rare in South Arabranches is literally the valley of trial, and all lines of missionary bia, so that as yet Gospel distrithe shadow of death because it work, w h i I e throughout the bution cannot be a hopeful way is thickly infested with the tset- churches are many men and of Christ's entry. The simplest se fly-carrier of trypanosomi- women giving much time and possible primary schools are a asis, or sleeping sickness. Be- effort to Christian work. Mis- crying need. fore treatment by Europeans sionary societies organized by began, every infected person the Africans themselves send Arabia Goes Modern succumbed. The French medical catechists to unoccupied fields, service has many doctors in the carryon their support, and in Arabia, in company with all field giving their whole time to some cases have built chapels to Near East countries, is being diagnosis and treatment of this care for the groups thus col- rapidly modernized, and harddisease; they have healed many. lected. ship is resulting to many who have not yet reacted to the There are three large centers Medical Work in Tripoli change. Usages of almost sacwhere the principle part of their rosanct significance are being work is to care for and treat the The medical mission in Tripo. put aside. In the sacred sanctupatients. In some of the camps li, of the North Africa Mission, ary electric light has been inas many as 500 patients take a which has been running for stalled, and the men who tended three months course of treat- nearly fifty years, was in dan- the hundreds of olive oil lamps ment. Several remedies are ger of being closed by the Italian are no longer needed. Motor cars used, nearly all forms of arsenic, authorities. Dr. James Liley, now carry the pilgrims to the which seems to be most effec- who is in charge, has, however, holy cities of Mecca and Medina, tive. These are injected at in- been duly recognized and regis- and the thousands of camels and tervals of from five to ten days. tered in Rome, which carries their attendant army of camel- The treatment sometimes causes permission to practice in Italian men, formerly employed, are not blindness, but it is either blind- colonies. A hampering regula- now required. The Hejaz Govness or·death, for without treat- tion is one which does not per- ernment is reported to have 300 ment there is only one outcome. mit a doctor to compound medi- cars in use, and King Ibn Evangelists throughout this re- cines even for his own patients. Saoud's own procession of cars gion live with, and minister to This must be done by a chemist, may be anything up to 150. the people. Missions have a and consequently adds to the share in combatting the disease, cost of treating the crowds of Diminution of the number of but government forces are well indigent sufferers who come for pilgrims is so great that the organized, so that no place is help. thousands of Arabs in sacred uncared for. cities who lived by serving them -World Survey Service. are now destitute. Medina -The Drum Call.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTOOK
which before the War may have ic institutions, such as schools agricultural impleme~ts and other rural acceSSOrIes. Mr. had a population of 80,000 is and hospitals." Such in brief is Case led the group in prayer and the cavalcade moved on. The now estimated to have 8,000. the summary of a significant band came early into action and we dashed through the town to Such is the etfect of electricity statement made to Bishop Moore the unexpected but inspiring strains of 'Marching Through and motor cars. of the C. M. S., by some of the Georgia.' Citizens said: 'There -The Indian Witness. leaders of the Ezhavas, a com- goes Padre Case to build a new Burma.' When the band tired munity numbering well over two playing, it took to singing, 'Counting Its Blessings" and Situation in Palestine million who reside in Travan- 'Gathering at the River,' in hopeful mood. Arriving at the There appears to be no appre- core and the surrounding dis- village the group resolved itself tricts. They are described as a into Boy Scouts, Sunday school ciable improvement in the sit- virile people, with a strong com- teachers, Passion players and uation in .t'alestine. More troops . munal consciousness, and a de- friends of everybody. Games have been brought in and thus termination to rise. Many have were organized and the village tar authorities have been un- education, good houses and children entered in shoals. Mr. able to establish order. The fear lands; and there have been Case busied himself visiting continues among Jews that Brit- among them lawyers, poets, doc- school gardens, where some ain may yield to the Arab de- amazing triumphs of agriculturmand for the setting aside of tors and religious leaders. al ingenuity were on view, inthe Balfouy declaration which specting his 'Christian pigs,' promises to facilitate "the es- Early in the year their execu- giving a blessing here and a tives, by a vote of twenty-six out warning there. The day ended Lablishment in Palestine of a of thirty resolved on the Ezha- with a religious play, very well National Home for the Jewish vas embracing Christianity. A done by the members of the People" (this being followed by band, in which the foes of rural the words, "it being clearly un- referendum reveals that in most progress and the way to overderstood that nothing shall be localities from 60 to 90 per cent come them were depicted in favor the proposal. ways familiar alike to the resi- dent peasant and the wandering done which may prejudice the If the decisive step of adopt- secretary." ing Christianity is taken, the civil and religious rights of ex- task of imparting adequate in- Significant Event isting non-Jewish communities struction to multitudes of conin Palestine"). The Arabs de- verts will tax to the uttermost The Watchman-Examiner reclare that they will die rather ports an event of extraordinary than give up the battle. The the resources of the missions significance for India. A young which are carrying on work Brahman, a graduate of Madras Government recently decided to there. The Christian congrega- Christian College, was stationed appoint a royal commission for tions in those parts are small at J anumpet as the new postthe study of the whole situation master. After watching and in Palestine as soon as order is and weak, and not well fitted to talking with the Christians of cope with such a situation. Hap- that section he came forward established. The Arabs declare pily some help is available from for baptism. This was adminthat they have· already had istered by one of the pastors, a the stronger Christian commu- Mr. Paul who is an outcaste. enough of commissions and will nity in the Tamil country far- Then this young man became indo nothing to cooperate in sus- terested in Mr. Sunkiah's daughpending the "strike" in order ther south; and parties of vol- ter, a young widow living with that the proposed commission untary workers, such as school her parents. The marriage ceremay look into things. Wide- teachers on holiday, have been money was performed by Mr. spread anti-Semitism partly ex- already coming at their own ex- Paul :-a convert from the high- pense to render assistance for a est caste baptized by a convert plains the deadlock. from the outcastes and married short period in this great work. to an outcaste, and a widow! B ish 0 p Freeman, of the -Original Secession Magazine. American Episcopal Church, Argument for Unity and others have petitioned the Rural Reconstruction Recent events in India have British Government to stand brought into sharp relief the fact that the attractiveness of firm in its policy respecting Pal- In 1917 American Baptist estine and the Jews. Christian missionaries took to farming Arabs, with a representation of and acquired five acres of land Roman Catholics, have sent a for demonstration. The venture protest urging more accurate ac- prospered and in 1922 the govquaintance with Arab griev- ernment leased 180 acres to the ances. -United Presbyterian. Mission, enabling them to open INDIA-BURMA a school which has proved a hap- py instance of cooperation. In the Baptist Missionary Review, The Ezhavas Look Toward J. Z. Hodge describes a weekly Christ rural pilgr1image in which he "Weare dissatisfied with Hin- joined.
duism; we admire Jesus Christ; "We started early, and in we appreciate the lives of the state. A trailer attached to the Christian missionaries; we ad- car contained the school brass mire the Christian philanthrop- band, distributed among various
Christ and His Gospel depend ing murder sentences. The one chow, for up to about three very largely upon the conduct who at first was chief objector years ago it was forbidden by and character of the Christian to Christian teaching is now the the Government. Today there Church. When, eight months most diligent learner. She can is an up-to-date broadcasting ago, Dr. Ambedkar called upon repeat from memory the fif- station in Foochow itself, and the 60,000,000 untouchables of teenth Psalm, the Lord's Prayer practically every other house in India to give up Hinduism and and other Bible verses given her. this crowded city has its own embrace some other religion that In addition, she has assumed the wireless. The programs include will give them opportunities for responsibility of teaching the educational lectures, top i c a I a fuller life, a leader of the de- other women who cannot read. talks, Chi n e s e music, the pressed classes said that his peo- When one of the prisoners was weather and news. Mission ple hesitated to adopt the Chris- released, she took with her schools are asked from time to tian religion, because, whereas copies of hymns, verses. and time to put on a musical pro- they were one solid, united com- tracts, promising to carry the gram, and no obj ection to sacred munity under Hinduism, they light to others. . music is raised. Last Christmas feared they would be divided and – Watchman-Examiner. a sermon was put on.
scattered among numerous sects -C. M. S. Outlook.
when they became Christians. Siamese Church Progresses Poverty Increases Opium The force of this argument must Consumption The two years' history of the be admitted when one sees the Church of Christ in Siam is The secretary for Chinese af- Christian Church split into 163 proving it capable of self-gov- fairs in Straits Settlements in units in India, in America 250 ernment and self-support. In reporting on the opium situation most of the ten stations, new to the International Labor Office or more, some serious rivals, fields have been opened, or new at Geneva, maintains that the others claiming exclusive pos- church buildings erected to care harder and more killing the la- for growing congregations. In session of the truth. -The Living Church.
Gandhi's Son Embraces Islam Kiulungkiang Station, Dr. Cur- bor, and the more beastly the tis Galt lists himself as "straw conditions in which the laborer Mahatma Gandhi seems to boss," with the work of the hos- lives, the greater the temptation sense no religious conviction be- pital and the responsibility for to become an addict. A similar hind his son Harilal's conversion the local church on the shoulders report was made for workmen to Islam, and says that "those of his associate, Dr. Kateya, and t h r 0 ugh 0 u t the Far East.
responsible for his acceptance of Siamese-trained colleagues. The "There can indeed be little doubt Islam did not take the most or- dedication of the new Cantonese that the opium problem would dinary precautions as to the Church in Bangkok took place lose much of its intensity," the genuineness of his profession. during the winter, and Chieng- committee declared, "if the con- Surely conversion is a matter mai reports four new chapels ditions of work and life of the between man and his Maker who dedicated and four others under workers affected were improved alone knows His creatures' construction. Most of these are by such means as the adj ustment hearts; and conversion without permanent buildings. The Pet- of hours of work to the normal a clean heart is, in my opinion, chaburi Churches collaborated physical possibilities of human a denial of God and religion." with the government in holding labor, a medical organization He asks his Moslem friends to an agricultural fair which drew capable of insuring adequate examine Harilal in the light of some 20,000 people. In only one treatment of illness, the adjusthis immediate past, and if they town has there been any definite ment of wages to a level suffind that his conversion is a soul- persecution of Christians. In ficient to allow a standard of livless matter, to tell him so plainly six of the stations there are ing consistent wit h normal and disown him, and if they dis- either groups of lepers, or sep- health and comfort, the estabcover sincerity in him, to see arate leper churches. In Srita- lishment of facilities for lathat he is protected against marat, fully half of the lepers borers to be accompanied by temptations so that his sincerity are not Siamese, but Mohamme- their wives and families when results in his becoming a God- dan Malays, who have a vigor- employment involves protracted fearing member of society. For ous prejudice against Christian- absence from their homes, the many years the son has led a ity; or Chinese who do not settlement wherever possible of profligate, dissipated life. understand Siamese, so that op- such laborers on land in which -Dnyanodaya. portunities·:.for evangelism are they would cultivate food sup- Women Prisoners in Assam limited, tho ugh persistently nlies, and the provision of in- used. -Foreign Missions. creased facilities for the utiliza- A group of Bible women have CHINA tion of spare time." been going regularly to the Gau- -Christian Advocate.
hati jail in Assam to carry the Broadcasts from Foochow Rural Projects Christian message to women prisoners, numbering from five Broadcasting is a compara- In a letter from the field to to eight, some of whom are serv- tively recent innovation in Foo- World Call is reported some of
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTOOK
the work being done by Mr. To Teachers: of the pupils were such little Wang Chi-tien who was sent The disciplinary influence of a girls that the Religious Educato Hofei to undertake a work of teacher is great, but seldom of value tion secretary said: "How can reconstruction from the Chris- if exerted through corporal punish- these children get anything? tian point of view. He has se- ment. Sympathetic guidance will do This is a class to train leaders, far more to mold a child's character lected one village near enough to than force can ever hope to do. not a children's meeting!" But Luchowfu to make pos3ible the Tactful cultivatio_n of good habits there they were, apparently abuse of the various institutional sorbing very little. Later, a resources and specialists of the will greatly strengthen a developing school was asked for by the peo- character.
Children whose mentality is below city, and some of the steps al- normal need special understanding ple in Wang Family Village and ready taken are: and sympathy. Every effort should be made to develop in them the will the "too little" girls scrubbed 1. An improved school for the boys to study and persevere. and made ready a room. They and girls of the village has been began by having a daily Bible A good teacher's pride is in the started with a Christian teacher in mental development of his pupils class, to learn how to be Christcharge. The school is practically self- rather than in their scholastic success. like. supporting. To Socia·l Workers: -Woman's Missionary Friend. 2. For the many poor children who cannot pay even the small fees of this The social worker's first aim should Baptist Centennial school, two hour classes are taught by be to provide for children who are the pupils of the regular classes, thus homeless or whose homes do not offer Canton extends a special welmaking education possible for even the necessities for their moral and come Oct. 13-18, 1936, to all visthe poorest child in the village. physical development. itors for the Centennial pro- gram, commemorating the first 3. Medical service, medicine and There is ample scope for the estab- hundred years of American, health education are provided at a cost lishment of welfare centers, children's British and Swedish Baptist within the reach of all at the clinic refuges and hospitals, healthy play- Mission work. In Canton one established by the Luchowfu Christian ground and recreation centers, etc. may see the fruits of the labors Hospital. of I. J. Roberts of Tennessee, In many places effective measures who was the first foreigner to 4. The young men of the village are are not yet in force for prevention of live outside of the restricted organized into a class in the evening. the ill-treatment or neglect, kidnap- area. One of the strongest ping or selling of children. churches in Canton, the begin- 5. Women's classes are held twice nings of the printing of Chriseach week to teach better home-mak- The task of caring for and educat- tian literature and indigenous ing. ing the thousands of underprivileged medical work eventually de- children in this country, training them 6. Means are provided for economic to loyal and useful citizenship, is a improvement through the service of tremendous one, but on it depends the the government reconstruction unit. future strength and vitality of China. Improved seed and improved stock may be obtained by the simple means -China Bookman. of exchanging their poor seed for the Radiating Knowledge improved, and breeding their own One of China's outstanding veloped from his labors. stock to the improved stock without educationalists, T'ao H sin g – Watchman-Examiner. cost. Many hundreds of new trees are made available for the village, Chih, started the idea of pupils Opium Slaves Set Free and will be planted at Arbor Day festivities. in school teaching other people. The Salvation Army main- As a teacher your success he Sequel to "Children's Year" thinks, is measured not by what tains a refuge for opium addicts you have taught your pupil but in China. Since last September "Children's Year" began in by what he has taught another twenty-four men have passed August, 1935, but political un- and what that second has taught through the refuge, and twelve rest and illiteracy have ham- a third and what the third has have been perfectly cured. The pered the movement. Never be- taught the fourth; in short by War Cry tells of one who had fore has such a campaign been the number of generations of traveled many miles to take the launched. The government, in pupils that you have to your cure. Returning entirely free giving its support to this phys- from the curse he showed hi3 ical, intellectual and moral up- credit. Five years ago Old friends the copy of the Scriplift movement, enumerates some Grandfather Yang helped his tures which had been given him, essential points: daughter to teach a class of and had become well marked To Parents: thirty-five in their own front through use. This was his testi- room, till fifteen had finished the mony: "On arriving home, my The influence of home and environ- advanced course. They had paid ment is stronger than that of educa- no fees, the teacher received no friends and neighbors all retion. salary. Then these fifteen were marked about the great change, ready to be teachers for others. commenting on my healthy color Hygienic and healthy surroundings aid the growth of sound minds as well W hen Religious Education and fat face. They were asking Training Institutes were held in what had happened to me, as not· as strong bodies. Changli, Grandfather Ya n g on'lywas my appearance changed, Control of a child's will and guid- hitched up the family donkey but my nature and disposition- ance in the formation of his moral conceptions are among a parent's first duties. and brought these teacher-girls in fact I appeared a new man. A child's personal observation of his along with his daughter to the Then I told them that it was Je- institute. One of them started a sus who had wrought the parents' words and conduct influences class in her home village and two change." his sense of moral values more than any amount of teaching can do.
JAPAN-CHOSEN courses in literature, philosophy The Overseas Evangelistic theology, pedagogy and other Association, an indigenous so- Christian Prospects subjects, according to need and ciety working among Japanese circumstances. emigrants, has fixed a budget of Dr. E. E. Helms gives this Y4300 for its work in 1936. estimate of the prospects Chris- -International Christian Press. tianity has in the Sunrise King- -International Review of dom: Nation-Wide Evangelistic Missions. Movement Because there are but 350,000 Chris- Nationalism, or Loyalty tians in Japan out of a population of Practically all denominations to God? 65,000,000, many count the work of have decided to participate in Christianity in the Empire a failure. the nation-wide evangelistic St. Paul's University, Tokyo, One of Japan's leading dailies recent- movement and to provide the is the most recent target for the ly said editorially: "The question is funds tentatively apportioned Nationalist marksmen. It is remoral rather than numerical. Chris- among them for financing it. ported that the dean of the tianity is giving to the nation a new university read the imperial reconscience." A high official said The committee planning the script on education with some- Christianity has rendered a service movement has issued a state- thing less than the decorum far out of proportion to the number ment to the nation, which, after desired by certain reactionary of its adherents. sketching the present situation students and alumni, and a pro~ in Japan, states: test strike from classrooms wa~ In 1873 there were signs on the the result. That the strike came roads running out of Tokio, "Death "In this crisis we firmly be- just before the term examinatQ All Christians," "Death to Christ lieve that only the Gospel of tions and that the students in Himself If He Comes This Way." Christ can be the safe guiding addition to asking the dean's Now Christianity, by Imperial edict, star for the people's thinking resignation are expecting to be is one of the three official religions of and bring eternal welfare to the excused from the exams until Japan- Shintoism, Buddhism and fatherland. autumn indicates that patriot- Christianity. Last year a Christian ism may not be the only element daily was launched at Tokio, named, "Zealously therefore we bestir in the situation. It definitely ourselves, and. emphasizing the shows also the levels to which The Christ Religion Newspaper. love of God and the grace of nationalism will stoop to win its Christ we proclaim this Gospel point. A compromise will prob- The Christmas story is told each to our fellow-nationals. In so ably be effected to save face all Christmas Eve over a national hQok- doing we would correct the pres- around, but this will only postup, and last year this was climaxed by ent perilous thought – currents pone the head-on collision bethe singing of the "Hallelujah Chorus" and provide a basis for foster- tween loyalty to God and duty by a trained choir of 1,000. The ing a devout and unalloyed senti- to national policy which Chris- Mikado is a total abstainer, and each ment among the people." tians are anticipating and which of his personal bodyguard of 300 will probably occur first in the picked soldiers mnst take a total ab- The movement 0 pen e d on Christian and private schools of stinence pledge. Thomas Carlyle said: April 28 with a mass evangel- the land. "Christianity cannot be counted, it istic meeting in Tokyo. must be weighed." This is the leaven -The Christian Century. that will leaven the whole Japanese In connection with the movelump. ment, a conference for educators Islam in Favor was held in May in Osaka, to -Evangelical-Messenger. consider the place of religion in A writer in The Indian Re- the training of youth, and the view thinks that the conquest of Proposed Union Christian means of inculcating religious China is not the only goal that University truth and developing the reli- Japan has in mind. He says: gious life in schools and colleges. Last April the presidents and In June a special conference for "One of the things that struck representatives of the various factory owners and managers me when I was in Japan at the Christian schools of higher edu- was held, to study the question beginning of this year was the cation in Japan met at Atami of evangelism among factory great interest that the Japanese for a two days' conference under workers. A union Christian were taking in Mohammedanthe auspices of the Executive of training conference is planned ism and building mosques in difthe Christian Educational Asso- for October and a union service ferent parts of their Empire. In ciation of Japan. Considerable of worship for November. pre-war days when I was there time was devoted to the often I came across hardly any J apadiscussed question of the need The Kingdom of God Weekly nese Moslems, but this time I to form a Union Christian Uni- is still sponsored by a committe~ met quite a good number of versity. A proposal was made chosen by the National Chris- them. A fine Moslem seminary for the establishment of a tian Council, the Kyo Bun Kwan has been established in Tokyo, Scholastic Center for the whole and the Kagawa Group. In under the guidance of Imam Christian Movement in Japan, order, however, to cut down Khurbangali, who enjoys the to be devoted to the investiga- overhead expenses and avoid tion and study of subjects per- deficits, the National Christian taining to man's spiritual, moral Council office has assumed the and social welfare. The plans entire work of pUblication. for the development of such a scheme would include the institution in Japan's capital city of a one department University of Literature and graduate
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTOOK
confidence of both the Moslem be put out; it is an original then village, he is overpowered and non-Moslem Japanese offi- work, not a translation and with the prevailing filth. His cials. From this center Islamic therefore closer to Japanese life first act, then, is to line up all literature is circulated all over and thought. the children and march them off the world. In pre-war days it to a clear mountain stream was difficult to come across any -Japan Christian Quarterly. where he scrubs them thorough- Japanese who knew Arabic, Per- ly with a coconut brush. Next sian or Turkish, and there were ISLANDS OF THE SEA he puts the men through a simhardly any chairs for these Is- ilar laundering. The women are lamic languages in Japanese Visiting the New Hebrides doubtless advised to a like universities. But now one meets course. Then his audience being quite a number of Japanese who Rev. Fred Paton of the John outwardly clean he proceeds to are intimate with those lan- G. Paton Mission, New He- preach a cleansing Gospel for guages, and chairs for them brides, writes in The Life of the inner man. Villages thus have been founded in a great Faith: transformed outwardly and inmany J a pan e s e universities. wardly are "living epistles." Why?" A contingent of natives came from Not uncommonly a stranger will Southwest Bay, and when I told them come to a missionary home in "Dry" Experiments a new missionary had been appointed Papua with the remark: "I have their faces lit up with happiness. heard that you live a Christian The number of "bone dry" They have had a hard, lonely time, life. I want to stay with you a villages has reached twenty. and it is a great relief, as they need few days to witness it." A strik- Tomi Oka village in Miyagi pre- help. Once a quarter I see little, ing contrast was afforded those fecture put the scheme to test for lonely villages for a few hours, and present at the mission's Christone year. So good were the re- the people welcome me. mas celebration, when a group sults that the villagers voted to of heathen were asked by some go dry for five years. Nagoya When the seas are rough, it is im- thoughtless person to give the village in Saga completed its first possible to land, but the teacher and Keveri war cry. It was a bloodperiod of three years and has a few natives scramble aboard. We curdling yell which rose in clivoted to extend the dry regime try to give a little bit of tea and sugar max and then· passed into the for another three years. This is and a few matches, and perhaps a few distance. A moment of silence a fishing village, and in spite of sweets and a ball to the children; then and then the Kwato Mission great poverty used to spend yen we back out and they are left three choir, which happened to be 20,000 a year on alcohol. Miho months alone. near, burst out with Gounod's, village in Nagano has completed "Send out thy light and thy three years of a dry experiment The teachers and their wives do not truth, let them lead me." and has extended the period for think they are heroic. They have another five years. heard of Jesus, and some of them vol- -Sunday School Times. unteer to go to the training institute -The Chronicle. for four years, then to return-not to Some Impressions of Australia their homes, but in many cases to an Spread of Christian Literature out-station and occasionally to die Mr. J. Edwin Orr, evangelist there. We have medicines, but if in New Zealand and Australia, General prosperity has caused there is an epidemic the supply runs gives some of his impressions in a rise in the sales of Christian out. The Christian. literature. During 1935, the Christian Literature Society New Christian Oollege in The twin sins of Australia are gampublished 1,046,100 books and Manila bling and pleasure-craze. Australians periodicals. Over 12,500,000 gamble all the time-it is heartbreakpages of Christian literature It is announced from Manila ing. Gambling pervades the air, and went out. Magazines carry the that the Christian college in taints even churches. Well-known Gospel into nearly a million that city has now been organ- church leaders are seen at the races. homes. They go into every cor- ized under Filipino auspices. Many ministers ignore the gambling ner of Japan, to the South Seas, All the boards concerned have menace: in some churches raffles are to the Malay Peninsula, to advised against the organizing a form of church support. America, to Europe, taking the of the college, and have intiword of God to Japanese scat- mated that they will not be pre- The average Australian is not retered all over the world and link- pared to make appropriations ligious: he is not antireligious either: ing all together. Christians are for it. The mission has granted he is just indifferent. The Commonbeginning to use Bible notes and to the college the use of the wealth of Australia seems to be far commentaries. rooms in the Theological Sem- behind New Zealand in religious in- inary building which have been terest. The worst condition of all is Daily Strength for Children heretofore used by the seminary displayed by the outback-isolated has texts for every day in the for its college work. The new communities growing up without the year with a simple, charmingly institution is now under way Gospel. The Gospel is preached by written talk upon each one. This with Dr. Enrique Sobrepena as some societies to the aborigines: but is the first book of this type to its president. their problem is nothing compared to -Presbyterian Board News. the scattered settlements. The atti- tude of denominational leaders to A Preface to Preaching evangelism is encouraging. There is remarkably good feeling between Bap- A recent report of the Kwato tist, Presbyterian, Churches of Christ, Mission describes evangelist Methodists and the rest. All over Davida's preliminaries to his preaching. Going into a hea-
Australia are found prayer groups for The church is on the eve of its home of the medicine man. revival. The Evangelicals know their greatest period of prosperity." What a difference in the recepneed. The subject of revival is dis- This prediction is based upon tion! "Come in," invited the cussed everywhere, and there is in- Mr. Babson's studies of both man cordially. As they entered creasing desire for blessing. economic and religious move- the home, the woman placed ments of the.past three centuries chairs for them and listened at- The younger generation is making of American life. tentively while the missionaries its influence felt. Several of my best sang two gospel hymns in the campaigns were run by younger – Watchman-Examiner. Indian tongue, then to the Christians. The generation born since prayer, and later to a sermon by 1900 means business; a hunger and Forward Step for-Chinese each missionary. The evangelthirst for revival is evident. Christian Community istic meetings were attended by Endeavor is encouragingly progres- such crowds that each evening sive in most states. Campaigners for The Presbyterian Board of many could not get into the Christ are beginning to make their National Missions has approved church. In all, forty conversions weight felt. the sale of the property of Ming were reported. Other villages Quong Home, Oakland, Calif., wanted the evangelists to hold NORTH AMERICA to Mills College for a sum suffi- services there, but time and cient to provide for the reestab- funds would not permit. To Promote Paganism lishment of the home in two -Presbyterian Board News. units, one for the older girls in The Moody Institute Monthly the Chinese section of Oakland, Alaskans Make Progress wonders whether the evident at- and another for the younger tempt of the office of Commis- girls at Los Gatos, a rural com- As already noted, the Presbysioner of Indian Affairs to pre- munity where the home's special terian Hospital at Point Barrow, serve, and even revive, the health work for the children who Alaska, was turned over to the heathen religious beliefs and are under par physically is now government on July 1. Plans practices of our Indian popula- carried on. provide for an enlarged medical tion, particularly in the western program: a resident physician and southern states, means that Ming Quong, or "Home of Ra- and nursing staff at the hospital; the United States government:.is diant Light," came into being in a field nurse who will travel by . going to violate the first amend- 1925, on a site given for the pur- dog team with an Eskimo guide ment to the Constitution by em- pose by Captain Robert Dollar. to the coast villages east of barking upon a program involv- A suburban white community Point Barrow; rehabilitation of ing the teaching of religion, and has grown up around the home, the hospital building and addia debased heathen religion at the inmates are the only Chinese tion of modern surgical equipthat. children in the public schools, ment. The transfer of the medi- while the Chinese church is six cal work makes possible the ex- It appears that certain gov- miles away. The new set-up, tension of the Board's evangelernment officials profess a deep providing an Oakland and a Los istic program, with a full-time interest in the quaint customs Gatos unit, will remedy this service of itinerant evangelism and practices of primitive peo- handicap to the development of among the Eskimos in the negples, and evince a concern to an effective program. The Oak- lected area east of Point Barrow cater to the curiosity of the rap- land unit will be located in the to Barter Island and Demarcaidly increasing army of tourists Chinese community, wit hi n tion Point at the Canadian borwho desire to see Indian life in walking distance of the Chinese der, in addition to regular its original state and setting, church. preaching and pastoral service and witness snake dances, war -Presbyterian Publicity Sheet. at Barrow and Wainwright. The dances, etc., with all the paint entire evangelistic program will and feathers. To carry out such The Scene Changes be under the supervision of Rev. aprogram would involve the em- Fred Klerekoper, who succeeds ployment of government schools, A year ago a missionary called Dr. Henry W. Greist, recently as agents in reviving and per- at a Papago medicine man's retired on account of broken petuating the old tribal life, with home in San Miguel, Arizona, health. the use of federal money. On on the Mexican border, and the whole, the government's con- asked to be allowed to tell the Rev. Russell Pederson says tribution toward making the In- Gospel story. The Indian's wife that Alaskans have made mardian an intelligent and decent went into the house and brought velous progress in the past deccitizen has been nothing to boast out a gun. "Now, go away!" ade. Most communities now of. she said. And the missionary have up-to-date libraries and went, but not without stopping reading rooms. Radios are con- Is A Revival Coming? at the gate for a word of prayer stantly being installed, and pro- for the man and his wife. grams in English help to edu- Roger Babson, noted statis- cate and entertain. The day is tician, makes a confident predic- Some months later a series of practically past when an intertion in his recent book, "A Re- evangelistic meetings were held preter must be used in giving vival Is Coming," that a great for the Papago Indians scattered spiritual awakening is jus t all over that vast desert. The ahead. He says: "All signs in- missionaries again called at the dicate that America will soon again be swept by a spiritual revival. Nothing can stop it. . . .
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTOOK
the Gospel in Alaska. Seldom paintings depicting the history too small already. A lot has been does one find an Alaskan who of the English Bible from the given in a good location and does not understand English. time of Caedmon. plans for a building are under Alaskans are also seeking to end way. Work is progressing at the sale of intoxicating liquor to -The Christian. several branch stations; at most their people. of them plans are going forward -Presbyterian Board News. Better Movie Campaign for enlarged, or additional build- ings. , Invite Government Employees Dr. Fred Eastman, one of the to Church editors of the Christian Cen- Hopeful Signs in Mexico tury, is still campaigning to im- The Committee on Religious prove American movies. Film The Presbyterian Board re- Life in the nation's capital an- producers consider him their ports that its Mexican Mission nounces that, in cooperation "Public Enemy No. 1." Motion is reduced to the smallest terms with the United States Civil picture magnates have insisted in numbers, but is undiminished Service Commission, welcoming they are entertainers, not edu- in activity. While tension on re- letters will be sent to all new cators, but Dr. Eastman has con- ligious questions has relaxed un- employees in the classified serv- fronted them with the fact that der the more liberal attitude of ices of the government. This they are educators whether they President Cardenas, the Mission will mean about 8,000 letters a know it or not; and that in this has been obliged to spend many year. country we are maintaining two months of anxiety and parleying educational system in conflict- over property questions. It is expected to develop this the public school system and the service of making strangers in motion picture industry. In reorganizing to meet pres- Washington feel at home in some ent conditions, the mission has place of worship of their own "Roman Catholics, it will be followed two general principles: denomination or preference and remembered, took the initiative All work is to be considered as of supplying information re- in cleaning up the movies about a project, with definite aims and garding the location of churches, five years ago; Protestants and goals; and no missionary is to church schools, Bible classes, and Jews joined them, so that in one assume responsibility which can other religious activities; and year the film industry lost $10,- be carried by a Mexican col- to extend it to include employees 000,000. The result is that much league. These principles have in the larger nongovernmental debasing stuff has been elimi- worked out, thus far, not only agencies, such as the American nated from films shown in to the extension of established Federati~n of Labor, the Na- America. But the producers work, but even to the opening of tional Educational Association, have not had a change of heart. some new fields. Two years ago, the United States Chamber of They have only been spanked." the progress of missions in Mex- Commerce, and any other new- Meanwhile the problem is being ico seemed blocked at every turn. comers to Washington. approached from another angle. Today, "mission" as an organ- Some hundreds of high schools ized and foreign-controlled en- -The Living Church. in America now have classes in terprise is still blocked, but the motion pictures appreciation, Christians have found their way Texas Bible Exhibit and this idea will probably de- to the hearts of others. velop. The American Bible Society Work among young people in is showing a remarkable collec- LATIN AMERICA Mexico is taking on increasing tion of Texas pioneer Bibles at importance, from babies on the Dallas Centennial Exposi- The Brethren Mission in through college age. Group tion. Copies of a "Breeches" Bi- Argentina training in music, especially ble, published in 1615, and a hymns, has been the service of Czech Bible, published in 1613, The Foreign Mission Society one missionary as she has con- are of particular interest. The of the Brethren Church assumes ducted these classes for young latter was buried in a field for responsibility for evangelizing a people in churches within reach safety during the persecutions strip of Argentina about 200 of the capital. Another new ven- in BoHemia, and was later miles in width and between ture is a church camp for girls brought to Texas by Moravian three and four hundred miles in and still another is student evan- settlers. Other exhibits of note length. Of the hundreds of gelism among young men at- include old photographs and thousands only a few hundred tending colleges in Mexico City. documents which tell the story have a saving knowledge of of the Society's work in Texas Christ. Rio Cuarto is the logical Christianapolis-Model during the last 102 years, por- and geographical center of this Village traits of the first agents and field. It is a growing city, with workers, colored slides showing a promising future. At Hernan- Mr. F. C. Glass recently made the processes of translation, do is the largest congregation. a long trip alone through a sec- publication, and distribution of Some remarkable conversions tion of Brazil, several hundred the Scriptures, more than 7,000,- have taken place, the testimony miles northeast of Garanhuns, 000 volumes of which are sent given is genuine, and the work and found a large and wide- out annually, and a frieze of is growing rapidly. The hall is spread community of Christians
living under conditions that re- made a grant of 18,000 marks the Church Mission to Jews in mind one of the life of the early toward the building. Upon the Poland. A writer in The Chris- Puritan fathers. He says that site a "dignified place of wor- tian tells of seeing this work, a happier, healthier or cleaner ship" will be erected by the State and of being deeply impressed lot of folk would be difficult to building administration aided by the sane methods used by the find. by church members, the Reich missionaries. Their English Government of Prussia, and the class, ostensibly for teaching In another state in the distant National Trades Union. It ap- English, is also used as a means south is a large village called pears that the Prussian Ministry of preaching the Gospel. Those Christianopolis, built in a forest of State recently conferred upon who come are all told very plainclearing and laid out as Faith the Russian Orthodox diocese ly that the missionaries are not Street, Joy Lane, Con cor d the legal rights of a constitution- taking this class only to teach Square, etc., and where only al body in which the Orthodox English, but to introduce to Christians may dwell. They churches in Germany "retain a them the claims of Christ, and have their own shops and little state-recognized and state-pro- the response is gratifying. trades, and possess a church tected form in which the followseating 500 people which is al- ers of this faith can live in close "In personal talks with one ready far too small for their re- communion with their fellow be- and another," says this writer, quirements. They do not smoke, lievers from other countries, es- "I could see how the Spirit of drink, dance, nor is a cinema pecially from the Balkan coun- God was working – breaking allowed to corrupt their morals tries, now living in Germany." down prejudice, and awakening and lure them back to the world. a desire for Christ as their Sav- They hold an annual convention Church Union in France iour, as well as their Messiah. of a Keswick character, when There is no doubt that among huge crowds gather for °a week, French Protestant Churches, their number there are some to study God's Word. chiefly represented by the Re- who are secret believers, and formed and the Reformed Evan- who are weighing up the conse- -The Christian. gelical bodies, have practically quences of baptism. Mr. Par- agreed to unite. By-gone causes sons ought to have fifty aggres- Tent Campaign in Puerto Rico of division are no longer under- sive evangelists and colporteurs stood or appreciated. It is ex- A Sunday school missionary pected that National Synods among the millions of Jews in Puerto Rico tells this story in will shortly reach a definite there." the Presbyterian Banner: agreement. Jews Going to Spain Near Bartolo a Christian brother A financial forward movement began to hold meetings in a large is in progress, and French gen- The legend of "The Wandering farmhouse. Many people gathered, so erosity is open handed. Before Jew" is no myth. From many a a request was sent for the Sunday the fiscal year of the Society of land Jews have had to flee from school missionary to come with his bus Missions closed in March, a mil- persecution. Strangely enough, and gospel tent equipment. We lion francs were received, which one of the lands that is opening packed our bus to the very top with closed the year without a deficit its doors to persecuted Jews is canvas, poles, boards for seats, baby -an experience known only once the land where four and a half organ, literature, stereoptican ma- before in thirty years. Mission- centuries ago their forefathers chine, military cots, gasoline lanterns, aries are returning to their sta- endured the indescribable crueland the hundred and one things neces- tions and no fields are to be ties of the Spanish Inquisition. sary for a fifteen-day campaign. abandoned. The 800,000 francs It is said that government of- accumulated deficits of the Soci- ficials and the people of influ- Those sturdy-headed, reckless peo- ety of Missions will, it is con- ence in general regret the part ple came in crowds to the tent; they fidently hoped, soon be cleared were respectful and interested, they off. The Reformed Evangelical taken by their country in the exwere stirred to the depths, and 103 Churches have launched an ap- pulsion of Jews in the fifteenth confessed Christ as their Saviour. A peal for 3,000,000 francs and in century, and in every way are desire for a chapel grew in their three months have received seeking to convey the impreshearts. A prominent man gave the nearly one-third of it. site and a group of young people from sion that today there exists no the Marina church in Mayaquez -World Survey Service. prejudice against the Jews or helped launch the campaign for rais- any other race. Within the past ing money. Enthusiasm grew, and Poland and the Jewish two years a considerable numout of their great poverty, with plan- Problem ber of Jews from Nazi Germany ning and sacrifice, the Bartolo people are finding their way into Spain, are building a house of worship. A The largest number of Jews large class of candidates is being pre- in the world is found in Poland, a perhaps the largest groups gopared for church membership. which is largely the fountain head of world Jewry. Jews ing to the south. Seville has EUROPE form one-seventh of the popula- growing Jewish population, with tion in Poland. Rev. Martin scattered communities through- A German-Russian Church Parsons is directing the work of out Andalusia.
The Living Church reports As a people, Jews are not that the Nazi ~overnment on identified wit h communism. July 3d placed a building site at Their traditions are all to the the disposal of the Russian Or- contrary. thodox diocese of Berlin for the reconstruction of the Russian Orthodox cathedral, and has Our· Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information BOOKS WORTH READING Omwa? Are You Awake? By P. H. Black and White in East Africa. ON AFRICA J. Lerrigo. 175 pp. $1.25. Revell. By Richard C. Thurnwald, with New York. 1936. chapter on "Women" by Hilde By REV. EMORY Ross Thurnwald. 218. Geo. Routledge Intimate, human and discern- & Sons. London. Western Civilization and the Natives ing sketches of the life of Afri- of South Africa: Studies in Cul- cans and foreigners in Congo- Detailed study of perplexing ture Contact. By I. Schapera. 158. industry, government, religion, problems emerging from the Routledge. London. 1934. medicine, education, folk-tales- contact between black and white by a man who has both knowl- in Africa. An important reference work. edge and insight. Some conception of the cultural The School in the Bush. By Victor shock now being experienced by The Golden Stool. By Edwin W. Murray. $5.00. Longmans Green Africa is necessary for proper Smith. $1.50. Harpers. New & Co. New York. 1929. understanding of that continent. York. 1928. A qualified outsider's view of Christ in the Great Forest. Felix Not to be missed by one who African education. Comprehen- Faure. 181 pp. $1.00, cloth; 60 would have, in a very readable sive. Provocative. cents, paper. Friendship Press. form, an introduction to the New York. 1936. African of today against the The Gospel and the African. By background of yesterday. Alexander Hetherwick. 176 pp. Fifteen case histories that 48. 6d. T. & T. Clark. Edinburgh. show Christianity's impact upon God's Candlelights. By Mable Shaw. 1932. Africans in the Gabun. M. 197 pp. 28. 6d. Edinburgh House Faure has been for thirty years Press. London. Friendship Press, Half a century of missionary a French Protestant missionary New York. $1.00. 1936. experience was the preparation in West Africa. for this study of African reli- A discerning teacher's story gious life and the changes African Bridge Builders. William C. of how Christ helped the African brought by Christianity. Bell. 168 pp. $1.00, cloth; 60 girls build God's village – the cents, paper. Friendship Press. girls' boarding school at Mbere- Literature for the South African New York. 1936. shi, Northern Rhodesia. Bantu. By R. H. W. Shepherd. 81 pp. 18. The Carnegie Corporation A collection, skilfully and The Life of Dr. Donald Fraser. By Visitors' Grants Committee. Precompactly edited, of stories by Agnes R. Fraser. 326 pp. 78. 6d. toria, South Africa. 1936. and about Africans, taken from Hodder and Stoughton. London. that splendid series, "Little 1934. A comparative study of Negro Book for Africa." literary achievements – in Af- rica and the United States.
Modern Industry and the African. The life story of one great Apolo of the Pygmy Forest. New By J. Merle Davis. $2.50. Inter- African missionary written by and Enlarged Edition. 82 pp. national Missionary Council, New another-his wife. C. M. S. London. 1936. York. 1932. Sons of Africa. By Georgina A. Gol- The fascinating story of an The most comprehensive study lock. 241 pp. Map. 75 cents, African missionary to Africans. yet made of that baffling tri- boards; 50 cents, paper. Friendangle: Church – industry – ship Press. New York. 1928. Among Congo Pygmies. By P. Sche- Africa. Relates particularly to bester. 188. Hutchinson. London. the world's largest mines – of Life stories of great Africans, 1933. diamonds, gold and copper, in more than a score of them, from Africa. the Askia (Usurper) of the 15th About the only full-length century, who founded a great book yet written dealing scien- tifically with those shy people, The African Today. By Diedrich dynasty, to Aggrey of the 20th, among the world's most primi- Westermann. $3.00. 343 pp. Ox- 'Yho did more. tive, the pygmies of the Ituri ford University Press. New York. forest. Aggrey of Africa. By Edwin W. 1934.
Able survey of African condi- Smith. $1.00. Friendship Press. Liberia Old and New. J. L. Sibley tions by one of the directors of New York. 1929. the International Institute of and D. Westermann. $3.00. Smith.
Best modern biography of an New York. 1928.
African Languages and Cul- African. Aggrey was remark- Good short treatment of the tures. able; the book is excellent. Negro Republic. Mr. Sibley Any of the books noted in these columns wi11 be sent by the ReVIew publishers on receipt of price.
[509 ] died in service as the govern- portunity. Mr. Ross, for twenty ciety describes in popular form ment's educational adviser. years a missionary in Africa and recently secretary of the Congo the romance and reality of pro- Forest Hospital at Lambarene. By Protestant Mission Council, here Albert Schweitzer. 191 pp. $2.00. describes the land, its people, ducing Christian literature and Holt & Co. New York. 1931. problems, mission work and fu- Bible translations in new lan- A medical mission to Africans ture – not by a recital of dry discussed by a well-known medi- statements but by picturesque guages that have never been re- cal missionary philosopher. facts, descriptions and incidents. The colored map and reading duced to writing. This is one of Surveys Made by World Dominion list add to its value as the senior Movement. London and New York. study book for the year. the most important parts of the A valuable series of books on D. L. P. missionaries' task. Mr. Smith various African areas, dealing with missionary occupation, sta- tells how men who have gone to tistics, government problems, education, medicine, the Church. Central Africa, the Islands of Africa View. By J. Huxley. $3.50. the Sea and elsewhere, without Harpers. New York. 1931. any knowledge of the language A leading British scientist ex- amines Africa. Stimulating. of the people, have patiently and The Partition and Colonization of Congo Crosses. By Julia Lake KeI'- with ingenuity learned to speak Africa. By C. P. Lucas. $4.20. Oxford University Press. New lersbergeT. $1.00, cloth; 50 cents, with the natives, have reduced York. 1932. paper. Friendship Press. New the languages to writing and A well told story of the Euro- pean grab of Africa. York. 1936. have finally translated the Bible.
Boomba Lives in Africa. By Caro- Mrs. Kellersberger is already Many humorous experiences are line Singer and Cyrus LeRoy Bald- ridge. Holiday House, London. widely known in America for recorded due to mistakes in pro- 1935. her stirring addresess on the nunciation or to misunderstand- Story of a ten-year-old West African boy. For children. Congo, her missionary field. ings. In Uganda the word for Full page drawings by Mr. Bald- ridge. Here she describes the land on "wizard" (forbidden in the Bi- Haile Selassie Emperor of Ethiopia. which s hi n e s the Southern ble) was used for medical mis- By The Princess Asfa Yilma. 305 pp. $4.00. Illus. and maps. D. Cross; the trails and landscapes sionary and added to the diffi- Appleton-Century Co. New York. 1936. of the Africans – heathen cus- culties. Among the Shans of An excellent volume on Ethio- toms, slavery, climate, wars, Burma the same word, with dif- pia, with all its aspects discern- ingly discussed up to early part witchcrafts, hard labor, and pov- ferent tones, means man y of 1936. The writer is a half- British Ethiopian p r inc e s s, erty, which constitute their in- things. "Ma rna rna rna rna" European educated. dividual and tribal crosses, and may be translated, "Help the The Golden Legend of Ethiopia. By Post Wheeler. 183 pp. $2.00. D. finally the Cross of Christ by horse, a mad dog comes." Appleton-Century Co. New York. 1936. which Africans are being re- The book is exceedingly inter- The traditional romantic story deemed for time and eternity. esting and shows the great im- of Makeda, Queen of Sheba, and King Solomon, told by an Amer- This book, especially for women, portance of accurate language ican career diplomat, recently minister to Albania. How the is unique, well illustrated and work in order to get at a peo- ark came to Ethiopia, and other . Ethiopic traditions which have informIng. D. L. P. ple's soul and to give them the greatly helped to mold the Ethiopian nation. The Land and Life of Africa. By Gospel so that they will under- Margaret Wrong. IlIus. Map. Out of Africa. By Emory Ross. 12mo. 144 pp. 28. The Living- stand. D. L. P. $1.00, cloth; 60 cents, paper. 216 stone Press. London. 1935. pp.; map. Friendship Press. New Consider Africa. By Basil Mathews. York. 1936. Here is an excellent introduc- Maps. 12 mo. 181 pp. $1.00 cloth, tion to the study of Africa. Miss 60 cents paper. Friendship Press. Noone will wish to miss this Wrong is a well-informed, a New York. 1936. graphically written volume on clear, illuminating writer. She Africa, the continent of adven- pictures vividly the town and Weare debtors to Africa for ture, romance, tragedy and op- village life, not by an array of the gold, the ivory, the dia- impersonal facts, but by describ- monds, the copper, coffee and ing the experiences of individual cotton, palm oil and cocoa, and Africans. She tells also of the skins of all kinds that have journeys through the bush on come from that rich continent; foot, by rail and motor car and we are debtors to the Africans, airplane. African races and even more because of past ex- history, governments and edu- ploitation of these primitive peo- cation are treated in separate ples – an exploitation and op- chapters. It is not a report of pression that is still going on. missionary w 0 r k but gives It is a country of romance and graphic glimpses of the influence adventure of vast variety and of Christianity and reveals the far-reaching possibilities. The background in which missiQn African is a deeply interesting character, of many tribes and work is conducted. D. L. P. races, of varied characteristics, customs and beliefs. But Africa The Shrine of a People's Soul. By and the Africans are changing. Edwin W. Smith. 208 pp. 28. As a rule they are still primitive Edinburgh House Press. London. and childlike but multitudes are 1929. seeing new light and hope and are becoming leaders of their The Editorial Secretary of the British and Foreign Bible So-
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
people. This is the country and of the interesting stations vis- terial, including African games, people, south of the Sudan, that ited was that of Dan Crawford, stories, proverbs, music, sugges- form the foreign mission study so that we have an independent tions for dramatization, refresh- topic for the coming year. Basil view of the work of this mighty ments, etc.
Mathews has given us a most missionary. The whole diary Thinking with Africa. Edited by interesting introduction to the and the photographs enable us Milton Stauffer. Boards, 50 cents; subject. It is less a study book to travel with Miss Dunkel- paper, 25 cents. New York. 1927.
than a popular description of the berger, to see with her eyes, feel African thought interpretea African, his country and char- with her heart and sympathize by Christian nationals and misacteristics. Here we see him with her spiritual reactions. sionaries. with his shining body and ready D. L. P. The Moffats. By Ethel Daniels Hublaugh, his expressive dance and BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEO- bard. Cloth, $1.00; paper, 75 cents. PLE AND CHILDREN New York. drum; his bondage to supersti- Camp Fires in the Congo. By Mrs. Popular life of Robert and tion and fear. We read of the John M. Springer. 128 pp. 75 Mary Moffat, pioneer mission- cents, cloth; 50 cents, paper. The aries in South Africa. African labor problem-so dif- Central Committee on the United Study of Foreign Missions. Bos- Livingstone the Pathfinder. By Basil ferent from American and Eu- ton. 1936. Mathews. Cloth, $1.00; paper, 75 cents. rope – the native moral weak- This is one of those books, os- tensibly written for children The most popular biography nesses and imported white man's which their elders will not read- of Livingstone. ily lay aside, if they once begin vices; the cruelty and oppres- it. But a narrative skillfully Uganda's White Man of Work. By told is one of the best ways to Sophia Lyon Fahs. Cloth, 50 cents; sion of European. conquerors carry important truth. Mrs. paper, 25 cents. Springer's style is direct and and the changes that are taking vivid. Few words are wasted The life of Mackay of Uganda. in abstractions or generalities. place. Finally we read of the That is, it is the style most at- In the African Bush. By Jewel tractive to young people. The Huelster Schwab. coming of the Christian mission- six chapters cover a great num- ber of incidents, which give one Stories of African life for ary and the results of the Gos- juniors.
pel. It is a book worth reading FOR PRIMARY CHILDREN AND BEGINNERS -one that whets the appetite for a better acquaintance with marvelous Africa and the fas- cinating people. A valuable bib- liography and index,· and a good colored map are included. . D. L. P.
Crossing Africa. By Stella C. Dunkelberger. Illus. 8vo. 105 pp. an intimate view of the thoughts Children of the Chief. By Mary $1.00. Mission Office. 147 W. and customs of the Congo peo- School Lane, Germantown, Pa. Entwistle. Cloth, 50 cents; paper, ple. In fact the book contains a 25 cents.
The D. M. Stearn's Fund has surprising amount of informa- The Red Friendly Book. By Muriel ministered to missionaries all tion on the people of the Congo. R. Wray. Boards, 40 cents. over the world for some forty years. After serving for twenty- There are many excellent illus- Kembo: A Little Girl of Africa. five years as home secretary, trations, printed on paper best By Winifred E. Barnard. Boards, Miss Dunkelberger decided to adapted to bring them out. This 50 cents.
visit some of the African mis- book is a fine addition to mis- Efiong: A Little Boy of Africa. By sionary literature, and, indeed, Ella B. Floyer. Boards, 40 <'ents.
sions she had helped, and trav- to popular literature u p 0 n SUPPLEMENTARY eled across Africa by way of the Africa. Congo River and Elizabethville R. M. K. MATERIAL to Portuguese East Africa. These diary letters, with over OTHER FRIENDSHIP Africa Picture Sheet. 25 cents. one hundred pictures, tell the PRESS BOOKS story. It is very enlightening A folder of pictures for class- The Land and Life of Africa. By to share her many interesting room use. experiences, by boat and car- Margaret Wrong. 138 pp. 50 riers of various kinds, as she cents, paper. 1936. Africa Picture Stories. Spedal price, visited the missions in out-ofthe-way stations, saw the na- An accurate account of daily 25 cents the set. tives in the raw and as trans- life and thought, religion and formed by the power of Christ. work in Africa. Recommended Five pictures and a story Some of the photographs are especially for young people and clear and instructive. It is a adults, including leaders of all about each picture. personal narrative, in which age groups. many unimportant items are in- Boys and Girls of Africa. 15 cents. Fun and Festival from Africa. By Catherine Miller Balm. 25 cents, Six sheets of African pictures paper. New York. to be colored.
Directions for Making an African Village. 25 cents.
A set of drawings to be cut out and assembled.
Loose-Leaf Series No. i-Africa. 15 cents. .
cluded and some details of value Pamphlet, by the author of An illustrated pamphlet of are omitted – including the ex- Chinese Ginger and Joy from games, songs, handcraft sugges- act names of workers met. One Jap(m, contains a wealth of ma- tions and folk tales from Africa.
New Books Obituary Notes Mrs. Carrie Ballah Harrell, writer and missionary, said to have been the Lights and Shades of Christendom to (Concluded from page 449.) first white child born in Japan, died A. D. 1000. H. Pakenham-Walsh. July 13th, in Baltimore, Maryland, at Maps. 368 pp. $4.00. Oxford Uni- Miss Jean Kenyon Mackenzie, for the home of her daughter, Mrs. H. versity Press. New York. Donovan Swann at the age of seventy- twelve years a missionary of the Pres- four. The History of the Universities' byterian Church to the Bantu tribes Mission to Central Africa. G. Her- of southern Cameroun, Africa, died Mrs. Harrell was the daughter of bert Wilson. Illus. 278 pp. 2s. 6d. the Rev. James H. Harrell, who es· U. M. C. A. London. September 2d in New York. A native tablished the first Protestant church in Japan, on the treaty ground es- Christian Materialism: Inquiries In- of Elgin, Ohio, and the daughter of ta',Jlished by Admiral Matthew C. to the Getting and Spending and Perry, at Yokohama. Giving of Money. F. J. McConnell. Scottish parents, Miss Mackenzie at- 167 pp. $1.25. Friendship Press. tended school in San Francisco and Mrs. Harrell's introduction of the New York. Braille system into Japan, and her later studied at the Sorbonne, in Par- work among blind and deaf mutes The Social System of the Zulus. E. is. When her father became pastor won her the honor of being received J. Krige. Illus. 420 pp. 25s. Long- by the late Emperor. mans. London. of the Rutgers church, she volun- teered for missionary work and in PROMISE Papuan Wonderland. J. G. Hides. 204 pp. 8s. 6d. Blackie. London. 1904 was sent to what was then the To Read German colony of Kamerun. During The History of Jewish Christianity: and Keep From the First to the Twentieth the next ten years Miss Mackenzie Century. H. J. Schonfeld. Illus. Circulating 256 pp. 7s. 6d. Duckworth. Lon- saw service in four outposts, all but don. one of them ",.lush" towns in the in- Dr. R. A. Torrey's "HOW TO The Way of the Witnesses: A New terior. An internal injury-suffered PRAY," a notable 128-page Testament Study in Missionary Motive. Edward Shillito. 158 pp. one day while riding in a one-wheeled book, and receive copy for 2s. Edinburgh House Press. Lon- African cart-compelled her retire- don. this purpose FREE. ment in 1916. Interpreters: A Study in Contempo- In 1923 Miss Mackenzie attended • rary Evangelism. Max Warren. 142 pp. 2s. 6d. Highway Press. Lon- the Le Zoute Conference to discuss BIBLE INSTITUTE COLPORTAGE don. the future of mission work in Africa. ASSOCIATION Report on the Religious Life in the Here her long friendship with French, 849m N. Wells St., Chicago, Illinois Christian Colleges in China. 45 pp. China Christian Educational Swiss and German mission forces was Assn. Shanghai. brought into play to help the confer- Christian Union in South India: An ence avoid misunderstandings at a Adventure in Fellowship. W. J. Noble. 94 pp. 2s. Student Chris- time when the World War was still tian Movement Press. London. only five years past.
The Encyclopredia of Islam. Edited Miss Mackenzie wrote many books by M. Th. Houtsma, A. J. Wen- sinck, H. A. R. Gi',Jb, W. Heffening about Africa. Among them are, and E. Levi-Provencal. No. 53: Panguli-Rabb. 1025-1088 pp. Sup- "Black Sheep," "The Trader's Wife," plement No.2: Djughrafiya-Kas- sala. Plates. 65-112 pp. Each "An African Trail," "African Adven- 7s. 6d. Luzac. London. tures" "Friends of wAasfraic~ae"mb"eErxi0l1e Is Christianity Unique? A Compara- and Postman." She tive Study of the Religions. Nicol the editorial staff of Listen which M'acmicol. 222 pp. 6s. S. C. M. Press. London. provides news and interpretation of Apollo of the Pigmy Forest. New and international affairs in simplified Enlarged Edition. A. B. Lloyd. Is. 82 pp. C. M. S. London. English for children and those un- African Bridge Builders. Edited by familiar with the language. Wm. C. Bell. 168 pp. Friendship Press. New York. Surviving are her mother, Mrs. Robert Mackenzie, and two sisters. Across the Years-An Autobiog- raphy. Chas. Stedman Macfarland. gorging the (!]hain of 367 pp. $2.75. Macmillan. New York. CHRISTIAN LOVE The Bible Triumphant. C. Urquhart. encircling the C@orld 144 pp. 2s. 6d. Pickering & In- glis. London. Consecrated Missionaries of the Congregational and Chris- Jacob Burkhard. Mary Yoder Burk- tian Churches serving in home and foreign fields are hard. 214 pp. $1.00 cloth, 60 cents paper. Published by author. Gosh- golden links in the chain of International Friendship. So en, Ind. are the thousands who read the MISSIONARY HERALD at Home and Ahroad — the magazine that has worked ceaselessly for 132 years in hehalf of greater tolerance, more kindly understanding, and for the spirit of true hrotherhood inspired hy Jesus Christ. , We earnestly solicit your subscription, believing that it is your desire to be well-informed concerning world conditions.
The rate is $1.25 a year for a single subscription; $1.00 a year in groups of five.
A sample copy will be sent gladly upon request.
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OMWA? AN IRISHMAN IN THE (ARE YOU AWAKE 1) JUNGLES OF AFRICA P. H. J. LERRIGO, M.D. Edited by RUTH BURNS MAGUIRE ttOmwa ? Are you awake?" is a native The wonderful career of Gabriel Reid salutation used in Central Africa. The author has utilized this expression as a Maguire, who was a missionary, preacher thread to bind together thIs study deal- ing with the major problems, religious, and pastor, for nearly forty years. "A political, social and mdustrial, confront- mg the great emerging continent today. great and unusual contributIon to the Human interest stories and folk tales illuminate the themes. Illustrated $1.25 missionary literature in which our churches are interested just at this time."-Watchman-Examiner. With an introduction by President Austen K.
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'('But What Am I to Do?"
~ (EW YEAR'S DAY. The gateway of the Metet Leper Colony, Cameroun, Africa· '-a'l9 Clustered about it a pitiful crowd. Some sit, some lie down, some crouch.
Those nearest the gate take an attitude of supplication–dumb, passive, resigned, enduring. Suppliant—but only as a dog is suppliant when he has been beaten and begs, with his eyes open, for the passing of your anger.
The gate opens. A stir among those who wait, like a very faint puff of wind over dead leaves. An American man and woman and an African come out. Very gently, as if trying to say by their motions what they could not speak.
The African stops near one, then another, then another, of the waiting forms. He touches them, speaks a word. They rise with hardly a change of expression and pass inside the gate. Too dazed even to be happy! Six, eight, twelve, fifteen go in like that.
"That is enough, Mfe'e," says the doctor. "There is no more room. We are sorry, Mfe'e. Oh, tell them we are sorry!"
Mfe'e, his hand on the shoulder of an old, old woman, stops and turns toward the gate. Slowly the missionaries walk down the road.
Suddenly there is a cry. They turn.
It is the old woman. She is half standing, half crouching. Her hands are stretched out.
"But what am 1 to do? What am I to do?"
So long as they live, the missionaries can never forget that cry.
CAN YOU?
—————————————– THE AMERICAN MISSION TO LEPERS, Inc. Room 1119-R, 156 Fifth Avenue, New York o Because I too do not forget, I enclose $40 for the admission and one year's care of the old woman at Metet or some one like her o o $15 for a small house for four lepers $10 for medicines for two years–some- o $1 for a month's food times enough for a cure o Name _____________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________ City________________________________________________ Staw__________________
The Missionary Review of the World — June 1936
1936
?2e QmefticaK 9ftO ?2umbeft BEACON LIGHTS OF NEGRO PROGRESS Charles H. Wesley HELPS AND HINDRANCES TO PROGRESS Reverdy C. Ransom TWO GENERATIONS SINCE EMANCIPATION Monroe N. Work SOME OUTSTANDING NEGRO CHRISTIANS Channing H. Tobias THE GREATEST NEED OF THE NEGRO C. L. Hill DANIEL PAYNE: CHRISTIAN EDUCATOR Josephus R. Coan NEGRO YOUTH AND THE CHURCH TODAY Martin L. Harvey WHAT NEGROES ARE DOING FOR NEGROES L. L. Berry EXPERIENCE IN WORK WITH NEGROES Frederick L. Brownlee OTHER LESSONS FROM EXPERIENCE John Little NEGRO YOUTH CHALLENGES WHITE YOUTH J. S. Ledbetter 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a YeaT
to Remember Mt. lAke Park, Md.–July 10-16. eial weekly periodical of the Meth-
Mrs. B. H. Sincell, 103 2d St., odist Episcopal Church, is one of a June 4-9-General Synod of the Re- Oakland, Md. number of Advocates published in dif- formed Church in America. Ro- ferent parts of the country with a chester, N. Y. Northfield, Mass.–July 6-14. total circulation of 170,000. Dr. Joy Miss Amy Ogden Welcher, 796 is seventy-two years of age, having June 10-17 – Ann u a I Conference, Prospect Ave., Hartford, Conn. been born in Groton, Mass., and was Church of the Brethren. Hershey, graduated from Yale University in Pa. Southern California (Los Angeles)- 1885. He is still in good health and September 21-25. wields an effective pen. His successor, June 16-24-General Council of Con- Mrs. H. M. Horn, 1965 Carmen Dr. Harold Paul Sloan, was elected at gregational and Christian Churches. Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, ., . . the Quadrennial Conference of the Mass. Warren, Ohio-October 6-7. Mrs. George Konold, 314 Scott Methodist Church held in Columbus, June 23-28-Christian Youth Council St., N. E., Warren, Ohio. Ohio, early in May. of North America. Lakeside, Ohio. Rev. F. W. S. O'Neill, missionary Winona lAke, lnd.–June 24-30. in Manchuria since 1897, will be the June 27-July 4-Geneva Summer Mrs. Lulu C. Hunter, 1021 So. moderator of the general assembly of School for Missions. Lake Geneva, Elmwood Ave., Oak Park, Ill. the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Wisconsin. this year. Mr.- O'Neill is the author The Gospel in Print of several books which are a distinct June 29-July 10 – Indian Missionary contribution to missionary literature. Conference and Annual Meeting of Sound Evangelical Literature the National Fellowship of Indian for the Million ••• Workers. College of Agriculture, Rev. William C. Kerr, who has Madison, Wis. Books, Pamphlets, Tracts and Wall Mottoes served as Presbyterian missionary in Jor .11 .g••, cl……nd n••d., also Seoul, Korea, for 18 years, has been July 6-12 – Twelfth World's Sunday' Bibles, Testllments, Gospel "portions" honored with the decoration of "the School Convention. Oslo, Norway. fourth order of merit with the sacred lind Hymn Books. CI. Suppli•• Eor Chri.- treasure" by Emperor Hirohito of July 9-August 12-Winona Latte' Japan. School of Theology. Winona Lake, ti.n Worlc.r.-colporters and eVllngelists ••• Ind. Rev. Nelson Bitton retired on April .specillily. CI. Book Mi..ion.ri•• w.nt.d 30th from office as Home Secretary August 16-23-World Missions'Insti- of the London Missionary Society tute, Chautauqua, New York. in every community, for entire or pllrt time; fllir finllncilll remunerlltion. CI. Work after thirty-eight years' service as missionary and secretary. One of the CONFERENCES AND SCHOOLS Jound.d by D. L. MOODY in 189lJ. special'services he rendered was his OF MISSIONS -Th. M….g•• oJ Good Book. H.v.r visit to Samoa in 1932. Other activi- Die.- ties included participation in the Affiliated with the Council of Women L. M. S. China Council, the Anti- for Home Missions and the Com- Write to", Opium Campaign, associate editorship mittee on Women's Work, For- of the Chinese Recorder, as well as the eign Missions Conference Bibl. Inll:. Colportag. AII'n work of the Christian Literature So- • ciety of China. • • Baltimore, Md.-October 19-21. 843 N. w.n., Chic.go Mrs. David D. Baker, 410 N. Cal- Per.onal Item. Dr. David McConaughey, vicehoun St., Baltimore, M,d. chairman of the World's Stewardship Dr. M. T. Rankin. missionary Bethesda, Ohio–July 20-24. teacher in the Graves Theological Union, is now in Europe, having been Seminary at Canton, China, has been invited to address a series of steward- Miss Mary I. Scott, 310 Tomlin- elected secretary for the Orient of the shi:p "clinics" with church leaders in son Ave., Moundsville, W. Va. Southern Baptist Board, to serve as SWItzerland, France and Great Brit- a connecting link between the mis- Boulder, Colorado-June21-27. ain. Among the other gatherings he • • sioJts and the Board. is to speak on stewardship before the Mrs. Henry F. Hoffman, 741 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Adams St., Denver, Colo. • Church of Scotland.
Cha,utauqua, N. Y.-Institute of Dr. Roy G. Ross, a missionary sec- World Missions (August 16-23). retary of the Disciples' Church, has been elected executive secretary of the Mrs. F. C. Reynolds, 309 Wood- International Council of Religious land Road, Roland Park, Baltimore, Md. … Education, to fill the position made Eaglesmere, Pa.–June26-July 3. vacant by the resilPlation of Dr. Hugh THAT TEACH Mrs. E. B. Breeding, 24 Rugby S. Magill. Lane, Scarsdale, N. Y. THE BIBLE , Used in thousands of Sunday Schools Houston, Te~~ – September 28:" Oc- where leaders believe in the inspira- tober 2. ' , Miss Lillian Nichols, head of Hols- tion of God's Word. ton Institute, Songdo, Korea, has been Dean – Mrs. A. B. Hynes, 618 cited for 26 years of meritorious serv- FREE PROSPECTUS of department Highland, Houston, Texas. ice to this Methodist School. in which you are interested and sam- ple lessons (Graded or Uniform) will lAke Geneva, Wis.–June 27-Jrily 4. *•* be sent on request. Desk MR-6. Mrs. T. A. Freeman, 427 Green- wood Ave., Evanston, Ill. Dr. James R. Joy, for 21 years Editor of The Christian Advocate of Minnesota, (Minneapolis,-St. Pa'l!-l)- the Methodist Episcopal Church, and September 21-25. ' previously eleven years assistant edi- tor under the late Dr. James M. Bulk- Ex. Sec. – Mrs. C. E. Heard,' ley, has announced his retirement 3020 Colfax Ave., Minneapolis, from editorial work on June 1st. Dr. Minn. Joy has held a position of large re- sponsibility and wide influence in the Mt. Hermon, Calif.-July '25-Aug- church. His paper, which is the omust 1. '
Mrs. N. J. Forsberg, 325 Dorantes Ave., San Francisco, Calif.
MISSIONARY Obituary
REVIEW OF THE WORLD Mrs. Dan Crawford, widow of the .When your Call DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor famous Central Africa missionary who was author of "Thinking Black" comes from the East … VOL. LIX JUNE, 1936 No.6 and other volumes, died on April 13th. Mrs. Crawford went out with her SAIL BY P&O Publication and Business Office- husband 37 years ago to Luanza, Cen- Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. tral Africa, and there did effective Choose the convenient and traditional pioneer work. She was a wise coun- way, to whatever part of the East the Editorial and Executive Office- cillor and a remarkably able worker work of the Faith may take you … to 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. in Bi10le schools and in Gospel evan- Egypt, Sudan, the Persian Gulf, India, Entered as second-class matter at gelism which helped to transform so Burma, Ceylon, Straits Settlements, many lives. The work is still carried China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under on as an independent mission, most East or South Africa. Just cross to Act of March 3, 1879. of the workers being associated with England by Cunard White Star and the Plymouth Brethren. sail from there in any Liner of the 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. great P & 0 fleet … including the new Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. *** sister-ships Strathnaver, Strathaird Published monthly, except August. and Strathmore. You'll enjoy the ut- All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. Dr. John C. Berry, distinguished most comfort of this western world, British agents – Marshall, Morgan medical missionary to Japan, who in- all the way East! and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, troduced the first trained nurse into London, E. C. 1 shilling pel' copy, that country, died in Worcester, Convenient through bookings can be arranged 10 shillings a year. Mass., February 8th, at the age of 89. by your local travel agent or any office of In addition to his medical work, Dr. MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- Berry was instrumental in effecting CUNARD WHITE STAR LINE LISHING CO., INC. a comprehensive and permanent work of prison reform in Japan. At a re- General Agents BOARD OF DIRECTORS cent convention of social workers in 25 Broadway and 638 Fifth Avenue, New York ROBERT E. SPEER, President Tokyo, attended by 3,000 delegates, he A. L. WARNSHUIS, Vioo-President was hailed as the "Founder of Social WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer Service in the Nation." DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary Dr. Judson C*. K* ing*, Baptist med- SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT ical missionary in the Belgian Congo, WILLIAM I. C'HAMBERL,oUN died March 27th, at Sona Bata. The crowning achievement of his mission- D. J. FANT ary service was the founding of Sona MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD Bata Medical School in 1932.
WM. B. LIPPHARD J ames Cruic*ksh*ank*, of Cairo, as- Emc M. NORTH sistant to the Chief Mechanical Engi- SAMUEL M. ZWEMER neer of the Egyptian Railways, died February 10th. Mr. Cruickshank was Editorial Chat (Conc:uded on 3d Cover.) Here is our special number on the American Negro. It has food for The Presbyt:erian thought and prayer. Our readers will appreciate the ready response of the A weekly religious newspaper in authors who have contributed these papers in response to our invitation. . its lo6th year of continuous pub- It will lend additional interest if the reader can try to distinguish, from lication under the same name. the style and spirit and thoughts expressed, which are white of skin. It It is conservative and evangelwill be seen that color is only skin deep, provided that the soul has not ical, gets its news by telegraph been oppressed or embittered by injustice or lack of opportunity. and keeps abreast of the times.
Some of the important promised It goes into every state of the articles, we regret to say, have not reached us in time to be included. Union, the District of Columbia, These may be looked for in later issues of THE REVIEW. These articles and U. S. possessions. are intended to supp:ement the textbooks published by the Missionary It goes to Asia and Africa, South Education Movement for adults, young people and children of various America, Canada and New Zealand grades. They offer a large and rich and into twelve countries of ~u assortment. rope. *** Subscription Price, – BOUND VOLUMES WANTED Ministerial Rate, The library of Emory University, 50c. extra—Canadian postage Emory, Georgia, asks for the follow- $1.00 extra—Foreign postage ing numbers of THE REVIEW to complete its files: THE PRESBYTERIAN November and December, 1925. 1217 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa. January, February, May, July, 1926. January, 1927. December, 1929.
They might be interested to secure the entire years 1925, 1926, 1927 and 1929 in bound volumes.
Kindly write to Miss Elizabeth Royer, Librarian, Emory University, Emory, Georgia.
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"Harper's Weekly" Drawing by 801
TYPICAL SCENE FROM NEGRO' CAMP MEETING IN THE SOUTH SIXTY YEARS AGO'
EAGER SEARCH FO'R KNO'WLEDGE~LO'RIMElR SCHOO'L, ED~STO' ISLAND, SO'UTH CARO'LINA EVIDENCES OF PROGRESS AMONG AMERICAN NEGROES REVIB ORLD VOLUME LIX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 6 JUNE, 1936 Topics of the Times OUR INTEREST IN THE NEGRO The Negro is a living soul made capable of re- ceiving the impress of the likeness of Christ. There are more Negroes in the United States What then is the great hindrance to Negro dethan comprise the population of Egypt or Ethio- velopment in America? Undoubtedly it is racial pia or Siam. Many of these Negroes are as poor, prejudice and discrimination. We may not apas ignorant and as spiritually destitute as are the prove of it theoretically, or be ready to acknowlunderprivileged of many lands to whom we send edge it, but practically every white man is inmIsSIOnaries. Christians in these United States fluenced by this prejudice, especially in communihave a special responsibility for helping Amer- ties where Negroes are numerous. The reason ican Negroes since these people are descendents of for this discrimination is another matter. It is men and women who were taken from their na- not innate; children have no such prejudice until tive land by force and were brought to this coun- it is put into their minds by their elders or by try against their will to work for the white man some unpleasant and unreasoning experience.
without pay. Many of them were treated worse Negroes have racial characteristics which have than cattle. As a result of prejudice and lack of proved valuable assets to State and Church.
opportunity, multitudes of these Negroes are still Their natural good cheer and sense of humor, subject to unfair discrimination and their phys- their music and other talents, their ability to ical, mental and moral welfare are neglected. work, their devotion to those who show them kind- These conditions form a menace to health, social ness, and their religious sense and response to security and Christian progress in the communi- the Gospel of Christ, are all evidences of God in ties where these people live, not because they are them. Negroes but because their ignorance and the crowded, unsanitary, one-room cabins cannot but The study of the Negro is worth while. The spread physical and moral disease–whether they mission books of the year and this number of are inhabited by white folk or black. THE REVIEW provide the opportunity. Here are set forth the characteristics of the race, the prog- But such a condition is not characteristic of all ress made in the past two generations, the great Negro communities today. With good, steady achievem~nts of individual Negroes and the posjobs, an opportunity for education, and fair treat- sibilities for advance. Such a study will increase ment, the Negro has proved his ability to advance interracial understanding and sympathy and and to serve his generation unselfishly and effec- should stir Christians with a determination to tively. Such men of African descent as J. E. K. give adequate economic and educational oppor- Aggrey, Chief Khama, Bishop Samuel Crowther, tunities, to promote social justice and to recog- Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Booker T. Washington, nize the Negro as a brother man. There is no Richard R. Moton, and hundreds of other Negro reason to obliterate social barriers or to advocate men and women, are proof of what valuable an interracial marriage. The most intelligent Neasset to humanity the African may be. America groes do not desire such a movement but they ask, is indebted to the race for service in many lines and have a right to expect, equality of opportuand everywhere they may be an asset to the nity, impartial justice, friendliness and Christnation. like interest in their temporal and eternal wel- fare.
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ETHIOPIA – A PREY solini has proclaimed religious liberty, as Haile The Empire of Ethiopia, practically the last in- Selassie had done, but experience in other Italian dependent African-ruled territory, has finally be- colonies does not give great encouragement to come a prey to the Roman Eagle. With the fall hope that the ten Protestant societies, with some of Addis Ababa, the capital, on May 3d, and the one hundred and forty missionaries working in flight of Emperor Haile Selassie to Palestine, thirty stations, will be free from interference or Ethiopian independence came to an end and discrimination. No Protestant missions are per- Premier Mussolini has declared the country to be mitted in Italian Somaliland or in Tripoli and Italian territory. The victory, after seven the few mission workers in Eritrea have been exmonths' warfare, brings no honor or credit to pelled. If the Italian Evangelical churches were Mussolini and the Italian armies. A strong na- strong enough they might be able to establish tion, with an effective army and navy, equipped work in Ethiopia. with modern guns, tanks, airplanes and gas bombs, has indeed overcome a weak but brave The unofficial plan, outlined in Rome for the nation which had an untrained army, no navy, conquered territory, includes the following proand almost no modern military equipment. The visions: Italians have descended like wolves upon a sheepfold. This conquest of a weaker member of the 1. Native chiefs, with Italian civil commis- League of Nations, by an aggressive and self- sioners and district military commanders, are to seeking conqueror belonging to the same League, be set up in each province. There is no thought has again revealed the ineffectiveness of the of continuing an even nominal native dynasty, as League and their inability to cooperate unselfishly the Japanese have done in Manchukuo.
2. Civil and religious liberty is proclaimed, with the abolition of slavery.
in order to stop a strong nation from violating 3. A native mercenary army, under Italian of- covenants. Partial trade "sanctions" and moral ficers, may be organized to police the country as disapproval have not been effective, but a united in other colonies.
stand by members of the League, backed by mili- 4. Roads, airports and a new railway will be tary measures, would no doubt have put a stop to built, and commerce will be developed.
Italy's program. America, like the other Euro- Dr. Charles J. Rolls, a representative of the pean' nations, was unwilling to resort to war to Sudan Interior Mission, who recently visited make the League covenants effective. Ethiopia during the Italian invasion, writes as follows in the Evangelical Christian: The rainy season and the roadless mountains were Ethiopia's best natural defences but these Italy deems the best course to take for reforming failed to stop airplanes equipped with machine Ethiopia is to conquer its people by atrocious warfare guns and bombs. Without respect of persons, that violates more princip:es of righteousness than all the non-combatants and Red Cross units suffered wrongs she declares need to be eliminated. . . . The Di- along with the military forces. Two missionaries vine method of transforming a people is not by bombs and were killed accidentally-Dr. Hockman by a bomb, ·tanks and by turning machine gun-fire from airplanes on villages and Red Cross units, but by opening up wells of and an Adventist, Mrs. Stadin, by a stray bullet. Salvation. Several Red Cross workers were also killed or wounded. WHAT IS WRONG WITH AMERICA? The terms of conquest have not yet been pro- claimed. Italy has promised to give Ethiopia a Views as to the present situation in North more stable modern government than was pos- America, and in the world at large, vary accord- sible for Haile Selassie and his tribal chiefs. This ing to the chief interests and viewpoints of critics.
will depend on the Italian's ability to win the co- Newspaper and magazine articles, sermons and operation of the people and their ability to pay the addresses are full of warnings or optimistic state- cost of good colonial government. Their experi- ments as to the political, economic, social and re- ence in Eritrea, Somaliland and Tripoli does not ligious outlook. That many things are wrong and give much reason for confidence. Slavery has should be corrected all will agree but there are already been abolished by Italian decree, as Haile differences of opinion on the causes and the rem- Selassie had already attempted to do. Lake Tana, edy. Those who are committed to God and His the headwaters of the Blue Nile, will be a point standards for-life, as ~evealed in the Bible, gen- of friction with Egypt and Great Britain and in- erally agree that there has been a great lowering ternational trade presents many a problem. The of moral standards and a disturbing failure in nations of the League have thus far refused to religious education of the youth of the present acknowledge Italian sovereignty. generation. The results are seen in many ways, The effect of Italian occupation on Protestant especially in the lawless attitude of youth, even missionary work, it is difficult to foretell. Mus- of the so-called "best families," toward all restric-
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
tion in what they consider personal liberty-as to are expected to include the following speakers- speed limits, use of intoxicants, marriage and sex- Dr. E. Stanley Jones, of India, author of "The life, property rights, tax returns and the laws of Christ of Every Road"; Dr. T. Z. Koo, the well- God. The best thing about the youth today as a known Chinese Christian leader; Dr. George W.
whole is probably their frankness and readiness Truett, of Dallas, Texas; President Albert W. to risk all to carry out whatever ideals they have. Beaven, of Colgate-Rochester Divinity School; But one of the greatest needs of the day is the Dr. George A. Buttrick, of New York; Dean Lynn training of the youth in respect for law, in rev- Harold Hough, of Drew Theological Seminary; erence for God, in knowledge of His revealed will, Dr. Ivan Lee Holt, of St. Louis; Bishop Arthur J. and in self-discipline and the putting of first Moore, of San Antonio, Texas; Rev. Daniel A. Poling, of New York; Miss Muriel Lester, of things first. Dr. William Merrill Vories, founder of the Omi- London, and some twenty others. Hachiman Mission, Japan, has recently revisited The purpose of the Mission is stated briefly as America and has traveled extensively over the follows: country. Like Mrs. E. Stanley Jones, he is dis- The Mission shall therefore seek to teach and preach in turbed by the signs of retrogression in the spirit- its fulness the Gospel of our common Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ; to confront through group contacts and uallife of the people-especially in women. Form- public meetings as well the clear thought and courageous erly they were the moral backbone of the country, will of the American people as their finer feelings and the spiritual strength of the Church and the chief best tradition; in a civilization which irreligion is on the promotors of its missionary work. Today Dr. verge of destroying, and in the midst of which it has Vories sees them generally spending lavishly on become an imperative necessity in the high cause of the cosmetics, cigarettes and strong drink, talking future that Christianity shou:d gird itself for a real freely of sex, living loosely and devoted more to struggle, to stress once more the reasonableness of the "bridge" and the theater than to children, their Christian faith in die Personal God, its aptness to the deepest needs and farthest aspirations of human life, and homes, or the church. He sees many churches life- its redemptive, creative power in the organizing and shaping of a bewildered society toward the standards and less and preachers too often seeking popularity ideals of the Kingdom of God. with men, rather than desiring to be true prophets of God; he notes the absence of a clear and effec- The emphasis will be upon the Gospel of Christ tive message of salvation for this sin-sick and dis- as the unchanging need of every age and espetracted world. Even Christians are charged with having forgotten their chief business in life-the cially needed to solve the problems of the present carrying forward of Christ's work-and of being day. guilty of settling down to ease or hopeless discouragement. Christians everywhere are requested to pray earnestly that the blessing of God shall be upon But in the youth of today and tomorrow we the undertaking and the workers; and for the find cause for real encouragement-if they can be revival of true Christian faith and spiritual life turned Christward. There are signs of awakening in this time of crisis and the world's need. here and there among them, bOut with powerful materialistic forces holding them back or drag- Preparations for this Preaching campaign will ging them down to ruin. The youth of today need be followed with prayerful interest. Clearly the new life, vision, an incentive to sacrificial service, Gospel of Christ needs to be preached more faithand wise, inspirational Christian leadership. The fully and powerfully than it is preached in most remedy for present evils can only be found in churches today. His power needs to be mani- Christ. fested by regenerated lives for more than is evident in most Christians in America. But a re- vival cannot be "worked up"; that experience must come by the power of the Holy Spirit, work- A NATIONAL PREACHING MISSION ing through lives surrendered to God. The suc- America needs a spiritual awakening. That cess of this or any other work for spiritual cannot be denied; but how is it to be brought awakening will not depend on organization or on about? In the autumn, between September 13th famous speakers; it must depend chiefly on four and December 9th, the Federal Council of things: Churches is planning a united campaign to deepen 1. The character of the messengers-whether Christian faith and life throughout North Amer- they are truly Spirit-filled men and women, with ica. A team of preachers will visit some twenty personal experience of Christ, a passion to win of the larger cities, spending four days in each men to Him, and a whole-hearted belief in the city, and holding popular mass meetings and power of the Gospel. .
smaller conferences in order to make an impact 2. The message they reach-whether it is truly on the spiritual life of the community. The teams the Gospel of Christ, unclouded with doubts, and
mixed with a discussion of international ques- sonal talks, (5) lantern lectures on the Life of Christ. Results were reported to be remarkable. tions, economic problems, social service and other In Hyderabad and elsewhere teams of preachsecondary considerations. ers and lay workers have distributed Gospel por- tions at melas, a cinema projector has been used 3. The receptive attitude of the audiences and to attract people and the Gospel was proclaimed in song. Many villages were visited and even the zeal of local workers-will their expectation those from high castes were reached in large numbers. be a thrill from eloquent preachers or will they The main points of the program for the movecome hungry for the Word of God and an ex- ment are: the observance of a special time of preparation, annual "Weeks of Witness," and the perience of new life in Christ. setting aside by each Council of two workers to forward the work; newspaper evangelism, Bible 4. The power of the Spirit of God must be evi- and tract distribution and preaching missions.
dent in speakers, committees, personal workers The Chhindwara Retreat for Prayer and Con- sideration of Mass Movements in Mid-India, held and hearers. Prayer and the "still small Voice" in 1935, calls attention to eleven principles to which they subscribe. It is possible today for in this enterprise are more important than preach- whole castes to be won for Jesus Christ. "We hold that the present situation is nothing less than ing. Vital personal work is more effective than a call from God to disciple entire castes number- ing hundreds of thousands of souls." Large popsermons that draw large crowds. The tfme to ulations have been christianized, not through the conversion of the upper castes first, but through begin to pray and prepare for a revival is now, that of the Depressed Classes. It is, therefore, wise strategy to concentrate attention on the more not next September; and the place is not in large approachable castes. To do this a greater mo- bility of missionary forces is needed. There meetings but in individual homes and hearts, on should be cooperation in revival, a reallocation of resources, and, in some cases, of territory. our knees. . Dependence must be placed on the preaching of FIVE-YEAR EVANGELISM IN INDIA God's Word. "We believe that merely living the Gospel, and mere humanitarian projects to relieve Christian leaders in India have united in a call human ignorance or suffering are, when taken for a definite Five-Year Evangelistic Forward alone, entirely inadequate to bring men and Movement, inaugurated by seven weeks of prep- women into the great salvation." At the same aration, in each district, with the following topics time, the convert must be enabled to give proper suggested, one for each week: expression of his new-found spiritual experiences among his neighbors. Following baptism, ade- 1. The primary duty of Christians to witness. quate instruction and guidance must be given to 2. Successful personal evangelism. new converts. Finally, the present opportunities 3. Churches and United Witness bearing. constitute a great call to all Christians for new 4. Witness of the Christian home. consecration. 5. Evangelism by literature. 6. Education and evangelism. The editor of The Indian Witness writes: 7. Evangelism and social service. "Everywhere Christians are found to be deeply This movement is being promoted by the Na- concerned with their own spiritual condition and .tional Christian Council of India, Burma and Cey- that of those around them. Everywhere we hear lon, which is calling all churches to witness in the hope expressed of a spiritual revival among their own areas. A definite aim and program is Christians…. Reports reach us of awakenings advocated "to enlist all Christians – men and in many place-s-in schools and churches and rewomen, students and officials, boys and girls – in treats. . . . If the Christians of India everyone great army of volunteer evangelists, each where will show the love of Christ in testimony bringing his or her own talent to the task. Some and through their lives, the blessings to themwill preach, others will sell Gospels, some will selves and to others will be innumerable." sing, still others will do personal work with individuals."
A special "Witness Week" has already been held in Dornakal, after which the field was divided into six parts under the care of six groups. Each had a leader and the congregations were divided into four age-groups. Children had banners made with these words inscribed in Telugu: "The Lord Jesus, the Saviour of the world." The leaders met each morning for prayer and consultation, and in the evening went in groups to the villages assigned. The work consisted mainly of (1) distribution of handbills and tracts, (2) sale of Gospel portions, (3) witness bearing, (4) per-
Lights of Negro
By CHARLES H. WESLEY, Washington, D. C.
Professor of History in Howard University NEGROES have been associated with the changes, economic, religious and educational achievements of the American people from trends and cultural progress. These are beacon the earliest years, both as individuals and lights which point the way through the maze of as a racial group. One of the noted early explor- complex changes. ers and pioneers was Estevan who led an expedi- Population Changes-During the 'one hundred tion in the sixteenth century from Mexico into and forty years from 1790 to 1930 the Negroes the territory of the Southwest and discovered have increased from three-quarters of a million what we now call New Mexico and Arizona. From to nearly twelve millions. The increase from this period to the time when Matthew A. Henson, 1920 to 1930 was greater than the entire Negro a Negro, accompanied Commander Peary in his population in 1800. In 1860 the total number discovery of the North Pole, Negroes have been of Negroes was 4,441,830, and in 1930, it was associated with some of the outstanding American 11,891,143. In the meantime the percentage of pioneer efforts. From the time when twenty Ne- the Negro to the total population has shown a groes were brought to Jamestown, Virginia, in decrease, from 19.3 per cent at the first census 1619 to the most recent of the developments in in 1790 to 9.7 per cent in 1930. the South, the Negro has helped with his labor in producing the agriculture and the economic Prior to 1910 about 89 per cent of the Negro and social life of the Southern states. From Cris- population lived in the South Atlantic and South pus Attucks, a Negro who shed the first blood Central states. A majority of these lived in the so-called Black Belt. In several counties the Ne- for the American cause in the Boston Massacre groes outnumbered the whites. In 1930 of the in 1770, to the Negro soldiers who fought in the total Negro population, 78.7 per cent were in the Civil War to the number of 178,000, the courage Southern states, whereas in 1910 they constituted of Negro troops has been highly praised. 90 per cent. In the last twenty~five years over In literature, song and cultural progress Ne- a million Negroes have left the farms for the cities groes have made distinct contributions to Ameri- of the South and over a million and a half have can civilization. They had also improved their migrated to the urban centers of the North. economic status and were engaged in numerous The greatest change in the distribution of the gainful pursuits prior to 1865. There were 59,557 Negroes came in the decade 1920-1930, during free Negroes in America at the first census in which there was a shift northward. This migra- 1790 and in seventy years this number increased tion began with the opening of the World War to 488,070. Contemporary observers stated that in 1914, and continued with the cessation of imthere were among them persons of "education, migrant labor and the rise of the demand for refinement, sound sense and correct morals." This Negro labor. The peak of this migratory moveis corroborated by the historical facts. ment was reached in1~17-1921. More than two- thirds of the increase in the Negro population It is absurd to assume that all the Negroes during the last two decades has taken place in the were degraded until the issuance of the Emanci- Northern states; but the percentage of Negroes pation Proclamation and the passage of the Thir- teenth Amendment. There were inefficient and in the North in 1930 was only 3.3 per cent. At unworthy Negroes just as there are the same the- same time over 40 per cent of the Negroes types in any group today. By their own efforts, were still in Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, North and with the aid of sympathetic friends, indi- Carolina and Texas. The largest number of Nevidual free Negroes were attaining economic in- groes in the North are in Pennsylvania, New dependence and making personal progress before York and Illinois. 1865, when the group as a whole was made phys- Many believe that this newer distribution of ically free. Decades prior to this period, thou- Negroes will make the problem of their presence sands had freed themselves from human slavery among Southern whites less acute, but others and economic want. maintain that it has added to the strained race relations in some of the Northern and urban The Negro's progress since emancipation centers. Wherever toleration and Christian inshould be examined as it relates to population [279 ]
fluences have been at work the change has been cent were Negroes, the percentage of Negroes on ultimately beneficial to the Negroes and the com- relief in proportion to the population, being almunities have registered no loss by their presence. most twice that of the whites. In January, 1935, The dangers have been found to be more imagi- there were 3,500,000 Negroes in families receivnary than real. ing relief or 29 per cent of the entire Negropop- ulation. This is an indication of the deepening of Economic Progress-The aggregate wealth of the economic plight of black Americans. While the Negroes has increased from 1860 to the pres- 20 to 25 per cent of the white workers are un- employed today, from 40 to 50 per cent of the TYPICAL HOME OF A NEGRO TENANT FARMER Negro workers are unemployed. There has been IN THE SOllTH progress, but there has also been retrogression.
ent time from about $20,000,000 to perhaps $2,- Just after emancipation there was only one 000,000,000 or about 100 times. There were about bank in which Negroes were active as workers 20,000 farms operated independently by Negroes and depositors. The Freedman's Savings Bank in 1865. Now they operate about 880,000 farms. had white officials until the last year when it was In 1920 there were 925,608 Negro farmers who almost ready to fail and Negro officials were inoperated 41,432,182 acres, 23.6 per cent being troduced. In 1924 there were 73 Negro banks owners. Ten years later (1930) the Negro farm- with $6,250,000 in capital and $20,000,000 in reers had decreased to 882,850 and their acres in sources. Some of these banks are still in active operation had decreased to 37,597,132. operation, although they operate on small capital. Negro life insurance companies have enjoyed un- The depression, together with the accompany- precedented growth and expansion from 1920 to ing hard economic times, was responsible for these 1929, when difficulties began. Fifteen companies decreases in the usual upward trends in Negro operated old line legal reserve insurance in 1920, agricultural life. The crop reduction program, with policyholders' surplus in excess of $100,000; tenant evictions and unemployment for Negro in 1935 these had decreased to eight; seven had agricultural workers have made these conditions disappeared, three had failed, three had amalgaworse, especially among sharecroppers and tenants. Negro land tenantry as a result of fore- MODERN TYPE OF NEGRO HOME IN THE CITY closures has influenced the formation of sharecroppers' unions and of cooperative associations mated, one had changed to a mutual company. upon racial and interracial bases. The capital and surplus of these fifteen companies in 1929 was $2,903,228 and in 1935 was $2,046,- Of the gainfully employed Negroes in 1930, of 214. These companies have given opportunities whom there were 5,503,532, there was 36.1o/e to Negroes for experience in business managewho were engaged in agriculture and 63.9 per ment and control, and have given employment to cent in industrial and urban occupations. There hundreds of young Negro college graduates. has thus developed a trend towards industrial life. The factory workers have increased continuously, and the period since the World War has brought about a more extensive increase of semi-skilled and skilled workers. The labor unions, however, have not welcomed Negro workers and some unions have excluded them.
Since the economic crisis of 1929, the numbers upon relief have increased so that in 1933, there were approximately 13,600,000 persons on relief, of which 81.3 per cent were white and 16.7 per
1936J BEACON LIGHTS OF NEGRO PROGRESS
Negro retail business has greatly increased College graduates continue to enter the ministry, since emancipation. In 1865, it was estimated and while there are relatively more Negro min- that there were 2,100 Negro business concerns, isters than white, in proportion to the popula- and in 1936 there were over 70,000, with sales tion, it is also a fact that there has been an ad- amounting to over $100,000,000 in 1930. The vance in the intelligence of the Negro ministers.
principal businesses were grocery stores, 'filling However, only 38 per cent of the pastors of Negro stations, restaurants and lunch rooms, tobacco churches are either college or seminary graduates.
There were 42,585 Negro churches at the last religious census. The Negro membership was 5,203,487, or 9.5 per cent of all church members in the United States. These members were dis- tributed among the denominations as follows: Negro Baptists, 61.4 per cent; African Methodist Episcopal Church, 10.5 per cent; African Meth- odist Episcopal Zion Church, 8.8 per cent; Epis- copal Church, 6.4 per cent; Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, 3.9 per cent; Roman Catholic Church, 2.4 per cent; Protestant Episcopal, 1 per cent; and all other denomihations, 5.6 per cent.
These churches contribute annually over $250,000 to home missions and over $150,000 to foreign missions. There are large denominational publi- cation houses furnishing these congregations with RURAL NEGRO CHURCH RECONSTRUCTED religious literature. FROM AK OLD BARN Education-In 1860, the vast majority of the stores', and barber shops. These serve especially Negroes were illiterate. Decade by decade, this the Negro communities of the large urban centers has been reduced so that by 1930 Negro illiteracy and give employment to hundreds who would find was only 16.3 per cent. Of these illiterates, 93.6 difficulty in obtaining employment in similar fields per cent were in the South. This reduction in in the older American stores. illiteracy has been made in spite of the fact that the Negro separate schools have been invariably In spite of numerous handicaps Negroes have inferior to the white schools in the same areas. become a part of the economic life of the nation. Nineteen of the 48 states provide by law for the In agriculture, industry and business they have separation of the races in the schools; this has become more important factors with the passing years. Whether the present economic changes will make their lot better or worse is problemati- cal. It seems clearer each day, however, that their economic status is closely allied with that of the whites and that the interracial relations of whites and blacks on the lower economic levels are as important as these relations are for the higher levels.
Religion-It is difficult to chronicle the advance in religion, which is often personal in its opera- tion rather than organizational. There are fac- tors other than numbers which deserve considera- tion. The total number of Negro church mem- bers, according to the most recent figures, is a 5,187,500 in a total Negro population of 11,891,- 143. This leaves non-church population of 6,703,643 Negroes. All agree, however, that as a group, Negroes have been fundamentally religious A MODERN NEGRO RURAL CHURCH and have responded readily to religious appeals. resulted in gross inequalities in expenditures and There has been a continuous advance since free- equipment. For instance, in 1930 the per capita dom in the methods and improved practices in expenditure for the average white child enrolled religious worship. Less emotion and more rea- in schools where separation was mandatory was son are shown today. $44.31, while the per capita expenditure for the The Negro ministry has improved in quality average Negro child was only $12.57. During as well as in numbers since the days of slavery. the past 30 years these disparities between ex-
penditures for the education of whites and Ne- is regarded as the highest degree conferred by groes have increased more than fourfold. These any university. There were 16 of these degrees increasing inequalities are reflected in Negro given in the natural sciences, 15 in the social sci- crime, delinquency and maladjustment. It is un- ences and 14 in the languages including English.
fortunate that these are placed to the Negro's White friends have contributed directly and discredit as a race rather than to the conditions indirectly to the progress of Negro education, and out of which these results arise. In spite of this seven educational foundations have worked for discrepancy, there has been remarkable improve- the advancement of Negro education in the South ment and cooperation between white and colored since the Civil War. They are the Peabody Edupeople in the extension and development of Negro cation Fund, the John F. Slater Fund, the Geneducation. eral Education Board, the Anna T. Jeanes Foun- There are about 25,000 Negro students in insti- dation, the Phelps-Stokes Fund, the Julius Rosen- tutions above high school; 22,500 are in Negro wald Fund and the Commission on Interracial institutions, while there are about 250,000 white Cooperation. These foundations have brought students in the colleges of the South where the inspiration, expert direction and material support average ratio of whites to Negroes is about 4 to to the education of Negroes when it was greatly 1. It should be especially noted that there is not neglected.
one state-supported institution in the Southern Negroes have contributed more than $3,000,000 states in which Negr~es may be admitted to pur- for the support of their schools, it has been esti- sue either graduate or professional education. mated, yet this is only a fraction of the pos- Due to court action, brought last year by the Na- sibility. The Negro religious denominations sup- tional Association for the Advancement of Col- port about 175 schools; the African Methodist ored People, a Negro student was admitted for Episcopal Church contributes about $500,000 an- this school-year to the University of Maryland nually to its schools and colleges. Assistance is Law School. State support of Negro mechanical also given by the Negroes of local communities and agricultural state colleges and normal schools to the building and maintenance of schoolhouses has been increasing year by year, although'their and social organizations.
support is by no means proportionate to the taxes Cultural Progress-Politics, literature, art, mupaid by Negroes or to their educational needs. sic, amusements and organized social efforts have Advance in Education shown a marked advance. Though at first wedded to the Republican party by tradition and by an In spite of these limitations Negro education acknowledged debt, the Negroes today are voting has continued to advance. In 1865 there were and working for every ticket as American citi- very few schools for Negroes, but there are today zens. There are some so-called radicals who are about 25,000 elementary schools, 1,400 high stimUlating the thought of Negro life as never schools, 500 universities, colleges and normal before and a Negro was selected as the candidate schools. There were less than 600 Negro teachers of the Communist Party for the Vice-Presidency in 1865 but today there are more than 50,000 of the United States in 1932. But there are rela- Negro teachers with approximately less than 500 tively few Communists among Negroes at present.
white persons teaching Negroes exclusively. Col- In literature, there is a Renaissance of producleges for Negroes are gradually being placed un- tion which since the WorId War is most noticeder the control of Negro officials and teachers. able. Poetry, novels and volumes of serious In the days immediately following the Civil War, scholarship are pouring off the press, until the white teachers volunteered for service in Negro few published prior to this period may seem very education and through the subsequent years there small. In art, always the last of civilizing activihas been a continuance of this service, but as ties to appear, individual attainments are beginemployment for Negroes becomes more restricted ning to be made. The names of H. O. Tanner, E. and opportunities for whites among their own M. Bannister, R. S. Duncanson, William Edward group are more general, there is a tendency to Scott, Meta Warrick, May Howard Jackson, Aureplace white presidents and teachers with Ne- gusta Savage, Edmonia Lewis-these are the new groes in Negro schools. evidences ot distinction in this field. In music, In the decade 1860-1870, there were only 44 attainments were made prior to freedom in the Negro college graduates; but from 1900 to 1910 folk melodies, the work songs, the minstrel songs there were 1,613 and in the one year 1925, there -which are the original contributions of the Ne- were 675, who received the bachelor's degree. gro to American life. Negro musicians, among This number has steadily increased. Prior to whom are H. T. Burleigh, Roland Hayes, Marion 1931 sixty Negroes (52 male, 8 female), have Anderson, J. Rosamond Johnson, Nathaniel Dett, gained the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, which William Dawson, William Grant Still and others
BEACON LIGHTS OF NEGRO PROGRESS
are using these themes very effectively in public A MODERN NEGRO CHURCH RElCREATIONAL CENTER presentations.
Great advances may be noted in the publication of newspapers and magazines. One has only to look at the Negro newspapers of twenty years ago and the same papers today, or to have visited the pUblication plants of twenty years ago and then compare them with the plants today in order to note the advance.
Many eloquent white spokesmen and courageous leaders have shown the measures of the Negro's advancement. They have spoken with great respect of Booker T. Washington who has left a deep impression upon American education. Richard Allen, Frederick Douglass, James Varick, Daniel A. Payne, J. W. C. Pennington, Soujourner Truth, Harriett Tubman, J. C. Price, M. C. B. Mason and hundreds of others, in the church and in public activities of various types, have demonstrated the capacities of the Negro for citizenship and the privileges within the gift of the nation.
Behind these individual leaders, there are the masses who, through social organizations such as the Y. M. C. A., theY. W. C. A., fraternal organizations and welfare associations, are giving continuous evidence of a progressive advancement. These beacon lights in Negro life should not be neglected. Let us face these neglected beams of light as we express the fervent hope that the spirit of Christian brotherhood may make possible greater achievements by the Negro and by.all minority social groups in American life.
The Word of God as a Missionary Man is sometimes bound, "but the Word of God is not bound"; the restrictions and restraints which limit and fetter man do not touch the Book. The lapse of time and stretch of space do not affect it. It utters no unwise word, takes no wrong step, forms no indiscreet alliances and lowers itself by no political entanglements or worldly compromises.
This Missionary is never weak nor weary, needs no rest and is unaffected by climate, diet or local surroundings.
A stranger alike to external hardship of internal disquiet, this Messenger of God never halts in obedience, hesitates in aim nor stumbles in action. It speaks as powerfully to the ignorant as. to the educated, the poor as the rich, the low-born as the high-born; is not intimidated by threats, dismayed by persecution nor destroyed by violence.
It claims to have in it, as His Living Book, God's vital power and to be life-imparting, so that men are born from above through it as God's "seed." (Acts 7: 38; Hebrews 4: 12; 1 Peter 1: 23; James 1: 21.) The history of missions puts these claims to the test and proves God's Book to be his chosen channel whereby his Spirit pours life into human souls. Hence, even where living men have not yet borne their witness, his Word has often won its triumphs.
-Arthur T. Pierson.
THE BOOKER T. WASHINGTON AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL ON WHEELS Reaching the Negroes where they live and teaching them how to live better THE STRONG GO ON!
By EDWARD E. BLAKE, Washington, D. C., in Twentieth Century Progress In the fight 'twixt Truth and Error when the As the surging battle thickens, and the cohorts of Right opposes Wrong; the foe When the friends of Light seem weakest and the Make assault with seeming triumph dealing heavy hosts of Darkness strong; blow on blow; When the way grows harder, rougher, and the 'Spite of darkness, doubters, weaklings, and cor- clouds are black ahead; ruption's sordid crew; When the timid doubters question, and the weak- 'Spite of greedy, trimmers, traitors; with cour- lings stop with dread; ageous faithful few -the strong go on! -the strong fight on!
Though the Church deserts her standard and be- Still with faith in Truth triumphant and in Right. fore strong Error quails; dynamic, strong; When allies desert, surrender, and expected suc- Like the pow'rful few of Gideon crushed the many cor fails; weakly wrong; When the sneering liquor foeman hurls his shafts Mighty as the pen of Lincoln 'gainst dark Slav'ry's of bitter hate; futile sword; And through servile venal parties overwhelms the Ever forward, ever onward, battling Rum's sa- Ship of State; tanic horde; -the strong march on! -the strong go on-to vict.ory!
Helps and Handicaps to
By BISHOP REVERDY C. RANSOM, Wilberforce, Ohio President of the Fraternal Council of Negro Churches N EGROES and their white fellow country- twenty-four Negro religious denominations in the men are so closely bound together in the United States, not counting the hundreds of store- currents of our national life, that it is diffi- front churches and missions scattered through- cult to specify the "helps and handicaps" that out the country. These denominations have ap- may not apply equally to all groups. proximately six million members, but more than As a result of his inheritance from American six million Negroes in the United States do not chattel slavery, as well as from his present social belong to any church. These constitute both a and economic plight within the nation, the Negro problem and an opportunity, not only for the is encumbered with certain handicaps which, Negro church, but for all American Christians.
either through circumstances or design, apply Many grave problems confront both the Amer- particularly to him. ican government and the church, but none is more No nation, not even in the days of the Apostles, serious and challenging than that which relates has ever had laid upon the steps of the altars of to the social, economic and political status of religion a race as susceptible to the appeal of the Americans of African descent. This question Gospel message as is the case in the United States. strikes at the heart and spirit of both American The Negroes brought here from Africa were in- democracy and American Christianity. The prob- deed crude material, fresh from the jungle and lem is not so much one of evangelism as one of the desert, with no sacred books, no written sys- freedom, justice and opportunity. American tem of ethics, science or philosophy. They were Christians must face the question of applying the a highly emotional people of vivid imagination, Gospel of Christ to uphold the spirit of 'American warm in their friendships, eager to respond to democracy in the vital test of the social status cordial overtures, and filling with music, laughter and economic opportunities of our Negro popula- and song the days of their captivity in a strange tion. It strikes a disturbing note when, either land. Within the past three hundred years, what from the rostrum or the printed page, this whole is the harvest of souls gathered from a so-called question is stripped of its disguises and we are "heathen" or "inferior" people by American forced to look upon it as millions are compelled to Christians? The American Indian has given see it for what it is, every day of their lives.
Christianity a negligible, a cold and indifferent Americans at heart desire the progress and response; on the other hand, in the face of denial well-being of all groups of citizens; and in the in the beginning, the Negro, as a slave, almost spirit of Christ, particularly in the case of the immediately sought to become a baptized member Negro, we have gone far to assist that progress.
of the Christian Church. It seems a providence There is nothing more beautiful in history than of God that the Negro, among the most backward the service rendered by the consecrated white of the races of men, should be linked, almost from men ap.d women who went south at the close of the beginning, with the birth of American de- the Civil War, under the auspices of the American mocracy and should be brought under the in- Missionary Society and boards of some of the re- fluence of American Christianity. ligious denominations, to prepare the recently lib- The Negro population of the United States to- erated slaves for the duties and responsibilities of day is three times larger than the entire popula- citizenship. Many of these young men and wom- tion of the United States in 1787 when our Fed- en, in complete self-forgetfulness, remained until eral Constitution was framed. Today, Negroes they grew gray in that constructive service. Their in North America number about twice the entire action touched the heart of philanthropy, it en- population of the New England states. There are couraged statesmanship, it stirred aspiration, three times as many Negroes in the United States and gave hope and courage to an aspiring race.
as there are Jews. They make up a population As the result of this Christian service, we have six times larger than the Indian, Mexican, Jap- in the United States today 118 Negro colleges, anese, Chinese and Filipinos combined. There are where, in the year 1933, there were 54,166 stu- [285 ]
dents. In 1935, the degree of B.A. or B.S. was braries in some of the states, and in but few granted to more than three thousand Negroes. places may they have free access to witness the There are more than four thousand practicing best plays, hear the 'best music and see the great Negro physicians and surgeons, and more than works of art. All of these handicaps are being fifty thousand Negro school teachers in the United increasingly overcome by efforts on the part of States. This is but a part of the leadership being Negroes through the churches, schools and social furnished within the race to permeate and uplift agencies as well as through a growing culture the entire mass of the people. Of course, it is and a freer expression of the mind and spirit in inadequate, but is none the less a miracle wrought the realm of music and the arts. by the Christian spirit and cooperation of white men and women who started the work amid the "For" or "With" the Negroes wreckage of slave-pens and the dying embers of the Civil War. The schools and colleges established by white philanthropy for Negroes have been of inestima- 'Negro Christian Leadership ble value in assisting them to achieve a higher and better life, but today they fall short of the Negro Christian leadership, today, through mark by only doing things "for Negroes," instead catering too largely to the religious forms and of doing things "with Negroes," in the spirit of customs of the era of slavery, is losing its hold Christian cooperation and friendliness. The Neand influence over the growing body of intelli- gro educators may train the mind, but they cangence in the race as a whole. This group is not free the spirits of their people unless they largely drifting, without spiritual chart or com- are taught to openly challenge, by peaceful methpass, in peril of shipwreck, upon the rocks of in- ods, the degrading social and industrial conditions differentism, atheism or communism. They are that are thwarting or hindering their progress. the most fruitful soil in America for the seed of any doctrine that promises to give them social We should have some choice white men and and economic deliverance and opportunity. women on the faculty of every Negro school and college. Among the religious denominations, each Negro Christian leadership has not seriously one of their general boards, agencies or organizaassumed responsibility for the fact that almost tions should include some Colored men and womthe entire load of the social, moral and spiritual en of intelligence and understanding in its memrescue and guidance has been placed upon their bership and thus lead the way to unified shoulders.' Sympathetic friends may pray for cooperation and sympathetic understanding. them and extend material aid, but the actual personal contact and service must be performed by The most hopeful and forward-looking movethemselves. ment among Negro Christians is the "Fraternal Council of Negro Churches in the United States" If the Negro youth is to be educated in schools which was organized more than a year ago by and colleges, separate and apart from the white some of the leading representatives of all the youth,. and if religious training in Sunday schools distinctly independent Negro denominations. and the various young people's Christian organ- Without attempting to duplicate or parallel the izations is also the responsibility of the Negro work of the Federal Council of Churches of Christ teachers and leaders, a people so recently removed in America, some aims of the Fraternal Council from slavery, and still largely submerged in ig- of Negro Churches are, as stated in its "Annual norance and poverty, presents a problem and an Message to the Churches": opportunity sufficient to engage the heart of an angel. It seeks to become a rallying point for fearless action in behalf of the interests of our people where religious There are today approximately 1,500,000 -Negro beliefs and denominational interests and ambition shall youths in the United States between the ages of not be permitted to enter to divide our councils, and where ten and nineteen years. These bring us face to partisan and political divisions shall have no place. face with' the question of recreation and amusement. It is here that religious training and in- If the Negro Church is to survive, it must offer the :tfuence meet one of their earliest as well as se- Negro youth of today something more than a home in verest tests upon the life and character of the heaven. We urge our ministers to study their Bibles with youth of today. The common recreational facili- particular reference to the presentation of the teachings ties and outlets provided by public parks, swim- of Jesus, regarding social justice and brotherhood, and ming pools, bathing beaches and other centers of we call upon our own people, the Negroes of America, to recreation are denied to Negroes in the southern be more loyal to their churches of whatever denomination, states,.and they find themselves either unwelcome, to attend their services and abide by their rules. or flatly excluded, in other sections of the country. They may not have access to our main public li- We call upon ministers and lay members in all the churches to cross the boundary lines of their denomina- tionalism, to join the common task of working in the pres- ent to secure the future peace and justice, not only of our race, but of all underprivileged and oppressed. We aI'ilo urge that our people be encouraged to organize, wherever they can, to study and be instructed in the fundamentals
SOME HELPS AND HANDICAPS TO PROGRESS
of our social, political and economic life that they may do not touch his political disfranchisement or his properly understand their relations to American and world life. economic disinheritance. They hope to do so in Negroes left to themselves cannot assure the the long run, because they have the usual faith spiritual and moral future of the tens of thousands of Negro high school and college graduates in the power of education and moral suasion to who are to have the moral, social and spiritual leadership of this people in the next generation. soften the heart of the white man. This faith is As I see it, the question comes back primarily to one of social justice and economic opportunity. filled with many illusions, as such expectations To show to a people the fruits from a land they are not permitted to enter, to lift them up to heav- always are. However large the number of indien where they may see all the glories of business and economic opportunity, and then to cast them vidual white men who identify themselves comdown to the bitter hell of exclusion and denial intensifies the seriousness of America's most vital pletely with the Negro cause, the white race in problem. Unless the white American pUlpit rids itself of its silence and timidity and boldly faces America will not admit the Negro to equal rights the situation in the name of Christ, it is but a cross upon the backs of Negro Christian leader- if it is not forced to do so. Upon that point, one ship, the weight of which may cause them to faint, if not to despair. may speak with a dogmatism which all history We have among Negroes "a spiritual leadership justifies. that is intellectually weak; and an intellectual leadership that is spiritually weak." If we would If present conditions continue, both Commusee China, India and Africa brought to Christ, our Christian faith and service should first achieve nism and Socialism will increasingly appeal to the test of permitting six million Negro Christians to stand erect in every section of our com- Negroes, the people farthest down, and the most mon country, free to go forth unhindered and make their contribution to our national well-be- flagrantly disinherited. Communism offers racial, ing, unhindered in the avenues of social and economic opportunity and freedom. social and economic equality, and in Russia, it is The reason that Negroes are not a disappearing attempting to practice what it preaches. Chrisrace in America, but increase with each succeeding decade (Negro population census 1790 was tianity is founded upon the doctrine of goodwill, 757,208; in 1930, it was 11,891,141) is because both in slavery and freedom they have attained brotherhood, peace and love among all men. a fine technique in practicing non-resistance, without resorting either to noncooperation or violence. Never before in the history of the world was Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr in his book, "Moral Man and Immoral Society," says "It is hopeless for Christianity furnished with so complete a laborathe Negro to expect complete emancipation from the menial, social and economic position into tory for demonstrating these doctrines. All of which the white man has forced him, merely by trusting in the moral sense of the white race. the human ingredients are here, only awaiting The Negro schools, conducted under the aus- the kindling spark which alone can be struck by pices of white philanthropy, encourage individual Negroes to higher forms of self-realization; but the followers of Jesus, submitting themselves to they do not make a frontal attack upon the social injustices and political rights for the Negro with- God's transforming and overcoming power out arousing the antagonism of the whites. They try to enlarge, but they operate nevertheless with- through faith in Jesus Christ. The task and the in the limits of the "zones of agreement." test of Christianity in America is to absorb the This means that they secure minimum rights for the Negro such as better sanitation, police Negro into the' body of our society on the basis protection and more adequate schools. But they of justice, righteousness and good. will. Negroes are a peace-loving people. The spirit of the good neighbor pervades the race. How far mutual dependence and common poverty are responsible for this, I do not know. But grasping greed and insensibility to the condition of the weak and unfortunate is not a characteristic of the Negro race. The thing that sustained the Negro in slav- ery, the thing that brought him through the pe- riod of Reconstruction and the thing that chiefly sustains him now, is faith in God, faith in his future and faith in himself. Like Abraham, he has gone forth and continues to walk by faith, believing that God will give him a better heritage and a brighter day.
The Christiari hosts that are on duty all along the firing line against social, moral and spiritual.
foes, have in the Negro division a great army held in reserve. These soldiers of the Cross should be thoroughly trained, equipped and armed for active service in a battle that must be fought to a de- cisive conclusion. It may be, in the providence of God, the spiritual reinforcement they shall bring will strike the decisive blow to the forces that openly challenge the authority of the State and the strength and influence of the Christian Church. .
NEGRO POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES-1900 TO 1930 Section 1930 1920 ,1910 1900 Total ……………………….. . 11,891,143 10,463,131 9,827,763 8,833,994 The North ………………………. . 2,409,21S 1,472,309 1,027,674 880,771 The South ………………………. . 9,361,577 8,912,231 8,749,427 The West ……………………….. . 78,591 7,922,969 120,347 50,662 30,254 TOTAL AND NEGRO POPULATION BY STATES AND PER CENT OF NEGRO POPULATION IN EACH STATE IN 1930 States Total Negro Per Cent Negro PerCent Population Population Population Illiterate New England 1,096 0.1 4.8 890 0.2 3.9 Maine ……..•……………………. 797,423 568 0.2 4.9 1.2 5.4 New Hampshire …………………… . 465,293 52,365 1.4 8.1 Vermont ………………………. , .. . 359,611 9,913 1.8 4.9 Massachusetts …………………….. . 4,249,614 29.354 3.3 2.5 RhQde Island ……………… , …….. . 687,497 412,814 5.2 5.1 Connecticut …….. , …. ' ………….. . 1,606,903 208,828 4.5 4.2 431,257 Middle Atlantic 4.7 6.4 309,304 3.5 6.0 New york …………………………. 12,588,066 111,982 4.3 3.6 328,972 3.5 3.0 New Jersey ………… " …………… 4,041,334 169,453 0.4 4.4 Pennsylvania ………………………. 9,631,350 10,739 0.4 2.0 0.7 5.4 East North Central 9,445 6.2 8.8 17,380 0.1 3.4 Ohio ……………………………. . 6,646,697 223,840 0.1 2.2 Indiana …………………………. . 3,238,503 1.0 3.9 Illinois ………………………….. . 7,630,654 377 3.5 5.9 M~chiga~ ….•…………………….. 4,842,325 646 13,752 13.6 13.2 WISconSIn ………………………… . 2,939,006 66,344 16.9 11.4 27.1 4.1 West North Central 32,602 26.8 19.2 276,379 6.6 11.3 Minnesota ……………………….. . 2,563,953 132,068 29.0 20.6 Iowa …………………………….. . 2,470,939 650,165 45.6 26.9 Missouri …………………………. . 3,629,367 114,893 36.8 19.9 North Dakota …………………….. . 680,845 918,647 29.4 18.8 793,681 South Dakota …………………….. . 692,849 1,071,125 8.6 15.4 431,828 18.3 Nebraska ………………………… . 1,377,963 35.7 14.~ Kansas ………………………….. . 1,880,999 226,040 50.2 477,646 26.2 South Atlantic . 944,834 25.8 23.2 1,009,718 36.9 Delaware ………………………… . 238,380 J 6.1 478,463 7.2 23.3 Maryland ………………………… . 1,631,526 776,326 14.7 District of Columbia ………………… . 486,869 172,198 9.3 Virginia …………………………. . 2,421,851 854,964 0.2 13.4 0.1 West Virginia …………………….. . 1,729,205 1,256 0.6 4.6 North Carolina …… , ……………… . 3,170,276 668 1.1 4.2 South Carolina ……………………. . 1,738,765 0.7 4.2 1,250 2.5 3.9 Georgia ………………………….. . 2,908,506 11,828 0.2 0.6 6.0 Florida ………………………….. . 1,468,211 2,850 3.2 10,749 0.4 1.5 East South Central 0.2 1,108 1.4 2.9 Kentucky ………………………… . 2,614,589 516 2.2 3.1 Tennessee ………………………… . 2,616,556 6,840 A~ab:,-~a : ………………………… . 2,646,248 2,234 MISSISSIPPI ……………………….. . 2,009,821 81,048 West South Central Arkansas ………………………… . 1,854,482 'Louisiana ………………………… . 2,101,593 Oklahoma ………………………… . 2,396,040 Texas …………………………… . 5,824,715 Mountain Montana ………………………….'. 537,606 Idaho ……………………………. . 445,032 Wyoming ………………………… . 225,565 Colorado ……………………… , … . 1,035,791 New Mexico ………………………. . 423,317 Arizona …………………………. . 435,573 Utah ……………………………. . 507,847 Nevada ………………………….. . 91,058 Pacific Washington ………………………. . 1,563,396 Oregon ………….. , …………….. . 953,786 California ……………………….. . 5,677,251 NOTE: Thus the greatest Negro illiteracy is found in South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina-where the Negroes form from 29 to 50 per cent of the PQPulation; the greatest literacy among Negroes is in Northern and Western States where they form only from one to four per cent of the total popUlation.
OF NEGROES IN THE TOTAL POPULATION, BY STATES
(District of Columbia, 27.1 per cent. not shown ~eparately on the map) CJ UNDER I m~ I TO 6 a 5 TO 12~ ~ 12" TO 2S 00 25 TO 37~ 37~ TO 60 50 AND OVER THE HEAVY LINES(_) SHOW Q£OCR"~HIC DIVISIONS Two G~nerations Since Emancipation By MONROE N. WORK, Tuskegee, Alabama Editor of the Negro Year Book PROGRESS IN SEVENTY YEARS-1866-1936 W E ASSUME that individuals and groups do make progress. If one took into ac- Economic Progress- 1866 1936 Gain in Seventy count only what has happened to Ameri- Homes Owned …..•. 12,000 750,000 Ye(1J)"S can Negroes in the recent depression years he Farms Operated ….. 8,80,000 could easily present facts to indicate, at least 20,000 738,000 from an economic standpoint, that the group had 70,000 860,000 lost much of its gains of the previous decade. To Businesses Conducted . 2,100 $2,500,000,000 get a more accurate measure of the progress of 67,900 the Negro group in America it is necessary to Financial Strength … $20,000,000 $2,480,000,000 take a long time view. Seventy years (1866 to 1936) has elapsed since slavery was abolished in Educational Progress- 10 90 80 the United States and under freedom Negroes 15 800 785 have had opportunity, in spite of handicaps and Per Cent Literate ..•. 100,000 2,500,000 restrictions, to demonstrate their capabilities. Schools for Higher 600 55,000 2,400,000 $60,000 $65,000,000 54,41)0 We are too prone to measure achievements in Training* …….. . $700,000 $61,700,000 economic terms. There are other values-moral, Students in Pub I i c $80,000 $3,500,000 $64,940,000 spiritual and intellectual, to be taken into ac- $61,000,000 Schools ………. . Teachers in all Schools $3,420,000 Property for Higher Education …….. . Annual Expenditures for all Education .. Amount R a i sed by Negroes ……••..
Religious Progres8- Number of ChUrches .. 700 45,000 44,300 4,700,000 Communicants ….•.. 600,000 5,300,000 Sunday Schools …… 36,000 35,000 Sunday School Pupils • 1,000 2,200,000 2,150.000 50,000 $210,000,000 $208,500,000 Value Church Property $1,500,000 • Includes Public High Schools. count. These are difficult to present in a factual [289 ]
manner, but some indirect evidence of such prog- Years N umber Receiving gress is indicated in the emphasis which, through 1901-1905 the years, the group has placed upon home build- 1906-1910 ……………………………. 1 ing and the imparting of moral and spiritual pre- 1911-1915 cepts to the children in the home. 1916-1920 ……………………………. 3 1921-1925 ……………………………. 4 Intellectual progress is indicated in the record 1926-1930 ……………………………. 9 of the achievements of Negroes in all the fields 1931-1935 ……………………………. 12 of intellectual endeavor, as shown in the various ……………………………. 18 editions of the Negro Year Book under "Inven- ……………………………. 63 tions" and "Scholastic Achievements." They relate particularly to what Negroes have done in Total ……………………………. 117 open competition in the best high schools, colleges and universities of the country. In the high Thus from 1867 to 1930, 54 Negroes received schools are found an increasing number of Negro Doctor of Philosophy degrees, whereas in the five students getting the highest ratings,. becoming year period, 1931-1935, there were 63 Negroes the valedictorians of their classes, receiving schol- receiving this degree. arships, prizes and other awards. Many have graduated cum laude and magna cum laude from Negro Drift to the Cities such leading universities and colleges as Syracuse, Bryn Mawr, Smith, Bates, Tufts and Harvard. The Negro population is still, in the main, rural, Negroes have achieved scholastic distinction in but in 1930, only 56.3 per cent was rural, as comall the fields of learning, in the humanities and pared with 66 per cent in 1920, and 72.7 per cent in the social and physical sciences. in 1910. This indicates the increasing movement of Negroes to urban centers, and if the trend The following tables show first, the number of continues it is probable that by 1940, the Negro, Negroes elected to Phi Beta Kappa in the sixty- like the white population, will be predominantly two years, 1874 to 1935 inclusive; and second, urban. the number who have been awarded Doctor of Philosophy Degrees in the sixty years, 1876 to The general trend of the Negro movement has 1935.* been from rural areas and small urban centers to cities of 100,000 or more inhabitants. Between NUMBER OF NEGROES WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO MEM- 192'0 and 1930, the Negro population of urban territory increased from 3,559,473 to 5,193,913, BERSHIP IN THE PHI BETA KAPPA FRATERNITY 1874-1935 while that of rural areas decreased from 6,903,658 to 6,697,230. The Negro population of cities, with Year8 Number Elected 100,000 or more inhabitants, increased approxi- mately 1,200,000 during that same period.
1874-1880 ……………………………. 4 NEGROES IN UNITED STATES IN URBAN AND RURAL 1881-1885 ……………………………. 1 COMMUNITIES per-eent 1886-1890 ……………………………. 0 Year Urban Rural Ur<ban Rural 1891-1895 …………….•.•.•••••••.•••••• 5 1930 5,193,913 6,697,230 43.1 56.3 1896-1900 ……………………………. 1 1920 3,559,473 6,903,658 34.0 66.0 1901-1905 ……………………………. 7 1910 2,684,797 7,142,966 27.3 72.7 1906-1910 ……………………………. 6 1900 2,005,972 6,828,022 22.7 77.3 1911-1915 ……………………………. 10 1890 1,481,142 6,007,534 19.8 80.2 1916-1920 ……………………………. 24 1921-1925 ……………………………. 21 In 1930 there were 2,881,790 Negroes in the 93 cities having a total population of 100,000 or 1926-1930 ……………………………. 40 more. Seven cities-New York, Chicago, Phila- delphia, Baltimore, Washington, New Orleans 1931-1935 ……………………………. 32 and Detroit-had more than 100,000 Negroes each and over one-third of the Negro population Total ……………………………. 151 in the North was concentrated in the above four northern cities. Negroes' represented more than It is to be noted that almost as many Negroes, 38 per cent of the total population in Birmingham 72, were elected to Phi Beta Kappa in the ten and Memphis; over 33 per cent in Atlanta, Jackyear period, 1926 to 1935 as were elected, 79, in sonville and Norfolk; more than 25 per cent in the fifty-two year period, 1874 to 1925. Washington, New Orleans, Richmond, Nashville and Chattanooga; and more than 20 per cent in NUMBER OF NEGROES RECEIVING DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF Houston, Miami and Tampa. In almost every southern city, the proportion of Negroes in the PHILOSOPHY-1876-1935 total population has been decreasing, while in the northern cities the proportion has been increas- Ye'ar8 Number Receiving ing.* 1876-1880 ……………………………. 2 1881-1885 ……………………………. 0 1886-1890 ……………………………. 1 1891-1895 ……………………………. 2 1896-1900 ……………………………. 2 • Membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Fraternity is cO'nferred in • See "Negroes in the United States," 1920-1932 (page 48). the leading cO'lleges and universities O'n undergraduates whO' are amO'ng the best scholars and is for scholarship only. The degree of DoctO'r of PhilO'sophy is the highest earned degree conferred by educational institutions.
Negro View of the White Man*
By REV. HAROLD M. KINGSLEY, Cleveland, Ohio Pastor of the MI. Zion Congregational Church "WE HAVE lost faith in the white man's what the resentment in the colored man's mined religion and morals," exclaimed a Negro when he thinks of the white man's attitude. at an informal conference in the South Possibly no Anglo-Saxon ever put the issue a few months after the World War. Excitement quite so bluntly and boldly as does William James had not yet died down ; blood was at a fever heat; in his letters when he asks, "What right of emimen were wrought up with great expectancy and nent domain has the white man over darker a new self-appreciation; the rights of oppressed races?" He beseeches his fellow men of the white minorities were being championed by the fore- race to cease their "snivelling hypocrisy" and not most world leaders; men of our race had made to cloak economic exploitations with fine phrases the supreme sacrifice; the disappointment of and soft platitudes. Here he indicates the very those who were tacitly given to understand that kernel of the matter and reveals a most unusual the war made no difference, that they were ex- ability for seeing one's self as others ~ee one. pected to resume an oppressed, a backward status Those who doubt the truth of other statements in -in other words, that the war had brought no this article, will do well to ponder the words of improvement in the status of the Negro in Amer- William James. ica-struck home with sharpness of a sword and the bitterness of gall. The man who expressed The challenge is not so much that of the rethis sentiment to the Negro conference, and to demption of the black man, as that of the redemptwo white delegates honestly seeking a basis of tion of the black and white, working together, understanding, was not a radical but a thought- through an actual practice of Christianity. There ful, conservative, life-long friend of the white is still in the minds of belated races a doubt as to man and one of the steadiest champions of peace- the honesty of the white man's religion. Thus ful Christian race-adj ustment. the situation that confronts the white man today for his own salvation is that of practicing the The white visitors were surprised to find that kind of Christianity he preaches, and to erase, by the Negro not only expected a larger life as a re- a new demonstration of Christianity, a doubt sult of his sacrifices and loyalty during the war, which is not only humiliating to the conscientious but that resentment had been aroused by the new white man, but is detrimental to the honest black wave of oppression and violence 'that swept over man. Let us together restore confidence, not in the country, manifested as it was, in Washing- the white man's Christianity or the black man's ton, Chicago, Omaha and St. Paul, and that, with Christianity, but in the power of the religion of bitterness in his soul, he was beginning to doubt Jesus Christ of Nazareth, which includes a practhe integrity of the white man, his sincerity of tice of the doctrine of brotherly love to embrace purpose and the genuineness of his moral and re- all men. ligious professions. Perhaps no more self-revealing and truthful sentiment was ever uttered than To be concrete, in suggestion, I would point out this regretful indictment by this black friend of that in addition to the splendid publicity campaign the white man. carried out by religious organizations North and South, that the Home Mission Study Course pre- Picture a race the victim of caricature and fun- sents probably the finest approach for the young making, judged by its lowest and most inferior mind that has ever been presented to the public types, after the Civil War the object of a brutal in such a form, and that the Interracial Commisopposition to all fundamentals of progress, and sion of Atlanta and the Commission on Church later, after overcoming this opposition to an ex- and Race Relations of the Federal Council of tent and pushing upward to a surprising degree, Churches are all together, with other similar to be made the butt of cruel jokes, the object of agencies, presenting a program and a solution coarse ridicule, and you may understand some- that will bring better understanding, more help- ful appreciation and a real working fellowship 19;2~eprlnted from the MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD, June, which will help to change the Negro's unfavor- able estimate of the white man.
[291 ]
Negro as a Human
Are We Making Progress in Better Race Relationships By WILL W. ALEXANDER, Atlanta, Georgia Executive Director of Commission on Interracial Cooperation SVCH a term as "race relationships" appears eraIly, the idea that the Negro is a normal human in the language and comes into common being. This is not to say that there may not be usage without being adequately defined. The out of the African background certain influences term means different things to different people. that persist among American Negroes at the pres- Perhaps to most people in North America it means ent time. It is to say that these influences are some sort of indefinite relationship between white superficial and that the fundamental explanation and colored people. To be more exact, it prob- of the present condition of American Negroes has ably would mean the relation of Negroes to the grown out of their social inheritance, rather than general cultural and economic structure of Amer- out of inherent biological qualities.
ican life. In the American mind there came over from Progress in relating Negroes to this general slavery numerous widely held ideas about the social and economic structure would best be tested peculiar characteristics of Negroes. Long years by the extent to which it is possible for them to ago a great national leader said that if it could find an opportunity in America for the full de- be demonstrated to him that a Negro could master velopment and unhindered expression of their the higher mathematics he would believe that the capacities as human beings. It might be said that race had real intelligence. There is a widespread progress is measured by the extent to which belief that Negro children generally can be taught Negroes as a group and in their individual sta- as other children are taught up to the age of early tions are thought of as persons, and not as spe- adolescence and after that, because of certain cial kinds of persons. The difficulty has been that inevitable biological tendencies, that they cannot most white people have thought of them as spe- go through the normal educational experiences cial kinds of persons, and involved in this think- that are open to other children. An extreme and ing has been the belief in the inherent racial in- almost incredible example of this habit of attrib- feriority of Negroes as a group. As a result, it uting special racial characteristics to Negroes is has been supposed that Negroes are incapable of found in the belief that there are certain types acquiring the tools of culture necessary for full of Negroes known as "blue-gums," whose bite is participation in American life. Because of this as poisonous as that of a serpent! One can still assumption, Negroes generally have been assigned find this belief in some sections of the South.
to an inferior status. Discrimination has been There is a large body of tradition about Negro justified on the ground that it was inevitable be- health, which assumes that because of biological cause of this inherent racial inferiority. This old inheritances Negroes react to disease in ways that argument by which slavery was justified is used white people do not. Many articles have been to explain any retardation that may be found to written in a serious attempt to maintain this be characteristic of Negro Americans in any field. thesis. These assumptions have given rise to the All shortcomings in the Negro community, idea which is generally accepted that in most whether high death rate, high incidence of homi- fields of human achievement a colored person who cide, or irregular domestic relations, are explained shows particular aptitude must have white blood on this ground. in his veins. The tendency to give a racial explanation to Some really pious people support their belief in everything distinctive in the Negro community in the Negro's variation from the normal human America is, like many other folkways, entirely type not by biology but by the Scriptures. In the unscientific. The best students of anthropology South, and in other sections of the country, there find less and less that is purely biological in the are literalists who find in the story of Ham a basis differences between human beings. The first task, for the belief that the Negro group suffers from therefore, in improving race relations in America a special divine curse which makes them entirely was to establish, in the thinking of people gen- different and, of course, inferior to other human [292 ] beings. A friend of mine-a college graduate and able to acquire and contrih'ute to the culture by a fervent and active lay evangelist-declines to which they are surroijnded. The less effective have anything whatever to do with Negroes and schools have fallen by the wayside, but the better believes that they should not be encouraged to par- ones have survived and many others have been ticipate in anything but the most unimportant added. Educational opportunities for Negroes human activities. He is sure that they are di- are better today than ever before. vinely assigned to a position of inferiority and that no human effort can alter this. He holds White and Colored Students that nothing can be done to improve the condition of Negro life until Christ returns bodily to the Recently, over a period of three years, it was earth to reign-that He will then change the color my privilege to participate in the selection of some of their skin, straighten their hair, and give them seventy young people from colleges of the South an opportunity to become as other human beings. for graduate study in the best schools in this coun- It would seem that most white Americans have try. The number was divided between white and been preoccupied almost to the point of an obses- colored on the basis of popUlation. The careers sion with finding the ways in which Negroes dif- of these students were followed with great care. fer from other human beings. Although most of them had difficulty in meeting the requirements of the graduate schools, the diffi- There always have been white Americans who culties of the colored students were no greater were unwilling to accept the belief that Negroes than those of the whites. Each year some of the were racially inferior. The early educational op- students selected did distinguished work, and a portunities for Negroes were developed on the fair number of Negroes were always found in assumption that they had the capacity to acquire this group. This undoubtedly indicates that the the tools by which to participate in the civilization best of the colored colleges in the South are now of which they were a part. It must be remem- doing work of a high grade-some of them, work bered that this effort began less than a hundred equally as thorough and excellent as that of any years ago. Of course, during the period of slavery other educational institutions in this section. A Negroes incidentally and imperfectly acquired few distinguished centers of education for Necertain of these tools, but it is only since the Civil groes are being developed in the far South. Out War that anything like an adequate opportunity of all this will come an increasing number of men for education has been available for them. In and women who are able to make real contribuspite of this late beginning, there are today groups tions to the development of American life and to of Negroes in America who have acquired the the enrichment of American culture. tools of learning and who are doing excellent work in every field of human endeavor. The number of Twenty years ago the great graduate schools these is increasing every year and the examples outside the South were reluctant to accept Negro of Negro achievement in the field of human learn- students, and very few such students were ening are becoming more and more striking with rolled in these schools. This was perhaps due to each generation of college students. Slowly some extent to hesitation on the part of the col- Negroes themselves are refuting the popular be- leges to face the complications that might arise lief as to their inferiority. Intelligent Americans from the introduction of Negroes into their stuwho have made any careful observations no longer dent bodies. In addition, however, their experidoubt the ability of Negroes to participate fully ence had been that the Negro students who apin our American culture and to meet successfully plied for admission were not well prepared. That the discipline which this culture imposes. There has changed, so that in practically all the leading is an increasing number of white Americans who graduate schools of this country Negroes are to view Negroes as normal human beings. This is be found in increasing numbers, and many of a great step forward in race relationships. them are doing creative work of a high order. These graduate schools now welcome well-pre- Perhaps no educational effort ever yielded pared Negro students. greater results in so short a time than the schools for Negroes which were established in the South Higher education for Negroes was offered forafter the Civil War. In most instances the in- merly only by schools that were supported by the struction was excellent. However, these schools mission boards and philanthropic agencies. This were not always wisely located, and there was is no longer true. There has been a great increase wasteful duplication because of the lack of denom- in state-supported institutions of higher learning inational cooperation. They were never ade- throughout the South. The primary task of these quately financed. There was a lack of libraries institutions has been with the preparation of and laboratory equipment. Yet, as a result of teachers. The academic standards are constantly this effort, it was demonstrated that Negroes are being raised, and as the depression lifts an in- creasing amount of money will be available out
of tax funds for these state institutions of higher education of this great number of white people learning. This is a significant indication of the has been a significant factor in preparing the way growing recognition that Negroes are capable of for better race relations. As education becomes acquiring the tools for full participation in Amer- more pervasive and realistic, tolerance, restraint ican life and culture. and appreciation for Negroes will increase among So much has been written about Negro educa- whites.
tion in the South that those who have not made a One of the most significant things that has hap- detailed study are likely to assume that the edu- pened in the South in the past fifteen years is the cation of the masses-of Negroes is well provided increasing attention which has been given by the for. A visit to one of the better supported Negro colleges to the social sciences. These courses in- colleges may be very misleading to the uninitiated. evitably have taken into consideration the Negro One will find an alert and well-trained faculty and as part of the social structure. In almost every an eager and able student body. Here the best white college in the South today there are courses fruits of Negro life are concentrated-a life not in race relations in which the students are being essentially different in any way from the life on challenged to view the presence of Negroes in the the campuses of other American colleges. Look- population in the same objective way in which ing upon a group of this sort, the uninitiated is they would view any other social phenomena. Of likely to feel that ample provision has been made particular significance is work of this sort which for educational opportunities for Negroes in is being done in the colleges for the training of America. The fact remains, however, that the white teachers. Courses of study calculated to great masses of Negroes in the South are yet of- give these future teachers intelligent and under- fered only the most meager opportunities for edu- standing attitudes regarding Negroes are pro- cation. The tax funds available for all education vided, along with instructions in using the day-by- in the Southern states are lower than the average day experiences in the schoolroom in such a way for the nation. Although the South spends a as to build tolerant attitudes on the part of white larger per cent of its public money on education children. All this means that out of the white than other sections of the country, only a small schools of the South-college and elementary-are proportion of this is spent on the Negro children. coming groups of younger citizens who are open- This results in inadequate buildings, poorly minded, sympathetic and socially intelligent, and trained teachers, and usually no libraries. As who are ready to accept Negroes as human beings dramatic and encouraging as have been the re- with the capacity for contributing to the develop- sults of Negro education,-adequate educational op- ment of civilization and the enrichment of life.
portunities are only beginning to touch the fringes At the moment the greatest difficulty in relating of the Negro communities in the South where the Negroes to the social and economic structure in masses of the Negro population are concentrated. American life is to find adequate opportunity for Improvement in race relations will be possible to the creative ability of these people into whose the extent with which this opportunity for acquir- hands are being put the tools of knowledge. With ing the tools of knowledge is extended to the the exception of the remarkable group of men and masses of Negroes. women of distinction in the various fields of art, The founders of Negro schools in the South the largest opportunities that are open to Negroes after the Civil War seemed to assume that the of education and training are in service to their task was wholly one of educating Negroes. This own people. This means that a great number of was not the case. There were in the South large the most inspiring fields of human endeavor are numbers of white people whose education had closed to Negroes, and that with the exception of been almost as completely negected as that of the fields of art and education Negroes are being the Negroes. At the end of the Civil War there offered very limited opportunities for self-expres- was no system of elementary schools such as had sion. They are demonstrating their capacity for been accepted as a matter of course in most full participation in American life very much American communities. Illiteracy was general more rapidly than opportunities are being offered among the great masses of white people in the for adequate self-expression. Undoubtedly Ne- South. The aftermath of the War was such as to groes are capable of acquiring the tools of Amer- make it impossible to view the educational task ican culture. A hopeful beginning has been made of white and colored in the South as one; conse- in providing opportunities for them to do so.
quently, the idea of white education and Negro Means must and will be provided in American life education developed as separate tasks. Slowly a by which the varied abilities of these Negro Amer- public school system – first largely for whites – icans may be adequately expressed. This is the was established in the South. This is still inade- next step in the improvement of race relations in quate in many sections, but it is growing and the America.
D. JONES-Educator HOWARD THURMAN-Preacher
Some Outstanding Negro Christians -"if By CHANNING H. TOBIAS, New York National Council of the Y. M. C. A.
I T IS difficult to select six outstanding Negro ida Baptist Academy, then located at Jacksonville. Christians from a large number, almost any He was a serious student but showed keen interest one of whom might qualify for such a place. in questions not directly related to his class work. I approach the task as the football coach might, He was the chief promoter of voluntary religious who is about to choose his All-American te~m activities in the Academy and a debater of more from a large number of eligibles. After review- than ordinary ability. Upon completion of his ing records of achievement and other factors, I preparatory course he entered Morehouse College finally chose those that appeal to me personally. "in Atlanta, Georgia, where his work was so out- By Negro Christians we are not limited to pro- standing that he was held over for a year of teachfessional Christian workers but include also ing before he entered the Rochester Theological Christians in various fields of useful service. My Seminary. list, therefore, includes a preacher, an educator, a musician, a scientist, a club woman and a busi- During his three years at Rochester he so disness man. tinguished himself as a speaker that he was in great demand as a chapel and conference preacher Howard Thurman – Preacher in many of the leading colleges of the East and West. As a matter of fact, few men in their stu- Though still under forty years of age, Howard dent days have been as well known and favorably Thurman stands in the front ranks of the preach- received beyond their campuses as Thurman. ersof this generation, regardless of race. I met him first as a boy in his teens attending the Flor- Upon completion of his work at Rochester, he accepted the call of a small church in Oberlin, [295 ]
Ohio, where he combined study at Oberlin College Wesleyan and was graduated in the class of 1911. with his church duties. Soon after going to Ober- He was called to the attention of Dr. John R. Mott, lin he married, but unfortunately Mrs. Thurman then executive secretary of the Student Departfailed in health in the first year of their married' ment of the International Committee of Young life. It became necessary for her to go south, so Men's Christian Associations, and immediately it was decided that she should go to her native upon graduation, was invited to join the staff of town of La Grange, Georgia, and at the same the Student Department as an associate of Wiltime Mr. Thurman accepted a call to become liam A. Hunton, the only Negro member of the preacher for Spelman and Morehouse Colleges of staff. He accepted the call and served as visiting Atlanta. During his first year there Mrs. Thur- secretary to Negro schools and colleges in the man died, leaving a baby daughter. Always of a Southern states. In this connection he was one mystical temper.ament, this sorrow led Mr. Thur- of the organizers of the Kings Mountain Student man into more complete fellowship with his Lord, Conference which has for all the years since renand resulted in his getting a leave of absence to dered the same type of service for Negro students spend part of a year in meditation and study with as has been rendered for students in general by Rufus Jones, the great mystic of Haverford. En- the Northfield and Lake Geneva conferences. riched by this experience, but desirous of still more quiet and meditation he went to Scotland the After three years as a student secretary, Mr. following summer, and there combined study and J ones was called to the secretaryship of the Colpreaching with his meditations. On returning to ored Men's Branch of the Young Men's Christian America he resumed his work at Atlanta for an- Association of St. Louis, Missouri, where he other year and then accepted a call to the School erected a $300,000 building and built up a large of Religion at Howard University of Washington, membership and community following. After ten D. C. This position he still holds. Soon after he constructive years at St. Louis, he entered busiwas married to Miss Sue Bailey, a secretary of ness for a brief period and later served for a year the National Board of the Y. W. C. A. as field secretary of the Commission on Interracial Cooperation with headquarters at Atlanta, At the invitation of the Student Christian Georgia. Movements of North America and India, Mr. and Mrs. Thurman for the past i+ve months have been There was need for a first-class college for engaged in an evangelistic tour of the college cen- Negro women in that section of the South and ters of India. Enthusiastic comments on the ex- in 1926 Mr. Jones was invited to reorganize Bentraordinary services rendered on this mission nett College, which had existed for more than have come not only from Indian leaders but from thirty years as a small coeducational institution Dr. Stanley Jones and other well-known mis- under the Freedmen's Aid Society of the Methsionaries. odist Episcopal Church. With the assistance of Dean Holgate, of Northwestern University, as The Federal Council of Churches of Christ in adviser, he set to work with a handful of students. America has extended an invitation to Mr. Thur- At the end of ten years, what do we find? A beauman to join the National Preaching Mission that tiful campus with ten buildings to serve the acawill tour the principal cities of the United States demic and dormitory needs of nearly three hunnext autumn. dred college students; a faculty of highly trained Christian men and women; an "A" classification David Dallas Jones – Educator granted by the accrediting board of the Southern Association of Colleges; community good will for Although Bennett College for Women of the college expressed by white and black alike; Greensboro, N. C., over which David D. Jones enthusiastic support by the sponsoring church presides, is only ten years old, the place that it boards; the gift of three buildings by two dehas achieved in that time shows that he merits voted Christians – Mr. and Mrs. Henry Pfieffer, a place in the vanguard of Christian educators. proprietors of the Hudnut Perfumery Company of New York, and substantial operating aid from Born of humble Christian parents in Greens- the great educational foundations. Closely assoboro, N. C., forty-eight years ago, Mr. Jones re- ciated with President Jones in this remarkable ceived his early training in his home town and accomplishment has been his efficient wife, Mrs. in New Orleans, Louisiana, where later he lived Susie Williams Jones, a graduate of the Univerwith his older brother, editor of the Southwestern sity of Cincinnati. During these busy years, Christian Advocate and afterwards bishop of the President Jones found time also to pursue grad- Methodist Episcopal Church. Young Jones did uate studies at Columbia University where he resuch creditable work in high school at New ceived his A.M. degree in 1930. He is a member Orleans that his brother helped him to go on to of the Wesleyan University chapter of Phi Beta Wesleyan University, at Middletown, Connecticut, Kappa. to pursue his studies. He worked his way through
SOME OUTSTANDING NEGRO CHRISTIANS
HARRY T. BURLE'IGH teacher's orchestral compositions. The melody of these Spirituals made such a deep impression Harry T. Burleigh – Musician upon Dvorak that he wove them into what has be- come his most popular composition, "The New In commenting on the life of Burleigh, one World Symphony." writer has said, "If Harry Burleigh's musical gift had been less genuine it might have been smoth- After completing four years' work at the Conered by the difficulties of his life, for this com- servatory, Burleigh's great moment came, in poser-to-be was born and reared in deep poverty, 1894, when the position of baritone soloist became with the added handicap of Negro blood." vacant in St. George's Episcopal Church in New York – one of the largest churches in the city. Born in Erie, Pa., seventy years ago of poor Mr. Burleigh was the only Negro among the sixty parents, his early youth was spent in sandwiching applicants, but he had the voice desired and Dr. in a public school education between selling news- Rainsford, the rector, and the vestrymen did not papers, running errands and working at odd jobs allow the color of his skin to prevent him from to help his mother care for a family of five chil- serving. He has remained a member of this choir dren after the early death of his father. His for forty-two years. For over thirty years of school-teacher discovered in him a passionate love this period, he sang also at Temple Emanuel, one for music and encouraged his mother to let him of the largest and most influential synagogues in hear the performances of great artists who visited the nation. On one of Burleigh's several Eurothe city from time to time. Among those artists pean tours he sang for King Edward VII, and were Madam Carreno and Mrs. MacDowell. Soon the heads of other European governments. He he began to sing in church choirs on Sunday and has composed music for more than two hundred in Jewish synagogues on Saturdays. At the age songs and has written scores for a volume of of twenty he studied stenography and worked as Negro Spirituals. In spite of this, he modestly a stenographer until he was twenty-six years of insists that he is not a composer, yet when one age: When he heard that the National Conserva- thinks of his popular arrangement of "Deep tory of Music in New York City had offered River," his "Little Mother of Mine" which is the scholarships, he at once determined to try for one. song most in use on Mother's Day, his popular He went to New York and was given an audition ballad "Jean," and his "Ethiopia Salutes the and awarded a scholarship. Dvorak, the noted Colors"-a setting of Walt Whitman's poem, we composer, then director of the Conservatory, be- are compelled to insist that he is not only a comcame so much impressed by the young Negro that poser but a distinguished one. he gave him considerable time outside of class hours. Burleigh played and sang for Dvorak the George Washington Carver – Scientist Negro Spirituals and also copied many of his George Washington Carver was born about sixty-nine years ago of slave parents on the Mis- souri farm of Moses Carver. His earliest recol- lections were the death of his father and the steal- ing of himself and his mother by a band of raiders in the last year of the Civil War. Moses Carver gave a race horse valued at three hundred dollars to redeem young George and had him returned to the Missouri farm where he was reared.
His early training consisted of the mastery of the famous old blue-backed speller. Lodging in the cabins of friendly Negroes, sleeping in open fields or in a hospitable stable, he continued his studies for a year, keeping ever close to the soil. The wanderlust seized him early, and he set out toward Kansas, "the home of the free." For nine years he worked as a domestic servant at Fort Scott, studying day and night as his employment permitted. His next move was to Minneapolis, Kansas, where he finished a high school course, and entered Iowa State College. He met his school expenses by managing a laundry. On completing the work for his Bachelor's and Master's degrees, he was made a member of the faculty in charge of
Mary McLeod Bethune – Educator Mary McLeod Bethune was one of a family of seventeen children, born of slave parents in an humble cabin on a rice and cotton farm near Mayesville, S. C. When she was about eleven years old a little school was opened near Mayes- ville by the Board of Missions of the Presbyterian Church and Mary was among. the first children who walked the four miles to school and back.
Her mother said, "We had to make some of· the children go but it seems that Mary, little as she was, understood what it all meant." In a few years the little school had done its best for Mary, and one day Miss Wilson, her beloved teacher, told her that Miss Mary Crissman, a dressmaker in Denver, Colo., wanted to pay for a little girl's schooling at Scotia Seminary, in Concord, N. C., Mary was chosen to go and in the autumn she bade good-bye to old friends and took her first railroad journey to Scotia Seminary. Here she was awkward and shy at first, but met every slight and every criticism with unfailing good humor and soon won the hearts of both teachers and stu- dents. At the close of her work at Scotia Sem- inary she received a scholarship which enabled her to continue her studies at the Moody Bible In- stitute, Chicago. At the end of two years at this GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER institution, she hoped to fulfill a long cherished desire to go to Africa as a missionary, but learned the Green House, the Bacteriological Laboratory and the Department of Systematic Botany. Soon he was discovered by Booker T. Washington who called him to his lifework at Tuskegee Institute, where he still labors.
During his long stay at Tuskegee, he has had tempting offers, one of them from Thomas A.
Edison, but he has promptly turned them all down because of his desire to cooperate in the training of his own people. He has been honored by elec- tion to membership! in the Royal Society of Lon- don, and to this day does not know who suggested his name. He has discovered hundreds of uses for potatoes, peanuts and pecans, freely giving his formulas to the public without attempting to commercialize his findings. He is in demand as a lecturer on the platforms of white as well as Negro colleges of the South and has appeared be- fore committees of Congress in the interest of the agricultural development of the South and in the interests of his own people. In spite of all the honors that have come to him Prof. Carver is a devout, humble Christian and attributes his scien- tific success to his close communion with God. He is fond of quoting the passage, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth." MARY McLEOD BETHUNE
that all the colored stations in Africa were filled. At an early age, however, he sought relief from She was therefore appointed a teacher at the the daily routine of farm life and joined his uncle, Lucy Laney School in Augusta, Georgia, and there a practicing physician, in Durham, N. C. His she labored faithfully for a year or two by the first job there was a dishwasher in the Durside of Lucy Laney, a great Negro teacher who ham Hotel, for ten dollars a month. He was soon had a profound influence on the shaping of Mrs. promoted to head bell boy and then side waiter, Bethune's life. but found that he could not attend school while holding these jobs, and took a position as cook for Her great pioneer venture took place at Day- a distinguished judge whom he served for two tona, Florida, where in October, 1904, she began years while going to school. Upon graduation a small institution for Negro girls. Five little from the graded school he accepted a job as mangirls responded to the first call of her school bell ager of a grocery company into which twenty-five in a cabin room of what was Mterwards to become of Durham's leading colored citizens had put ten the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School. The opening exercises consisted of the CHARLES CLINTON SPAULDING reading of the Twenty-third Psalm, the singing of the old hymn, "Leaning on" the Everlasting Arm," dollars each. When the company got into finanand a fervent prayer to God for help and guid- cial straits the other members withdrew their inance. On that same site today stands Bethune- vestment, and Spaulding was left with bare Cookman College, with thirty-two acres of land, shelves and three hundred dollars indebtedness. fourteen buildings and a plant estimated conserv- It took him five years to work out of this situaatively at $800,000. tion. Just at that time his uncle and another friend decided to make an effort to launch an in- The personality of Mary McLeod Bethune was surance company and Spaulding was called in to too dynamic to be confined to a single college help. With such funds as they could spare he campus and soon she was in demand as a speaker launched the company, serving as office boy, janion many platforms of her own race and of the tor and manager. He sold all of the policies, colwhite group. Now she is regarded as one of the lected all of the premiums and kept all the records. most attractive speakers in America regardless Out of his first travels over the state grew the of sex or race. I have heard her at Carnegie structure of the North Carolina Mutual Insurance Hall, along with Rabbi Wise and other distin- Company, founded in 1898. guished speakers, and on another occasion on the same program with Carrie Chapman Catt, and This company has weathered the depression always she has impressed her audience not only with the force of her eloquence but the sincerity of her spirit.
She was the leading spirit in establishing a home for delinquent Colored girls in Ocala, Florida. She has served as president of the Southeastern Federation of Women's Clubs and as president of the National Association of Colored Women. Recently she was made a member of the National Advisory Committee of the National Youth Administration, and a year ago she was given the Spingarn Medal, which is the highest distinction a Negro can claim.
Charles Clinton Spaulding – Business Man Born on a small North Carolina farm, Charles Clinton Spaulding manages today the largest insurance company operated by members of the Negro race. The company maintains an agency force in eight states and has headquarters in a $250,000 modern, seven-story office building in Durham, N. C. Last year it paid policyholders a total of $1,440,965, and the total insurance now in force amounts to $36,683,621.
As soon as Spaulding was able to do a day's work in the field he was sent out with the other boys of the family to take his turn at the plow.
and stands today as the leading Negro business Church of Durham; he also serves as a member concern in America. A loan of approximately of the Board of Trustees of Shaw University, Ral- $300,000, secured less than three years ago from eigh, N. C., and of Howard University, Washingthe'Reconstruction Finance Corporation, has been ton, D. C., and is a member of the Executive Compaid back in its entirety-which is somewhat un- mittee of the National Negro Business League. usual in these difficult times. He is deeply interested in helping to lift the masses of his people to a higher plane of living, In spite of the heavy responsibilities resting and is known for his cooperation with white and upon Mr. Spaulding' as president of the North colored people in efforts at better interracial Carolina Mutual Insurance Company, he finds understanding. time to give service to the White Rock Baptist THE NATIONAL NEGRO ANTHEM Hymn Composed by James Weldon Johnson; Set to Music by His Brother Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the list'ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea; Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun Of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.
Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chast'ning rod F1elt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path thro' the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might, Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray, Lest our feet stray from the places, our God; where we met Thee, Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand, True to our God, true to our Native Land.
Great Need· of the Negro
The Training of Christian Leaders By DEAN C. L. HILL, Atlanta, Georgia Turner Theological Seminary, Morris Brown College PERHAPS the greatest need of the Negro mi- ing consciousness of the worth of training on the nority group in America today is a trained part of the Negro masses, when he sees the in- Christian leadership. Nor is this a mere creasing numbers of boys and girls who yearly sweeping generalization. There are many press- are streaming forth from the halls of the institu- ing problems confronting the black man in Amer- tions of learning all over the length and breadth ica. There are the maladjustments of a social of America? Certainly there is a demand for set-up which is, in many respects, anti-Christian. trained and effective Christian leadership among There is the cruel and bloodless economic scheme Negroes today.
which, especially in the Southern states, has re- This call to Christian leadership means a call to solved the life of the black man into a program preparation. It presupposes the possession of in- of bald economics and a concomitant tendency to tellectual and scientific culture. The Christian regard the life he lives as merely synonymous leader is in no small measure an interpreter of with vegetation. In other words, the popular the age in which he lives. He is a sort of "specphilosophy of life among a vast majority of black tator of all time and existence." He deals prifolk is that expressed by Feuerbach: Mann ist marily with the spirit of the times. He must was er isst-"man is what he eats"-, and the therefore be conversant with the thought and Negro in the terrific struggle for mere biological tendencies of the age.
existence is determined to vegetate at any cost. Moreover, each age has its peculiar challenges This attitude is largely the result of the poor to culture, and in order to meet these challenges, wages earned by Negro laborers and also the dis- the Christian leader must be thoroughly trained crimination that has attended many of the eco- and prepared. There are, too, those periodic nomic programs affecting the populace within the thrusts of unbelief aimed against the bulwark of last five years, particularly in the Southland. Fi- the Church and ordered society, seeking to disnally, there is the problem touching the political rupt the very foundations of the Church and activity of the black man: mobocracy, mock jus- gnawing at the viscera of civilization. In order tice in the courtrooms, and a general denial of to stem the tide of the atheistic, cynical, anti- the inalienable rights of all men, theoretically Christian and anti-American waves of thought, guaranteed by the Constitution of the United the Christian, and leader must be "fitted unto States of America. every good work."
But none of these, I believe, constitute the most The very nature of Christianity presupposes preeminent, the most imperative, the most urgent trained leadership. Our faith is not a religion of problem before which the Negro of today stands. forms and imaginations. It is not something His greatest need is for trained and capable Chris- spun out of the vagaries of human speculation.
tian leaders; a leadership that understands his It is a revelation of essential, absolute truth; of plight, that sympathizes with him, and possesses historic, rational and moral truth. It has to do sufficient clarity of vision to point the way out with life and reality, not with appearance. In of his dilemma, on the basis of the Christian order to seize upon the central germ of Christian world-view. truth, life and reality, the Christian leader must Another factor that demands a trained Chris- be trained in the rudiments and fundamental principles of historic Christianity. tian leadership is perhaps the most elemental of all : the growing consciousness of the need and Show me a Christian leader with wide culture; worth of education on the part of the masses of a man who is at home in philosophy, and whose black folk. A trained following certainly demands friends are the poets; a man who bristles with a trained leadership. To educate the laity and to knowledge and information, and I will show you neglect the clergy is not only folly, but is a great a powerful and dynamic incentive to his feH<?wtragedy. And who will deny that there is a grow- men.
[301 ]
There is a very definite and widespread de- two are under the supervision of the M. E. Church mand for trained Christian leaders among Ne- (White), while Morris Brown College is solely groes. There is a growing need for efficient and under the auspices of the African Methodist Epis- capable Negro leadership. The next question nat- copal Church of Georgia.
urally follows: What are we doing to satisfy this These institutions work under an affiliated re- need? lationship. Gammon Seminary is devoted entirely All over America institutions of learning have to the training of Christian leaders, pastors and been established by and for Negroes. Especially mIsSIOnaries. The other colleges confine them- numerous are these institutions in the South selves solely to educational curricula as such, with where there is no mixed education among the the exception of Morris Brown and Morehouse, races. Therefore, almost every southern state both of which operate theological seminaries in has its own colleges and seminaries for the reli- connection with the regular college work.
gious and educational training of Negro leader- Each summer there is held an Interdenom- ship. inational Ministers' Institute, whose faculty is The various Christian denominations are rep- drawn from Gammon, Turner Theological Semresented in this great enterprise. Schools have inary of Morris Brown College, and the Morebeen founded by the following branches of Chris- house Divinity School. The Institute is run for a tianity: Episcopal, Lutheran, Congregational, period of four weeks, and attracts students from Baptist (white and colored),· Presbyterian, Ro- all the southern states. The enrolment has man Catholic, M. E. Church (North and South), reached as high as seventy-five young men and C. M. E. Church, A. M. E. Church, A. M. E. Zion women, who are otherwise engaged during the winter terms and consequently cannot attend a Church, and the Holiness Church. seminary, but who take advantage of the summer Toward Mutual Understanding Institute, to better prepare themselves for ·Chris- Northern philanthrophy has been especially ac- tian leadership. tive in the furthering of Negro education in the Of all these noble experiments, the most strik- South. Nor have the more enlightened and Chris- ing is that of Morris Brown College. For over tian whites of the South held themselves aloof fifty years this college has been engaged in prefrom this enterprise. Many have thrown off the paring men and women for leadership in the shackles of color prejudice, have risen above the Christian world. Its many struggles and vicissiartificial walls that have for so long separated the tudes and its unfaltering faith in the ability of blacks from the whites, have torn down the middle the Negro to do something for himself, have walls of partition, and have dared to cross the earned for it the name: "The noblest of noble boundary lines separating their Palestine from experiments"; for it is the total embodiment of our Tyre and Sidon, indeed have crossed the the real philosophy of the black man in America borders with Jesus of Nazareth and have minis- -self-respect, self-help and initiative.
tered to the needs of an underprivileged minority Thus both whites and blacks are combining group. For all of this we are deeply thankful. their efforts and centering them upon the train- We regard this as a great step toward mutual ing of Negroes for Christian leadership. We understanding, and a contribution toward the cannot here enumerate and discuss the many in- solution of the problem between the races in stitutions doing constructive work along the line America, which after all, must be fought out with of Negro education. Suffice it to say that the peaceful means on southern soil. Negro is beautifully cooperating with all outside But knowing, as I do, the struggles and heart- forces that are seeking to ameliorate his condiaches and heroic deeds of a people attempting to tion.
do something for themselves, I am inclined to be- What now is the philosophy for the education lieve that the most noble experiments in the train- of the Negro underlying Christian leadership?
ing of Negro leadership are those being tried by What principles are being inculcated in the hearts institutions owned, operated and controlled solely and minds of N~gro youth? There are several.
by Negroes for Negroes. The first aspect of this philosophy of Christian The center of Negro higher education in the education may be described by the words of Dr.
south is the city of Atlanta, Georgia. Here are Emil Brunner in his famous book, "The Media- to be found the following institutions: The At- tor": "The problem of Crisis, which is the prob- lanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse lem of God." Negro Christian education is College, Morris Brown College, Clark University, throughout fundamentally theistic. This consti- and Gammon Seminary. Of these colleges, the tutes the very ground-plan of its system. We first three are and have been backed by educa- teach that there is and there can be no truth tional funds and the Baptist Church. The last which is not founded on the immutable will and
THE GREAT NEED OF THE NEGRO TODAY
character of God. He is the source of all truth, fore, our Ne'gro Christian leaders must inveigh heavily against our common enemy, sin. all reality, all certainty. And a world without The last fundamental aspect of Negro Christian God is a world in which riddle and enigma reign education is the idea of the Kingdom of God. If the Creator-God is a universal Father, if all men supreme. possess personalities or souls dear to this Creator- God, and if confusion and misunderstanding have Nor does Negro Christian education teach a risen out of "sin," then the logical conclusion is the need for some ideal quantity, in which all men God of mere intellectual faith. We seek not the can participate in a fuller life and freer light. Aside from the general characteristics given to God of science or philosophy. We seek the God the "Kingdom-concept" found in the Gospel tradi- tions of Jesus, by the various New Testament of human experience. And this God we find in scholars, such as esthatological, apocalyptic, char- ismatic, spiritual and futuristic aspects, Negro Jesus of Nazareth. We teach the God on whom Christian education assumes the attitude that if the Kingdom of God means anything, it means Paschal called in a moment of spiritual weakness: brotherhood. The Kingdom is a spiritual world, in which all men are brothers in Jesus Christ, "Not the God of the philosopher or of the scien- sons of one common Father; and if solutions for our human problems are to come, they must tist. But the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." emanate from this Kingdom of God controlled and enlightened consciences. We personally be- A firm belief in a good, righteous, just and merci- lieve that a "Christian World" is a misnomer, a dream, a fancy, a phantom. The world has never ful God who, in the language of Jesus is "Our been Christian, is not now, nor ever shall be. But we believe in a "world of Christianity," and this Father," is the fundamental aspect of Negro for us, is the Kingdom of God. Wherever there are Christian endeavors, Christian ambitions, Chris- Christian education. tian literature, Christian sermons, Christian schools and colleges, there may be found the Another aspect ot' Negro education is the belief "world of Christianity" and consequently, the Kingdom in which all men ought to cooperate with in the dignity and worth of human personality. God for the common good.
This good and righteous God, this Creator-God, Coming to the Light regards all human beings as equally precious in What are the results of Negro Christian educa- tion? Since its incipiency the Christian Church His sight. He is no respecter of persons. All are has been, in a large measure, the torchbearer of civilization. Having received its light from the potential sons of God. Here there is no color line. "central sun of righteousness, Jesus Christ," it has passed this torch on to others. Wherever the Here there are no distinctions based on creed, flag of Emanuel has been planted, there the scin- tillating hues have penetrated the murky darkness color, conditions of servitude. The good Shepherd of ignorance and people, who aforetime sat in darkness, have seen a great light. The majority jeopardizes His own life to save one sheep, even of schools, colleges and universities, were founded by Christian scholars, or in a Christian atmosthough that sheep be black. We teach that no phere. The Church has blazed a trail of light and culture; has dug through the rubbish and debris man is so intrinsically evil that he cannot become of ignorance, and has set up eternal monuments to its genius in co}.leges and seminaries, monuacceptable to God. The universality of redemp- ments that shall never die.
tion covers all, even black men. And a black man From the halls of those educational institutions, founded and operated by the Christian Church for redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ is not just the training of Negro leadership, there files a long procession of sable sons and daughters who, fired another black man, but he is a personality pre- by the inspiration received behind the walls of these sacred institutions, go forth into the world cious to the heart of God, purchased from the slav- ery of sin and become a sheep of the fold. – The Negro Sense of Sin A third aspect of Negro education is the deepseated consciousness of the heinousness of sin. Here there must be no palliation. No definition of sin is satisfactory that overlooks its positive evil. Sin is not the mere maladjustment of sociology; nor the pathological mystery of medical science; nor the "not yet" of biological evolution; nor the "abnormal workings of human reason and a spontaneous declension from the moral law" (with Kant); nor the traversing of the Divine consciousness by the individual consciousness, creative of remorse (with Schleiermacher) . Sin is satanic rebellion, a plague, a sickness, a disease, a bite, a sting, a leprosy, a load of curses and calamities, everything that all good men hate; it is death itself. From it spring war, confusion, greed, lust, hypocrisy. In short, it is the death of the soul. It can oniy be overcome by that exterminating change called regeneration. We teach that from sin arise all the social evils of society-the war between capital and labor, racial antipathies, war, social injustice, political injustice, and everything ungodly. There-
to make their contribution to the religious, politi- sented by the systems now in vogue in Russia and cal and social orders of mankind. Germany, the revival of Renascence Humanism garbed in a new dress, with its deification of hu- The most lasting result of the training of Ne- man nature and its banishment of God from the groes for Christian leadership, is the decidedly throne; in a word, this procession of modern Christian world-view that is instilled in them. gods, forged in the furnace of present-day There never has been a period in human history thought, demands a Christian leadership that poswhen so many challenges have been hurled simul- sesses keen insight, a healthy optimism, an intaneously at the Church and religion in general, domitable will, and a sufficient motive power for as the present. This is an age of criticism and the solution of these problems. This is the genius inquiry, and the very substance of religion is be- of Negro Christian eduoation, that it provides ing seriously questioned. such weapons as these, with which Negro youth can engage iIi battle with the subversive currents Moreover, the degenerating influences of west- of modern thinking, and therefore can "wage a ern civilization upon the more backward peoples, good warfare, holding faith and a good conthe rise and growth of nationalism, the passion science." for innovations created by industrialism, the appearance of godless political theories as repre- Daniel Payne: Christian Educator By JOSEPHUS R. eOAN, Atlanta, Georgia Professor of Old Testament Theology and Religious Education, MOTTis Brown College THE African Methodist Episcopal Church, sailed for New York where he came in touch with with a membership of 600,000, operates eigh- the Society of Inquiry on Missions and was offered teen colleges and secondary schools and a scholarship to Gettysburg Seminary. After two twelve seminaries. For seventy-three years this years ill health forced him to leave Gettysburg policy of Christian education has contributed in and so ended his formal training. no small way to the education and Christianization of the Negro race. She has trained lay and The third period began with his first pastoral ministerial leaders and has instilled within her charge over a Presbyterian church in Troy, New constituency the ideal of self-help. York. His second charge was Israel A. M. E. church, Washington, D. C., and his third was What was .the genesis of this influential work? Bethel A. M. E. church, Baltimore. How did the African Methodist Episcopal Church begin her program of Christian education? The The fourth period includes his experiences for answer centers around the life and works of fifty-three years as a bishop, in which office he Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne, a man of self- was one of the most commanding figures in the sacrificing spirit and untiring labors. A. M. E. Church. He served all of the episcopal districts organized at that time and profoundly The life of Bishop Payne may be divided into influenced many lives. He brought the A. M. E. four periods. First, his early life and youth Church and its ministry to a position of power (1811-1835) began on February 24, 1811, in the and became an able university administrator. city of Charleston, South Carolina, where Payne was born of free parents. At seven he had In the church where Bishop Payne labored for neither father nor mother, and was cared for by fifty-three years, he is known as the "Apostle of an aunt and some members of the Brown Fellow- Christian Education." His fundamental problem ship Society, a social and benevolent organization was the elimination of the evil of race conflict in among the free Colored people of Charleston. The America and the building up of a social order Minor Moralist Society, another benevolent enter- based upon the principles of Jesus Christ. Moved prise, operated a school which the boy attended by the "calamitous fact" that his people were "enfor two years. To support himself at the age of tombed in ignorance and oppression," he labored twelve, he secured a job as apprentice to a car- for their enlightenment. His ultimate goal bepenter. Following his conversion at eighteen he came thatof a gradual change from injustice and organized a school which he conducted for five oppression. to one of justice, fellowship and recyears. onciliation. He was deeply concerned with "God's purpose for the redemption of the world," The second period includes his student days at and "transforming the dark earth into the Holy Gettysburg Seminary. Immediately after the un- City." fortunate close of his school in Charleston, Payne He became interested in educational and evan-
DANIEL PAYNE: CHRISTIAN EDUCATOR
gelistic work as a result of his conversion. The Payne's decision to join the A. M. E. Church in outcome was his consciousness of the Divine call 1841 was tremendously significant for the educato be an educator to his people. He wrote: tional policy of the church. Prior to this there is only one recorded instance of definite action re- Several weeks after this event, between twelve and one garding the educational program of the denomo'c;ock one day, I was in my humble chamber pouring out ination, but one year after Payne's affiliation with my prayers to the l.istening ears of my Saviour, when I this church he organized the "Theological Assofelt as if the hands of a man were pressing my two ciation," the object of which was "cultivating bibshoulders, and a voice speaking within my soul saying: lical knowledge and the collateral sciences." "I have set thee apart to educate thyself that thou mayest be an educator to thy people." Later he wrote a series of articles on the "Edu- This summons became his dominant purpose cation of the Ministry," which brought forth a throughout his life, in spite of repeated and severe shocks. storm of criticism. He went to the General Con- ference of 1844, and offered a resolution which The first attempt to realize his purpose was brought into existence the course of studies for experiments with a school opened in Charleston A. M. E. ministers who, at that time, were ignowhen he was only 18 years of age. During this rant and discredited. He then instigated a Genperiod he came up against situations which called eral Convention of the church to launch educafor the exercise of the strongest moral stamina tional work for the denomination. This helped to and religious dynamic. The first barrier was his mould the development of her educational policies. limited education which at that time consisted of only two years of formal training. This difficulty Bishop Payne's educational influence was most was overcome by securing books and mastering far-reaching through his work for Wilberforce their contents sufficiently to put new courses into University. This was founded in 1856 at Tawawa his curdculum. The story of his laborious studies Springs (Sweet Water) where there was an elereads like a novel. mentary school under the auspices of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. In 1863 the trustees, fac- The lack of building and equipment and support ing bankruptcy were forced to sell the institution, formed another obstacle. The first year Payne and the trustees offered it to Bishop Payne for received only $3.00 per month for teaching. Had the A. M. E. Church for $10,000. Payne asked not a slave woman given him food occasionally, time to consult the members of his conferences he might have starved. But the great hindrance but the trustees demanded "now or never." As to his educational efforts was the South Carolina an act of faith he took the responsibility upon law of 1834 which prohibited the teaching of all himself saying, "In the name of God I purchase Negroes, either free or slave. It terminated for Wilberforce for the A. M. E. Church." The inat least one generation Payne's educational worK stitution was reorganized into a university with in the South. seven departments, Bishop Payne becoming the first president (1863 to 1876). This was the first Early in 1840, following his resignation from Negro university in the world. More than that his church in Troy, Payne founded an elementary he gave to the Negro race the philosophy of "selfschool in' Philadelphia. The school became in- help, self-initiative and self-confidence," for creasingly popular until the spring of the year which Wilberforce University, at Xenia, Ohio, 1843, when Bishop Morris Brown appointed stands as a unique symbol. Payne pastor of Israel A. M. E. church in Washington.
American Negro Churches, Membership and Contributions Taken from the 1926 Census as Reported in "Negroes in the United States"
Negro Negro Improvements Missions and and Denominations Churches Members EJ<penses Benevolences Adventist Bodies (2) ………. . 99 5,297 $94,550 $167,665 3,254,035 16,284,320 2,469,184 Baptist Bodies (4) ………. .. 23,173 7,312 38,267 7,038 Christian Church ……….•..• 68 30,263 394,773 90,384 16,000 295,446 20,388 Church of God in Christ ……. . 733 37,325 239,279 33,125 Congregational Church …….. . 155 5,997 62,632 7,191 Disciples of Christ ………… . 487 545,814 6,205,632 1,257,397 Lutheran Bodies (2) ………. . 456,813 4,091,023 70 202,713 1,934,540 662,993 African Methodist Episcopal 350,879 3,506,114 417,038 6,708 1,127,320 606,238 53,294 176,043 African M. E. Zion ………… . 2,466 51,502 438,912 124,324 913,914 87,826 Colored Methodist Episcopal … . 2,518 1,594 89,731 59,235 8,314 Other Methodist Bodies (6) … . 3,934 215,065 1,879 58,785 Presbyterian Bodies (4) ……. . 724 Protestant Episcopal ………. . 287 Roman Catholic Church ……. . 147 Spiritualist Bodies (3) …….. . 26 All other Church Bodies (26) .. . 1,040 Total all Denominations •..• 42,585 5,203,487 $35,749,951 $6,152,905
Youth and the
-.1 By MARTIN L. HARVEY, Hempstead, New York Director of Christian Education of Y outh, A. M. E. Zion Church,. President of the Christian Youth Council of North America "THE Church is an outworn institution, it vancement of the race, and can make many val- has had its day." So said a young man uable contributions to their own lives. recently. Undoubtedly this statement represents a Young people must be helped to understand that slightly extreme view, but it is indicative of the the Church was the first institution owned and trend of thinking in the minds of a large group controlled by the members of the Negro race in of young people. Although many would not ex- America. That even during the dark days of press this opinion so strongly, their indifference slavery, it was the one training ground for leadtoward the church, and their lack of interest in ership. Many of the great leaders of the race its activities speak more loudly than mere words. not only received their inspiration, but acquired their training from some backwoods church. Why is this attitude held by many young Negroes, more or less closely associated with the The Christian Church has also inspired many church? who have made their mark and rendered valuable service in other fields, particularly music. Many First: In far too many cases the minister of of the great Negro musicians received their intheir church has had no more, and oftentimes has spiration and start from some church group had less education than many of his young people. which believed in them and gave them an oppor- The results are obvious; his ideas are often in tunity to exercise their latent abilities. conflict with those taught in the public schools. There are other contributions that the Church Since this institution has better-trained teachers, can and must make to the lives of young people and since more time is given to secular than to today. religious education, the minister usually comes First: The Church as an institution can give out second best. a meaningful interpretation to life. Young peo- Second: The work and program of the major- pIe are living in a world of cynicism and despair; ity of churches are planned for the benefit of the a world in which, as one cynic expressed it, "life adult members of the congregation, with little is just a contest between jackals and jackasses; thought given to the needs of young people. The a world which says that life is only a period besermons are usually prepared for those who want tween creation and annihilation; a world which an assurance of comfort, if not here, then in a functions on the creed that the purpose of life is place beyond the skies. The week-day activities the acquisition of as much earthly possessions as are often archaic, and too frequently are largely possible in as short a time as possible, regardless for the purpose of raising money. The old emo- of the methods. tional forms of religion have little appeal for most young people today. Words and phrases which In such a world the Church must offer a differthrilled their fathers and forefathers strike no ent interpretation of life. It must say that responsive chord in the hearts of their children. abundant living comes from God and is achieved by losing oneself in the service of others. The Third: The tasks assigned to young people, in Church must teach that life is a glorious adventhe majority of cases, are not commensurate with ture stretching into eternity, and that the purtheir abilities. In many churches the only re- pose of life is not to get, but to give. Moreover sponsibilities given to young people are passing the Church must insist that men can overcome the collection plates, or ushering dear old saints their difficulties, and that no matter how discourto pews. Youth demands tasks which are deemed aging the present situation may be, truth, .goodimportant, and which offer a creative challenge ness, and righteousness will ultimately triumph. to their abilities. Such a message is certainly needed by young We must help young people who possess these people today. They find themselves in a world points of view to understand that, although there where hatreds of class and nation and race divide is some validity in the position they take, the men; where young people are denied the chance Church has made many contributions to the ad- to prepare for a life work. If they do so prepare [306 ] themselves they too often find themselves in the relationships with others whom they do not see.
long lines of the unemployed, unable to marry, They must be guided beyond the merely tradi- build homes, and rear children, because they have tional missionary emphasis, a,nd must become con- not sufficient economic security. cerned about all with whom they have indirect In the light of all these conditions, the Church relationships. They must become interested in must offer a meaningful interpretation to youth, the physical and spiritual conditions of the work- insisting tha,t difficulties be viewed in their proper ers who cultivate the food they eat, who manu- perspective; there must be a creative challenge facture the clothing they wear, and who contribute of faith, such as that which inspired Abraham of in other ways to their welfare.
old, who "went out not knowing whither he went." Such a task is challenging. Young people are Second: The Church must insist that individ- not lost to the Church. They are viewing the uals are of supreme worth. The world today Church with hopeful as well as critical eyes. A makes human personality the cheapest commodity few who are looking beyond the Negro Church, on the market. It is sacrificed to efficiency, to are rather skeptical of the sincerity of organized profits, to national glory, and to the selfish ambi- Christianity in general, when it tacitly condones racial discrimination and is complacent in the face tions of national leaders. The leaders in Church must seize every oppor- of social injustice. But they are hopeful that the tunity to emphasize the supreme worth of every situation will be improved. They want the Church individual. Capital punishment, mob rule result- to work with them rather than for them. ing in lynchings, labor disturbances,are violations Their optimism and faith will be justified if the of human brotherhood, and such incidents must Church is willing to evaluate its program in the be used, like a lighthouse in the midst of a raging light of the present-day needs of young people; sea, to point out that personality is worth more if it will look forward as well as backward; above than anything else in the world, and that its values all, if it will develop trained leadership adequate must be conserved. In many cases the Church to present-day demands and consecrated to the must look at itself, and clean its own house, mak- tasks of tomorrow. ing sure that all its employees from the minister In an increasing number of churches there are to the janitor are treated in the light of this ideal encouraging signs-young people are hopeful that these will increase. The greatest challenge to the of human brotherhood. Third: The Church must offer young people Church today is the enlistment of its youth in the adequate experiences for group worship. Of Kingdom-building enterprise.
course there are those who insist that they can worship adequately by themselves, and no one In America causes similar to those operating in will deny the value of private devotions, but there Africa have been at work to create discontent and are certain distinctive values to be gained from race feeling-social ostracism of the Negro, polit- worshipping together with kindred spirits. The ical disability, economic exclusion from high approach to God may be had through different grades of work, a whole body of custom and law features of the service-through music or the at- that sets up different standards for the Negro and mosphere of a beautiful edifice, through the ritual for the white.
or through the sermon. If we ask, "What does the American Negro The implications of this are obvious; hymns want?" the answer is quite clear. First, educamust be chosen which are in line with the thought tion. Secondly, equal industrial opportunities; patterns of intelligent Christians, and which in- i. e., "equal opportunity to 'work at just wages and clude not only individual redemption but look under fair conditions." Thirdly, a share in electalso to the redemption of society. Sermons must ing their government. Fourthly, security from draw on the experience of the past and must in- mob violence and prejudiced legal decisions. terpret present-day problems in the light of the Fifthly, and this lies at the root of things, they teaching and spirit of Christ. desire passionately to be freed from the perpetual Fourth: The Church must broaden the outlook ostracism and degradation that labels them as of young people. We now understand that we though they were members of another and a live in a world which has become a neighborhood, lower, almost a sub-human species. It is impor- and yet the outlook of many young people is too tant to appreciate this issue from the Negro narrow. They must become concerned about their point of view. BASIL MATHEWS.
Negroes are Doing for
By REV. L. L. BERRY, D.D., New York Secretary of Missions of the African Methodist Episcopal Church THE Negro in America has been largely on upon it as a Shekinah for guidance in the un- the receiving end of things. Having been known estate which freedom had bequeathed to brought from Africa, in spite of all his re- him. sistance, and having been subject to the will of others for nearly two and a half centuries, he be- The main problem, and at the same time the came accustomed to a system which supplied his central objective, of this leadership of the Church minimum physical needs while his cultural life, was to help the Negro forget the handicaps under social instincts and intellectual desires were ig- which he had suffered, and the legacies left by his nored and even suppressed. Slavery assumed bondage. He must be inspired with hope and faith in the possibility of grasping and exercising that these aspirations were entirely lacking in the his full manhood rights. Agencies had to be es- Negro since it best served the ends of slavery to tablished for his benefit, and to enable him to acconsider him merely as a human chattel. Only quire the knowledge that would fit him into the in religion was a little latitude allowed as a vent social economy of which he was now a legal entity. to his spiritual yearnings. Early in his career as a minister, Richard Out of such a system the Negro emerged with Allen started a school in Philadelphia, and a natural disposition to lean upon others. For- throughout his life, as a bishop of the Church he tunately, however, all his self-reliance and inde- had established, he emphasized education for the pendence of spirit brought over from Africa was Negro as far as public opinion and laws would not killed. A faint spark of manhood still re- permit. Other churches and free blacks followed mained in him and he apprehended, withal dimly, in his footsteps. Frederick Douglass, self-eman- the truth of the philosophy that "God helps those cipated and self-educated, stood out as a shining who help themselves." This expression was in- example of what education could do for the Negro, terpreted in a militant sense by such black heroes and because of the compelling logic and oratory as Nat Turner and those who followed the in- displayed in his long battle for the freedom of trepid John Brown to his doom at Harper's Ferry his race, he became the Negro's ideal and idol, in their bold attempt to abolish slavery. It was manacled though he still was by the shackles of interpreted by others to apply more forcibly to slavery. matters of the mind, soul and spirit; and so we have, during this same blighting slavery period, Thus it came about that, in the battle that lay Richard Allen founding the African Methodist before the Negro in fitting himself for the rOle Episcopal Church, and James Varick establishing of a citizen, and the enjoyment of his status as the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in a free man, the Church brought up its battery of response to the unquenchable yearnings of the schools in its first attack upon the handicaps of ignorance that barricaded his progress. When Negro for untrammelled religious and cultural schools were first opened to Negroes an almost expression. 100% illiteracy might be said to have prevailed.
Even though these Negro religious denomina- That has now been reduced to 16.3 %, while in tions were severely restricted by rigid laws which made it a crime for Negroes even to preach to the top bracket of the principal professions of Negroes in some sections, to say nothing of teach- clergymen, college presidents and professors, dening Negroes, by the time slavery was abolished tists, doctors, trained nurses, musicians and music the organized Negro Church had become a real teachers, school-teachers, judges and lawyers, we lifeline to him in his helpless situation.. Having find 104,755 standing out to indicate what the become his source of greatest hope and inspira- Negro has achieved for himself. In the thick of tion during slavery, the Negro looked upon the this battle, the Negro Church was encouraged Church as providing the broad avenue for the at- and aided by the noble sacrifices and contributions tainment of his suppressed aspirations when he of white denominations and organizations of the finally escaped from his thralldom. So the Negro North in conducting schools for the freedmen of the South.
spontaneously rallied to the Church and looked In the early years following emancipation the [308 ] Negro newspaper was a rarity, so the Negro of something like 130,000. This Negro group minister used his pulpit as a broadcasting station supports entirely out of its own pocketbook a day and constantly kept before the eyes of his people nursery, a hospital staffed by Negro doctors who the outstanding accomplishments of the race give free clinics, an old folks' home and a recregroup. Negro orators and lecturers were given ation beach. This might be styled as non-statistithe keys to the pUlpit. Budding Negro businesses, cal work being done for Negroes by Negroes very many of which had their birth within the which every community conducts without any church, were advertised freely and often from the relation necessarily to any other community. pulpit. Negro doctors, dentists, lawyers and other pioneer professional men had liberal access Present-day social service setups generally have to the pulpit as a springboard from which to a very coherent and, in many cases, dependent launch themselves into the stream of gainful oc- relationship to every such unit wherever estabcupation. Fitness to serve the race in matters lished. This is true of such organizations as the that had only been performed by the white race, Y. M. C. A., the Urban League, Boy Scouts, Girls' was vouched for by the pulpit, which fact at once Guides and numerous others. These are governed established that confidence in the ability of these and directed mainly by centralized authority, and professionals so necessary to success. for this reason more or less reliable statistics re- garding their operations, are obtainable. If these The church was the Negro's social club. It was independent efforts of the Negroes for the wellhis nursery for business ventures, and the center being of Negroes could be tabulated, undoubtedly of his cultural hopes. It was a sort of trellis upon the results as to the work involved and the amount which he trained his budding enterprises and of money spent in its maintenance would be stagexercised his powers of organization. All of his gering. activities and endeavors clustered around this institution of the church, and from it radiated his Much that the Negro is doing for the Negro paths of adventure into the numerous fields of does not stand out and capture the attention for industry and labor in which we now find him en- another reason. Today he is doing a tremendous gaged. Thus we find that most of the successful amount of social good in cooperation with whites, organizations run by Negroes today still have a rendering contributions which implement in a very definite and important relationship to the large way the agencies which have been estabchurch, particularly insurance companies and fra- lished for Negroes by white philanthrophy. This ternal orders. is true mainly in connection with schools of higher learning established by northern churches and Starting with the church as a point of impulse, philanthrophy, and, in a lesser degree, with instiand with its sponsoring influence ever acting as tutions like the Y. M. C. A. In a very real sense, a spur to higher endeavors, the Negro has ad- the Negro provides most of the resources for the vanced in a fan-shaped formation of self-help and continuance of such work, and in estimating what conquest that has amazed the world. he is doing for himself, a sizeable percentage of the budgets of such institutions should be credited Negro Work in America to the Negro. • What the Negro is doing for Negroes in Amer- In the realm of business, note should be taken ica may be somewhat difficult to reduce to sta- of the National Negro Business League, founded tistics that would accurately tell the whole story. by the late Booker T. Washington. This league, Like streams which run along the surface for a started as a booster movement for stepping up the distance and then disappear under ground to be business adventures of the Negro, is still exerting lost to sight though still supplying moisture to a powerful influence on Negro enterprise that is vegetation, so much of the noble and self-sacri- undoubtedly reflected in the large and increasing ficing work of Negroes, supported entirely by number of retail businesses conducted today by themselves, is unseen by the compiler of statistics. the Negro. The movement known as Negro I here refer to such institutions as old folks' Health Week, now under the functions of the homes, day nurseries, burial societies, homes for U. S. Department of Health and nationally obwayward boys and girls and kindred institutions. served each year, was originated by the National In most instances these institutions are sponsored Negro Business League. directly by churches, or have some tangible relation to them. In the field of political and social betterment there are many organizations of Negroes, but An illustration of this might be found in any none has exerted greater pressure for the recogcity where there is a considerable Negro popula- nition of the basic rights of the Negro as a citizen tion. For example, let us survey briefly the city under the Constitution than the National Assoof Norfolk, Virginia, which has a Negro contin- ciation for the Advancement of Colored People. gent of approximately 45,000 in a total population This association has branches in practically every
large city in the United States, and is ever alert for its maintenance which this body is making. in the championship of the just interests of the It may be seen from the above outline of Negro Negro and in defense of his common rights. The birth of such movements as the Urban League and achievement and activity that he very early recoginterracial societies may be directly traced to the nized his responsibility for working out his own program of equal justice in our social economy salvation, and that he has exerted himself in a which has been the keystone purpose of the very tangible way to bring this about. He is NAACP, which is supported almost entirely by grateful and appreciative of the large coopera- Negroes. tion and inestimable help he has received from the white group, but he is sensible of the fact that While statistics do not give the whole story of more and more he is expected to and must assume what Negroes are doing for Negroes, what the the burden of doing things for himself. His· ef- Negro has accomplished in his own right, and forts are tending in that direction with greater owns and controls as a race group, should be elo- momentum. As has been true in matters of reliquent testimony of what he is doing. This is re- gion, fraternal societies and burial associations, vealed in the figures gathered by the painstaking the Negro is becoming organization-minded in all agents of the United States Government and matters affecting his well-being. which are embodied in its census of the Negro for 1930. (See pages 279 to 291.) In religion, he is becoming fraternal to the end that greater good may be accomplished by coop- American Negroes in Africa eration; in business, he is forming groups for the benefits that may come from the emphasis on Some of the "followers of Richard Allen" were common interests; in politics, he is dividing his among the first settlers of the Republic of Liberia vote that he may derive the largest considerations when a census was taken of its population in the from our system of government; in the educafirst year of the founding of the colony. Ever tional and social field, he is keeping elbow contact since the year 1822 the African Methodist Epis- with the professionally trained men and women copal Church has been interested in the redemp- of his race through fraternities, sororities, medtion and advancement of Africa, setting an ex- ical associations, teachers' associations and kinample which other Negro bodies have followed. dred organizations, that he might promote the general welfare of his submerged group in this Negro churches spend annually something like welter of American society. These efforts, sep- $6,152,905 for missions, approximately $2,500,000 arately, may not be registered accurately on the of this being spent for missionary endeavors in graph of human statistics, but collectively they foreign lands, especially Africa. The major Negro loom large in so far as they are related to the denominations supporting missionary work in depths from which the Negro has risen and his Africa are the African Methodist Episcopal hopes and possibilities of greater achievement. Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion, the National Baptist Convention, Inc., and the It is a long way from Jamestown, Virginia, in Lott Carey Baptist Convention. 1619, where the Negro began to learn his first les- sons in the school of hardships, to the present The African Methodist Episcopal Church con- time. In his early beginning in America he lived ducts several educational institutions in Africa. and served on the banks of the historic James In Sierra Leone there is the Girls' Industrial and River, to see and be influenced in many respects Literary School, and a school for boys; in Liberia by the Indians who were the aborigines of that is Monrovia College and Training School, the section. But instead of taking on their habits of main building of which was erected at a cost of merely hunting and fishing, he listened to the $70,000, while in South Africa there is Bethel In- music of the rushing waters to which his soul restitute at Cape Town, and Wilberforce Institute sponded in agonized memory of the Africa from at Evaton, Transvaal. which he had been snatched and passed down to his sons and daughters the Spirituals as one of The A. M. E. Zion Church has activities in Ni· the most glorious contributions of rhythm and geria and the Gold Coast in Africa, but has em- symphony which have enriched the world. phasized its work at Mount Coffee, in Liberia, where a commendable school has been established From these songs such institutions as Hampton, for religious and industrial education. Tuskegee_and Fisk have benefited in this contri- bution from the Negro to the Negro. But the The National Baptist Convention, Inc., has work Negro did 'not merely sing, "You May Have All in South Africa and several units in Liberia. Its outstanding achievement here is a well-staffed the World Just Give Me Jesus," he demonstrated hospital of about 60 beds. Although the Govern- his ability and faith to hold on to Jesus Christ as ment of Liberia has a hospital in Monrovia, this his Saviour and Lord, and to acquire some of this hospital established by the Baptist denomination world's blessings which he has passed on to his is rendering a recognized service that is worthy kindred. of note, and amply justifies the expenditure
in Work With
By REV. FREDERICK L. BROWNLEE, New York Executive Secretary of the American Missionary Association THERE is much that is fundamentally sound panionship, but it's worth all it costs." Evidently and reliable in lessons learned from experi- that is what Tagore means by "sacrifice" and the ence. Volumes could be written on the er- "spiritual plane." rors of working for people versus working with them. It is a strange paradox that the religion In one's approaches to a genuine fellowship he of Jesus Christ, who knew so well how to live and discovers certain basic facts as to thorough-going work with people of all "races, nations and interracialism. The chief of these is the fact of classes," became in time-'- particularly through how far human likenesses transcend racial differthe missionary enterprise-a work of one group ences. In an address at Talladega College a few for another group. What futile and stupid at- years ago Professor Kilpatrick said, "According tempts have been made by some Christians to im- to every available scientific authority the extent pose their religion "on the heathen"! The best of such differences (differences of innate ability that one can hope to do is to impart his Christian among races) is, at most, if any, small in comknowledge and faith. And even here one ought parison with the spread of difference within either to be willing to be a perfectly good sport accord- group compared. Not a few of the best authoriing to the Golden Rule, taking as well as giving. ties deny that such difference of innate ability has ever been shown or probably exists." A Student Volunteer once wrote Rabindranath Tagore concerning his going to India as a Chris- One learns that lesson from experience in work tian missionary. Tagore wrote back, with Negroes. When the sense of race conscious- ness is lost in a struggle for common values, be Do not be always trying to preach your doctrine, but give they a square deal in economic and social relations yourself in love. . . . Preaching your doctrine is no sacri- or a more complete understanding of truth or a fice at all-it is indulging in luxury, far more dangerous richer appreciation of beauty, then one knows bethan all the luxuries of material living. It breeds an yond a shadow of a doubt how much alike are all illusion in your mind that you are wiser and better than members of the human family. Such fellowship your fellow-beings. is deeper and finer and richer than the usual blood ties of family relationships. One may have such If you have in you pride of race, pride of sect and pride fellowship with blood relatives. But one may not of personal superiority strong, then it is no use to try to only have such fellowship outside the bonds of do good to others. . . . On the spiritual p:ane you cannot blood ties but one more frequently has it outside do good until you be good. than inside such ties. The same is true outside of versus inside of racial ties. You have repeatedly said that your standard of living is not likely to be different from that of the "natives"- Another destroyer of Nordic egotism is the rev- but one thing I ask, will you be able to make yourself elation that comes through experience that it is one with those whom you call "natives," not merely in not the ambition of every Negro to become white. habits but in love? How generally the white man has presumed to the There we have the preeminent lesson that one learns from experience in working with Negroes.
Fundamental to all constructive human relations contrary! He has been sure that the height of is the question of mutual respect and confidence. ambition of every Negro is to marry a white per- It is a universal fact. How well I remember my son. There are reasons why Negroes might wish first visit to Puerto Rico and the beginning of to change the color of their skin. Society being friendships with its gracious citizens. He was set up as it is, one can gain so much and get away indeed my friend who said to me, "The poorest with so much with a white skin. Two Negroes peon has his center of dignity. If you wound that were overheard discussing white people. One of you are done for." Respect for the center of dig- them said, "White people have everything."
nity becomes the open sesame to fellowship in "Yes," said the other, "white people have every- Puerto Rico's delightful "Society of the Simpa- thing but the grace of God, and some of them ticos." have even got that."
A friend wrote recently, "It is a long road to Outside of the material advantages of being that inner niche of mutual fellowship and com- white, in a world largely dominated by the white [311 ]
race, I know personally no Negroes who are capable individuals of his race. The reverse is ashamed of the color of their skin or would ex- true for the Negro. It is common for him to have change it for white skin if they could. Why ascribed to him all the vices and inabilities of the should one feel any more pride or shame in the worst and most incapable members of his race.
color of his skin than he does in the color of his In other words, the Negro suffers from "mass hair or his eyes? Dark little cherubs are just as condemnation versus individual appraisal," as dear as white ones and vice versa. Why not? . discriminating Negroes frequently put it.
"Some prefer blondes, others brunettes, others Experience in work with Negroes proves the chocolate browns and still others the darker contrary. It is here that one finds the most sig- hues." This is the way one comes to feel about it nificant evidence of Professor Kilpatrick's state- after years of working with rather than for ment that racial differences, so far as innate abil- Negroes. ities are concerned, have never been scientifically One more lesson from the school of experience. proved. Asa matter of fact, experience proves I do not know who the white man was who coined that color or the lack of it is no guarantee of the expression, "All Negroes look alike." I do brains. Original contributions have been made to know that such a statement is as untrue as it is all arts, sciences, religious beliefs and philosophies superficial. It has led to one of the greatest diffi- by men and women of all races. Said an Eskimo culties with which the Negro has to contend.. It to the famous arctic adventurer, Peter Freuchen, is common for a white man to have ascribed to "If a man is born white he may still be born him the virtues and abilities of the best and most stupid."
Other Lessons from Experience By JOHN UTILE, Louisville, Kentucky Superintendent of the Presbyterian Colored Missions For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is perience as preachers, but they believed that "the the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth, Gospel is the power of God unto salvation." to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1: 16. Thirty-eight years have passed and on the first THESE words were in the minds of six the- Sunday afternoon in February, 1936, the writer ological students when they walked out of the saw a thousand Colored people in that Sunday Presbyterian Seminary in Louisville, Ken- school and heard them pour out their hearts in tucky, on Sunday afternoon, February 4, 1898, to songs of praise to their heavenly Father. Directstart a Sunday school for Colored children. Plans ing the music was a young woman who had grown had been discussed for several months and they up as one of the pupils, had gone to Fisk Uniwere now ready to put the Gospel to a test. They versity and taken special training in music, is had consulted with a number of Christian friends now teaching in the Municipal University in in the city, and upon the recommendation of a Louisville. Sitting at the piano was another group of Colored and white ministers, they had young woman who had grown up in the Sunday rented a little store room on Preston Street. It school. It was a marvelous experience for those was in a tenement district, surrounded by saloons, present to hear this chorus of a thousand voices gambling dens and houses of prostitution. They swell out with the words: had gone through this neighborhood, visiting in the homes of the people and leaving cards an- Oh, walk togedder, children, don't you get weary; nouncing the opening of the Sunday school. Dere's a great camp meetin' in de promised land!
Only twenty-three Colored children were pres- Oh, a feel de spirit a-movin', gwine to live with God forent on the first day and it seemed indeed a small ever; beginning. The writer was surprised to find that not one member of his class had any knowledge Dere's a great camp meetin' in de promised land! of the Bible or any acquaintance with the life of Jesus Christ. The students accepted their task It was one of their Jubilee songs, composed by a and conducted an ordinary Sunday school with company- of slaves who gathered and sang and preaching services on Wednesday and Sunday shouted for joy and gave God honor and praise. nights, each student taking his regular turn in preaching. They had little training and no ex- The first equipment in this little tumble-down storehouse on Preston Street was pathetic in its simplicity. A worn out organ donated by a friend was the only musical instrument, and a table and a few chairs were the physical equipment. The
OTHER LESSONS FROM EXPERIENCE
HOPE NURSERY SCHOOL FOR COLORED CHILDREN THE .BEGINNERS' DEPARTMElNT IN GRACE SUNDAY SCHOOL WORK IN THE CARPENTElR SHOP FOR BOYS COOKING CLASS FOR WOMEN AND OLDEIR GIRLS
house had formerly served as a lottery office for Space forbids going into detail about the nu- the community, but the Gospel, taught in its pur- merous activities that have found a place in our ity, simplicity and power, began to shed abroad weekly schedule. Twenty-two different types of its influence in the community. Among the pupils work are now carried on and there are sixty dif- were some who welcomed with joy the teachers ferent clubs and classes and services, all of which and the message and they became faithful attend~ are operated in the two institutional churches ants on the services. The building soon was which have developed. out of one small Sunday crowded; the workers ceased their efforts to school started thirty-eight years ago.
enroll new pupils and devoted themselves to the Recently, I sat in the home of a woman and instruction of those under their care. The lame, the halt and the blind came in and every conceiv- asked her questions about the value of our instiable problem of human need presented itself and tutions to the community. She said: received careful and sympathetic consideration. "Yours was the first Sunday school that I ever attended. I came on Wednesday night and lis- As the years have passed, volunteer teachers tened to the prayer meeting and I became inter- have gradually been added to our teaching staff, ested in the Bible. I could ask questions and the until today there are more than two hundred peo- prayer meeting service was the one that did me ple, representing many religious denominations, the most good."
having their share in the operation of the two I thought of the history of that family. The Missions which have been maintained-the first father was a drinking man and they were very since February 4, 1898, and the second since April poor. There were four children who all slept 2,1899. crossways in one bed. The mother made a living The founders of this work had no theory for the by taking in washing yet always kept her chilsolution of the "Negro problem," but they believed dren clean and neat and insisted on their going to the Gospel message was intended for the Colored school regularly in spite of their poverty. The race and many Christian men and women organ- older brother died with tuberculosis, but we seized classes for Negroes, to meet during the week. cured a doctor and a tuberculosis nurse and the disease was arrested before it spread to the rest A.note from two Colored girls contained the re- of the family. The three girls graduated from quest: "Will you please start a sewing school for high school, secured positions as domestic servthe little ragged children on Pearl Street." Two ants, saved their money and bought a home, put- Christian women started such a class on the fol- ting the deed in their mother's name. The oldest lowing Saturday morning. It was a small begin- girl said she would like me to see the home. When ning and a work of faith but now there are more I replied: "The important thing is to have it a than five hundred women and girls who come in Christian home," she said: "We read the Bible during the week to receive instructions in sew- every morning." Before the mother died, I had ing. The reflex influence of such work shows in the privilege of receiving this mother into the every service and class held in our buildings. church and her daughters, now grown women, at- Girls and women who come to Sunday school and tend Sunday school where their children have alchurch wear the dresses they have made. The ways been Honor Roll pupils. sewing classes meet an economic need of the people, for mothers can make their household linen This family is a concrete example of the power and their children's garments. Last week, in the of the Gospel. The original home was located in dressmaking class I saw a mother who had one of the worst slum districts in our city. There were four saloons on the four corners of the block brought her old cloak, had taken it to pieces and and every day the children were subjected to every was remaking it on a smaller pattern for her form of temptation. They entered Sunday school, daughter, with the assistance of a competent believed the truth they were taught and it gave Christian. them inspiration and courage to become decent, One of the best housekeepers in Louisville real- industrious citizens and an economic success in life. They were regular attendants in the Sunized the value of wholesome food in the homes, day school, the sewing and cooking schools, the and invited a group of Colored girls to meet her Boys' and Girls' Clubs and the playground, and one day during the week and gave them instruc- accepted and used every opportunity that was extion in the preparation of foo~l. She furnished tended to them by a Christian institution. . them recipes that would enable them to vary their menus and prepare food in a more wholesome and appetizing fashion. Again we had entered a field One other concrete example: a small boy came of Christian labor that was not included in our into the primary class and from the very first original plan and yet we found a wide field of op- proved himself a regular attendant. His name portunity for practical Christian service by intel- and his sister's name headed the Honor Roll until ligent and consecrated women. he graduated from high school. He then entered
NEGRO YOUTH CHALLENGES WHITE YOUTH
Fiske University in Nashville, Tennessee, and intended to go to Hampton Institute. He saved while there in their music courses he developed a his money, attended Hampton Institute and rewonderful tenor voice. They selected him as a ceived a certificate from them as a carpenter. He member of a quartet and sent him out to sing for now lives in Philadelphia, is married, owns his the school. With the quartet, he spent fourteen own home and recently brought his family down months in Europe, visiting fourteen foreign countries and appearing before the royalty of Europe. in his automobile to visit his parents in Louis- One day I was standing on the platform and no- ville. I invited him to speak to the Sunday school, ticed him enter the building and I invited him to and in a slow, drawling voice he told his simple sing for the Sunday school. He readily consented story, closing with the words, "I now have my and the audience was thrilled with his music. He own home and have family prayers every mornselected, "Open the Gates of the Temple," and as he sang the closing words, "I know that my Re- ing." He has gone to live in a distant city but he deemer liveth," I realized what he was doing. He still comes back to give his testimony to the had been away from us for ten years and had power of the Gospel as he learned it in our Suntraveled all over the world, but when he came back and again stood on the platform of the Sun- day school.* day school in which he had grown up, he brought them the message, "I know that my Redeemer * A joint committee of Presbyterian laymen and ministers, ap- liveth." pointed by the four branches of the Presbyterian and Reformed I remember a small boy who, many years ago, Churches of Louisville, form a governing board of the Presbyterian Colored Missions. This committee Is Incorporated and owns two was a regular attendant in the Sunday school. pieces of property-a modern institutional church building which When we gave the invitation to come forward, he has a recreation hall, bath house, rooms for sewing, cooking and united with the church. He heard me give a various social activities. Two regular churches, with ordained minstereopticon lecture in which I told the story of isters and their Boards of Elders and Deacons, direct the church Booker Washington and how, as a young boy, he worship. determined to get an education and I said, "Any boy in this room can do what he did." At the This work, which was started in a very smalI way, has grown to close of the lecture, he came forward and said he a point where there are 2.000 different people coming to the two buildings. There are seven religious services on Sunday, including a Sunday school. regular preaching services and four groups of youn!>; people who gather in the evening for their own worship service.
A blind woman, when asked to describe the missions, said: "They are lighthouses in the community."
There are 200 white people who give their services voluntarily in the Sunday school, the sewing classes, and in the supervision of other groups which meet In the building.
Operated by "The Committee on Colored Evangelization of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches of Louisville, Incorporated."
Correspondence is invited with the Superintendent. The missions are always open to any viSitor, stranger or friend who desires to inspect the work.
Negro Youth Challenges White Youth* I -4Ef/ By J. S. LEDBETTER, Traveling Salesman 1Ji.- I ~==========================~ [EDITOR'S NOTE: The following article comes from a traveling section of North Carolina, in an eloquent and imsalesman of the Buick Motor Car Co., who mails it "en route from passioned plea, challenged the 1,600 or more stu- Berea," with the statement that "as a traveling salesman and ob- dents of Berea College in an address entitled, server" he had chanced to drop In. uninvited, on the chlpel service "What the Negro Youth Expects of the White of Berea College, because he heard that a Negro woman for the youth in Their Tomorrow." first time was to speak there. The article Is a copy of the notes he took, with incident Impressions and convictions.] This Negro woman was the first woman of her group to bring a message to these students. Pres- I N THE chapel at Berea College, on December ident William J. Hutchins, who by way of intro- 14, was enacted a scene which promises a duction in the weeks that preceded the visit, had change in the attitudes and thinking of thou- given a partial history of her achievements in sands of white youth, not only from the hills and education and interracial goodwill. Now he prevalleys of Kentucky, but from the ten or more sented Dr. Brown as one of the outstanding other Southern states represented by the students. women of America.
In a scholarly and dignified manner, with a cul- As an onlooker and listener it was pleasing to tivated voice and gestures of unusual significance, contrast the gentle welcoming applause with the a little black woman, who has won the title of Doc- thunderous ovation which followed her last words, torate from one of the outstanding universities of "Will you meet us half way?" her people, Charlotte Hawkins Brown, protegee of Alice Freeman Palmer, founder and promoter of After expressing her delight in the opportunity an unique school for her people in the Piedmont • From Advance, Boston. January 31, 1935.
to be at Berea, of which she had heard much dur- ington for the porter and had asked "George" to ing her New England childhood, in that delightful carry his baggage, and Dr. Washington carried it, brogue flavored by a little of the North Carolina and on refusing to accept a tip revealed his iden- musical twang, she proceeded thus: tity, to the man's shame and confused apology.
"There is no gift within the range of the Amer- The speaker said that race prejudice is neither ican people that cannot be yours as American inherited nor inborn; it has to be taught or cul- white boys and girls. The industries, the institu- tivated; Negro women have the hardest time, be- tions, the wealth, and the government are already cause white people generally feel that they can bequeathed to you. Tomorrow the reins will be easily be prostituted.
put into your hands. From the position of Presi- Dr. Brown emphatically stated that the Negro dent, Senator, and Congressman, to the smaller does not want to be white, that he is not seeking but ever more important offices of county sheriff intermarriage. "Marriage," she said, "is compli- and city councilman, you will have the adminis- cated enough as it is, without adding the extra tering of the affairs of the American nation. The burden of racial mixture. Furthermore, Negro youth of my race, a minority group tied to you, in men and women need not go out of the race for spite of whatever may be said, by 250 years of white skin, because slavery produced a sufficient the unrequited toil of their forbears, are wonder- supply of mulattoes for their children, and their ing if, in your effort to achieve a greater civiliza- children's children, if they want light-colored tion, you will ride roughshod over them, or if in mates. Negroes want a chance for self-expres- Christian institutions like this, built around a re- sion, fair play, and equal opportunities for pro- ligion intelligently conceived and passionately be- tection and advancement."
lieved, you will develop that sense of fairness and The last ten minutes of the address was a rapid justice, that expression of neighborly-mindedness review of the founding of the Palmer Memorial that will include them in your plan and program Institute at Sedalia, N. C., the financial and racial for the development of a finer and better America struggle under which it had been developed from in which to live." a church for a schoolhouse, a log cabin as a dormi- The students' eyes were fastened on the speaker tory, to its half-million-dollar plant, its significant and for full forty minutes she held both teachers and interesting interracial program, and its sucand students to an almost uncanny silence in her cessful endeavor to enlist the interest of its white appeal for justice for her people. neighbors.
What Negroes Want The recital brought vividly before the group the fact that, notwithstanding her achievements, Dr. The main points emphasized in these expecta- Charlotte Hawkins Brown must still suffer the tions were a guarantee of full protection of the indignities and prejudices heaped upon the illiterlaw under any and all circumstances. Dr. Brown ate and undisciplined members of her race. Edusuggested that they exhibited weakness when they cation and culture make little difference. substituted mob law for the civil law which they themselves instituted. She also asked for the for· There stood this Negro woman, an example of lowing things: what a Negro may achieve in culture and educa- tion, her own best appeal and challenge to the 1. An opportunity for Negro youth in any and white youth of America for fair play and justice all vocations for which they show an aptitude. to her people. When in her closing sentence she 2. Equal educational opportunities. said, "I promise God to teach my youth to strive 3. A proper evaluation of human personality· to establish understanding, sympathy, and interunderneath black skin. (She stated that failure racial goodwill," with a voice quivering with deep in this brought about lynching and flagrant in- emotion, she flung out the challenge to the youth justice to people they regarded as not fully created of Berea, "Will you meet us half way?" Tears human beings.) filled the eyes of old and young, and the burst of 4. The abolition of purely Negro jobs and an sustained applause that shook the building was an open door to earn a living, with equal wages for indication that this woman, a credit to her race equal work. and to American womanhood, had struck a deep 5. The same respect for members of the Negro chord in the hearts of white youths of the South, race that white people feel entitled to from the to whom Berea College itself is a challenge. .
Negro race. The day ended with a conference of the com- She gave striking illustrations of how lack of bined faculty of 150 or more members, who, after ordinary courtesy to human beings because their poignant and searching questions, voted that day faces are black causes the looking upon color as as one of the red-letter days of the year, and many the badge of a servant always. She told the story were heard to say that a great forward step in of how a traveler had once taken Booker T. Wash- race relations had been taken. –
Ways of
Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~~I=I ========================~~========~~====~~~~ FRESH MATERIAL FOR The Women's Home Mission- "Mather, a Continued Story" (free) ary Society of the Methodist telling of the work at the school es- PROGRAM BUILDERS Episcopal Church, 420 Plum St., tablished in 1867 by Rachel Crane Cincinnati, Ohio, has an excel- Mather at Beaufort, S. Carolina, is At the opening of summer, lent four-cent leaflet on "Ne- already available, and a play dealing with the appearance of the new groes in the Economic Struc- with the same school, and written by study themes and the added ture," by Will W. Alexander, Mrs. Augusta Comstock, will soon be leisure for program making, we Executive Director of the Com- ready. (A small charge is made for present an assortment of plans mission on Interracial Coopera- plays.) "Baptist Missionary Piowhich have already proved their tion. The chairman of the For- neers among Negroes" (cloth, 60 value in practical use. The ward-Looking Committee of the cents; paper, 35 cents) and "A flood of year books and pro- Society attended a student con- Heroine of the Cross" (cloth, 75 grams which have come to hand ference "Appreciation Hour" at cents; paper, 50 cents) by Grace M. attest the widespread use to which a Negro student from a Eaton, and "Race Grit" by Coe Hayne which they have been adapted. large college read selections (price, 65 cents) are now available If your denomination does not from a variety of poems by for the year's study. The Woman's seem to be receiving its meed of Negro writers; this led to nam- Baptist Home Mission Society has attention, it is because the mem- ing the M. E. women's forth- also an annual pamphlet entitled bers are not letting their light coming studies "Appreciation "From Ocean to Ocean" which gives shine! Year." This material, inclusive concrete reports of all their work in- of a masque on the plan of clusive of that among Negroes (price, We regret that plans and sup- "Every Woman" and dealing 30 cents). Order all free material plementary material for pre- with My Child, Every Child, from The Council on Finance and senting the new study themes etc., also an "achievement pos- Promotion, 152 Madison Ave., New are not ready for use in the va- ter," will be reviewed later. The York City, and pay literature from rious denominations until the special course in leadership The American Baptist Publication summer conference, hence it is training on "Christian Brother- Society, 1701 Chestnut St., Philadelimpossible to secure this ma- hood" is not a study of the Negro phia, Pa. terial in time for our J une issu~. but of all groups in race rela- They will appear at the earliest tions. "It will be as useful for "The Finding Out Box" gives possible date thereafter. The our Negro constituency as for six object lessons for boys and following are the only advance the white folks, because some girls, by Katherine Scherer data your Editor has been able Negroes are the victims of race Cronk, and is an excellent leaflet to secure in response to her prejudice in their own hearts. on Negroes, for children's somany inquiries: They have plenty of cause for cieties or Sunday school classes. it, but it is injuring them defi- Order from The Women's Mis- The Presbyterian Board of nitely as it is the white man who sionary Society, United Lu- National Missions, 156 Fifth is ill from the same attitude to- theran Church, 1228 Spruce St., Ave., New York City, has a set ward the Negroes or other Philadelphia, Pa. of 10 enlarged pictures entitled groups." "Sepia Tones" (16 by 2'0 inches) Pending our later presentawhich rent at 25 cents plus post- (Quoted fram letter from Mrs. J. N. tion of the new study plans, the age both ways. These fit the Rodeheaver, of the M. E. Woman's Board.) following program suggestions theme, "The American Negro." will be widely acceptable: A ten-cent play which is a gen- Miss May Huston, of the Baperal racial study (tentativelyen- tist Board of Missionary Educa- Foundation Work titled "Under the Skin"), two tion, gives the following items: sets of stereopticon pictures and A friend in the Reformed two motion picture reels on the We expect to have programs and Church sends a leaflet by Flor- Negro (one in color, for chil- discussion Questions prepared on "A ence Gordon, a worker in Grove dren) are in preparation for Preface to Racial Understanding" and Reformed Church at North general use. A set of programs to use them with a series of leaflets Bergen, N. J., from which we and a Negro map, while pointed prepared by the Home Boards on cull the following basic suggesspecifically to the Presbyterian their work among the Negroes. The tions: work, may also be suggestive. leaflets are free in packets made up for those using the study book. A missionary program does not "grow," like Topsy. It is born of [317 ] prayer and study and determination, and brought up in patient, persistent planning. A good meeting begins long in advance of the day and hour set, and ends-never. Some part of
it stays with someone forever in per- have Martha hands but let us pray to Another feature suggested by manent enlargement of heart and keep our Mary minds. spring is the Butterfly Luncheon as view. God gives such a meeting in- used. with variations, along the lines crease. . . . We must "sell" our We can give the support of this of one sent in by a Washington, D. C., speaker (or other feature) by good thorough preparation, this atmos- correspondent. It was the culminapublicity in order to secure a wide and phere-creation, this careful execution, tion of a campaign begun the previous responsive audience. Part of the to our home-ta.ent speaker as well as autumn to secure new members for preparation will be in creating the our board or missionary visitor. A the woman's organization. Each right atmosphere. The physical as- lot of work – all this preparation? member had been given privately the pects are important. Need we have But it is the Way of the Lord which name of a non-member whom she was our chairs in straight, school-like we prepare. to cultivate in a variety of underrows? A semicircular or circular ar- cover ways-with invitations to the rangement is more intimate and sug- To the above, the Editor would add meetings, holiday and birthday greetgests hands – around – the – world. A the desirability of "time-budgeting" ings, etc., in each case signing herself smooth-running meeting may be much speakers and performers. Most ail- merely "Your Butterfly Friend." The advanced by having the complete ing missionary meetings are maimed spring luncheon was the time of revorder typed or mimeographed in ad- by being held over-long. On ordinary elation; for then "The Birth of the vance, supplying each guest with a occasions, one hour is enough-all that Butterflies" was announced to occur copy as she enters. can be commanded in the complexity at a gathering where all the couples and difficulty under modern conditions paired off openly. The luncheon tables Then supply color. Devotional of "living on 24 hours a day." The were beautifully dec 0 rat e d with service, incidental music, background plan of turning a flashlight quietly spring flowers, artificial butterflies, may all be correlated. If Negro work on a program participant (after pre- napkins bearing the same winged is the topic or race relations in the vious notice) which she has, herself, symbols, etc., and at each place was a U. S., our best voices will be delighted used for severa! years past does not boutonniere of gay posies. The toasts to prepare a group of spirituals or give offense if in general use, and it cleverly carried out the butterfly we may all sing one of the familiar does ensure the return of an audience motif: "The Cocoon of Life," "The ones. The "lonesome tunes" and bal- for another meeting without fear of Chrysalis," "Wings," etc. lads of our southern mountains give being detained unduly. One hour is the spirit of the people. American enough, and will do more good than Flag Day or any other national Indian melodies are not hard to come twice the time with a restless and im- holiday may be capita:ized for misby. At one Japanese meeting a lul- patient audience. sions in some such way as this one relaby was sung in the original after it ported by the Program Secretary of had been read in translation, and all Capitalizing Occasions Missions: Mrs. J. T. Crawford, of stood during the singing of the na- Topeka, Kansas, arranged an intertional anthem of Japan, with the flags This gives added receptivity esting program on Missions Magazine. of Japan and our country in one Jap- for the subject matter. For in- Cut seven long strips of red paper anese holder, the Christian flag the stance, May parties and brides and six of white. On the back of each uniting link between them. . . . A just naturally fit into the pres- paste a message from the current iswealth of illustrative, atmosphere- ent season. Mrs. B. P. Heubner sue of the Magazine and fasten the creating material is available – pic- sends a lovely program folder as strip to a firm background. For the tures in magazines and newspapers used at a spring World-Wide blue field (placed in one corner) give and paper-clipped to pasteboards, Guild banquet in the First Bap- "loyalty" items, also from Missions. supplying an art gallery suggesting tist church in Galesburg, 111., To complete the flag, have a roll call the land under discussion and often with explanations as follows: of 48 missionaries. As each name is providing a point of departure for the called, a member places a star in the speaker. (NatilJ'lWl Geographic Mag- The flower-basket idea was used, b'ue field. In closing sing "The Star azines, Sunday school supply catalogs, each talk presenting some Guild qual- Spangled Banner" or "America," fol- ity or purpose under the figure of a lowed by the bugle call, "taps." Misetc., are mentioned as affording fas- flower-"Mistress Mary," cornflower, sionary leaflets rolled in red paper cinating maps, posters, pictures of violet, lily of the valley, lilacs and make fine "firecrackers" to be used as persons and villages, and the like. roses, iris, fruit blossoms, morning souvenirs for a July meeting. "Fresh Some junior group in the church glory, flowering currant, ivy, jack-in- Chinese rolls" (or any other variety, might get these features ready for the-pu:pit and white rose. The per- according to the country studied) are use.) We have Mexican-drawn work, sons impersonating the flowers talked further suggested by Mrs. Crawford Indian pottery, southern qui Its, under the figures of their respective for use in handing out leaflet literacandlewick bedspreads in our homes blossoms, Jack-in-the-pulpit being the ture at a meeting in the progress of that can be related to the program. pastor and the White Rose presenting a program. Have even your collection box har- the closing consecration and installamonize – a Chinese p·ate, a Japanese tion service. The tables were centered The annual meeting is one often relantern or an Indian jug. The with small baskets of flowers to con- quirin!; tastv features to render it aphostesses may wear costumes of the trast with the large one on the speak- petizing. Here is a p'an which was countries considered. Dates and a ers' table, into which the speakers put explained at a conference of Methrice dish may suggest Arabian rice their flowers. There were also stream- odist women of the Cincinnati diswafers and sponge cakes, Japan, etc. ers of ruffled blue crepe paper on a trict, held at Lakeside, Ohio: Now your music, setting, decorations, wider strip of rose pink, with here all keep within the picture presented and there a bud corresponding with Mother Calico, the District Presiby your speaker. the one on the place cards, the buds dent, made ready for the homecoming being made of various colors of paper. of her 11 daughters. All came The wise chairman will have her Mint cups had frills of b:ue and white dressed in calico and responded to ficentire procedure for the afternoon paper. The outside of the program titious names which would represent written down. Should the King's bore a water-color tinted young wom- their various offices. business be hit-or-miss? . . . The an with a May basket on her arm. business meetings may be a danger And on the inside, in addition to the (1) The Recording Secretary came point. If they can be wholly segre- program, was typed the verse: gated, all the better. At least they with a big book in her arms and told can be kept within their time budget .Among the changing months us of her arduous duties and that we and all business tabled that is not May stands confessed, might find a record of all the meetdisposed of in order that the speaker's ings we had held in her district from time be not dissipated. Keep the tone The sweetest and in fairest time immemorial. She was known as of the meeting in harmony with the Colors dressed. "Rebecca Record." great objective. (Avoid fussy dis- -Thomson. cussion of trivial points.) We must (2) The Corresponding Secretary entered with 120 little lanterns strung around and around her neck, also with two huge pockets in her dress filled
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
with them. These were the new mem- tion properly-and how that will af- Observe Laymen's Missionary Sunbers she had to present. She hung fect the whole body I day according to the booklet and sugthe lanterns across the front of the gestions of the Laymen's Missionary church. Her name was "Cora Spond." We will now hsten to Dr. A- (the Movement each year. vice-president of the society), asking (3) The Young People's Secretary her some statistical questions. How Use the stamp co:lecting page in was known as "Mary Youth," and many corpuscles in the blood stream The Herald (and other publications). described her work among her blos- of the Foreign Mission Society? soms. (Members.) How many are still in A Missionary Letter that could be need of specia; treatment? (Unin- read in 10 minutes was sent by Rev. (4) The Junior Secretary, "Char- terested or inactive.) Who may be- Charles Gerlinger of the Sioux Falls ity Childs," told of her Buds. long to that blood stream? (Qualifi- Congregational church, to a circle of cations for membership.) 10 as a round robin with a list of (5) The Mite Box Secretary was names at the bottom, each man to "Blessing Box." With mite boxes Next, let us call the Special Sur- check off his name as he passed the strung around her, she showed how geon of Stewardship. What treat- letter on to the next person. This mighty the little mites may become. ment or operations will be necessary letter made the rounds completely and to bring in these 1,000,000 uninter- was sent to a second circle of men. (6) The Extension Secretary, ested members? "Goldie Extension," was clothed in a See Dr. Lobinger's pamphlet, "Misdress covered with gold stars. She The secretary will now read the sionary Education among Men." told how many zeroes had been re- minutes of Dr. B-'s survey of the moved in the district. last clinic. (Report of previous Let the men's club fo,:low the ex- meeting.) Dr., can you suggest ample of a South Carolina church (7) The Stewardship Secretary, something to improve our patient? men's club which has the rule that "Sally Steward," stressed the facts of two of its 12 meetings each year are Prayer, Personality and Possessions. Similarly doctors impersonated by to be distinctively missionary. the Secretary of Literature, the (8) The Field Support Secretary Treasurer (money :ying nearest the The Anamosa, Iowa, Congregational was "Faithful Fields." Reporting heart and so involvin~ heart ail- church woman's missionary society e~ for the special work in the district, ments), the Extension Secretary tertains the husbands twice a year she urged more auxiliaries to assume (who gives absent treatments), two with a program of dinner, games, field support. doctors for the Program Committee talks, etc. Very popular. The homes (programs aiding digestion, not being are packed and the men always look (9) The Literature Secretary was meant to sleep and dream about, etc.), forward to the next one. "Magie Zine." She entered with arms the Secretary of Membership who loaded with magazines of various ministers to malnutrition, the Leader The Elyria, Ohio, United Presbykinds. We represented ourselves as of Groups who acts as an interne, terian church has a Men's Missionary being more interested in tales of ad- etc., diagnose and prescribe for com- League with a complete organizaventure, fashions, movies, etc., than mon ills. tional setup. It meets monthly, rein the denominational publications; porting real success. [This is one of but in spite of our indifference she Clinic adjourns after prescribing the first we have heard of.-ED.] persisted in selling her literature. for all patients daily prayer and Scripture reading. A diagram may Prayer for Absent Ones (10) The Treasurer was "Hopeful well accompany this. Dollars," and Mother Calico asked her Tune: "Art Thou Weary" to give the "Glad Tidings" as the Mrs. B. H. Daugherty, of Warren, treasurer ca]ed for them. Ohio, was the author of the unique Holy Father, in Thy mercy plan. Hear our earnest prayer: (11) The Publicity Secretary, "Polly Publicity," came with arms That Grab Bag Again Keep our loved ones, now far absent, filled with newspapers and showed 'Neath Thy care. how many different papers over the From Rev. H. D. Davies' Misdistrict had published· the notices of sionary Grab Bag, mentioned Jesus Saviour, let Thy presence the missionary meetings and seem- last month, we take the follow- Be their light and guide; ingly were just as willing to make ing tidbits: room for these as for reports of club Keep, 0 keep them, in their weakness, meetings, etc. Ha,ve the yaung folks themselves At Thy side. give short talks before the Bible A MISS'lONARY CLINIC school, furnishing them the material When in sorrow, when in danger, that they can master and tell in their When in loneliness, This plan, from the same group of own way. women at Lakeside, gives a unique In Thy love reach down and comfort program outline for any meeting in Have panel discussions of world Their distress. which the inner workings of a mis- questions such as communism, race sionary organization-male or female relations, peace, economic justice, etc. May the joy of Thy salvation -are to be explained. Briefly, it ran Be their strength and stay; thus: Have a weekly World News Reel from the Christian viewpoint. A May they love and may they praise How many have ever wished to be Christian "March of Time" feature Thee, present when the doctors ta:ked about is a possibility. our "insides"? Imagine the Foreign Day by day. Mission Society (substitute any de- Have a race relations program ussired name) is laid out on this table ing Nationals of the community to Holy Spirit, let Thy teaching about to be dissected. Many disbe- sing their songs, etc., in costume, pos- Sanctify their life; lieve in vivisection, but adequately to sibly with folk songs and dances. analyze a subject one has to do some The idea is to provoke respect for Send Thy grace that they may concutting. First, imagine the Foreign people who are different yet talented quer Mission Society of the world, then we in their own way. shall cut off this section for our coun- In the strife. try. Next divide this into branches, Have tableaux depicting historical ours being the C- branch. There occasions such as the haystack prayer Father, Son and Ho:y Spiritare 28 auxiliaries functioning in this meeting, the meeting of Livin<!stone God the One in Three, district. See how small a part one and Stanley, etc. A Livingstone plays – it has to be put under a monologue giving the mental debate Bless them, guide them, save them, microscope to see it. But if it hap- as to whether to return to England keep them, pens to be a germ-infested part in one or continue in Africa would be imsmall organ, the whole will not func- pressive. Near to Thee. The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK "~»I~~~~==~~~==~=======~ A GOOD STORY DO YOU KNOW HIM? A SHORT LITANY In a book full of action, known Charles Lamb, in talking to Help us, Our Father, to real- ize that Thou art the Father of as "The Acts" we read at the a friend one day, said "I dislike all children of whatever race; beginning that a little company Mr. So and So very much." Response: Increase our viof men and women were told by "Do you know him?" asked his sion, Lord. Jesus, about to begin his heavenly journey, himmelfahrt as friend. Let no prejudices, false pride, "N0," replied Charles Lamb. or feeling of superiority enter into any of our relationships the Germans name the event, "Well, if you knew him you with members of other races; "not to depart from Jerusalem . would like him, for he is a splenbut to wait for the promise of did young man. I should like to Response: Increase our vithe Father." And they, con- bring you two together." sion, Lord. trariwise to many who recently "No," said Charles Lamb, "I followed in thought and prayer don't want to know him, for if I Open our minds that we may the life of Jesus through Geth- did, I'm sure I would like him." realize what happens to a persemane, Golgotha, and Easter To what extent does this typ- son when he is continually remorn, waited, "continuing sted- ify our attitude toward people buffed; fastly in prayer, with the wom- of other races? Do we know the en, and Mary the mother of finest types among them? Do we Response: Increase our vi- Jesus, and with his brethren. want to know them? sion, Lord.
And Peter "stood up . . . Race prejudice is not limited Grant that we may always reit became known. . . they to anyone race nor to anyone spect the sacredness of personwere all together in one place country. It is world wide, but is ality; . . . they were all filled with very tense in certain parts of the Holy Spirit and began to America; in the east it is Response: Increase our vispeak . . . there were added against the Jew and Italian; in sion, Lord. unto them in that day about the south, the Negro, the souththree thousand souls. And they west the Mexican, and the west, May we become increasingly continued stedfastly." This is the Orientals. aware of the great injustices done to those of other racial the opening of a rapidly moving groups in our community.
story filled with choices and ac- Response: Help us, 0 Lord. tions that turned the world up- Prayer (in unison): side down and redirected the o God, who hast made man in course of events even to our day. thine own likeness and who dost What about ourselves? It is love all whom Thou hast made, suffer us not, because of differnow so many days since the cele- ence in race, color or condition, bration of Easter. We have in to separate ourselves from oth- ers and thereby from Thee; but our churches heard the story of teach us the unity of thy family. As thy Son our Saviour, was the Ascension and we now cele- born of a Hebrew mother and brate Whitsuntide. Will we be ministered first to his brethren of the House of Israel, and also conscious of such overwhelming rejoiced in the faith of a Syropower within us, that in our day phenician woman and a Roman new ventures in right living will soldier, teach us also while lov- ing and serving our own, to enbegin? If not, are we dead? Or, ter into the communion of the whole human family. And forare we acting in accordance with bid that, from pride of birth and hardness of heart, we should deour strength to foster the good spise any for whom Christ died life for ourselves and for our or injure any in whom He lives. Amen. MORNAY WILLIAMS. immediate neighbors?
Are we making a good story of our living these days?
"We hear these men talking of STUDENT. BALLARD NORMAL, the triumphs of God in our own MARION, GA. languages!" (Acts 2: 11.) [ 320 ]
BULLETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
CAN THIS BE TRUE? do.es life mean to. me?" Let us In a leaflet published by the put o.ur experience into. wo.rds; Co.mmissio.n o.n Race Relatio.ns, no.t necessarily in verse but Federal Co.uncil o.f the Churches within a hundred wo.rds. Then o.f Christ there are sto.ries be- let us co.nsider what we have lieved to. be true and to. be typi- written, and ask, Can this be cal o.f what is happening in true? And what have I, a Chrismany parts o.f so.-called Chris- tian, do.ne to. be wo.rthy o.f life? tian America – no.rth, e a s t, What abo.ut the sto.ry o.f o.ur so.uth, west. The purpo.se o.f the lives, when day is do.ne?
leaflet is to. stimulate a real WHAT THE GOVERNMENT study o.f the situatio.n in every IS DOING co.mmunity where Negro.es are (East Tennessee News, Jan.
living, particularly in regard to. 16, 1936) the health facilities, the ho.spital In the annual repo.rt of the situatio.n, the Negro do.cto.rs Department Qf Co.mmerce are available, and the type o.f serv- included the fQllowing develQP- ice rendered by the citizens ments in the DivisiQn o.f Negro.
thro.ugh public funds. Church Affairs: members have influence no.t o.nly The Negro. bureau's wQrk has thro.ugh church o.rganizatio.ns co.nsisted Qf furnishing infQrma- but as vo.ters, as taxpayers, as J. R. Scot/ord tiQn Qn the race's eCQnQmic sta- contributo.rs o.f mo.ney and sup- ON FARM. AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSO- tus. This has included lists Qf CIATION. BRICKS. )lORTH CAROLINA publicatio.ns, theaters, h 0. m e plies to. ho.spitals, as members o.f women's clubs, and o.ther co.m- Qwnership and tenancy, furnishmunity o.rganizatiQns. SINGERS IN THE DAWN ing o.f infQrmatiQn to. citizens Qn The edito.r believes the fo.llo.w- man y government alphabet ing quo.tation to. be a true sto.ry. Selectio.ns fro. m American The co.llege dean o.f wo.men re- PQets, Phillis Wheatley, Paul agencies, estimates and analyses ferred to. was a perso.nal friend Laurence Dunbar and Qthers o.f the purchasing PQwer o.f the and a Christian leader effective race, addresses to. business gathin changing life bo.th fo.r her are available in a pamphlet (10 erings, etc. Secretary RQper white and co.lo.red f r i end s, cents per co.py). with the title, amo.ng who.m she numbered Singers in the Dawn – A Brief lists additio.nal develo.pments Chinese and Indian leaders. during the year, including the The sto.ry is headed "It Never Supplement to. the Study o.f emplQying of mo.re than 2,000 Occurred to. Them" – "F 0. U r American Literature, prepared yo.ung peo.ple, three o.f them stu- in 1934 by RQbert B. Eleazer. It in tempo.rary white co.llar pro.jdents and the fo.urth their co.l- is published by the CQnference ects during the year, establishlege dean o.f wo.men, moto.ring ment Qf the Qffice Qf Specialist thro.ugh a rural section o.f the on Education and Race Relaco.untry – a co.llision with an- tiQns, Standard Bldg., Atlanta, in Negro. Statistics with Charles o.ther car – the dean and a stu- Geo.rgia. E. Hall in charge, a bibliQgraphy dent critically injured – picked up by kindly hands and rushed Do. yo.u kno.w Paul Laurence Qf Negro. business, a rQster o.f to. the nearest tQwn-the best Dunbar's "Life"? physicians giving their service Negro. air pilo.ts and a list of in emergency treatment. Here co.nventiQn dates. Advice has the picture changes. FrQm the do.cto.rs' Qffices they were taken LIFE also. been given to. perso.ns interto. a small co.ttage, where o.ne was put in a bed, the o.ther Qn a A crust of bread and a corner to sleep ested in entering business, an co.uch, in the care Qf a 'practi- in, assistant business specialist was cal' nurse. Near by stood a well equipped ho.spital. It never o.c- A minute to smile and an hour to appo.inted, a study was begun o.f curred to. the kindly docto.rs o.r weep in, licensed Negro. air pilo.ts to fur- A pint of joy to a peck of trouble, And never a laugh but the moans ther the develQpment Qf flying, and a PQlicy was adQpted o.f us- come double: ing co.lQred enumerators and su- And that is life!
A crust and a corner that love makes pervisQrs in the census Qf Amer- precious, ican business nQW being under- With the smile to warm and the tears taken thrQugho.ut the cQuntry.
to refresh us; The Charles Lamb story and the And joy seems sweeter when cares litany are quoted from Suggestions come after, for Building a Program in Race Re- And a moan is the finest of foils :(or lations for Young People, prepared laughter: to.wnspeo.ple to ask fo.r the ad- And that is life! for the observance of Race Relations Sunday, February, 1936. Meetings missio.n o.f these dying wo.men to. No.w that we have read this based on a community survey, a panel the ho.spital, where scientific expressio.n o.f life based Qn ac- discussion and an opinion test are facilities and expert care might also suggested in the leaflet available have saved at least o.ne life, be- tual experience, the necessity at 105 East 22d St., New York, for cause that ho.spital'do.es nQt re- 3 cents each or $2 Der hundred. The ceive colo.red peo.ple.' " arises fo.r each tho ugh t f u I material is good· for any day in the reader to. ask himself, "What year.
~'I===============
II! Our World–wide Outlook A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events .:It EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO "
~I~~===~–====~=-~=========~ AFRICA results from lack of religious Testaments, Gospels and other Scrip- teaching and they said that tures where no one has ever gone be- Religious Liberty in Egypt there is only one way of com- fore, a great, new field. Again and bating this constantly progress- again the devil tempted me to give up, King Fuad, of Egypt, died on ing evil-"The Word." A non- but the prayers of those at home April 28th, and his sixteen-year- reading population has no he:ped me to keep going. . . . old son, Prince Farouk, a stu- resources to fall back upon when dent in England, has succeeded the floods of evil break in. There I met a man whom I baptized when him. has followed a revival in Arabic at Tamanrasset years ago, and am reading. The desire to read has delighted to find him going on well Fourteen – fifteenths of the extended even to women, and and studying the Scriptures. population of Egypt are Mo- many girls are now going to hammedans. The State religion Koranic schools. At the meeting I am busy translating portions of is Islam. The constitution of mentioned above, a woman de- Scripture and visiting camps of 1922 guarantees religious lib- livered a "Khutba" (Mosque Tuaregs, with medicines and Scriperty, but that does not mean all sermon) creating quite a sensa- tUres. The chiefs have given me a that we in America understand tion. good reception. I have met Arabs by liberty. There is adequate from Nigeria and Lake Chad, and legal procedure for a non-Mos- This movement is full of pos- many Tuaregs who have previously lem to become a Moslem and sibilities for every new reader received Scriptures. Almost every hundreds of the poorer classes of the Koran may become a day visitors come and request Scripeach year embrace Islam. This reader of the Gospel. Every tures. is to be expected in a country reader of Moslem literature towhere all preferment in govern- day may become a reader of Evangelizing a Large Tribe ment, society and even in busi- Christian literature tomorrow. ness is given to members of the The World Survey reports dominant faith. But the Mos- -Blessed Be Egypt. that the native church in the lem authorities take the position Mossi tribe of French West that it is inconceivable that any Opportunity in the Sahara Africa has begun to expand. Moslem would desire to become The tribe is one of the largest in a Christian. Apostocacy from Mr. Dugald Cam p bell, French West Africa and is Islam is still punishable by F.R.G.S., an agent of the Na- mostly found in the Upper Volta death though this penalty is not tional Bible Society of Scotland, Territory. It numbers approxiofficially recognized. describes his recent journey mately 1,500,000 or more. A from Morocco across the Sa- good deal of the New Testament Too many difficult questions hara: has already been translated into are involved for British authori- the Mossi dialect, and is availties to deal with the situation, I am in one of the hottest corners able for the native church. A and the law giving a Moslem the in Africa, after crossing a most ter- beginning has been made with right to become a Christian can rible desert. Once or twice I won- other literature. Reading classes be evaded, or nullified in prac- dered if I could ever get through are held at all mission and outtice. The real solution lies in the alive. It was over 1400 in the sun stations, and Bible training creation of enlightened public and 120 0 in the shade. On the last schools are held at each mission opinion. day, I galloped on my racing camel station where there is a resident ahead of my caravan, hopinp' to reach mIsSIOnary. The young men In Algiers the oasis where distant palms spoke who have attended these Bible of water. I have been drinking the schools are now realizing that Last November there was in most horrible liquid, smelling and the evangelization of their peo- Algiers an important gathering tasting like nothing natural, and my ple rests upon them and not exof the "Ulema" and Moslem mouth and palate were shrive:led up. clusively upon the missionary. celebrities, who came from all When I got to this oasis the Tuareg This beginning of widespread parts of Algeria. There was in chief brought me delicious sour progress in the Mossi tribe has all the speeches the same note of curdled milk, well watered, that tasted aroused some opposition from concern – even alarm over the like nectar. I sat on my mat singing Roman Catholics. The village devastating impact of modern and shouting, "Praise the Lord" in work is more progressive than civilization. All agreed that this Arabic. that in the larger centers of pop- ulation, and the Mossi people as Through the 60 oases of Touat was a whole are open to the Gospel. a time of unique opportunities and Every effort is being made to good work for the Master, and of teach the native Christians to pioneering for the Gospel. It has been a joy that I have circulated Bibles, [322 ]
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
read and to build up a literate wife of the Government Agent mighty surgings toward a new Church. for South Africa. It is in charge and better hfe. The old order is of a C. M. S. missionary, Dr. doomed and the shackles of big- Hausa Bible Bears Fruit Alma Downes Shaw, and she has otry, intolerance, ignorance and been assisted by British, Indian superstition are everywhere be- The "Hausa" Bible has al- and African helpers. So far, ing broken. Syria is awakening ready brought excellent results the accommodation for in-pa- from the long sleep of the cenin Nigeria. During 1932, when tients is very limited, but there turies, and everywhere we see it first appeared, there were 60 have been more than 3,000 at- abundant evidence of a new and decisions for Christ at J os, in tendances of out-patients. better day." Southern Baptists the Bishara day school and have work at two centers: a church. During 1933, there A free lending library in the small Baptist church in Beirut were 61 decisions; in 1934, 103, out-patient waiting-room con- and one between the Lebanon and for 1935 the number re- tains copies of the Scriptures in and anti-Lebanon mountains. corded is 143. The great ma- a ¥ariety of languages and other jority of these were young men Christian books in English, Kis- – Watchman-Examiner. who had been reading the Hausa wahili and Gujerati. The doc- Bible. From among them con- tor finds a warm welcome when Rapid Growth of Haifa verts have gone to other regions, she is able to visit her patients. helping others to read and wit- Some one following the exnessing for Christ while they -The Life of Faith. ample of Paul, "to the Jew first," work for their daily bread. led a young rabbinical student WESTERN ASIA of Jerusalem to Christ. He came At a gold mining camp, the to America, graduated from the proprietor had put up a sign: What Every Turkish Girl Moody Bible Institute, then re- "N0 missionaries allowed," but Should Know turned to his own land to witthese young men went in as ness to his people; He is now miners and worked as mission- In a drive to improve their located in Haifa. Of this city he aries also. The Hausa tribe is students' moral outlook, the writes: largely Moslem. headmasters of all girls' high schools in Smyrna have jointly "Haifa is rapidly enlarging its -Evangelical Christian. sent a number of recommenda- borders and the eyes of the in- tions to parents. According to coming Jews are being set to- Idols Destroyed these, no schoolgirl should go to wards it. Little suburbs are be- a cinema unless she goes with ing built up around it. The Former pupils of the Etinan her school or is accompanied by Jews from· Germany are build- Bible Institute, Qua Iboe Mis- an adult member of her family. ing a nice little settlement on the sion, central Africa, are in If men try to talk to her on the Haifa Bay. Near our house a charge of schools of their own. street she ought to tell her par- new quarter came into being A missionary writes: "It is an ents or the headmaster. She under the charming name of encouragement to us to see these should not talk to a young man Kiriath Eliahu (Elijah's City). pupils going on faithfully with on the street, even if he happens As a matter of fact, every street their work amid growing diffi- to be a relative, unless he is her has new houses on it. What is culties. They work in much the own brother. She ought always true of Haifa is true of other same spirit, and use the same to wear her school cap, to pre- cities that are open to the Jews." methods that have been a fea- vent her being taken to a police ture of our Institute. Our wom- station in case she chances to be -Moody Institute Bulletin. en's Sunday school goes on stead- included in a police raid! The ily. The members contributed parents' attention is called to the Education in Iran over £3 during the year for evan- fact that the Turkish woman's gelism in Igala." The elders of real beauty resides in her sim- Constant progress in educathe Etinan church have ap- plicity. Their daughters should, tion is shown by the fact that in proved 800 candidates for bap- therefore, refrain from wearing 1910 the number of primary tism, after examination. loud colors, extravagant orna- schools numbered only 112, with ments, rings, earrings, or to 10,531 pupils, of whom 2,167 Eleven boys have been sent paint their faces and nails. were girls. The two secondary out to unoccupied villages, and schools in the country enrolled almost everywhere they have Syria Awakening 154 pupils. Higher education preached, idols and ju-jus are was limited to a faculty of medibeing burnt, and large numbers Dr. Charles E. Maddry, Ex- cine, a polytechnic and a miliare attending the services. ecutive Secretary of the South- tary school. Under the reign of ern Baptist Foreign Mission Shah Riza Pehliwi, the number -The Christian. Board who is visiting the mis- of schools has increased to well sion fields, writes that Syria is over 4,000 with over 200,000 New C. M. S. Work in Kenya in the midst of a rebirth. "It pupils of whom one-third are is an old land in the count of girls. Secondary and higher In February, 1935, a hospital years, yet along with many other education have registered a corfor Indian women and children old lands today, it is in the responding advance. was opened at Mombasa by Lady Singh, a Christian Indian lady,
INDIA, BURMA AND SIAM cided there were certain things the Depressed Classes," with a they must know," says a writer fund of a million rupees ($375,- World's Largest Hindu Temple in World Call. "One was the 000) and 1,000 Moslem evan- Lord's Prayer. Experience is a gelists, each giving 20 years of A new temple is to be erected great teacher and we soon found his life to work among the 54,- in Benares, near the Hindu Uni- that they were not able to learn 000,000 outcastes. versity. The building, designed that at once. Therefore we by Calcutta architects, will em- chose this sentence prayer, 'Oh, Life without caste is difficult body the best features of Hindu God, make my heart clean. In for them to comprehend. Said architecture and will cost about Jesus' name.' This was learned an Indian to a missionary re- $750,000. It is expected to be by all of the women including cently: "When one believes in the largest temple in the world, some of the non-Christians. Christ and wants to follow Him and will draw many more pil- Now a number of the Christians do you bring him into Christ's grims to Benares. know the Lord's Prayer and the caste?" rest are learning it. Missions asks whether this Through One Man's Witness new temple may possibly fore- "Recently one of these nonshadow a revival of Hinduism. Christian women, who has al- About two years ago, a Cha- ways attended the meetings, mar, who had been led to Christ Famous Norwegian Missionary brought her daughter-in-law to through a Christian sweeper, the hospital in Bilaspur. Just started a movement among his Paul Olaf Bodding, Lutheran before the operation, Dr. Nicho- own class. Through this man's missionary to Santal, went to son explained to them how they testimony Chamars from neighthat field from Norway in 1889, always prayed to God before boring villages became inquirwhen he was 24. Here are some starting the work and asked ers. A group of about forty of the things he has done in 46 them to bow their heads. The men and women from two vilyears: mother-in-law said, 'Oh, yes, I lages expressed their desire to know what it is to pray.' She become Christians. Later, fierce (1) He made and revised a com- stood very reverently and when persecution from the caste peoplete translation of the Bible into the prayer was finished, she her- ple partially stamped out the Santhali. (2) He revised a San- self prayed, 'Oh, God, make my movement; but during the past thali dictionary of 13,500 words. (3) heart clean. In Jesus' name.''' year it has revived and has He has written a standard book of spread from village to village. doctrine. (4) He has published a Depressed Classes on the Move Mrs. G. S. Ingram writes of this volume of studies in Santal medicine work in the C. M. S. Outlook: and folklore. (5) He has collected Since the movement of the and placed in Oslo, Norway, the Depressed Classes away from "Many of the new Christians largest ethnographical museum of Hinduism, under the leadership have grown in grace during the Santals in the world. (6) He is an of Dr. Ambedkar, invitations past months in a way that has authority in census taking. (7) He have been given them to join amazed us, and filled us with has published a Santal hymnal. Mohammedanism or Buddhism. thankfulness. They are learn- Large numbers in North India ing to pray; the few who can All these tasks are by- had previously become Moham- read are not only feeding on the products of his ministry. His medan, attracted by the fact Word of God themselves but are chief work has been that of the that Mohammedanism does not teaching others; they are learnordinary missionary-teaching, recognize caste. ing to give to God's work out of preaching and various acts of their deep poverty, to stand permercy. He has received recog- If the present ferment is secution, and to win others for nition in various ways: King merely a social or political up- Christ. None of them has yet Haakon made him a Knight of heaval, obviously C h r i s t ian been baptized, except the orig- St. Olav; King George gave him forces can play no part in it. inal Chamar." the Delhi Royal Medal. He is Nor do they want the Harijans an honorary member of the Brit- to feel that Christianity can be Movement Toward Union ish and Foreign Bible Society bartered for mass conversions and of the Norwegian Academy but that conversion is a purely A movement for union of of Science. He is a Fellow of spiritual change of heart in the Anglican and Met hod i s t the Asiatic Society of Bengal individual. Churches in Burma, along the and a member of the Council of line of the South India plan, is this Society and its anthropolog- A Hindu newspaper recently being held up owing to the postical secretary. He is a member had a cartoon picturing Dr. Am- ponement of negotiations in of the Royal Asiatic Society, the bedkar as a judge with a gavel, South India. The Methodist American Oriental Society, of while all around are groups rep- Mission is working solely in the the Bihar and Orissa Research resenting the different religions dry zone, or central belt of Society and the Bombay An- making flattering bids. Moham- Burma. The Anglican Church thropological Society. His motto medans have a "50 year plan" is working largely in Lower is Luke 17: 10. calling for 100,000 members in Burma through the Society for a society named "The Moslem the Propagation of the Gospel, -Lutheran News Service. Mission for the Emancipation of which also has a strong mission Learning to Pray "When the Murhipar women started to accept Christ, we de-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
in Mandalay, the Methodist operative rate being only one is a passport to regions which headquarters. In the far north, and a fifth per cent. Loans have otherwIse he dare not visit. -E. M. M. S. Quarterly. as well as in the coastal district also helped to build dwellings of Arakan, it is also represented and pay children's tuition. Healing on Wheels through the Bible Churchmen's Mr. Wang hopes for the day Rev. George W. Shepherd and Missionary Society. The latter when all the members will be Dr. Clara Sargent Shepherd, of free of outside debts and can Lichwan, Kiangsi, China, have mission has now been at work borrow for constructive or pro- received the gift of an up-to-date for eleven and a half years in ductive purposes. He adds: motor ambulance from Edsel hitherto untouched areas; there "We hold fast to our conviction ~'ord for country work in China. is a growing Christian commu- that the cooperative movement Five minutes after its arrival it nity of some 300 converts of 18 has its share in bringing China was on the road to Kiangsi. It different races. The Bishop of to Christ and building HIS King- had to "ford" rivers, wait for Rangoon, formerly a jungle mis- dom on earth." broken bridges to be repaired, sionary to the K are n s, is and narrowly escaped capture strongly in favor of developing Medicine – A Door for by bandit troops said to be comthe indigenous Church along the Gospel munistic. The Shanghai Muself-supporting lines. nicipality gave the Shepherds There were no doctors among license plates and drivers' li- Effort also was made to ef- the pioneers of the China Inland censes free of charge. Up to fect a Baptist union of India, Mission which Hudson Taylor January 1, this health car had Burma and Ceylon, at a meeting tounded in 1865. It was not traveled over 1,200 miles on erin Balasore, February 16, 1936, until 1880 with the arrival of when a simple constitution was drafted.
CHINA Dr. Harold Schofield that med- rands of mercy. ical work was attempted. The -MissiotUZry llerald.
Millions Without Food attitude of Hudson Taylor to- The New York Times (April ward medical, and all auxiliary Country Evangelism 19) reports wholesale suicides work was, in his own words and "mercy" slayings in Szech- "that everything that is human, World Call tells of the Young wan f'rovince, which is suffering everything outside the suffi- People's Christian Fellowship of the worst famine in China's his- ciency of Christ, is only helpful Nantungchow, w h i c h divides tory. The authorities fear 15,- in the measure in which it en- into two groups to visit near-by OOU,OOO will die unless the en- ables us to bring the soul to Him. villages in rotation on Sunday tire resources of the nation are . . . If our medical missions afternoons. Each group has a devoted to relief. With tree draw people to us, and we can leader, a nurse and singers. bark, roots and grasses long present to them the Christ of They carry a medical hit, posters since exhausted, dying thou- God, medical missions are a and song sheets. On arriving at sands allegedly are reduced to blessing; but to substitute medi- a village some members of the cooking and eating human flesh cine for the preaching of the group visit in the homes to get from the bodies of relatives, gospel would be a profound mis- acquainted, while the nurse dead through starvation. Par- take." opens the medical kit. This soon ents are said to have slain their draws a crowd, among whom children before ending their Rev. F. Houghton, editorial are sure to be those needing secretary of the C. 1. M., spent medical attention. After a busy own lives. most of 1935 traveling in 12 hour of clinical work which in- Chinese provinces, and reports cludes the distribution of free Officials say that the situation instance after instance of preju- hospital clinic cards to those in primarily is a result of Com- dices removed and new doors need of further medical attenmunist incursions during the opened through medical work, tion, members of the band form past two years, in which the of men and women whose phys- a circle, sing a song or two, un- Reds overran the land. The area ical healing has prepared them roll the poster, give the story today is barren. Not a sheep, for the salvation of their souls, with a simple gospel message, pig, fowl or crop remains. The and of Chinese doctors occupy- and teach the children how to invaders .took all of. these and ing positions of leadership in the sing an easy song. ate the seed grain. churches. One doctor, whose A Christian Cooperative hospital was closed through the Newchwang Bible School approach of Communist armies, The pastor of St. Lioba's Epis- refused to allow his activities to The sixth year of the Newch-= copal Church, Wuhu, has helped be curbed, and in country itin- wang Bible School, Manchuria, to organize a credit cooperative. erations among p eo pIe who has been marked by many out- The burden of debt is heavy would have feared to visit the standing evidences of success. among the Chinese; most of the hospital he treated over four The student body of 1935 was loans have been made to clear thousand patients. Another, on representative of ten different up debts for which a high rate the Tibetan border, is constantly missions. In the first half of the of interest was charged, the co- discovering that his medical skill year there were 100 students in
the school. Twelve graduated in Special permission is given to Japan Diet held its first session the summer: one is working missionary workers to board the and the Emperor's Edict on with the Canadian Mission, an- large passenger liners which Education was issued, clarifying other with the American Re- visit ports on the Pacific coast. Japanese ideas toward educaformed Presbyterian Mission, These liners carry up to 1,200 tion and stimUlating interest in three with the Scottish Mission, passengers. Some are lonely it. When Miss Bigelow, the and seven with the Irish Mis- and fearful of the hidden future, "mother" of this school, was sent sion. Altogether 53 students and therefore doubly receptive from Tokyo to take up the duties have graduated from the school of a friendly greeting and the of Principal in 1899, fear was since it started. In the autumn loving gift of a Gospel. Many expressed for "such a young 31 new students entered, and of them travel home again, and lady in such a remote mountaintwenty-four students of the fifth therefore carry the Word of God ous place." However, armed class went out for a term's evan- to their distant homes. with the first teaching-license isgelistic work. One of these went sued by the Minister of Educato work among the Mongols. A Oustom Worth Oopying tion, Miss Bigelow was in no During the past six months he danger of failing, as her fortyhas traveled on foot 700 miles, They have a custom in the four years of varied service have and preached the Gospel to Mon- little Japanese church at Ko- shown. The honor she received golians of seven different dia- machi that might well be copied from the Government in 1920 lects. Two others went to work in America-that of giving spe- and from the Tokyo Women's in North Manchuria; one has cial gifts of money as expres- Union in 1925, and the many held meetings at six centers, has sions of gratitude on different gifts showered upon her by preached the Gospel in forty- occasions. Practically all of the graduates, teachers and students seven villages, and paid visits to members give birthday money, upon her retirement in 1930 are 1,700 homes. Through his work says Miss Katharine Merrill, of only a small indication of how over 200 people have put away Matsuyama. A list of some of well she has succeeded. their idols and turned to the the "specials" includes: "25th Lord. wedding anniversary," "f irs t Ohanged Lives in Hakodate birthday of a baby daughter," Students manifest a keen "wedding gift," "fifth anniver- Floyd Shacklock, Methodist evangelistic spirit. Each day sary of a husband's death" (in missionary to Japan, tells of a they take part in some Christian memoriam) ; gratitude for "safe recent visit to a social center activity, such as Gospel-hall arrival in Tokyo," for the "grad- opened in the worst slum section preaching, open-air work, cot- uation of a son from high of Hakodate, after the disastage meetings, hospital visita- school," "gratitude gift from an trous fire when 100,000 people tion and personal dealing. Many unbaptized young Christian," were made homeless and several of them spent their holiday pe- "gift of thanksgiving" from a thousand were dead or missing. riods in evangelistic work. A deacon whose church has just prayer atmosphere pervades the been able to get a regular pastor. In the kindergarten and day school. The leader of the women nursery, children who n in e students' Prayer Groups reports -American Board News. months before were antisocial 100 definite answers to special little s a vag e s, fighting and petitions, some of them most re- The "Light and Salt School" throwing sand and calling vile markable. -The Christian. names, now join in cooperative In Shimonoseki an earnest games and handicraft. This JAPAN-OHOSEN Christian, interested in religious refugee community was dis- training for girls, founded a tinctly hostile to Christianity Ways of Spreading the Gospel school which he called The when the work was begun after "Light and Salt School" and the fire, but now the barriers are In Japan there are eight which, in 1881, he moved to down. Boys' clubs, girls' clubs standard classes for scholars Yamaguchi. He began his teach- and adults' groups carryon a learning to read, and the system ing of English in a temple, and varied program. Though many of education in reading is highly patiently worked on until he of these slum people are stilllivcomplicated and difficult; so managed to get a school license, ing at so Iowa level that it is almuch so that there is need for a although there was great opposi- most revolting, they are facing Scripture translation in collo- tion since there was already a toward the more abundant life. Quial Japanese. This is now small school for girls in that available through the Scripture city and another was thought -The Christian Advocate. Gift Mission and a Japanese unnecessary. It happened that Christian translator. This Mis- the Governor of the province Enlists Youth Against sion is taking advantage of the had had two years of study in Oommunism opportunity to distribute Gos- America and was a good friend pels among the large numbers of of the "father" of the school, so Prof. Paul Rusch, of St. Paul's Japanese who are migrating he gave the license without con- University, Tokyo, believes that from the homeland, chiefly to sultation, merely informing the the world battleground against Brazil and California. officials that it had been granted. communism is certain to be the This was the year in which the Orient. There is increasing evi- dence, he said, that a war with
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
communism will be fought in the Bible institutes and girls from a sea captain cruising around Far East, and that Japan will the higher Bible school and their bent on conquest; such is Palabe the buffer against its growth. Bible institute have regularly wan, southwesternmost and one The chief element which has an worked. Tent evangelism has of the largest of the Philippine opportunity to combat commu- been taken up within the last Islands. The census records nism in the Orient, he declared, two or three years. It has about 75,000 people in the provis the Christian youth move- yielded wonderful results in ince, but the true figure seems ment. He has recently an- Chairyung and Taiku fields, and to lie nearer 175,000, certainly nounced that he will enlist to some extent in Chungju. over 150,000. Nobody knows 100,000 young Japanese in a how many are in the wild and Christian movement to combat Every hospital in Korea has ever-moving tribes of the mounthe red menace. one or more evangelists work- tains. Only one tribe has a ing in their wa:iting rooms and written language. Aside from Strange Sect Dissolved wards. Scores of new churches a haphazard planting of rice have grown from this work. In they take no interest in the cul- Japan has a queer religion Pyengyang, each month 5,000 tivation of foodstuffs, being called Omotokyo which has been copies of a little paper called the satisfied with what the ground described as "a combination of "Light of Pyengyang" are sent brings forth – roots and nuts, Shintoism, Chauvinism, mega- out. Special workers circulate and such meat as they are able lomania and mesmerism, found- among the homes where stu- to capture. ed by a half crazy, illiterate old dents are boarding and try to woman and propagated by a win them. Thus in many ways The apostle to Palawan is shrewd man of the world." Its the work goes steadily on. Capt. Ellis Skoefield, and he remembership has been estimated ports steady growth. Christian to be as high as two millions. -The Presbyterian Banner. believers at this center are erect- But its supporters r e c e n t I y ing a building for church servfound that divine reincarnations ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC ices. From another center it is sometimes have their disadvan- reported that eighteen were retages. Since the leader of the The Sarawak Field cently baptized, and the memsect claims to be the reincarna- bers there have donated a lot on tion of a primeval god of Japan Sarawak in Borneo is one of which they have almost comwho preceded the sun goddess, the most unique pieces of mis- pleted the erection of a chapel, ancestress of the present im- sion work that the Christian all the expense of the work beperial family, the sect was dis- Church has to its credit. Thirty- ing met by local Christians. In solved, and its leader held on five years ago Chinese Christian the northern part of the island charges including lese majeste. colonists began to settle in Sara- special meetings have been held, wak. A year after these people with as many as 200 gathered to -The Living Church. landed, James M. Hoover, a hear the Word. you n g Methodist missionary A Year of Jubilee from Malaya, volunteered to go -Moody Institute Monthly. to Borneo to work with them. The year 1934 was really ,a Working practically alone Mr. Alliance Mission in J 010 jubilee year in Korean churches. and Mrs. Hoover have developed The General Assembly of 1935 a Christian community up and The Christian and Missionary reported 25,544 additions to the down the Rejang River that is Alliance report a large, new total of 1934 – 298,431 adher- a r em ark a b I e achievement. church built in Jolo, P. I., dients. In the 3,252 Sunday Forty-six school and church cen- rected by a capable native passchools, 296,492 pupils were re- ters now stand as a monument tor. Two new chapels have been ported. Four hundred and to their thirty-four years of built and a new district opened twenty-six pastors were in active faithful and efficient service. in the Cotabato Province. In service besides 62 retired or the Margosatubig field there temporarily without c h a r g e. At the age of 64, Mr. Hoover were 97 baptisms. Thirteen Four hundred and ninety-four succumbed to malignant malaria, convicts in the San Ramon other salaried men workers and but anticipating the need for Prison were baptized during the 524 women served the church. younger shoulders to carry the year, the result of the Sunday Fully 200. new churches were burden he had selected a couple school classes held each week at erected. The new believers were from Malaya to begin work in this institution. Twenty-five not won in mass conversion, but 1936. They are now enthusias- converts were baptized in the each one independently made his tically serving in this challeng- Sulu District. Full gospel tracts, . or her own covenant with the ing field. Plans include the es- in five dialects, have been Lord, each witnessing to his tablishment of a new station 160 printed and sent into homes. neighbor. miles up the Rejang River. Five young native pastors Street evangelism has been in -Malaysia Message. were ordained this year, the operation the past 10 years, and first ordination service in the theological stUdents, boys from Pioneering in Palawan history of the Alliance Philipthe college and academy and pine Mission. Plans have been A great lonely island, tens Of formulated to carry the gospel thousands of aborigines with bows and arrows and blow guns;
to unreached pagan sections this sion in giving hit bottom in authority of the Scriptures. (2) 1934 and turned upward in 1935. The Trinity, including the Deity year. -Alliance Weekly. Total gifts last year increased of Christ and the Personality of over the previous year for the the Holy Spirit. (3) The fall Missionary Home Needed first time since 1928, a'ccording of man, his moral depravity, and to an analysis by the department his need of regeneration. (4) The Christian group in Hono- of research and education of the The Atonement through the sublulu believe that an interdenom- Federal Council of Churches. stitutionary death of Christ. inational missionary home and (5) Justification by faith in a Bible school at this strategic During the seven-year slump, Christ, apart from works. (6) crossroads of the Pacific would contributions for congregational The bodily resurrection of render a valuable service. Such expenses stood up better than Christ, and also of the saved and a home would afford an oppor- gifts for benevolences. the unsaved. (7) The unending tunity for missionaries to rest life of the saved and the unendin a congenial atmosphere before The Moravians set a record ing punishment of the unsaved. continuing their arduous work. for per capita giving in 1928 (8) The personal, bodily and Many have no reason to come all when collections a v era g e d visible return of Christ. the way to America for their $72.53 a member. No other furloughs. group in any year approached -The Presbyterian. that mark. There is also great need of a Methodist Union Voted Bible school for young people, How the Churches Gave mostly Hawaiian, Chinese, Jap- The quadrennial General Conanese, Korean and Filipino, The U nit e d Stewardship ference of the Methodist -Episamong the 85,000 students in the Council reports the gifts for re- copal Church which met recently public and private schools, who ligious purposes of the leading in Columbus, Ohio, voted to would like to prepare for full- denominations in the United adopt a plan for union with the time Christian service in the States for the year 1935. Per Methodist Episcopal Church, Islands and in the Orient. There capita gifts for all purposes of South, and the Methodist Protare several well-equipped Bible some of the larger denomina- estant Church if this plan is teachers in Honolulu who teach tions were as follows: United adopted by the other two Meththe Bible as the Word of God. Presbyterian Church, $21.56 ; odist Assemblies. The merger The missionaries also might the Presbyterian Church in the will be completed in 1940. The serve as teachers, with little or United States, $19.03; the Pres- Methodist Protestant Church no salary, on the faculty of such byterian Church in the United split from the American Metha Bible school. States of America, $18.56 ; odist in 1921 because of dis- Methodist Episcopal Church, agreement in regard to lay rep- -The Presbyterian. $14.15; Methodist Episcopal resentation. Their General Con- Church, Sou t h, $9.36; the ference will vote on this at their NORTH AMERICA Northern Baptist denomination, meeting in High Point, N. C. $11.34; the Southern Baptist The Methodist E pis cop a I Campaign Against Atheism denomination, $5.76. The larg- Ghurch, South, broke away in est per capita gift of any denom- 1845 on account of disagreement At a recent meeting held in ination listed is that of the as to slavery. They will not Richmond, Va., in old St. John's Church of the Nazarene, $26.77. meet to vote on the plan of re- Church, made famous by Patrick The lowest is that of the South- union until 1938. In case the Henry's speech, "Give Me Lib- ern Baptist denomination, $5.76. union is completed, the united erty or Give Me Death," a cam- The total gifts for all purposes church will number about eight paign was launched against of twenty – five denominations million members. The plan is atheism and communism in the listed were $304,692,409.21. chiefly opposed by Negro Meth- United States. odists because it proposes to set Union of "Faith Missions" up a jurisdictional Negro Con- Among the leaders behind the ference which will segregate movement are Bishop Freeman, The International Foreign them from the rest of the Methof Washington; Bishop Tucker, Mission Association of North odist Church. of Virginia; Bishop Edwin America brings together for Mouzon, of the Methodist Epis- counsel and reference sixteen Largest Church Federation copal Church; the Rev. John nondenominational mission en- Fraser, Baltimore University terprises. More than two thou- The Chicago Federation ,of Baptist Church; Max Reich, sand missionaries are sent but Churches is said to be the President of the Hebrew Church under these sixteen Boards. largest and most influential city Alliance, and' others. Efforts They administer over a million federation in the country. A rewill be made to enlist all clergy- dollars annually, and go into ligious census just made of Chimen in a fight against commu- many of the out-of-the-way cor- cago indicates that there are nism and all forms of atheism. ners of the world. The doctrinal 1,437 Protestant churches in the basis of them all is: (1) The metropolitan area, with a mem- -The Living Church. plenary inspiration and divine Upward Trend in Giving Gauged by contributions to Protestant churches, the depres-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
bership of practically 600,000. chapel group, of which there are Church to Jom the Baptist The membership of the Chicago sixteen, may more completely Church, saying: "After reading Church Federation has risen understand and enjoy their serv- the Scriptures we have confrom 850 two years ago to 1,049 ices. cluded the Roman Church is not churches, representing 18 dif- the one instituted by Jesus ferent denominations. The total Goodwill Industries is a wel- Christ." number of Protestant ministers fare organization sponsored by serving churches in the city and the Home Missionary Society of A Baptist pastor writes that suburbs is 1,765. the First M. E. Church, of Los one evening last May a farmer Angeles. It is interdenomina- called and asked him to preach Mr. Walter R. Mee is Execu- tional in scope and provides in the village of Ste. Rosalie tive Secretary of the Federation work for men and women who where about 90 families were inand is now in the 18th year of are for the most part incapaci- terested in hearing the Gospel. his service. He has done a most tated for other work. After many weeks and after remarkable work in bringing further invitations by letter this the churches together in a uni- Home for Indians pastor went to the village, and fied program, and in keeping a found a real desire to know the balanced budget. -Advance. Friends' work among Indians truth. is not new, but that in Los An- Help for Miners' Children geles it is new. It was begun by The work has expanded, and Myra Frye, full-blooded Kicka- neighboring villages have asked "Save the Children," an or- poo Indian who was reared and for Protestant preaching. ganization with national head- educated by two women missionquarters at 156 Fifth Avenue, aries in what was once Indian Chinese Want Consolidation New York, which has long been Territory. Myra prepared for doing an extensive work among missionary work among her own Several denominations now the neglected children of the people, but finding no open door have Chinese missions in Cali- Southern mountains, is contem- came to Los Angeles in 1930. fornia. With refugees escaping plating a child welfare project from Mexico and awaiting dein the coal fields of southern Il- According to the U. S. Indian portation to China, the missions linois, where a survey has re- Placement Bureau in Los An- have had much social service to vealed the necessity for the type geles, about two thousand In- perform. Chinese young people of service that has proved so dians are registered with them. of the third generation, college effective in Kentucky and Ten- Of this number about eight hun- trained, are asking that the vanessee. The organization has dred are girls, most of whom do rious Pro t est ant Chinese been assured of the cooperation housework for a living, and have churches consolidate. There are of the citizens of Herrin, Har- no home in the city. Very few, 3,000 Chinese in Los Angeles. risburg, and other parts of the except Catholics, go to any The Los Angeles Church extensouthern Illinois territory. church; they do not feel at home sion board is asking $1,500 more among the "paleface." When to develop the work and to bring "Save the Children," of which off duty, on Sunday and Thurs- Evangelist Gee to it. Dr. John R. Voris is president day, they have no wholesome and executive director, endeav- recreation, no place to meet -Presbyterian Tribune. ors to supply food, clothing, their friends, to spend their shoes, medical service and other time or to rest, and no religious LATIN AMERICA welfare help, with educational, service. recreational and character-build- The Situation in Mexico ing programs for twenty thou- In April, 1935, a place was sand children in isolated regions offered where vesper services Churches in the Mexican of the southern mountains. might be held on Sunday eve- states of Campeche and Sinaloa nings but this was not enough have been allowed to open in ac- Chapel for Deaf Mutes to meet all their needs, and cordance with a recent state- again the Lord a n s w ere d ment by President Cardenas One of the most unique reli- prayers, and rooms especially that there would be a relaxation gious services in California has well suited for all purposes were in the government Church polbeen inaugurated in a series of secured on faith. Additional icy. A Catholic leader said that daily chapel services for deaf rooms were opened last August. there had been no developments, mtues who are workers at Good- Many of the Indians are begin- however, to justify belief that will Industries. The service con- ning to feel that this is home, the government would grant real sists of the reading of hymns, a a truly Christian home. religious liberty, pointing out passage of scripture, a prayer that four churches in the State and a talk by a worker in the -Friends Missionary of Mexico had been seized reshoe department, all given in the Advocate. cently, two of them by armed sign and lip language. The Federal troops who padlocked same worker is also teaching a Stirring in Quebec tp.e buildings. According to this class in the sign language one spokesman, in at least eight of noon each week in order that the A group of eleven French the twenty-eight Mexican states, Canadian men and women in all churches are closed, and Quebec have left the Roman
fewer than 200 priests are al- that have come out of that group tober, foreign priests and minlowed to officiate in the entire are very remarkable. isters must cease their activities Republic. Other Roman Cath- before the end of April, 1936. olics viewed the situation more Mention was made recently of Churches and other buildings optimistically. the building, formerly used by used for religious purposes, even the Catholic Church, which has though built by private contri- A colony of Mormons in the been turned over to the largest butions and on privately owned State of Chihuahua felt the Presbyterian congregation in all land, will be nationalized and weight of antireligious groups Mexico to replace the old build- become government property. in Mexico w hen agrarians ing occupied by them for over seized the land of the colony and fifty years in another part of the Evangelicals in Brazil forced the Mormons to sell it. city, but destroyed by govern- Mennonite leaders also prepared ment orders a year ago in order An Evangelical Congress is to to move a colony of 7,000 from to make room for the widening be held in Brazil in the latter Mexico to escape religious re- of a street. part of June, organized by the pression. Confederation 0 f Evangelical This congregation bears the Churches. Evangelization is the -The Living Church. name of "The Church of the Di- first of the subjects which will vine Saviour." It has a mem- come under review, and an im- Encouraging Signs bership of over seven hundred portant place is being given to and a total constituency that questions relating to w 0 r k The National Baptist Conven- would probably reach two thou- among youth and the production sand, scattered from end to end and use of literature. The Evantion of Mexico supports ten col- of this great city of a million gelical Confederation was or- people. Attendance at Sunday ganized in 1934, drawing its inporteur – evangelists, m 0 s t of school rarely falls below 300. spiration from a previous move- ment tow a r d s cooperation, them in States where the pop- A Pause That Challenges which in the main exhibited a marked missionary influence ulation is predominantly Indian. The year 1936 marks the cen- from abroad. The present Con- tenary of the foundation of per- federation is primarily a Bra- Because an altar and a sanc- manent Evangelical missions in zilian movement, drawing its in- Latin America. Mr. Kenneth G. spiration from the desire of Bratuary are not indispensable for Grubb, in South America, lists zilian Christians to forward the the accomplishments of the cen- evangelization of their country. their ministry, they do not suf- tury and adds: -The Christian. fer from governmental restric- "We have reached a pause in the de- velopment of evangelical work in a EUROPE tions as seriously as do the Ro- large part of Spanish-speaking Amer- ica," and refers particularly to "a England and Tithing man Catholic priests. They use problem of Church and State," with which he couples "the familiar difficul- A move tantamount to partial the homes of friends as centers ties raised by the spread of 'antire- disendowment of the Church of ligion.' . . . In Mexico, Venezuela, England was made by the Britfor spreading the gospel. Guatemala, Costa .Rica, Ecuador and ish Government last March, other republics, there are either signs when a report of a Royal Com- In Mexico City the Baptist or else achievements which show that mission on the "Tithe Rent the State is going to exercise much Charge" was adopted, elim- Sunday school has outgrown its closer restriction over the rights of inating this charge over a pe- religious and educational bodies in its riod of 85 years. building. This church has just midst." Again referring to what he calls "a pause," he asks, "Is it a pause The tithe rent-charge was a built a chapel in a suburb of the at the center of a whirlwind of mighty tax to the value of some two- events around us which will shortly pence an acre collected in procity, where a mission Sunday crush us out of existence? Or is it duce from agricultural areas wherein we hear the still small voice until 1836, when the fee became school has now become a Bap- of God bidding us again go forward payable in cash. Although called and conquer? . . . Is it, in fine, a a "tithe" it was apparently very tist church. A weekly prayer pause of poverty, or a pause for seldom equivalent to ten per power? cent. It applied to certain meeting is held in the Baptist lands, the income from which Ecuador Fights Ecclesiasticism was thus taxed for the support Church in Mexico City, attended of the Church or of lay institu- According to Associated Press tions – schools, colleges, hospiby Mexican pastors of all de- reports, Ecuador joins the pro- tals, asylums, etc. cession headed by Russia, Turnominations. -Missions. key and Mexico in seeking to up- root organized religion. As in The Spirit's Breath Mexico, the Roman Catholic Church is involved. By govern- The Presbyterian Board re- ment decree issued late in Ocports that things are happening in the Protestant Church in Mexico. Someone has said: "When opposition drives Christians to their knees in prayer to God, with tears, you may be certain there is going to be a revival." Just this has happened in Mexico. More prayer is going up to God than for many a year. Prayer circles are springing up all over the land. In Mexico City a group of Mexican pastors and foreign missionaries meets every morning befor"e breakfast for prayer together. The experiences and answers
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Since this move automatically theological instruction at the 19. Worldly parents. cuts the revenue of the Church universities. 20. Wrong home environment. or other lay institution which 21. Lack of evangelism suited to was beneficiary under the old For Russian Refugees plan, the state will undertake to youth. make up on a predetermined Mr. George Urban, Superin- 22. The sex problem. basis a portion of the loss, which tendent of the Russian Gospel is estimated to be about $67,- Movement which works among Some of these propositions 000,000 for the Church alone. refugees in France and Belgium, overlap, but summed up it ap- reports that at the mission's pears that a severe condemna- London Methodist Mission church in Paris, thirty-nine new tion is made of the three great converts were baptized during institutions, the home, the school There are t wen t y – f 0 u r the last six months, and twenty and the Church. branches, ninety – six centers, others have expressed their desixty ministers and a great army sire to publicly confess Christ as -Moo.dy Institute Mo.nthly. of deaconesses, doctors, nurses, their Saviour, in baptism. Indispensers and voluntary work- quirers are seeking salvation at WSSA Reviews the Year ers comprised within the Lon- nearly every evangelistic meetdon Mission of the Methodist ing-at one recent gathering ten The World's Sunday School Church. The work is the same responded to the Gospel invita- Association reports that during in the poorest mission and the tion. A Russian Jewess was 1935 some very significant finest suburban church. The re- baptized; also a Moslem. Over achievements w ere mad e in cently erected Central Hall cost one-third of these believers be- Christian education around the £68,000, and will be dedicated long to the intellectual classes of world. No greater opportunity free of debt. Shop rents will former Russia. Others are for the promotion of the evansupply an annual income of farmers, workers and artisans. gelical faith is to be found in £1,000. This church expects to This movement sends literature Europe than the wide open door do three main things: (1) to into more than thirty countries. in Spain. Appointment of a win outsiders to worship; (2) full-time Sunday school missionto secure the conversion of the -The Life o.f Faith. people; (3) to build the Church ary py the WSSA is one of the of Christ. -The Christian. MISCELLANEOUS progressive steps taken during German Church Situation Youth Problems the year.
Present indications are that Rev. T. D. Abels, of Ports- In no other church in the Near the German Church situation is mouth, Ohio, while instructor in East can one find today better about to return to much the same a Bible Institute, made a survey organized Sunday schools or status as that in which Hitler of youth problems to determine more thoroughly trained teachfound it, without much active the conditions that must be met ers than in the Church of Argovernment control and without by young people who are trying menia. any religious interference with to live the Christian life. The governmental policies. A new following were submitted by a In Egypt, Sheikh Mitry S. organization has been formed, class composed of those engaged Dewairy has continued his reknown as the "Council of the in the Christian education of markable street Sunday schools, Lutheran Church in Germany. young people: as well as other agencies for Three bishops are in complete Christian teaching. control of funds and administra- 1. Absence of Christian home traintion in their respective dioceses, Prayer of the Race that God and the other three members of ing. Made Black the Council are men of considerable importance in church af~ 2. Absence of the family altar. By LUCIAN B. WALKINS, fairs. The new organization, a Virginia Negro while definitely independent of 3. Wrong companions. the government, represents in We would be peaceful, Father – but its personnel a compromise be~ 4. Parents not concerned about when we must, tween the implacable policies of the Confessional Synod, which child's morals. Help us to thunder hard the blow is now largely controlled by the that's just. "left wing," represented by the 5. Too much leisure time. Rev. Martin Niem6ller, and the We would be manly, proving well our submission originally demanded 6. Preachers not scripturally sound. worth, by the Hitler government. 7. Inefficient Sunday schools. Then would not cringe to any god on The government attitude to- earth. ward religion in general is re- 8. Passing of Bible from public vealed in their crusade against We would be loving and forgiving, schools. thus 9. Changing social conditions. To love our neighbor as Thou lovest us. 10. Irresponsibility of the Church. We would be faithful, loyal to the 11. Dangerous social conditions un- Right, recognized by many. Ne'er doubting that the day will fol- low night. 12. Unchristian teaching in high We would be all that Thou hast meant schools and colleges. , for man, 13. Youth given too much liberty. Up through the ages, since the world began. 14. Youth do not see "separated life" God, save us in Thy Heaven, where lived before them. all is well!
15. Unchristian attitude of parents. We come, slow-struggling, up the hills of Hell. 16. Lack of Christian education and training in former generation.
17. Popular worldly amusements.
18. Lack of good home influence when away from home. Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information ,~ WHITHER BLACK may be understood. Like Dr. the life of this distinguished AMERICA? Woodson's work, it is honest and American of African descent. without either fulsome praise or Not only was Allen a great and A shelf full of books by Negro captious criticism. wise leader in his race, but he authors and others, dealing with was a distinguished man re- Negro life with emphasis upon Divine White Right. By Trevor gardless of race. Never ashamed the American Negro. Bowen and Ira Reid. 309 pp. $1.75. of his own, he compelled reluc- Institute of Social and Religious tant admission of his worth and By REV. WILLIAM LLOYD IMES, Research. New York. 1935. leadership from the churchmen of his day who felt that Negro Minister of St. James Presby- This obviously ironical title life should be wholly adminis- terian Church, New York City comes with good grace from the tered within the church by coauthor whose account takes up others than his own racial lead- The Negro and the Church the first two-thirds of this ers. The story of Allen and worth-while book. He himself others kneeling in old St. The History of the Negro Clturch. belongs to a nation that has George's, Philadelphia, has been By Carter G. Woodson. 330 pp. learned to criticize itself rather often told, but never with $2.65. Associated Publishers. Wash- severely, both on general prob- greater skill nor with better un- ington, D. C. 2d edition. 1929. lems of human welfare, and on derstanding of the ecclesiastical race prob~ems. Mr. Bowen is trends of' that day, respecting To anyone who does not know interested in a study of race dis- the color problem. The diary of of the wonderfully helpful serv- crimination in religious institu- Bishop Asbury is an excellent ice to America by Dr. Woodson's tions, and he does it without source, and Professor Wesley persistent and careful research sparing the high places into uses its first-hand material with into Negro life, this pioneer which such discrimination has skill. Richard Allen is seen not work in a field notably neglected gone. Dr. Ira Reid, well known only as a church official, but as a will come as a rare treat. Highly for his research work with the man and humanitarian, as for and sensitively descriptive, it National Urban League, and instance, in his extraordinary also interprets the beginnings now head of the Department of usefulness in the yellow fever and development of Neg r 0 Social Sciences in Atlanta Uni- epidemic in Philadelphia of the church organizational life in re- versity, supplies the definitive early nineteenth century, and ligious matters. The first work study in the final third of the also in his pioneer work in the of its kind since W. E. B. Du- book, and does it with charac- Free African Society. Bois' Atlanta University study, teristic care and insight. The "The Negro Church" (mono- authors have approached this From the Farm to the Bishopric. An graph), early in the present cen- question with clear-eyed cour- Autobiography by Charles Henry tury. age, and if this be the swan- Phillips. 308 pp. Parthenon Press. song of the Institute publica- The Negro's Church. By Mays and tions, it is a worthy note indeed. . Nashville, Tenn. 1932. Nicho'son. 321 pp. $2.00. Institute of Social and Religious Research. Richard Allen: Apostle of Freedom. As an illustration of the kind New York. 1934. By Charles H. Wesley. Associated of material which will be in- Publishers. Washington, D. C. creasingly valuable to throw A great deal of material that 1935. light on the Negro Church in would naturally be expected to coming generations, this acfollow the first pioneering. Here is the kind of brief biog- count of Bishop Phillips' life and These young scholars have done raphy which is not the less yal- work in the Colored Methodist both descriptive and definitive uable because it is a "he who Episcopal Church is noteworthy. work of a careful sort. What runs may read" type. Its brev- It is only by the gathering of they desire to give is both the ity is not an indication of lack many instances of notable lives raison d'etre for the Negro of thorough acquaintance with of religious officials and leaders Church as an institution, and sources, but the scantiness of like this that a complete picture then to tell its story and analyze adequate authentic sources for will some day be possible. its life so that its work and place in contempomry America Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the RIWIF,W publishers on receipt of price.
[332 ]
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
Religious Instruction of the Negro. The fact that the Chicago Riot America usually tries the plan of (1830 to 1860, with special refer- some time before had left citi- having the non-Negro popula- ence to South Carolina.) By Lu- zens there and elsewhere de- tion do the Negro's, thinking for ther P. Jackson. Monograph in Vol. sirous of knowing the social con- him. This book ought to help, XV of Journal of Negro History, dition of the family life among if we have a sense of humor left pp. 72 to 114. those most seriously handi- after the strain of interracial capped, will give the lead toward misunderstanding and strife. Excellent for giving the back- understanding this book. It is ground of pre-Civil War condi- interesting to note also that very The Rural Negro. By Carter G. tion of Negro life in respect to recently, 1935-36, Dr. Frazier Woodson. 304 pp. $2.50. Assoreligion. While dealing particu- has been appointed to collate ciated Publishers. larly with the South, yet gives and analyze the findings of the valuable light on neglected sub- Mayor's Commission on Condi- The records of the U. S. Buject. tions in Harlem, following the reau of the Census were used outbreak of a riot in New York's carefully, in addition to personal The Negro in American Life Harlem area. This latter ma- visits of the author to many terial, it is hoped, will be pub- rural communities, particularly The Negro Citizen of West Virginia. lished if the public will demand in the South, where the largest By Thomas E. Posey. 119 pp. it, as it should. single unit in the rural popula- $1.00. The Press of West Virginia tion is overwhelmingly Negro. State CoI:ege. 1935. Black Manhattan. By James Weldon Johnson. 284 pp. $2.50. Alfred A. The Negro Wage Earner. By Loren- Interesting as a typical study Knopf. New York, 1930. zo J. Greene. 350 pp. $3.25. Asof sectional matters dealing with sociated PublisherS'. race. A fine descriptive narrative, telling the story of the Negro in This is valuable because of the The Negro in South CaroEna During the heart of New York City with need for knowing in what occu- the Reconstruction. By A. A. Tay- appreciation of what his life has pations the majority of our lor. 341 pp. Association for the meant to the metropolis of Negro citizens may be found, Study of Negro Life and History. America. Many facts about the and the conditions of their work. Washington, D. C. 1924. artistic life of the Negro in New Questions of skilled and un- York are not to be found else- skilled labor bulk large, with em- An able account by a painstak- where. phasis upon domestic service ing scholar and investigator; and agriculture as the two throwing real light on the sub- The Negro in Our History. By Car- largest fields numerically. ject, as opposed to many current ter Godwin Woodson. (Sixth ediaccounts showing the Recon- tion.) 700 pp. $4.25. Associated The Negro Professional Man and struction Negro in false light. Publishers. the Community. By Carter G. (See also note on DuBois' "Black Woodson. 365 pp. $3.00. Associa- Reconstruction." ) Any reference to Dr. Wood- tion for Study of Negro Life and son's eminent position in the History. Washington, D. C. 1934. Free Negroes and Slaves in Tennes- field of Negro history is unnec- see. By Wm. Lloyd Imes. Mono- essary to well-informed people. One need not wonder about graph in Journal of Negro History, It is enough to say that this the value of any such inquiry. Vol. IV, pp. 254 to 272. book, despite the voluminous The author's name is guarantee output from his tireless pen, is of honest and careful effort to The author traced source ma- in a real sense his Magnum ,opus, present the major facts availterial regarding little-publicized and those of us who know him able now, at least in outline. matters of value regarding ra- feel that he would like to be cial history, legal status, and so- known by it for its honest effort The United States and the Caribbean cial development in the middle to get at the difficult but reward- Area. By Dana G. Munro. 322 pp. South. ing task of interpreting Negro WorId Peace Foundation. Boston. life in terms of its integral part 1934. A Century of Negro Migration. By in American development. A Carter G. Woodson. Associated reference work of high value, If any reason is needed for the Publishers. Washington, D. C. and a study text of dependa- introduction of a book on this bility. theme into this review, it will The Negro Migration During the be amply known when one con- World War. By Emmett J. Scott. Social Status of the Negro siders that one of the areas touched by this author is Haiti, The Negro Migration of 1916-1918. What the Negro Thinks. By Robert the Black Republic so near our By H. H. Donald. Russa Moton. 267 pp. XII. $2.50. own, and which has been treated Doubleday Doran. New York. 1929. with none too gracious neigh- The Negro Peasant Turns Cityward. borliness by both our govern- By Louise V. Kennedy. 270 pp. One of the most important ment and our business interests. $4.25. Columbia University Press. statements of the Negro himself Professor Munro does not have New York. 1930. which has been made since the to strive to establish this thesis famous declaration of Booker T. as a part of his book. It is a These are grouped together Washington at Atlanta in 1895. part of the whole melancholy because they form a whole picture of one of the eventful social trends both of the 19th century and the 20th in the United States.
The Negro Family in Chicago. By E. Franklin Frazier. 294 pp. $3.00. University of Chicago Press. 1932.
A sociological study, taking a great city as a field of study.
record of our attitude toward the race problem. Here one of The Evolution of the Negro College. weaker peoples and races, and the ablest of them tells the story By Dwight O. W. Holmes. 221 pp. the facts speak more loudly than forcefully. Bureau of Publications, Teachers' the professor's words. CoJege. New York. 1934. The Trend of the Races. By George Negroes in the United States, 1920- E. Haynes. Missionary Education It is inevitable that doctors' 1932. By Charles E. Ha:l and Movement. New York. 1922. theses should reflect the current Charles W. White. (Compiled from modes of thought, and so, since statistics in the Bureau of the Cen- Dr. Haynes, by his long and racially separate education has sus, U. S.) 845 pp. $2.25. U. S. earnest work in the Federal been in the ascendency in Amer- Government Printing Office, 1935. Council's Department of Race ican life whether we like it or Relations, has wo~ the right to not we must deal with it. Dr. To anyone who knows the be heard on what IS known pop- Hoimes does this in first-rate former volume, "Negro Popula- ularly as the "interracial move- fashion. And, since we have the tion in the U. S., 1790-1915," ment," in overcoming race an- rather regrettable necessity for this added work will have new tagonisms. As one of ~~e able~t separate institutions because of significance, and this statistical of the conservative CrItIcs, thIS deep-seated prejudices, may we record in handy form is a neces- book (still a helpful reference not take the good things of this sity to anyone who would know book as a record of the early treatise, and look toward the day the social measurements of post-War situation in American of larger things? Negro life in recent years. race matters) will place him and the viewpoint he represents, The Racial Myth. By Paul Radin. Black Reconstruction. By W. E. B. fairly and fully, as protagonist 141 pp. $1.50. McGraw-Hill Co. DuBois. 1935. for cooperation. New York. 1934.
One does not know whether to Blind Spots: Experiments in the This anthropologist's work call this Dr. DuBois' greatest Self-cure of Race Prejudice. By needs no praise nor apology. It work or not. In a sense it is, Henry Smith Leipe!. $1.00 cloth. speaks for itself. With no less for it treats of a racial matter MIssionary EducatIOn Movement. acumen than Boas of Columbia a that has been the subject of the 1929. generation ago, this younger Negro's misrepresentation for scholar throws down the gauntmany years. Historians in mapy This may be regarded as a let before a world that seems large universi,ties have vied wIth companion book to ~r. Haynes' bent on Nazism, Fascism and each other in telling the Negro's tthreeatsisie~ilaarndatatistudwer,Ittweinthfreomm- all other varieties of misguided ineptitudes, veniality, decadence, phasis upon self-critic~sm; hen~e Nationalism, all exhibiting raetc., etc., ad nauseam, until it the subtitle, "ExperIments III cial animosities of various sorts. was high time some able social the self-cure of race prejudice." It is good to have a clear and critic like Dr. DuBois should unafraid voice from honest take the matter in hand, with Negro Education seientific labors. Dr. Radin held documentation, and all, and the research chair of Anthromake them eat their words. The Negro Education: A Study of the pology at Fisk University, a Reconstruction Negro neither Private and Higher Schools for Col- Negro institution, for several wants to be lauded to high heav- ored People in the U. S. By The years. He is now professor in en, nor damned to the lowest Phelps-Stokes Fund, Thomas Jesse the University of California. hell. He was just a human be- Jones, director of the study. 2 Vols. ing, like any other in. a similar Published by the Dept. ?f the In- Negro Biography situation. That he dId as well terior, Bureau of Educatlon. 1917. as he did in the most trying time Life and Times of Frederick Dougin 19th century America, is the Valuable for information as lass. finest tribute to him that could to variety, extent and standards be given. of Negro schools up to the early An autobiography by a leader period of the World War. Later of outstanding genius of the Social Attitudes. A Symposium ed- publications have supplemented Abolition and Reconstruction ited by Kimball Young. 383 pp. this. Here, as in other Gove.rn- eras. XII. Holt. New York. 1933. mental publications, is the Im- mense advantage of having ade- Up from Slavery. By Booker T. Helpful for its two chapters quate statistical material at Washington. by Herbert A. Miller and Ed- hand. Dr. Jones, a pronounced ward B. Reuter (Chapters 13 "right wing" adherent, has given Easily the most significant biand 14 respectively) which deal an objective study. The mono- ography of any Negro since with the relation of culture to graph by George S. D!ckerman Frederick Douglass' account of race, and the application of this in Vol. 1, pp. 244-295, IS ~f ~eal his life and times. discussion to Negro life. interest and has a good bIblIog- raphy of the source material: Letters of Theodore Dwight Weld, Black America. By Scott Nearing. Angelina Grimke Weld, and Sarah 275 pp. $3.00 Vanguard Press. Land-Grant Colleges for Negroes. Grimke. Edited by Gilbert H. New York. 1929. By John W. Davis. 73 pp. :West Barnes and Dwight L. Dumond. 2 Virginia State College Instltute. Vols. Vol. 1, pp. xxxvii, 510. Vol. The left wing (radical) critics 1934. 2 pp. x, 512. American Historical of the social scene in America Assn. D. Appleton Century' Co. must have their hearing, and not A description of this interest- New York. 1934. the least of their message is on ing field, from the Morrill Act of 1862 to the present. An interesting the 0 r y is evolved from these letters and
related anti-slavery documents, Negro Musicians and Their Music. that Negro life i,'3 neither all to the effect that it was the By Maud Cuney Hare. 433 pp. comedy nor tragedy, but it has American churches and allied $3.25. Associated Publishers. 1936. its human oneness with all other forces that made the abolition of life. Miss Fauset has written slavery inevitable. Also these There is only one regret in this some half-dozen or so novels, letters have value from their as- work, that its gifted author and is the most prolific writer sociation with the f a m 0 u s passed from. this world of haunt- in this field since Charles W. Grimke sisters, women of great ing beauty and sorrowful loveli- Chestnut's tales of the 19th cenability and devotion to humani- ness before it came from press. tury Negro life appeared, in retarian crusading against slavery She did read the first proof on construction and postreconand its .attendant evils. The ro- her deathbed. She "being dead struction days. mance of their lives is only ex- yet speaketh" in this great labor ceeded by the distinction of their of love. Those of us who knew Unfinished Cathedral. By T. S. Stribfamous nephews, Archibald and her can but rejoice that she was ling. 350 pp. $2.50. Doubleday Francis Grimke, whose lives spared to give us this great leg- Doran. Garden City, L. I. 1934. have .been among the very few acy. distinguished statesmen and While dealing with different clergymen who have wielded un- Plays and Pageants from the Life of material, this non-Negro author told influence for the defence the Negro. By Willis Richardson. tells of his own South's terrible and development of Neg r 0 Illustrated by J. L. Wells. 373 pp. inj ustice to the Negro with a rights and advancement. x. $3.15. Associated Publishers. horrible and fascinating attrac- 1930. tion that will amaze one. It is Along This Way. By James Weldon a long mile from the usual type Johnson. 330 pp. $3.50. Viking Taken with other books of of condescension, contempt, and Press. New York. 1933. similar purport like "Plays of determined tragedy of most non- Negro Life," by Locke and Greg- Negro authors. Interestingly written, giving ory, and the Drama section of the account of a distinguished Calverton's "Anthology 0 f Readings from Negro Authors for man in the fields of literature, American Negro Literature," Schools and Colleges. By Otelia law, consular service, Negro this fills a real place of help to- Cromwell, Lorenzo D. Turner, and rights, art, social criticism. Dr. ward understanding the dra- Eva B. Dykes. 388 pp. $1.50. Har- Johnson is now professor of matic art as an exponent of Ne- court, Brace. New York. 1931. Creative Literature at Fisk Uni- gro life. versity. This is probably the best all Anti-Slavery Sentiment in American around anthology of Negro lit- Booker T. Washington: Builder of Literature Prior to 1865. By Lor- erature yet published. It is care- a Civilization. By Emmett J. Scott enzo D. Turner. 150 pp. $2.15. fully edited, as those who know and Lyman Beecher Stowe. 331 pp. Associated Publishers. this trio of well-trained scholars Doubleday Doran. Garden City, would expect. While Calverton's L. I. 1916. From Cotton Mather and J on- popular-sized and priced anthol- athan Edwards to Emerson and ogy (Modern Library) is useful, The name of the educator of Lowell, Dr. Turner traces the and there are some others, espe- Tuskegee never fails to evoke thread of anti-slavery thought. cially of Negro poetry, yet none the memory of a man of real It is fascinating and rewarding. have given the description, balgenius, and perhaps no two men ance and charm of Negro litin America were better fitted to The Negro Author. By Vernon Log- erary expression as these auwrite of his character and gins. 480 pD. $5.00. Columbia thors have done. No American achievements than one who was University Press. New York. 1931. student, regardless of race, his secretary for years, and an- should be ignorant of its conother who is a descendent of a If you would know the heart tents. famous abolition family. of the man or woman who puts life into documentary form for For Children and Youth Negro Life in the Arts present and succeeding genera- tions, here is the revelation of In Spite of Handicaps. By Ralph W. Afro-American Folk Songs. By Hen- that inner life, as far as the Ne- Bullock. $2.00. Association Press. ry E. Krehbiel. G. Schirmer. New gro is concerned. A most use- New York. 1927. York. ful and valuable guide in this field. These excellent short bio- No one who knew the incisive graphical sketches, with quescriticisms of Krehbiel in the Comedy: American Style. By Jessie tions for discussion following New York Tribune of a genera- Fauset. Stokes. New York. 1934. each chapter, will make young tion ago could slight this book. people think, as well as enter- His acknowledgment of his debt Miss Fauset is the most com- tain them. to great musicians like Harry T. petent novelist of African des- Burleigh, Lafcadio Hearn, Maud cent today who is not afraid to The Picture Poetry Book. By Ger- Cuney Hare,· and others, is at go against the current of tradi- trude Parthenia Brown. 73 pp. once the mark of sincere scholar- tion that only lowly peasant life $1.10. The Associated Publishers. ship and genius. It is still the or slum life of the city may be 1936. authentic work of a master- pictured in novels of Negro life. critic; No maudlin sentiment. It is refreshing to get away Here is an unusual effort, and Solid learning. from the Peterkin-Bradford- a good one, to gain the interest Hayward school of thought of very little children, and to about Negro life, and to know
give them right ideas about Ne- the North, Problems of Admin- rather than critical. Billy Sun- gro life. It deserves attention istration and Guidance, the So- day preached the Gospel and of right-thinking mothers and cial Setting and Educational though at times his pulpit antics teachers of little children. Planning. somewhat disturbed critical We Sing America. By Marion Cuth- There is a very full bibliog- members of his audience, the bert. Missionary Education Move- "common people heard him ment. New York. 1936. raphy on the education and life gladly." Men and women of all of the Negro. This Mission Study book, for classes "hit the sawdust trail" 1936:"37, comes from a well-ma- From Fetish to Faith. By W. J. as evidence that they had de- Platt. Paper. 12mo. 28. The cided to begin a new, born-again tured mind that can present Livingstone Press. London. 1935. life. The book will repay readstory material and history of Fifty years ago .Africa was ing and circulating. racial life so that children of the almost wholly pagan and primielementary grades will love it. tive, except in the extreme north Facing Facts. A Century with the More power to such authors! Sioux. By F. R. Riggs and other and south. Fetishism was the Reports of the American Mission- African Myths. By Carter G. Wood- prevailing religion, with Islam ary Association. New York. 1935. son. $1.10. The Associated Pub- and Christianity striving for lishers. Washington, D. C. 1936. supremacy in some sections. The century of work among the Indians of North Dakota, A splendid collection of lEsop- Mr. Platt, who went out to West made famous by the story of like fables and folk-stories that Africa as a missionary in 1914, "Mary and I," is an inspiring have been put in attractive form record. The author of this acfor children of the English- took active part in the struggle count is a third generation Riggs speaking world. They add much for eighteen years. Today who recalls 60 years of service to our help with material for fetishism is dying; what will among the Sioux. We have children's education. here also the story of the work rise from its ashes? The author of Dr. Charles L. Hall, founder ON OTHER TOPICS sees the conflict to be between of the mission to the Arickara Christianity and materialism. and other Indians, and other in- Education of the Negro in the Amer- He writes impressively of the teresting records of the work of ican Social Order. Horace Mann the A. M. A. for the past year. Bond. 500 pp. Prentice-Hall, Inc. present crisis in Africa and New York. 1934. shows how the missionaries are By Ways Appointed. By Briggs P. seeking to meet it by laying Dingman. 12mo. 127 pp. 75 The book is divided into three cents; paper, 20 cents. Bible In- Christian foundations and build- ing up churches. There are na- tive prophetic movements in West Africa but the only hope sections – History, Economics of the Africans is in yielding stitute Colportage Assn. Chicago. and Finance, Current Problems. fully to the claims of Christ. 1935. Under History the early efforts Mr. Platt writes clearly and A wholesome story of a for educating the Negro are pre- from experience, with a knowl- young man, discharged from the sented, and the awakening of edge of facts-not from a nar- army after the World War, who private conscience. Here are row denominational point of entered college to prepare for described the work of Tuskegee view. the Christian ministry – with- and the various educational Billy Sunday: The Man and His out much idea of its real sig- Message. By William T. Ellis. nificance. His love story, with foundations and funds estab- intellectual difficulties, spiritual lished for the education of the Illus. 8vo. 519 pp. $1.50. John experience, and final victory and Negro. Many tables give the C. Winston Co., Philadelphia. 1936. service are easy but stimulating rate of expenditure for white Billy Sunday's fame as a base- reading for young people. children and Negro children in ball player and dramatic Gospel the same localities; also a com- revivalist is world-wide. Opin- Anthea's Ambition. By Beth J. parison of white teachers' sal- Coombe Harris. 12mo. 188 pp. aries and those where Negroes ions as to his methods differ but 18. 6d. teach. he reached immense crowds and thousands of lives were trans- Gwyneth at Work. By Margaret P. Section II deals with Migra- formed through his ministry. Neill. 12mo. 320 pp. 28. 6d.
tion, Industrialization and Ur- Here is the authorized biog- Pickering and Inglis. Glasgow. banization of the Negro; the raphy by a skilled observer and These wholesome stories for Economic Background of Edu- writer who knew the man and boys and girls are not marked cation in the South and the Fi- saw his work at close range. by literary merit but are a vast nancing of Separate Systems of The volume includes Billy Sun- improvement on much modern Education. day's autobiography, many of juvenile fiction. The first is a Section III deals with current his most effective messages, a missionary book in which true problems-the Teacher, the For- chapter by Mrs. Sunday and a stories are interwoven. The gotten Child, Cap a cit y for tribute by Rodeheaver, the sing- second volume tells of the ex- Learning, the Achievement of ing evangelist. Dr. Ellis has perience and struggles of some Negro Children, Higher Educa- given us a vivid, discriminating young girls in Christian life and tion for Negroes, Education in picture of the man, sympathetic work in England.
Books Obituary
(Concluded from page 278.) The Apostle to the Chinese Commu- . a Christian engineer in a Moslem nists. Daniel Nelson. $1~00. 139 pp. Augsburg Pub. House. Min- land devoted to the cause of missions neapolis. for 25 years. … … With the use Arthington's Millions. A. M. Chirgwin. 2s. Livingstone Press. Lon- R. A. Doan, of Westerville, Ohio, 01 this Course. every don. died on March 18th. About 20 years Young People's Society may ago he began his service to the Chris- Carey. S. Pearce Carey. 129 pp. 40 tian Missionary Society, Disciples or- be converted into a School for ganization, as laymen's secretary, Bible Training. without salary. He continued this cents. Marshall, Morgan & Scott. service for many years, and was also 1936 STUDIES IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE London. . a leader in Bible class work in Nel- sonville, his home town. Mr. Doan GFooudroPf athretsB-5ib2le.LePssaortnns. Part I. The Bible-The A Comradeship of Service. Report was a stockholder in the Missionary The Christ 01 the Bible Review Publishing Company. of Friends Service Council-1935. -TheHoIySpiril PartmMan-SinandRedempo … … … Friends Service Council. London. lion. Part IV. The Church-Future Events. Dr. John Henry House, missionary Christ in the Great Forest. Felix of the American Board and founder Send ISc in stamps lor current issue. Faure. 180 pp. $1.00. Missionary Education Movement. New York. HRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS. INC: Consider Africa. Basil Mathews. 1502 N. Third St., Herrlaburs, Pe.
180 pp. $1.00, cloth; 60 cents, of the American Farm School at Sa- whom, Charles L. House, succeeded paper. Friendship ·Press. New loniki, Macedonia, died there on April his father as head of the Farm York. 19th at 90 years of age. Dr. House School in 1910. Dr. House has been was born in Painesville, Ohio, the son decorated with the Grecian Gold Christian Materialism. Francis J. of John and Jane House, was grad- Cross of the Cavalier and on his 90th McConnell. 167 pp. $1.25, cloth;' uated in 1868 from Adelbert COllege, birthday, May 29, 1935, received nine 60 cents, paper. Friendship Press. now Western Reserve University, ana bound volumes of greeting cards, each New York. later from Union Theological Sem- containing 90 greetings from friends The Epistle of the Eternal Life. inary, New York. In 1872, he went George Goodman. 64 pp. 6d. as a Congregational missionary to . in all parts of the world. Five thou- Pickering & Inglis. London. Bulgaria and endeavored to hel~ the Five Foreigners in Japan. Herbert poverty-stricken people by glving sand dollars was also presented to the H. Gowen. 285 pp. $2.00. Uni- them a scientific knowledge of agriversity of Washington. Seattle. School at that t…ime in… his name. culture. It was not until 1873 tnat . Bishop McKim. of the Protestant The Great Company. Report of the he was able to secure a tract of de!Sert Episcopal Church, and until last year National Bible Society of Scotland. land near Saloniki and opened the BIShop of North Tokyo, Japan, died 200 pp. Edinburgh. Thessalonica Agricultural and Indus- on April 4th in Honolulu. He was trial Institute, now· known as the born in Pittsfield, Mass., July 17, Hearts That Understand. .Louise American Farm SchooL Dr. and ¥rli. 1852, and went to Japan in March, Harrison McGraw. 292 pp. $1.00. House have spent 64 .years in the 1880. In 1893, he was consecratea B. I. C. Assn. Chicago. Balkan States, first at Samokov, J)u1- bishop for the Japanese district and garia, later at Constantinople, .nd has hved an eventful life, seeing the Heaven. All That Is Revealed About finally at SalonikL His widow and It. Hy Pickering. lB. 128 pp. seven children survive him, one' of • • young Japanese Church develop. Pickering & Inglis. London. If you use • Kagawa in Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii. Edited by Helen Top- The ;Rev. Fruier S. Herndon, for ping. 184 pp. Kobe, Japan. many years an honored missionary of the Presbp;eri,n Church to the Mystery at St. Olaves. Winifred American Indians, died April 6, 1936, Pearce. 95 pp. lB. Pickering & in Tucson, Arizona. Mr. Herndon's Inglis. London. field of labor was not an easy one. Traveling with team and wagon, he Moral and Material Progress and PRINTING and his devoted wife went from vil- Condition of India. S. F. Stewart. lage to village among the Papagos in 196 pp. 3s. 6d. H. M. Stationery the heat of summer and the cold of Office. London. winter, bearing to those neglected peo- A New Day in Kenya. Horace R. A. YOU will profit from an ae- ple the Gospel message. He won the Philp. > 188 pp. 3s. 6d. World Do- confidence and esteem of thousands of minion Press. London. . .. ' quaintanceship with us. We the 'Indians, and many accepted do the joh complete in our own Christ as their Saviour. The Plight of the Share-Cropper. plant, whether it he larle or Norman Thomas. 36 pp. 10 cents. small. THREE KINDS. o.F GIVERS L. I. D. New York. There are three kinds of givers- While our specialty is Booles. ''the flint, the sponge and the honey- Revolt Among the Share-Croppers. Magatine.s and Pamphlets. yet comb." Howard Kester. 98 pp. 50 cents. we have a variety of modern To get anything out of a flint you Covici Friede. New York. equipment to meet all the re- have to hammer it, and you can only qUirements of your particular . get chips and sparks. Recapturing the Missionary Passion. job. You will find our service To get water out of a sponge you Stephen J. Corey. 20 pp. United prompt. careful and courteous. Christian Missionary Society. In- dianapolis.
Safe Through the Blood of Jesus. must squeeze it, and the more you William Reid. 95 pp. lB. Pickering & Inglis. London. : Will you allow us to estimate squeeze the more you get. on your next printing 1 We he. But the honeycomb just overflows The Shrine of a P~ople's Soul. Ed- lieve you will be delighted with 'lin W. Smith.' 208 pp; 2s. 3d.' with its own sweetness. Edinburgh House Press. London. our product. price and service. .' Some', people are stingy and hard. They give nothing away if they can help it. What Happened to Peter. Grace The EVANGELICAL PRESS Others are good-natured; they yield &PeIttnmglains.. L1o7n6dopnp.. .2.s:. P.ic.. k….er..i.ng .. . Pri"tn. of. , . t!LPlllIlSUl'e, and. the. more they are Students and the Christian World The MiI.iOtla,., Review of eM W ….1d pressed the more they will JP.ve.
Mission. Edited by Jesse R. Wil- A few delight in giving WIthout be- ing asked at all; and of these the son. 233 pp. $2.00. Student Vol- PlANT AND MAIN OFFICE third end R.n, Str••ts Henl. ." 'e. unteer Movement. New York. Bible says" "The Lord loveth a cheer- ful giver."-Wesleyan Methodist.
and Reality in
Viewed by Africans and Missionaries ILLUSTRATED WITH MAPS, CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS UNOCCUPIED FIELDS IN AFRICA By ALEXANDER McLEISH THE AFRICAN'S VIEW OF AFRICA By VARIOUS AUTHORS-PREPARED BY J. D. TAYLOR AFRICAN LIFE AND THOUGHT By DIEDRICH WESTERMANN GREAT HINDRANCES TO CHRISTIAN PROGRESS By C. S. JENKINS VICTORIES OF THE GOSPEL AMONG AFRICANS By THOMAS MOODY AND OTHERS AFRICAN VIEWS OF JESUS CHRIST By THE BISHOP OF UGANDA POLITICS AND MISSIONS IN AFRICA By CHARLES T. LORAM THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN AFRICA By KENNETH G. GRUBB THE CROSS AND THE CRESCENT IN AFRICA By J. J. COOKSEY ===== SEND YOUR ORDER NOW ===== 25 Cents a Copy $20.00 a hundred $2.50 a year Special Price in Quantities if ordered hefore Septemher 10 THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD Third and Reily Streets, Harrisburg, Pa.
Robert E. Speer, PreJident Delavan L. Pierson, EditOI'
The Missionary Review of the World — May 1936
1936
A Visit to the Atlas Berbers James Haldane D. L. Moody-..-Ambassador of Christ John McDowell The Next Step in Foreign Missions Paul B. Kern Missionary Views on Simpler Living Muriel Lester Preaching Liberty to Captives in Portugal E. R. Holden Pioneering in Tennessee Mountains AnnaBelle Stewart Whitman-Spalding Centenary Arthur H. Limouze 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
MANAGEMENT inary Foundation, Hartford, Connec-
AND ticut, died on March 29th in South Mrica where he was visiting the Record of Christian Work home of his boyhood. Dr. MacKenzie was born in Orange River Colony, Edited by WILLIAM H. LEACH South Africa, seventy-six years ago, the son of John M. and Ellen Mac- A monthly journal devoted to church administration and pastoral meth- Kenzie, missionaries of the Presbyods. Every phase of church life discussed in a positive, constructive way. terian Church of Scotland. After re- ceiving most of his higher education Worship Pastoring in Scotland he was ordained a min- Music Prayer Meeting ister of the Congregational Church Preaching Unified Service in 1882, and three years later became Money Publicity professor of Systematic Theology in Missions Devotional the Chicago Theological Seminary. Education Public Relations In 1904 he was called to be president of Hartford Seminary and was pro- Subscription price, $2.50 per year. Special Trial Subscription, fessor of Systematic Theology until six months, $1.00. Sample copy free upon request. he retired in 1930. Among the many books of which he is the author are CHURCH MANAGEMENT "South Africa, Its History, Heroes and Wars," "Christianity and the Auditorium Building Cleveland, Ohio Progress of Man," "Christ and the Christian Faith." His wife, Alice Dates to Remember Obituary Notes Crother of Carlisle, England, died in 1926. Dr. MacKenzie was very highly May I-General Conference, Meth- Dr. Charles E. Vail, since 1907 a respected and greatly beloved by odist Episcopal Church, Columbus, missionary of Presbyterian Board of Christian leaders in many lands. Ohio. Foreign Missions in Miraj, India, died there of cancer on March 21st. Dr. *** May 6-20-General Conference, Afri- Vail was born in Cornwall, New can Methodist Episcopal Z ion York, fifty-five years ago. Mter at- John C. Harris, who died in Eng- Church, Greensboro, N. C. tending Princeton University and re- land early last March, was a preacher ceiving his medical degree from the of rare gifts who wrote two "best May 6-21-General Conference, Mri- College of Physicians and Surgeons, sellers"-"The Life of Khama" and can Methodist Episcopal Church, New York, he sailed for India and at "Couriers of Christ." As an organ- New York. the time of his death was head of the izer and administrator he drew to the famous Miraj Hospital founded by Congregational Church many gifted May 12-1S-National Council of Fed- Sir William Wanless. His fame men. erated Church Women. Dayton, spread throughout India and ten Ohio. years ago he was decorated by the Rev. Len G*. B*rou*ghton, interna- late King George V of England for May 20-24-Northern Baptist Con- medical service. He is survived by tionally known Baptist minister, died vention. St. Louis, Mo. his widow, Elizabeth Crane Vail and February 22 at his home in Atlanta, by two daughters. Ga., at the age of 72. In the 1890's May 22-24-National Federation of Dr. Broughton founded the Atlanta Men's Bible Classes. Kansas City, *** Tabernacle and ministered there for Mo. 22 years. He later held pastorates William Douglas MacKenzie, D.D., in Tennessee and in Florida. In re- May 24-29-Church Conference of So- president emeritus of Hartford Sem- cent years Dr. Broughton was en- cial Work. Atlantic City, N. J. gaged in speaking at Bible confer- Are YOU ences and evangelistic meetings. May 27-General Assembly, United Presbyterian Church of North This Person? *** America. Pittsburg, Kansas. Christian man (or woman); age, Dr. Charles B. Tenny. outstanding May 28-General Assembly, Presby- 18-60(say); living in city or town; leader of the Baptist Mission in terian Church in U. S. A. Syra- free all or part of day; good Japan, died in Rochester, N. Y., Jan- cuse, N. Y. health; missionary in spirit; eager uary 11. He was 65 years of age and to promote the Gospel in own or began his work in Japan in 1900. As June 4-9-General Synod of the Re- nearby community; needing fair teacher and principal of the Baptist formed Church in A mer i c a. financial remuneration. Theological Seminary and later as Rochester, N. Y. founder and principal of Mabie Me- If So, We Need morial School for men in Yokohama, June 10-17 – Ann u a 1 Conference, he served with marked efficiency. Church of the Brethren. Hershey, YOU I Pa. *** Ask (without obligation) for par- June 16-24-General Council of Con- Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Charles John, gregational and Christian Churches. ticulars about "colportage" work. Assistant Bishop on the Niger since Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Please mention this paper. 1932, died recently at 64 years of age. Mass. He was the sixth Mrican to be raised BIBLE INSTITUTE COLPORTAGE to the episcopate. He belonged to the June 23-28-Christian Youth Council ASSOCIATION Hausa race, and was a grandson of of North America. Lakeside, Ohio. slaves. Mter holding various pas- 839 N. Wells St. Chicago, III. toraland educational posts, he became June 27 – July 4 – Geneva Summer principal of the C. M. S. grammar School for Missions. Lake Geneva, school at Freetown, Sierra Leone, Wisconsin. where he had been successively pupil, teacher and vice-principal. July 6-12-Twelfth World's Sunday School Convention. Oslo, Norway. *** July 9 – August 12 – Winona La k e Rev. George Washington Taylor, School of Theology. Winona Lake, Southern Presbyterian missionary to Ind. Brazil, died January 1, aged 47. In 1920, he was put in charge of a Boys' August 16-23-World Missions Insti- School at Garanhuns, and under his tute, Chautauqua, New York. leadership the influence of the school (Concluded on third cover.)
MISSIONARY "I advertise the REVIEW by word
of mouth whenever I have an oppor- EXPRESS REVIEW OF THE WORLD tunity. I repeatedly urge that mem- bers of our Ministerial Association be- 'Comfort DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor come subscribers and our executive board sends subscriptions to a care- with Economy VOL. LIX MAY, 1936 No.5 fully selected list of our ministers and missionaries." Speed to Yokohama by the shortest Publication and Business Office— route … only 10 days. Go on the Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. REV. PAUL DE SCHWEINITZ, D.D., comfortable Empress of Asia or Em- Treasurer, MOl'avian Missions. press of Russia. Or sail via Hono- Editorial and Executive Office– lulu and reach Japan in just 3 days 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. *** more on the luxurious Empress of Entered as second-class matter at Japan (largest, fastest liner on the "The REVIEW is the only magazine Pacific) or the Empress of Canada. Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under of its kind for the person who believes Act of March 3, 1879. in Evangelical missions but is not bel- Reduced Summer round-trip fares ligerent about it. . . . The articles •.. First Class and Tourist Class. 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. are so up to date, and the stories of Also, inexpensive Third Class on all Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. human interest absolutely essential to Empresses. Published monthly. except August. those giving missionary ta;ks." All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. Regular sailings from Vancouver British agents – Marshall, Morgan MARY E. MOORE, and Victoria in Canada's Evergreen and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, Young People's Departm,ent, Board Playground. Orient fares include London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, passage from and to Seattle. If YOll 10 shillings a year. of Foreign Missions, Presbyterian sail from California, connect with Church, U. S. A. an Empress at Honolulu. Orient MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- ports-of-call: Yokohama, Kobe, LISHING CO., INC. *** Nagasaki, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Manila. BOARD OF DIRECTORS "I always look forward to the com- ROBER'r E. SPEER, President ing of the REVIEW with interest, and Independent World Tours as low A. L. W ARNSHUIS, Vice-President always read with profit and inspira- as $585.90, Combination of Classes. WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer tion. May blessings be upon you and Write for folder of six most popular DELAVAN L. PIERSON, SecTelary the sp:endid work you are doing for world tours. the great work of helping to build the SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT Kingdom of the Master in the hearts Booklets, information from YOUR of men and nations." AGENT or Canadian Pacific: New WILLIAM I. CHAMBERLAIN York, 344 Madison Ave.; Chicago, H. C. TUCKER, 71 E. Jackson Blvd.; San Francisco, D. J. FANT Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 152 Geary St.; and 38 other cities MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD in the United States and Canada. *** WM. B. LIPPHARD ~@a+ "Through THE REVIEW you are sup- Emc M. NORTH plying one of the great needs of the TO THB Christian Church today, namely: a SAMUEL M. ZWEMER more adequate picture and presenta- ORIINT tion of the fact that 'the Gospel of Editorial Chat Jesus Christ' is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that be- The next issue of THE REVIEW will lieveth.' " ARTHUR Y. MEEKER, be the special American Negro num- ber. This covers the Home Mission Upper Montclair, N. J. study topic of the coming year. You cannot afford to miss it. Some of the *** leading Negro Christians in America contribute to this number, giving their "I have been taking THE MISSION- views of the problems, the progress, ARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD for ten and the prospects that relate to 15,- years or more. I enjoy it immensely. 000,000 Colored' Americans in the It is splendidly edited for one thing. United States. There are also articles Then the articles by the various per- by white contributors who are work- sons from all over the world are ing with and for the Negro. Secure highly educational." copies of this number for your pastor, your missionary chairman and your MISS SARA L. HAMILTON, study circle. Long Beach, Calif.
*** Personal Items Our special numbers last year sold Rev. and Mrs. C. R. Callender and over 1,000 single copies each. Order Mrs. C. E. Park have gone to what now. The main contents and the is now the most remote mission sta- special advance price are given on the tion under the Presbyterian Board- fourth cover of the REVIEW. Kiulungkiang Station, on the Mekong River in Yunnan, China, about eleven *** days journey north of Chiengrai. It was opened by missionaries from Does your pastor take THE REVIEW? Siam in 1917. In addition to evan- If not, why do you not ask ten friends gelistic work in Kiulungkiang and . to give 25 cents each to supply him neighboring towns, they will find med- with this mine of information and ical, educational and leper work to be illustration of God's work 'in the world done in a vast, raw and needy field. today? How about your Missionary Society and your Sunday school? *** *** Hon. D. Tagawa has resigned as President of Meiji Gakuin in Tokyo. Here are some comments to show He has been a leader in many Chris- what others think of THE REVIEW. tian movements and is well-known as They are culled from recent letters: a political liberal, having been vice- mayor of Tokyo at one time and a "THE MISSIONARY REVIEW is one of member of Parliament for a number the most valued magazines that comes of terms. His position at Meiji Ga- to my desk. It seems to me it is get- kuin will not be filled immediately. ting better right along. The recent numbers have been especially inter- (Concluded on third cover.) esting to me." [225 ] REV. A. M. KNUDSEN, Longview, Wash.,. President, Pa- cific Synod, United Lutheran Church In America.
SCENE OF THE WHITMAN MASSACRE THE TUTUILLA INDIAN CHURCH
MARCL'S WHITMAN – PIONEER TO OREGON INDIANS PATAWA, LEADER IN THE TUTUILLA INDIAN CHURCH THE GRAVE OF MARCUS WHITMAN THE MARCUS WHITMAN COLLEGE (See page 243.) REVIB ORLD VOLUME LIX AN INTERDENOMI!I:ATlONAL REVIEW OF 'WORLD-WIDE CHIUSTIAN PnOGRESS NUMBER 5 MAY, 1936 Topics of the Times THE AWAKENING IN IRAN have endeavored to raise a revolt against the new order but they have been powerless against the Great changes are taking place in Persia or central government. Iran as it is correctly called. The whole country is charged with a different atmosphere. Ten Unfortunately the new idea of freedom and the years ago the old conservative Kajar dynasty was equality of the sexes is in danger of breaking overthrown and a new progressive dynasty was down wholesome restraints. Moving pictures inaugurated under Shah Riza Khan Pahlevi. Since from Hollywood-such as "The Gay Divorcee"- then there have been many evidences of progress and photographs and stories in illustrated papers in the government, in material improvements and convey the idea that Western civilization and freein education, but the nation has still been under dom necessarily involve freedom in divorce and the influence of Moslem laws and customs. These low moral standards. have held the people back-socially, intellectually and religiously. Recent letters from Iran, how- Modern education is also making progress in ever, report remarkable progress on each of these Iran, and the government has assumed the relines. sponsibility for training the youth in Persian ideals. One government order makes all primary First the men were commanded to discard the e?ucation, up through the fifth grade, co-educa- Moslem fez for the Occidental hat or cap as an tIOnal. It is expected that this will soon be exevidence of a "new day." Now the women are tended to high schools. Boy Scouts and Girl told to lay aside the veil-which they believe Mo- Scouts are being organized. The result will be a hammed commanded-and to adopt modern dress. greater freedom in the mingling of the sexes and Women teachers who do not discard the veil are in marriage from personal choice-rather than by dismissed and government officials cannot draw parental arrangement. their pay until they bring their wives with them Reform is in the air in Iran but there are also unveiled. Moving picture theatres do not allow veiled women to enter, and educational inspectors signs of religious change and of a spiritual awaksend home schoolgirls who have not adopted ening. Most of the Iranians are by inheritance modern dress. Recently the Governor of Kash- Moslems, but leaders are declaring that Islam has an, with the Chief of Police and the Superintend- had its dead hand on the people long enough. ent of Schools, gave a series of talks in the Girls' Christian workers have new opportunities to call school which resulted in all throwing off their attention to Christ and His power to give true veils, and on January 9th a decree was issued light and liberty. The n~.ovies are introducing piccertifying the new freedom of Iranian women. tures with a Christian background-including a One notable result is seen in the fact that women film called "Golgotha," showing the trial, death of the Court, without veils, are now attending pub- and resurrection of Jesus. In Meshed, the pilgrim lie receptions with their husbands and are intro- center of Shia Islam, the theater was crowded duced to other men. The wives of members of the with Moslems for several days. A few years ago Mejlis (National Assembly) sent a telegram to such a film would have caused a riot; now it was viewed with quiet attention. the wife of the Shah, expressing gratitude for her efforts in behalf of the emancipation of women. Iranian Christian evangelists reported recently Many of the mullahs and other Moslem leaders that a morshid (leading Sufi dervish teacher or mullah), a man who claims to have more than a [227 ]
thousand followers in all parts of Khorassan, has Evangelicals are connected with the Waldensian made confession of his sins and his faith in Church-that faithful body of Bible Christians in Christ, saying, "I have been totally lost and with- the Piedmont Valley who trace their origin to the out God in my beliefs. I now see that salvation early apostles and never were under the control is with Christ and I believe and accept Him, and of the Pope of Rome. They have always been a I am ready to go forth to tell this good news to humble, hardy and mostly peasant folk, but intelmy followers." ligent, courageous and highminded. After many trials, with persecution and bitter warfare, they A correspondent writes: were finally granted religious liberty on February "God has been working here in a way I have 17, 1848, now observed as "Waldensian Day." never seen before. Twenty-four new believers Those Evangelical Christians have spread, like were introduced to the church on Christmas Day, the Apostolic Church and are now found all over and ten more have come since then. Many of Italy. They include men in high places of rethem are men of position and influence-three sponsibility. have been judges, two lawyers, two doctors, one a prisoner serving a life sentence. It seems like a But the World War, economic depression and quiet revival beginning. God is bringing people the Italy-Ethiopian campaign have brought many to us in most unexpected ways." great hardships. The Waldensian Church, being Another thrilling movement is due to the in- composed largely of poor farmers, while giving fluence of a young medical student, Dr. H–, generously to support its own churches, has not who came to America to study and here became a been able to carryon its larger work without the Christian. Last summer he returned to Teheran help of Christians in America and the British and first of all began to trace all his old friends Isles. These gifts from outside Italy have so and encourage them to become Christians. He fallen off in recent years that the Waldensian opened a clinic where he met a large number work has suffered greatly. Gifts from America whom he also encouraged to study Christianity. alone have been greatly reduced from what they He organized a meeting which grew in numbers were formerly. As a result churches have been and power. His personal witness is remarkable. closed, pastor's small salaries have been reduced One of his groups included army officers, grocers, not once but four times. In many cases one paspolicemen and students. He told them of his quest tor must serve many scattered communities. for a happy life and how, since he had accepted Christ, he had been supremely happy. Now the Italian campaign in Africa has taken He said: "Islam has blinded us. We have lived all these years in the shadow of truth. MyoId many of the Waldensian young men; the "sancfriends and new friends are still unhappy, borne down with a feeling that they are not getting any tions" imposed by the League of Nations and the real value out of life. We can never feel that we have accomplished the purpose for which we were strict regulations of the Italian Government have created unless we do it through Christ." Through his influence a large number have been produced further hardships. The spirit of the interested in Christianity and on Christmas morning over four hundred were present in the church. Waldensians is unshaken. In one community the Twenty-three men and four women were accepted as Catechumens in the church. At the close of the farmers agreed to set aside a piece of land, to service on last Christmas morning one of the most prominent leaders in the Department of Justice furnish free seed and labor so that the crops went up to the platform and stated that he wished publicly to identify himself with Christ. Such an might be sold and given for the central funds of unprecedented event created quite a stir. Formerly each Christmas there had been a special the Church. service, but it was evident that this year the service was limited to those who had not been asso- Naturally in most districts the Roman Catholic ciated with the church; Christians were excluded in order to make room for others. Tickets were clergy are bitterly opposed to the Evangelical given out and the church building was crowded. work in proportion as it succeeds in drawing the W ALDENSIAN SUFFERERS IN ITALY people from the Church of Rome into deeper spir- What has the Italian invasion of Ethiopia to do with the progress of Evangelical Christianity in itual experience. But in many places the people Italy? Much, every way. Most of the Italian welcome the Gospel and attend services in larger numbers. One Roman Catholic, after attending a Waldensian Day celebration, wrote to Signor Paolo Bosio, the Waldensian pastor, as follows: The commemoration was one of the most solemn and unforgettable events I was ever privileged to attend. . . . The immense congregation was moved and thrilled. I do not belong to the Waldensian Church but I admire her and partake -with enthusiasm in her fight and rejoice in her victories for the truth – a most needed work, espe- cially at this time. I believe that nothing but a true spir- itual awakening will make our dear country really great.
The Waldensians are not only thrifty, earnest Bible Christians, but they are missionary-minded and are seeking to spread faith in Christ and the Gospel throughout Italy. They have established
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
modest churches, schools (most of which are now Council and the thirty-eight Natio'nal Christian closed), hospitals, homes for the aged and orphan- Councils are all evidences of a healthy desire for ages in various parts of the country and their Christian fellowship and closer cooperation; they workers are endeavoring to promote child welfare are im,portant steps toward greater unity of through clinics and in, other ways to build up spirit, purpose and action, though these do not intelligent, self-supporting Christian communi- necessarily advocate organic church union. They ties. They are in need of sympathy and help from are motivated by a desire to carry out the ex- fellow Christians. Fourteen congregations have pressed desire of Jesus Christ that all His fol- been deprived of ministers in the past year be- lowers might be One, with the same kind and de- cause of the financial depression. Dr. Guido gree of spiritual unity that exists in the Godhead. Comba writes: "The need is very urgent. We must have help now or we shall be forced to aban- There is a vast difference in the ideals and aims don many mission stations and to close down sev- that actuate these movements. Some would sink eral parts of our work." all doctrinal and ritualistic differences to bring about organic union; others would maintain in- The Waldensians themselves are giving as gen- dependence of thought while promoting unity of erously as they can. Recently they observed self- spirit and closer cooperation. While man is man denial week by making extra gifts for the support and full of imperfection and the spirit of inde- of the work. Rings, gold chains, watches and pendence, perfect union seems to be unattainable other treasures, as well as money, were contrib- if not undesirable. Many interdenominational enterprises have proved failures because they uted to the fund. * were looked upon as requiring compromise or sur- render in important matters of faith and practice. When we think of Italy, and are inclined to How can those unite in matters of Christian testi- severely condemn the unprovoked campaign of mony who disagree on such important questions , Mussolini in Ethiopia, let us not forget the faith- as the deity of Christ, the atonement on the Cross, ful Waldensian Christians who suffer from the the resurrection of Christ from the dead and the warfare but do not condone the selfish purposes Scriptures as the inspired revelation of God? It of the Government. In their Confession of Faith is not necessary to be contentious, suspicious or we see their attitude: "Established authorities aloof in order to hold firmly to these beliefs but we honor and unto such we gladly submit; but there must first be unity in essential matters of human institutions we loathe when they put in faith, loyalty and aim before there can be any true danger the freedom of conscience." union in organization and operation.
UNITY OR UNION IN MISSIONS Dr. E. Stanley Jones, who has been so greatly blessed in his ministry in many lands, makes a Many movements for church union are in the strong – and, we believe, a practical appeal to air. Some are already realized. Interdenomina- Christians of every name to drop divisive labels; tional church union is an accomplished fact in he recommends that all evangelical churches Canada, in India and in China and in branches adopt the name "The Church of Christ"-adding of similar church families in America and Scot- any useful distinctive title to indicate the locality land; the younger branches of various churches in or special family to which the church belongs. Japan, Korea and other mission fields have also Thus: "The Church of Christ in India-Methodist formed National Christian Churches. Other Branch"; "The Church of Christ in China-Bap- similar movements are strongly advocated at tist Branch," or "The Church of Christ in the home and abroad to take in a larger number of United States-Presbyterian Branch." church bodies. The Presbyterian and Reformed churches in the United States are hoping to unite There is no question but that the present divi- and there is some talk of union between Meth- sions and even rivalry in the present evangelical odists and Presbyterians. The Church of Eng- Church are a hindrance to Christian growth and land is joining in conferences to effect consolida- testimony, if not a public scandal and a dishonor tion with other churches in India. There are al- to Christ. There is a growing desire for unity ready in active operation. a large number of inter- and cooperation in so far as these are dictated church federations in America, as well as many and directed by loyalty to Christ as Head of the union cooperative educational and philanthropic Church. At present there is no call for uniformity enterprises on the mission fields. Various inter- or organic union. church conferences, such as those on Faith and Order, Life and Service, the Home and Foreign The reasons for true Christian unity and closer Mission Conferences, the International Missionary fellowship are: • The American Waldensian Society, of which the Rev. Robert W. 1. The fact that all Christians are ideally one Anthony is the new secretary, is located at 156 Fifth Avenue, New in Christ and should recognize this oneness. York.
2. The effect on the world of a united body in cent conference of religious education directors contrast to the effect of a divided church. in Canton, one of the delegates mentioned the fol- 3. The great need to avoid dissention and even lowing difficulties in the training of youth: the appearance of rivalry among the professed 1. Since the Government has forbidden Chris- followers of Christ. Each should recognize the tian teaching schools, students are inclined to rights and values of others. regard religion as discredited, or at least unim- 4. The vast unfinished work that Christ has portant, and some are inclined to despise Chris- given His Church to do and that requires united, tianity.
harmonized witness and service. 2. The non-Christian students so far outnum- 5. The fact that diversity in nonessentials of ber the Christians, even in mission institutions, doctrine and practice is consistent with perfect that the Christian atmosphere and influence is unity in loyalty and service to Christ in different weak or lacking.
ways and places. 3. The divided opinions, lack of training and different standards of nominal Christians make it 6. A great saving of money and effort will in- difficult or impossible to unite them-the result is evitably result from increased unity and coop- a divided church. eration. 4. Non-Christian teachers are very apt to 7. The fact that the conscious experience of undermine the Christian ideas and ideals of stusuch oneness is the expressed desire and plan of dents so that they are confused or become ag- Christ, the head of His body, the Church. nostics.
There has been good cause for the protests 5. The Christian services in many mission inagainst error and for the emphasis on certain for- stitutions fail to attract or meet the needs of stugotten or neglected truths that have given birth dents. In the churches, especially in large centers, to various denominations, but the Ideal is the they often find divisions and controversy which unity of the body, directed by one head. The perplex them. vine is one, and though it has many branches going out in different directions, all draw life 6. Worldly influences tend to draw young Chifrom the same stock and all bear the same good nese away from Christian life and service; they fruit. The ideal family has different branches, incline to seek political preferment, money-makthat may function in various ways, in various lo- ing or pleasure. The Christian motive and values calities, under different names, but all are one in of life are not presented with sufficiently appealloving fellowship and in harmonious service. All ing force. Christians should contribute some important part to the whole, though their individual character- 7. The evidence of injustice, the selfishness, the istics may express themselves differently. immorality and dishonesty in so-called Christian God is too great for any human individual or lands, are looked upon as a virtual denial of Christ group to reveal Him; the work of Christ in the and discredit His teachers.
world is too vast for anyone organization to per- To correct these difficulties in Christian instituform every task and to complete it. tions, H. A. Wittenback suggests (in The Chinese Recorder for March, 1936) that all must have a DIFFICULTIES OF CHINESE YOUTH truly positive and attractive Christian atmos- The youth in China are having a difficult time. phere. Every member of the staff must be a posi- Not only is their land torn by internal strife and tive, intelligent Christian, able and eager to make threatened from the north; not only do they face helpful contacts with students in order to win poverty and distress on every side; but multitudes them to Christ and prepare them for His service. of the youth are drafted for military service and Christianity expressed must also appeal to stuan early death before they are out of their teens. dents, truly vital but adapted to their minds and They learn to fight but know not how to earn a needs, with challenging opportunities for service living when they leave the army. The better edu- that will promote human welfare. The optimism cated Chinese youth, like those of other lands, are and courage of youth mu'st be enlisted in the cause inclined to be idealistic and to seek a speedy cor- of the living, all-powerful, divine Leader who rection of the evils they see-correction by force sacrificed Himself for others.
if peaceful methods do not immediately accom- The youth of today, in China, in Europe, in plish their purpose. America, need the challenge of a cause worth liv- Political, economic, social and religious condi- ing for and worth dying for, under a Leader who tions in China are all far from ideal and many consents to no compromise and offers no easy different remedies are recommended. The situa- task, but who fearlessly, wisely, powerfully, leads tion in China presents a great problem. At a re- on to victory.
A Visit to the Atlas
-~ I By JAMES HALDANE, Mazagan, Morocco I Jie– L===========================~ THE origin of the Berbers of North Africa is meet in the recorded history of Morocco. When still obscure notwithstanding all the efforts the Arabs invaded the country it was with these of scholars to trace it. But this failure, far they clashed in the struggle for supremacy. from curbing curiosity, has given it impetus; the lack of a knowledge of facts has brought several .At any rate, the Arabicized Berbers are now theories to the fore. According to some scholars living in the plains and other sections of the coun- try. In recent years we have been able to open CALLED TO HALT AND EXPLAIN four stations at the base of the Atlas Mountains, but penetration to the glens, or ascent to the high plateau, for permanent mission work, has not been possible. For more than a millennium these peo- ple have lived behind their great natural barrier, isolated from the outside world, having no con- tact with men of another tongue, save when they descended to the plains to plunder.
But the creaky doors of this great wall, which have been bolted and barred so long, are now be- ginning to budge, and here and there at some pass they now stand ajar. Some little time ago I slipped in through one of these, traveled along the furrow and slopes and entered the glens to preach the Gospel where, as far as we know, no missionary of the Cross had ever proclaimed God's way of salvation through Christ.
the Berbers are "The people whom Joshua, the son of Nun, drove out before him." Renan, the famous French historian, championed this origi11. Others, allowing their imagination some scope, in- cline to believe that they are descended from Goliath, whom David slew in combat. This theory is based for the most part on the phrase, "people of the pebble" as a section of the Berbers call themselves, and who. to this day repeat fragments of the story of David and Goliath.
A third theory takes us far back into a hazy past-the Pleistocene Age. At this juncture of history, it is said, there was no Mediterranean Sea, North Africa being territorially joined to what is now southern Europe, while the Atlas Mountains of North Africa were a continuation of the Iberian and Italian ranges. If we accept this OUTSIDE A TYPICAL BERBER VILLAGE last theory we must treat the Berbers as descend- ants of a southern European race. Support is We began to climb at a point where a few years found for this claim.in the fact that the Berbers ago several Europeans were suddenly surrounded are a white race without any of the characteristics by a group of armed mountaineers. They were of real African people found south of the Atlas. led away to the far heights where a powerful gov- One thing, however, we know with certainty, ernor held them for ransom, demanding 3,000,000 namely, that the Berbers are the first people we francs for their release. A military expedition [231 ]
into the region was out of the question, and in troduced ourselves: "Weare ambassadors of a any case would have cost many times over the King, one called Jesus, and we are bearers of a sum demanded. An effort was made to lower the precious message." The barrier in our way was figure, but the crafty Caid perched upon his pla- teau, surrounded by a ring of peaks rising to removed and we proceeded on our journey. The 12,000 feet, far from the reach of cannon balls, slopes were too precipitous to allow the building of villages upon them, and so we climbed until, A GIRL OF PURE BERBER STOCK at an altitude of some 9,000 feet, we suddenly de- bouched into a fertile glen. The place was stud- would not budge. So the ransom money was paid ded with small villages and for the first time, and the captives were released. probably, the people were to meet a missionary.
We had not gone far when a man brought us A hurried visit and superficial observation to a halt. He looked vicious and fanatical and would lead one to conclude that here in this fer- required some tactful handling before we could tile valley, walled in with snow-capped conical . get a hearing. By the use of a little humor we peaks, far from those crushing cares that swamp forced his fanaticism into the background and in- civilized communities, we should find serenity, friendship, hope and love-the virtues that make life wholesome and good. Alas, these virtues, so we found, were scarce to the point of nonexistence. The valley was vitiated from end to end with the villainy characteristic of corrupt human nature, encrusted with a film of religion.
The first man we met was in the throes of a lawsuit. His land had been wrested from him by a neighbor. "If it were a matter of justice," he told us, "I would have no fear. But lawsuits here spell bribery, and my only chance of victory is to put down a larger bribe than my opponent."
This story was typical of many to which we listened. Up on those heights human nature. was hatching out the same forms of evil, with small variation, which are rampant among the Negroes living in swamps a thousand miles further south.
We found the sex evils, inseparable from Islam, in sturdy growth. The tendency to divert con- versation into this channel was conspicuous in almost every audience. One man, whom I nick- named "Sidi Sixty," had just divorced "Lilla Thirty" and married a maid of twelve. He told me that "Lilla Thirty" was jammed with jealousy and had threatened· the maid of twelve with poi- soning. At the end of a long story he concluded: "If this threat materializes it would be serious for me, because I bought my young wife with a bullock and two sheep." The audience enjoyed the narrative of their friend's predicament. When I pointed out to them that this conduct was im- moral the spokesman naively replied: "Weare Moslems, not ethicists."
In all their conversation we heard the name of God pattering about their sentences like hailstones on an ironJoof. No one seemed to be in earnest about life. Valorous effort for anything' but plunder was not known among them. Again and again I noticed that when one man asked a ques- tion of another he was answered with: "God curse your parents," or "God burn your ances- tors." They did this because it was easier than going to the trouble of making an intelligent reply.
ON THE TIBETAN BORDER
In our village a number of men, twelve in all, whose waters were gathered from the melting took to praying. All that was necessary to fit snows of the surrounding mountains. After gothem for the change from filthy talk and evil prac~ ing some thirty miles beyond this river we turned tices to the presence of God was a sprinkling of north into a mountain pass and after traveling water and a solemn visage. Everywhere there through it for some twenty miles, we found ourwas manifest an extraordinary show of both re- selves in a cul-de-sac. It was a beautiful district ligion and roguery! We asked for an explanation with abundance of water, hundreds of villages, of this strange mixture. There was no answer. while on every side were almond trees, vines and A pious exhibition of religion which is not coun- extensive crops. In this pass we found a small ter-poised by a solid basis of morality finds its community of Jews. They wore black skull caps, strongest support in silence.' had long tapering beards and heavy earrings hanging by their cheeks. How strange it seemed We carried with us copies of the Scripture in to find this Jewish group tucked away in this the Berber tongue. There was a reader in each lovely pass! And yet their ancestors were here village, but it was rare to find more than one. before the dawn of the Christian era. Here they They had never seen the Gospel in Berber; and had their synagogue, read the Old Testament in our feelings were stirred as we listened to them Hebrew and passed on from generation to genreading the first chapter of John, while over their eration the salient features of Judaism so that tofaces expressions, suggestive now of surprise, day the physical and religious characteristics of now of fear, now of amusement, chased one an- the Jews are retained in this small community. other. This, with the message I proclaimed, was the first glimpse tney had of Jesus. What feel- They found it hard to believe that our sole misings surged through one's soul as one faced these sion was to preach the Gospel. "Searching for men and women who had dwelt so long alone, and gold?" they hinted. Fortunately we had some who were now hearing for the first time of an New Testaments in Hebrew and some of these event of supreme importance to them, but which were received by readers. But they were disaphappened long centuries ago! pointed with the book, and handled it carelessly. They wanted us to go prospecting for gold away As I write this article that glen lies deep in up on a mountain towards which they directed our snow. Away among the peaks groups of houses, attention. huddled together to form a village, hang on the slopes like cages on a wall. Here and there-so I God willing we shall return to these people, and imagine-a venerable looking man takes out a we trust that the day is not far distant when, by book as the people gather around their fires, and the prayers and gifts of God's people, we shall reads to them in Berber, "Ye must be born again." have a permanent mission station upon these "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man heights from which the messengers of the Cross lay down his life for his friends." shall go forth to proclaim to Jew and Gentile the glad message of the grace of God. Toward the end of this glen we crossed a river On The Tibetan Border Recently we took a trip with our cook, who is 13,000 ft. mark, where crops cannot be grown also a real help in preaching, to the county of and the inhabitants, except for a few Moslem Weiyiian across the mountain range to the north. gold-washers, are nomadic Tibetans in their black, The object of our itinerary was partly to gain yak-hair tents. In one of these tents, prevented -information as to the extent and population of by rain and darkness from making our destinathe district, prior to more intensive evangelism. tion, we were forced one night to seek shelter. In this whole county is one Christian, a hairdress- It was in answer to prayer that a young Tibetan er of whom it may truly be said that no one whose called off the two big dogs that rushed out at us, head he shaves is ignorant of the Gospel. I made and invited us in. the county city, where he lives, my headquarters, and while there held meetings in his humble cot- Beside the fire sat a toothless old man, slowly tage and on the street, several entering their turning his prayer wheel and muttering the while. names as enquirers. I feel sure that a series of On the other side of the fire, our host, showed his evangelistic meetings will mean the establishment hospitality by knocking his wife over the head of a church. with a "waddy," and personally helping us to a handful of ripe butter in our tea. Another night Traveling around the district proved difficult found us in the now familiar interior of a laowing to the absence of inns and the scattered masery, where the red-robed priests fell over each nature of the population. To the west the country other in an endeavour to get tracts and Scriptures rises on to high, cold plateaux, well above the in Tibetan.-H. H. Knight, in China's Millions.
A Letter from Iran to
FOR years I have been reading articles in The non-Christian members of his household used church and missionary periodicals scolding to tell him that his illness was a retribution for members of the American churches for their changing his religion, but his life of joy has been failure to influence foreign residents in the a living denial of any such allegation. He is United States. It is said that some Chinese Chris- known far and wide in Teheran by the nickname tian student has lost his faith while studying in of "joyful liver" and his influence is immense, not a supposedly Christian college in America. A only in the church but among non-Christian stu- missionary, writing from the foreign field, has dents and all with whom he has contact.
stated plainly that one of the great handicaps to More recently a mature Moslem doctor went to the work abroad has been a lack of zeal and a bad the United States for two years of graduate med- example at home. ical study. He had worked in the American hos- Such statements hurt me a lot, for we are part- pital in Teheran some years ago but his contacts ners. While I know there are too many in the churches of America whose lack of spirituality with Christianity were only superficial. He was and careless lives give rise to such criticisms, yet I also know that thousands in every State at home spiritually restless, and one purpose of his jourfeel badly cut-up by these accusations, for you are trying to be worthy of our Lord and to testify ney was because he found no such happiness in for Him as sincerely as any missionaries in other lands. Sometimes I have wondered as to the sad his work as he had observed in the lives of the results, in the case of Christians and truthseekers who come from other lands to America, missionary doctors. In America he made contact whether the fault may lie with the strangers themselves. For instance, have the "Christians" with a hospital in the Boston area and located among them had a firm grounding in their new faith before they fared forth abroad, and have there. At first he had great difficulty with the they sought in the right places and kept at it wholeheartedly before they made their decision language and decided to attend a church largely that Christianity is ineffectual in America. However that may be, I have two bouquets that may to improve his English. But the Christian felcompensate somewhat for the brickbats you have grown accustomed to receive. lowship he experienced, together with a remark- More than a decade ago a young Zoroastrian able dream in which he heard the call of Christ, who had become a Christian in our college in Teheran went to Detroit with a group of Iranian- resulted in his conversion. He and his two schoolstudents for a special course in the Ford plant. Some missionaries were rather fearful of the re- girl daughters were baptized before his period of sults, for he was a very young Christian; but we gave him a letter which he could present to some study was ended. For some months now he has Detroit pastor and sent him off with our prayers. He made use of the letter (which too often such been back in Teheran, and never have we had an students fail to do) and found a welcome in a Detroit church. He identified himself completely Iranian Christian with more evangelistic zeal. with that church and its young people, and his Christian experience steadily deepened during his The doctor is simply indefatigable in introducing stay there. Then came misfortune in the shape of a disease which meant long weeks in the hos- relatives, friends and patients to Jesus Christ, and pital and permanent incapacity for further study or work. He was sent back to Iran and for years a number have already been converted, including has lived the life of an invalid at· home. His American friends in the Detroit church have men prominent in the life of the nation. New never forgotten him and many have kept in touch with him through their letters and gifts. Their evangelistic meetings and Bible classes are being friendship he counts one of his choicest blessings carried on in Iranian homes, and the doctor is the heart and soul of them all. The Teheran church seems to be entering a new era in its development through his influence. To our fellow missionaries at home are due our heartfelt thanks for this in· valuable contribution towards winning Iran for Christ. An important feature of your contribu- tion is that at present there is a law against reli- ° gious propaganda in Iran which theoreticallo makes it illegal for a foreigner to urge non-Chris- tians to accept Christ, but no such law can touch the case of a man who, thousands of miles beyond the frontiers of Iran, accepted Christ on his own initiative.
If you in America will give the student from the mission field that hearty friendship which you can so charmingly offer, and will not be too hesitant about sharing with him the faith and experience in Jesus Christ which mean so much to you, America will not harm him, if he is sincere.· WILLIAM N. WYSHAM.
in a life radiant with Christian faith and joy. Teheran, Iran, November 22, 1935.
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D. L. Moody-Ambassador of Christ*
I I)it- -e( By the. REV. JOHN McDOWELL, D.D., New York Some day you will read in the papers that Dwight L. ing. Through all those wonderful years from Moody, of East Northfield, is dead. Don't you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I 1871 to 1899 the crowds were· as great as ever, am now. I shall have gone up higher, that's all; out of surging around the doors and cramming the hall this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal – a as soon as the doors were open. Mr. Moody was body that death cannot touch, that sin cannot taint; a the embodiment of a wise and effective evangelism body fashioned like unto His own glorious body. I was that was Scriptural in its basis, spiritual in its born of the flesh in 1837. I was born of the Spirit in 1856. aim, personal in its method, social in its expres- That which is born of the flesh may die: that which is sion, cooperative in its action, effective in its apborn of the Spirit will live forever. peal, and fraternal in its spirit. His preaching THESE words of prophecy by Dwight L. was always vital, transforming and practical. It Moody are today reality, luminous and liv- changed human natures and made for holy and ing reality. In December, 1899, death took useful living. the body of Mr. Moody from us but not.his spirit. After a sermon preached in the Congregational That abides, and will abide forever as a benedic- Church of Gill (town not far from Dr. Moody's tion and blessing to the whole world. He lives home), some of his hearers, who were farmers, today in the multitude of men and women all over were discussing him. All of these farmers knew the world whose lives he touched with his inspir- him as a boy. One said: "Whatever criticism you ing and transforming message; he lives in the may have of Dwight's preaching, it has been my institutions which he established for human wel- observation that our chicken coops are always fare at Northfield, Mt. Hermon and Chicago. He safer after Dwight preaches in this town."
lives in his printed sermons and in the books Mr. Moody was never at a loss for a reply to which he published. He lives in the hymns which any question or criticism from his audience.
he inspired, and in the movements which he in- When preaching in Hyde Park, London, on augurated for human service, and in the outstand- "Christ As the Light of the World," one man ing leaders of many of the mightiest movements shouted: "Ah men, the man who invented gas of modern life. did more for the world than Christ," to which We cannot come in touch with a man of such Mr. Moody replied; "Then I suppose, my friend, colossal achievements, transforming influence and when you come to die you will send for the gas masterful power without asking, what was the fitter." All of Mr. Moody's replies and retorts secret of this man's influence and where were the were in the spirit of kindness and helpfulness.
headings of his power? Great men influence the By his spiritual motives and sane methods, world in three ways: by what they say, by what which were void of all sensationalism and clap- they do, and by what they are. trap, Mr. Moody not only won the hearty coopera- 1. Dwight L. Moody influenced the world by tion of all spiritually-minded people and secured what he said-by his preaching. Mr. Moody was the conversion of multitudes of the ungodly, but most himself, most eager and most energetically more completely than any other man of his day alive when he stood before vast audiences to pour he impressed upon the Christian Church her re- out in strong, animating words the Gospel of sponsibility for lost souls and her inescapable ob- God's love for man. His preaching was always ligation to be always and everywhere evangelistic.
Biblical, vivid, picturesque, vital, positive, urgent, He was the inspiration of the summer open-air reasonable and intensely personal. It is generally preaching campaigns in many cities, campaigns conceded that no man ever spoke to more people which carried the Gospel to hundreds of thou- directly than did he. Here was a man who held sands of people during the summer days when and swayed multitudes six days in the week for many churches were closed.
over thirty years and never lost his drawing "God so loved the world that He gave His only power. People never seemed to tire of his preach- begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him * Part of an address at the anniversary of the ninety-ninth birth- should not perish but have everlasting life" was the sum and substance of His message and the day of Dwight L. Moody. founder of the Northfield Schools, on heart of His appeal. Mr. Moody was always in- February 5, 1936, by Dr. John McDowell, a member of the class of 1890, Mt. Hermon.
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tense in spirit but was generally conversational in that the primary purpose of education is formatone and never was theatrical; his gestures simple tion rather than information, that the mere acand his sentences direct and pungent. The New quisition of knowledge is in itself not enough. He York Times, in speaking of Mr. Moody's work in believed that the real goal of all true education is New York City, said: "Whatever philosophical the full integrated personality that finds expresskeptics may say, the work accomplished this sion in clear thinking, right feeling and effective winter by Mr. Moody in this city for private and action. Mr. Moody rejoiced in all that made the public morale will live. The drunken have be- minds of men and women more capable of undercome sober, the vicious virtuous, the worldly and standing. He also believed that the man who self-seeking unselfish, the ignoble noble, the im- could read the Bible for himself had opened up pure pure, the youth have started with more gen- the avenue through which God could speak to him. erous aims, the old have been stirred from gross- This was a fundamental conviction in the life of ness. A new hope has lifted up hundreds of hu- Mr. Moody, and for this reason he made the Bible man beings, a new consolation has come to the central in all the work of his schools, going so sorrowful, and a better spirit has entered the far as to put a Bible in the cornerstone of every sordid life of the day through the labors of these major building erected on the campuses of the plain men. Whatever the prejudiced may say Northfield Schools. against them, the honest-minded and just will not forget their labors of love." Dr. Arthur T. Pierson has well said: "As Arnold made Rugby a nursery of a peculiar type "Dwight L. Moody was undeniably the most of British man of culture, Moody made the Northextraordinary Gospel preacher that America has field Schools nurseries of Christian character and produced in this century as Spurgeon was the Christian service." Mr. Moody recognized that most extraordinary that Britain has produced, the methods and means of Christian education said Dr. Theodore Cuyler. "Both had all Chris- would change but its purpose and aim should retendom at their feet." main unchanged and unchangeable. There was no divorce in Mr. Moody's mind between his work The Testimony by Deeds as an evangelist and his work as an educator. All of his activities were one in his own mind, and 2. Dwight L. Moody also influenced the world hence wherever he was and whatever he did he by what he did. The man of thought is the brain was preeminently The Ambassador of Christ, and of the community, the man of feeling is the heart that because in his faith Christ was his Saviour, of the community, the man of deeds is the hand of his Teacher, and his Lord. the community. Many facts show that Mr. Moody was all three of these things in every com- Measured by whatever standards you please, munity in which he lived and worked. "Time," whether by his influence on men or on movements, said Prof. Drummond, "has only deepened the im- or both, Mr. Moody stands out as one of the greatpression not only of the magnitude of the results est men in the magnitude of his achievements and immediately secured through Mr. Moody's visit the preeminence of his influence. As a preaCher to Scotland, but equally of the permanence of the of the Gospel, as a master of great audiences, as after-effects upon every field of social, philan- an administrator, as an agent for men of wealth, thropic, educational and religious activity." Mr. as a transmuter of money into bricks, stones, Moody was keenly alive to the fact that religion books, tracts and Christian character, Mr. Moody and education were the primary factors in the rightly ranks as one of the greatest men of any making of the individual and the nation. Out of day. this conviction grew his untiring effort to make and keep both religion and education genuinely The Testimony of Character Christian. The primary aim of every institution which Mr. Moody founded was to make Chris- 3. Mr. Moody also influenced the world by what tians, not critics; to make servants as well as he was-by his life and his character. Emerson scholars. Mr. Moody sought not simply to edu- said: "Men are not quite so anxious to know cate but to educate for a definite service, the serv- what you do as what makes you do it." The dyice of Christ. namic forces of Mr. Moody's life were spiritual forces. He was the product of his faith in Jesus Mr. Moody's conviction was that without reli- Christ and apart from this faith it would be imgion life cannot be noble, without service it can- possible to account for him. He was a man of not be unselfish, without duty it cannot be free, unfaltering faith, a faith that was real to him and without companionship it cannot be human. and he made it real to others. It was active rather Over and over again he used to say to us: "The than passive for it was intensely practical. Its purpose of life is service, and the reward of serv- nature is splendidly set forth in a reply he once ice is more service." It was his conviction, also, made when asked why he did not run his schools on faith. "I do," he quickly responded, "I always
D. L. MOODY – AMBASSADOR OF CHRIST
have and always will. As an evidence of it if you Of his visit to Harvard, Dr. Francis G. Peabody, will tell me of any Christian man who has money in His Reminiscences of Present-Day Saints, said: to whom I have not written or on whom I have "Moody immediately impressed all hearers as not called, I will do so at once. I show my faith completely single-handed and sincere. He was when I go to men and ask them to give to God's genuinely conscious of his own limitations, and work." Faith in Mr. Moody was a matter of con- while a guest at my house with his wife for a secration as well as affirmation, a way of walking week's meetings with Harvard students inquired rather than a way of talking, a way of working one morning about the duties of a professor. Berather than a way of loafing. It was the power ing told that one usually lectured four or five that held him rather than a form of truth which times a week during the whole winter he said he held. He was the embodiment of a "faith that across the table to his wife: 'Emma, this is no worked by love." "I have never known," said place for us, I only last three weeks.''' "His Lord Kinnaird of Scotland, "anyone whose faith prodigious popularity," continued Prof. Peabody, was so real and abounding. No difficulty could "had not cost him his simplicity or humility. He daunt him, no perplexity could cloud his faith in remained a plain man and knew himself to be God or dim his calm belief that all would be well." about his Father's business."
He was also a man of singleness of purpose. If wisdom is knowledge made our own and ap- His heart was in everything he did. As a sales- plied to life, then Mr. Moody must be credited man in the shoe store, a teacher in the Sunday with large and unusual wisdom. If education is school, a preacher of the Gospel, a leader of men not a dead mass of accumulated items but power and movements he showed that his life was dom- to work with the brain, then Mr. Moody was one inated by one great purpose, namely, the doing of of the best educated men of his day. If the mark the will of God. His was not only a consecrated of an educated man is found in the union of calife, it was a concentrated lif~. He realized that pacity and sagacity, inate mental vigor and practhe secret of all moral force, of spiritual success, tical ability to use it for a purpose, we come to say of reality is in consecration and concentration. that Mr. Moody was no common specimen of a He could not only set a dozen men at work, he man of education in the best sense. Recently in could outwork them. New York City in one of the public schools a teacher asked a ciass composed mostly of chil- He was a man of sterling sincerity. "It is re- dren of foreign-born parents' what the difference freshing at all times and especially in this super- was between an educated man and an intelligent ficial and artificial world," wrote the editor of man. One of the pupils replied, "An educated The Catholic World at the time of Mr. Moody's man knows what other people think; an intellideath, "to come into contact with such a genuine gent man works his own thinks." On the basis soul, a nature so sincere, so simple that it seems of this definition, Mr. Moody was not exceeded a mirror of nature itself." Mr. Moody never sac- by any man in his generation. rificed sincerity for success. The transparency of his character and the sincerity of his acts were so He was a man of democratic spirit. He knew marked that none who ever knew him could never no difference between rich and poor, high and low. forget them. Between his pulpit utterances ana He knew everybody in the community, and everyhis private life there was no fixed gulf, nor was body knew him and loved him. One evening at a there any between his Monday warfare and his great meeting in London a certain peer was in- Sunday worship. He had a passion for sincerity, troduced. "Glad to meet you, Lord," said Mr. "the clean heart," "for truth in the inward parts." Moody, "just get two chairs for those two old He had an inborn dislike for all sham and decep- ladies over there, will you?" That was the spirit tion. For a man to say what he really thinks and of the man. to be outwardly what he really is in his heart requires heroism of no mean type. This heroism Mr. Moody's keen wit and practical common Mr. Moody possessed in a remarkable degree. His sense is splendidly illustrated by the following presence killed insincerity and inspired sincerity. incident. On board a train on which Mr. Moody He was a hero to his own children and to his was riding the newsboy came through shouting: friends. "Ingersoll on Hell." Mr. Moody caught the boy and placed one of his own books, a book on heaven, He was a man of genuine humility. Henry in the boy's hand, saying: "Here, my lad, here is Drummond said: "The way he turned aside from another book. Give them that at the same time." applause in England struck multitudes with won- In a few minutes the boy came through the train der." The criticism which sours and the adula- shouting: "Ingersoll on Hell, Moody on Heaven." tion which spoils left untouched this man who Mr. Moody was a firm believer that the best way forgot himself into immortality. Among college to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue stUdents, Mr. Moody was always a vital power. about it or to spend your time denouncing it but
in laying a straight stick alongside of it. Much religion, the center of his message, the incentive of his achievement and the secret of his power. of his success in· dealing with many of the com- When urged on one occasion by a supporter of his schools to raise the tuition from $100 a year plicated problems which confronted him was due to $200 with the suggestion that those who could not pay the extra $100 should secure some friend to this kind bit of practical philosophy. . to do it, Mr. Moody with tears streaming down his face replied: "It has been the prayer of my D. L. Moody was a man of unceasing prayer. life that I might be that friend to every student who enters these schools," and he was until the Here we touch the source of his matchless power. day of his death. His interest in his students never ceased. They were on his heart day and God was not to him a mere law or an abstraction, night.
but he knew God was a Person who feels and No career of modern times is a better commen- tary on the high motto of the Apostle Paul, "For thinks, a Father who rules and loves and is con- me to live is Christ, and to die is gain," than that of Dwight L. Moody. Neither God nor man will cerned with everything which affects His chil- let such a life die.
dren. As a result we are not surprised to find Mr. MoodY leading a life of ceaseless communion with God, out of which grew a life of overcoming strength. There was a correspondence between Mr. Moody's life and his prayers: both were mas- sive and on a grand scale.
He was a man of deep, strong, abiding love.
This was the motive of his life, the essence of his Among Australian Aborigines By MRS. D. MATTHEWS, Adelaide, Victoria, Australia T HE aborigines of Australia are said to be the who was a full black with eight half-caste chil- most difficult race in the world to civilize and dren. Mr. Matthews had selected the land for- Christianize. My experience among them merly belonging to the squatter and tried to keep dates from 1872 when Mr. Daniel Matthews and the black and white men working for him. We I were married in Melbourne and went forty miles had a schoolhouse built and I was there with our out among the mountains to spend our honeymoon little daughter and a piano. Eventually the numon a mission station superintended by a Scotch- bers in the school increased to one hundred and man named Green. fifty-three. It was a work of faith and the in- come grew from £30 to over £1,000 a year. We ABORIGINAL CHILDREN AT PLAY prayed for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and They amuse themselves painting their bodies with clay for a showers of blessing came until one hundred were converted and became bright Christians. native dance One of our interesting characters was Bur- Mr. Matthews had a store at a place called rawaja, a fearless little Australian aboriginal, Echuca, about 150 miles from Melbourne, on the ready to meet an attack at a moment's notice. He Murray River. After two years we went sixteen was tall for his age (eleven years), truthful and miles further into the bush and began our mis- always ready to own up to any wrong-doing, even sion at Maloga (aboriginal name for sand). if it meant punishment, He would ask to be cor- About ten miles from Maloga there was a camp rected if he had done wrong and was not content of blacks on a squatters station – one woman, if a fault was overlooked. Burrawaja's father (known by the name of "Flourbag") was a fine type of Australian aboriginal. So were Torraline, his clever mother, and Badbagurrior, his elder brother, a handsome young man of seventeen. Any of our brown girls would be proud to be thought fit to marry Badbagurrior. These, with two older members· of the family who have not had the privileges of the mission home, were all noble in bush character. Each one a jewel worth winning for our Saviour's crown.
The father and mother were chosen to go as guides to assist Sir Hubert Wilkins (then Cap- tain Wilkins), the Antartic explorer, a wonderful hero in the eyes of Burrawaja, our young warrior of Arnheim land in Northern Australia.
Next Step in Foreign Missions~
By BISHOP PAUL B. KERN, Greensboro, North Carolina 1'- Methodist Episcopal Church, South ~==========================~I "WE ARE at the end of an era and on the of Christianity. Missions is by its very nature border of another for which we have no cosmic. It is at home only amid universal con- technique," said Frederick W. Norwood cepts and reaches its true height and power only recently. "We have really succeeded in reaching as it deals with humanity in the totality of its life our objectives and are in danger of being defeated as nations and races and civilizations. For this by our own victories." reason, therefore, we have always looked to our These words hardly startle us any longer. The missionary enterprise to set the stage for the ad- average informed citizen complacently recognizes vance of the Christian faith and if it should fail the fact that an old era is dead and a new one is in this daring commission which is so vitally a being born. The fact of the imminence of a new part of its very essence, then it would not only world order is no longer questioned; the interest- collapse as a movement within the Church but it ing query that still claims our would entail a far more serious attention is what kind of a new result, namely, the lowering of national and international set- We cannot stand still in the spiritual tone and the ob- up will eventuate from the personal life; we either ad- scuring of the spiritual outlook vance or retrograde. It is present confusion and turmoil. equally. true that we cannot of the Church itself. Chris- If a new day for mankind will merely mark time in foreign tianity could never have surbe born tomorrow what kind of missions; we either advance vived had it timidly entrenched a day will it be? with Christ, who is always itself in Jerusalem. Its very leading on, or we drop be- perpetuity was dependent upon The Christi-an Church can- hind and lose our vital con- the agonizing recklessness with not for a moment allow herself tact with Him. Bishop Kern, which it broke away from ecto be indifferent to the revolu- tionary processes which are re- in his Florida addresses, has clesiastical traditionalism and called attention to the HNext making the very world in Steps in Foreign Missionstt thrust itself and its risen Lord which we live. Our faith was and His Way of Life into the born in a time of restless world as he sees it – the end of one indifferent, lust-infested cenagitation. Conflict is conso- era and the entrance on an- ters of Asia Minor and Europe. nant with its very nature. The It grew great by refusing to Church has grown great and other – will it be forward stay safely at home. When with Christ or a step back- ward, with separation from influential when it has taken Him and His service? therefore we are discussing its courage in hand and dared "Our Next Step in Foreign to become a central factor in Missions" we are dealing with those critical periods which have marked the up- a theme which holds implicity within it the imme- ward climb of nations and races toward a higher diate future and destiny of the Christian Church.
social dream. She remains aloof only to imperil For neither the Church nor the Gospel can stand her soul rather than save it. When her faith still in a world that is moving forward.
falters and her voice hesitates the ardent spirits A Olear Message and Purpose of the world's adventurers turn to lesser creeds and more selfish loyalties, the Church refusing to What then are the next steps that insistently risk her life by losing it in the common struggle challenge us in our foreign missionary underfor a higher Kingdom of values. taking? In the first place, we must reexamine and reaffirm Christianity's central message and No part of the Church can less afford to remain purpose. Many world currents and modern phiinsensitive to these structural changes than that losophies have combined to throw an element of group which is specifically charged with the ad- dubiousness around the Christian message and ministration and projection of the world mission • An address delivered at the Florida Chain of 'Miss[onary As- ideal. Conceptions of society which afford either semblies. 1936.
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no place for religion or a place of subservience Redeemer. James Denney summed it up when he for the Church have taken shape in Europe; an said, "Christ not only was something in the increasing dependence upon diplomatic maneuver- world, he did something that make an infinite difing and ever-mounting armaments has supplanted ference, and that puts us under an infinite obliour growing confidence in the power of interna- gation. He bore our sins." And central in the tional goodwill; the fading of democracy from Gospel message is the Kingdom of God. Jesus the international map carries with it a conception held out as a practicable ideal a new world order of the value and dignity of the common individual in which love should supplant hate and cooperain society which leads to the glory of dictators tion should put to rout unholy competition. That but the submerging of rights of the individual; we have so slowly achieved this commonwealth the prevalence of pessimism and despair upon the of divine goodwill is an indictment of our perpart of so many of our fellow citizens who are the verse human nature rather than a reflection upon victims of economic selfishness and maladjust- the practicality of the Sermon on the Mount. ment raises questions which involve the effectiveness of the Gospel in our American social order; How strongly do we believe these central facts the easy-going creed of humanism and the brittle of our Christian message? Do we not need at philosophy of materialism have left us groveling home and abroad to reaffirm their inescapable in the dust rather than struggling upward to meet centrality in all our teaching and preaching? Our a divine ideal which is ever reaching down to set first step, therefore, is to redefine the intellectual our hearts on fire for godlikeness. This is to- and doctrinal basis upon which we posit the whole day's challenge to the Christian Church. Will she Christian movement. This must be done in no be able to offer moral and intellectual leadership formal and indifferent manner. A Church that for the confusion of our times? "The Church can refuses to believe greatly cannot live grandly. never interpret its own truth in terms of the Unless in the center of our souls bells ring with world's falsehoods." She must declare a trans- a clear and impelling sound they will call no worforming message that will be true to New Testa- shippers to prayer. Amid the welter of confusion ment Christianity and at the same time be ade- that besets the world mind today the Christian quate to meet the grievous needs which arise out evangel needs to proclaim a gospel that has about of the moral bankruptcy of our times. It is not it the dogmatism that is implicit in the utterance our business to conform our message to the pass- of Jesus when he said, "Ye have heard-but I say ing fashions of each generation. It is rather our unto you." business to bring each passing age into conformity with the eternal Gospel. It is no theoretical reason which calls for the redefinition of our faith in terms which are mod- Unyielding Oertitudes ern because they are eternal. Every practical consideration drives us to the same strategy. The The reexamination and reaffirmation of the doc- Church itself needs to clear up much of the mood trinal basis underneath our message will reveal of uncertainty in faith which has characterized three cardinal and unyielding certitudes. Jesus her hesitancy in more recent years. The world is Lord. He is not merely a way but the Way; enterprise will not proceed further in geography not merely a truth about God but the Truth about than it does in belief, and men and women will God; not simply a life redolent with the divine not go 1;0 the ends of the earth merely to ask but the Life through which and in which God questions and lead discussion groups concerning completely and unequivocally revealed Himself. God and the eternal life. Also we take note of Or as Principal Forsyth has said, "In Jesus Christ the fact that competing non-Christian religions we have one who was conscious of standing in an are stripping themselves of superstitions and entirely unique relation to the Living God. He outworn customs in order to meet the issue of a held a relation to God as Father that never existed more widely diffused knowledge. Buddhism is in any man before, nay, more, it was one that no having an intellectual rebirth and Confucianism man can ever reach again." Let us frankly face and Shintoism are being readapted to the needs the fact that ours is a supernatural religion be- of the intelligent Oriental. Christianity cannot cause at its fountain head stands One "who spake remain an obscurantist faith in a world where the as never man spake" and lived as never man lived. light of education is steadily lifting the level of intelligence. Furthermore, Christian youth in The second cardinal fact which needs reaffirma- our own land needs to be reassured concerning tion is that Christianity offers salvation for the the future of the missionary enterprise. Far too individual life. It undertakes not merely to change one's environment but rather to recon- many of them have been forced to abandon life struct the centers of one's personality. The world purposes which had thoroughly captivated their needs supremely not a moral teacher but a divine wills because the church under whose banner they were eager to serve has been retreating rather
THE NEXT STEP IN FOREIGN MISSIONS
than advancing, has counseled them to wait and common task. To underestimate the gravity and wait and keep on waiting until the precious years the urgency of our world problem is to be blind of their young manhood and womanhood have to the signs of the times. "The materialistic phislipped away and the Church sends them not losophy of the day, the violence of the destructive, forth unto the fields which are white unto the communistic activity, the powers of paganism and harvest. If the youth of our colleges and sem- of faiths and systems contrary to the teachings inaries give to this enterprise all that they have of Christ, the reactionary attitude of so many govto give, namely, their lives, has not the hour come ernments with reference to religious liberty, the when the Church should carryon the campus perilous subordination of religion to serve the again a modern philosophy of the missionary en- political ends of the totalitarian conception of the terprise and a resolute and dependable world pro- State, and the necessity of recasting the prevailgram into which our choicest young men and ing industrial and commercial system so that it women may build their lives with confidence? will not negative the principles of Christian love or conduce to international war," these – to use A Complete Gospel the words of Dr. Mott-present a challenge to the followers of Christ so momentous and far-reach- The clear emphasis upon the cardinal necessity ing that they can be met by no one group but of a belief in a complete gospel, embracing a di- only by all Christians acting in common effort vine Saviour, a redemptive power that redeems for the· preservation of the faith and the spread the individual, and the Kingdom of God as the of the Christ ideal. urgent ideal that awaits our full obedience to Christ, is made even more pertinent because of A pioneering period is always a time of indicertain trends of the native churches among vidualism in effort. But we believe that there is which we have been working. Take for example no longer a need for an independent, noncooperathe doctrinal conflicts which have arisen in Africa tive enterprise on the foreign fields. The emand China. Upon the rear end of every mission- phasis must rather be upon the Kingdom of God, ary enterprise there seems always to be a fanati- the unity of purpose and faith in Christ of all cal fringe of well meaning conservatives who those who labor for the salvation of the world, interpret religion in terms of nonessentials and and the primacy of love as the exhibition of abnormal manifestations rather than accept the Christ's way and the open road into the heart of great underlying verities of the Christian faith. mankind. Who can doubt that Christ wills' this This minority has about it all the enthusiasm of kind of unity for all His disciples? Our luxurious ignorance and often in energy far outstrips the and expensive divisions cannot longer justify saner interpreters of the Christian message. Un- themselves at the bar of the Christian judgment. reasonably rigid ideas of the Bible, psychic faith healing, rabid individualism and exclusivism, all This cooperation does not imply the fusing of these come in the trail of the Christian movement all denominational groups into one. Such types and often embarrass not only the missionary but of unity can come only as men grow together in the earnest native seeker after the Christian way. Christ and cannot be superimposed by idealistic These proponents of a marginal gospel make up missionary strategists. But we can multiply the for their lack of intellectual acceptability by their apostles of reconciliation, clear up recognized obdogmatic and unyielding confidence in their gos- jections and difficulties, embrace the spirit of tolpel. And the world listens strangely enough to erance, minimize nonessentials, magnify Christ men who make the impression that they know. and seek the unity of the spirit in the bond of The cure for this condition which embarrasses the peace. The results of this attitude, at home and Christian movement in more than one area is not abroad, will not only more effectively extend the the hesitancy of views tentatively held but as- Kingdom but will assure us of that divine leadersurance regarding pivotal beliefs which grounds ship which becomes operative only when men itself not alone in intelligence but also in experi- share the Master's consuming passion that they ence and widely tested social action. may all be one.
Let us therefore reexamine in the frankest Onward to Victory spirit the elements that make up our Gospel, and having found them to be eternal and sufficient, The next step that lies before us beckons from let us proclaim them in faith that is rooted in be- the angle of both faith and action. Faith is still lief and confidence that is born of God. the victory that overcomes the world. The annals of missionary history are rich in examples of how The second forward step in missions lies in the faith "conquered kingdoms, obtained promises, realm of cooperation. We should definitely seek shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of a larger unity of effort in accomplishing the work fire and routed hosts of foreigners." If we lose ahead of us. We need to think, plan, pray and this element from our planning, this daring couract in terms of the wholeness and oneness of our age to undertake the humanly impossible in the
name of Christ who assures us that "all things a pioneering spirit upon the part of the Church?
are possible to him that believeth"; if we lose, I Take as a concrete illustration of this unfin- say, this divinereinforceinent through lack of ished task the work awaiting us in the villages faith, then our enterprise drops to the level ofa and open country of Japan. I can testify to the drab bit of proselytism which soon defeats itself. sustained enthusiasm with which the Gospel is In this spirit therefore, let us face our third and received in these rural areas. Japan has 11,434 final step: we must initiate a definite and stra- towns and villages. Of her towns of 2',500 and tegic advance in the face of an awakened but hesi- more exactly one-half have some Christian con- tant Church and a confused but eager world. tacts, even slight though it is. Of her 9,737 vil- Barriers that once blocked us are gone, "a world lages only 610 are occupied by a church or preach- is on the anvil," and we may create a new type of ing place, leaving 9,127 lying beyond the range Christian world culture if we are sure of our goal of the Christian advance. These figures speak and our spiritual resources. The safest defense for themselves; almost 10,000 towns and villages is a bold offense. There are latent powers of love still remain absolutely virgin soil for the Gospel.
of money, of personality which the Church will More than one-half of Japan's population have never place on the altar of humanity's need until never in any true sense heard a Christian it beholds in all its appalling agony the condition preacher. Small wonder that Kagawa could say of a world without Christ and catches the inspira- recently, "I feel that the evangelization of Japan, tion of a leadership which shares the sacrificial very far from being accomplished, is only barely abandon of a Saviour who counted not his lii begun." There is a Japanese proverb which says: dear unto himself. . . . "If you are in a hurry, don't try a short cut."
The Christian mind in our churches must come One wonders how soon we shall arrive by re- to view the missionary task in its world relation- trenching on every field and taking short cuts ship. Never have so many intelligent citizens that lead us only into confusion and retreat.
been so conscious of a world conflict as today. One other step is immediately ahead. We need Whether it be in South America, China, Japan, to be finding and training a selected group of India or the Philippines, or where not, forces are young men and women to be thrown into this in conflict that are remaking the world. Jesus battle line within the next ten years. There can commanded us to "make disciples of all nations." be no random commissioning of the Church's sec- He visioned Christianity as a world force. It ond best. Sound bodies to bear the strain of in- structurally affected the Grreco-Roman world. hospitable climates; steady psychic centers to It has been, as it was meant to be, a vitalizing, overcome novelty and loneliness; keen, well- integrating, redeeming force in the political and trained minds capable of entering sympathetically social life of every generation. . . . The Chris- into age-old cultural backgrounds; hearts that tian message and the Christian messenger are in- are aflame with incandescent ardor for Christ and dispensable factors in building a new world order a Christless world-upon these must the Church and no nation will long be safe when the founda- lay the high commission of the Master: "Go ye tions of world security crumble through lack of into all the world. . . . Lo, I am with you always."
moral strength. When the Church has done these things, has All of this is only another way of saying that acted on the light she has, has dared to adventure we need to project a program of missionary edu- for God-then she can pray in righteous sincerity, cation into the life of the local church that shall "Thy Kingdom come." Faith without works is deal with missions in the light of present-day de- dead and prayer without sacrifice is futile. We velopments and ideals. Far too few of our min- used to say, "When a million Christians go from isters are preaching missionary sermons which their knees to any task, it shall be done." Pos- reveal a modern viewpoint and impress the faith- sibly we need now to reverse that historic state- ful and intelligent judgment of Christian laymen ment and say, "When a million Christians go of the higher and creative type. A whole new from any task to their knees, God will answer."
generation of church leaders has arisen which has And so our next steps are clearly to accept the never confronted the imperative and persisting abiding obligation which the cross of Jesus placed quality of Christ's last command. Ours is a holy upon all believers, to minimize our differences and cause. Let us not hesitate to lay it upon the heart magnify our agreements, laboring together for a of the church with unabated zeal. common goal in Christ, and finally, to move out Another urgent reason for this advance is that upon His promises, trusting where we cannot see, the unoccupied areas of the world are still unoc- until the eternal purpose which He purposed in cupied. Why is it that there are today virtually Jesus Christ shall become the glorious fact which as many unoccupied fields in the world as were God believed possible when He gave the world reported at the Edinburgh conference twenty-five His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth years ago? Is it spiritual apathy or the lack of on Him might not perish but have everlasting life.
Whitman;.Spalding
By the REV. ARTHUR H. LIMOUZE, New York Se.,etary o/Promotion, Board 0/ National Missions, Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
O NE hundred years ago a little group of mis- less; but news of the massacre of the Whitman sionaries took the long fearsome overland party in 1847 crawled on leaden feet across the trail from the East to Oregon to write a continent. chapter in the Christian occupation -of the Northwest that will engross the attention and challenge Yet, in spite of the speedy tempo of our own the pioneering spirit anew of the Church of Christ day, it is a question whether our missionary enter- prise is any more farseeing and aggressive than today. the Oregon mission of 1836-1847. Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, Henry and The Whitmans and Spaldings had a real mis- Eliza Spalding, and William H. Gray were in that sionary program. It included the creation of that venturesome band. Within two years they were fundamental of American society-the Christian joined by the Walkers, the Eells, and the Smiths, home, the evangelization of the Indian for Christ, all commissioned by the American Board of Com- the ministry of preventive and curative medicine, missioners for Foreign Missions. These were the the project of agricultural missions, anticipating days when, under "The Plan of Union," Congrega- the economic needs of nomads soon compelled to tionalists and Presbyterians interchanged pastors settle down; the establishment of schools; the and cooperated not only in local churches but also development of community life; and the organizain foreign missions. Presbyterians like the tion of the Christian Church. Whitmans and Spaldings went "into all the world" commissioned by that great pioneer missionary organization, the American Board. Together this group sought the evangelization of the Indians of Oregon Territory, and the establishment of the Church. In this particular instance they went to what was known as a "foreign mis- sions" field.
. A foreign field it was then, indeed. If a strange ~WJOO:"""""""'''lI''''''' environment, a native people, a new tongue and I llU)fAttl.W '111'& J'zt. ?£.a~ 'J.IUH. YlIT~I:IW!"'''''''''''' separation from home are factors creating such a field, then theirs was such. Today we make I.oW('f!lJ•• o-tTi!ilJIM1·tlll:t.llUAT WUHef!. . . . . . ." " " '. . . . . . . . . .' " much of the length of time required for a letter "X'jVt:;u,,'l A&,gt 02 ·t~ qr~ INDU.N to reach remote mission stations. Narcissa Whitman waited two years and five months in distant r:Wtt I.. ,I"(ga ilO/.&!) ill':; .f.iJ!i'i.t ~ifD lAlbt.1' ltU'OItE .JUtm Oregon, after leaving her New York home, for a letter from her people. "Home and friends and YUrt,. "I:s,""l C..#Ii'. "tllLltl.al iI·V.rt!:C1'UlI) "tam 'ROlf KrtACit..
fiC-; t;'-…..J,J OY 1:>"'s0 …..a::t,rrJ "tUIS iut.n IN lP'Jt«lR orWIU'LlIW 'ru~ '''/tJ~. tl…JliIAiUiJljljj ..lilJ) llV,.A.1a, utADtR 0.1 A. HO~ ~.£OPL!..
TABLET TO HOL-LOL-SOTE-TOTE WHO PREIVENTED A MASSACRE kindred" were further away from WaiiIatpu, "the All of this had to be wrought out anew. If place of rye grass," and Lapwai, "Butterfly Val- Oregon was virgin territory for settlers, it was ley," in Oregon, than is the most distant mission the same for mission work. Out of what they station in the world today. dragged over prairies and mountains, across There were no planes, or radio communications rivers and deserts, and from that which was nato keep these missionaries in touch with the folks tive to the field, these pioneers brought into beback home. A depression could occur, as it did ing a crude replica of the dear familiar ideals and in 1837, and be over before word of its occurrence institutions of their eastern homes. The story reached them. The untimely end of .Wiley Po~t of what they accomplished, in the face of diffiand Will Rogers was known in the States within culties natural and human, is remarkable. Clifa few hours after it occurred near the Presby- ford-Merrill Drury, in his new book, "Henry terian Mission at Barrow, Alaska, due to the wire- Harmon Spalding, Pioneer of Old Oregon," por- [243 ]
trays in a vivid and accurate fashion the goals an industrial situation marked by long hours, they reached in the short years they labored. poor pay, and all the problems of mill towns. They were real pioneers for Christ, the Church and civilization. Canal and river transportation grew by leaps and bounds. "By 1834 river navigation had be- The Whitman-Spalding Mission was the result come important. In the forties the West had of the urge to carry the Gospel to the Indians of more marine tonnage than the entire Atlantic the Northwest born of the visit of four Nez Perce seaboard. By 1850 there were nearly a thousand Indians to St. Louis in the fall of 1831. Their boats operating on the Mississippi, and as early famous quest for "the White Man's Book" has as 1834 the steam tonnage on that river was come down as a familiar story in modern mis- nearly half that of the British Empire." sions. The spiritual hunger they represented stirred the Methodist Episcopal Church to send Whitman and Spalding with their wives were Jason Lee and his compatriots to the Willamette. the products of a growing educational system It moved Dr. Samuel Parker, a Congregational marked by two characteristics: the inauguration minister of mature years, already touched by the of free education in the lower grades, and the zeal of the Haystack Prayer meeting spirit which multiplication of colleges, 150 denominational infired him at Williams, to offer himself to the stitutions coming into being by the middle of the American Board for a similar mission. It caught 19th Century. up Dr. Marcus Whitman, a Presbyterian elder of Rushville, N. Y., as his companion on a trip of The great question of human slavery was beexploration, sent him back to New York to secure ing raised in many quarters. Just five years be- Henry Harmon Spalding, a graduate of old fore, in 1831, William Lloyd Garrison had pub- Western Reserve College and Lane Seminary, and lished "in the sight of Bunker Hill and in the his young wife, Eliza Hart of Holland Patent, birthplace of Liberty," Boston, his first number of N. Y., as well as Narcissa Prentiss as wife and The Liberator. Daniel Webster was shaping a fellow laborer, for the mission to be established principle of nationalism that was to be of proin Oregon. It also enlisted William H. Gray, of found significance within thirty years. The Fairfield, N. Y., as an industrial missionary later Church itself was being divided by the issue of to become the writer of that "History of Oregon" slavery. Old School and New School Presbywhich describes in eye-witness fashion the labors terians were forming their lines, while at the and sorrows, the victories and the tragedies of same time the great foreign missionary passion the Whitmans and Spaldings. of the Church was gripping its ministers and youth. The Whitmans and Spaldings lived in a stirring era of America's history. It was a time of great "The wants and woes of the heathen," wrote national territorial expansion. The year they Eliza Spalding from Cincinnati to her sister, started for Oregon was the year of the Alamo, "have too long been neglected by Christian nawhen that little band of Texans within the mis- tions, who have not only the Saviour's command sion building at San Antonio were wiped out by binding upon them, to go and proclaim His Gospel Santa Anna and his three thousand Mexican to all nations, but are furnished with ample troops. That massacre led to the birth of a new means for the mighty work. When I reflect upon State and a further increase of the territory of the wretched condition of those benighted souls the Republic. who are sitting in the gloom and shadow of death, I actually long to depart and be with them, to tell With increasing land area went an accompany- them the story of a Saviour's dying love." ing growth in population, industry, transportation, and educational opportunities. Marcus Whitman and Narcissa Prentiss were united in marriage on February 18, 1836, in the Immigration began to swell until in one year little Presbyterian Church in Angelica, N. Y. it shot up from 10,000 in 1825 to 300,000 in 1849. Immediately afterward they started west by In the two decades of 1830 to 1850 two and a sleigh via Elmira, Williamsport, Harrisburg and half million foreigners were added to the popula- Pittsburgh. They were accompanied on this trip tion of the United States. by the two Nez Perce Indian boys, Richard and John, whom Whitman had brought east on his Along with this increasing immigration a move- eventful trip with Parker. Along the route they ment set in which carried westward "16% of all were joined by Rev. and Mrs. Benedict Satterlee. persons born in the Middle Atlantic States, and The party proceeded to Pittsburgh from which nearly 27% of those born in the Southern States." point they journeyed by river boat down the Ohio to Cincinnati where they met the Spaldings. At At the same titne industrial mills began to Cincinnati they outfitted and then took another spring up in various sections of the East, turn- steamer to St. Louis. From there the third boat ing wool and cotton into piece goods and creating
THE WHITMAN-SPALDING CENTENNIAL
carried them to Liberty, Missouri, at which point time of the commissioning of the Whitmans and William H. Gray, joined the party. From there the Spaldin:gs, will observe the centennial in their Spalding and Gray went ahead with the wagons, national gatherings. The Congregational-Chrisexpecting the rest to follow by water to the wagon tian Church, at their annual General Council train's starting point. meeting in Mt. Holyoke, June 16 to 23, will direct the thought of that great denomination to the Left behind by the steamer, whose captain re- contributions of 100 years ago to the missionary fused to stop for the little group, saddened by the enterprise then under their care. The Presbydeath of Mrs. Satterlee the day before, the Whit- terian Church, U. S. A., at the convening meeting mans and the others hurried to overtake Spalding of the General Assembly in May in Syracuse, and Gray, finally catching up with them at the N. Y., will recall the spirit of these early mission- Otoe Indian Reservation and then hurrying on to aries and emphasize the need of a similar pioneerjoin the fur company's wagon train at the Loup ing attitude on the frontiers of present-day life to Fork. win men for Christ.
Then began the long hard trail overland ending CHRISTIAN NEZ PERCE CHILDREN AT KAMIAH TODAY at Vancouver September 12, 1836, which Narcissa Whitman has described so humanly in her diary. Following the Assembly there will be two sig- nificant gatherings in Rushville and Prattsburg, Numerous works deal with the eleven years' N. Y., communities linked up with the early life labor of the missionary group. Writers such as of Dr. and Mrs. Whitman and Henry Harmon Myron Eells in his "Marcus Whitman"; Mowry Spalding. In the old Congregational Church at in his work of the same title; Marshall, Craig- Rushville, Congregationalists and Presbyterians head, Gray, and more recently Drury and Pen- will unite in a commemorative service, and at rose and others, deal with the development of the Prattsburg, the Presbyterians will have as guests mission stations. This period culminated in the officials of the Synod of New York and of the massacre of the Whitmans and twelve others on General Assembly, with officers of the Board of November 29, 1847, at Waiilatpu and for some National Missions. The program will include the years all mission activities at that station and unveiling of a marker to be located at the site of Lapwai were suspended. the boyhood home of Whitman.
Today there is a Presbyterian mission at Tu- Next October the Presbyterian Synod of Idaho tuilla, Oregon, among the descendants of the expects to rededicate the old Spalding Church, to Umatillas, Cayuses, and Nez Perces of Whitman's be restored by a special fund of $10,000 now beday. Spalding's pioneer work bears its fruit in a ing sought by the Board of National Missions of Christian Nez Perce people in Idaho with several the Presbyterian Church, as a memorial to one churches ministering to the spiritual needs of of its pioneer sons. This memorial will conthis loyal people. tinue to serve as the House of God for the pres- ent Nez Perce congregation, and whose spire will The centennial of the founding of this mission ever point upward to Him whose Gospel it was will be observed with appropriate celebrations the joy and glory of Marcus and Narcissa Whitand memorials in different parts of the United man, and Henry and Eliza Spalding to teach and States. live.
In the West the Whitman Memorial Commission of the State of Washington is seeking the Federal Government's participation in the complete restoration of the old mission as it was in Whitman's day. This commission hopes to recreate the buildings as a monument to the heroic sacrifice of that martyred missionary and his associates, and to celebrate the occasion with fitting ceremonies this summer on the campus of Whitman College at Walla Walla, and at Waiilatpu.
In Idaho, the State has purchased twelve aCres of land adjacent to the old Spalding Church to be dedicated as a memorial park in honor of the pioneering contributions of Spalding to Idaho's corporate life. The plans in this State call for a pageant, addresses, and dedication of memorials in May.
In the East two of the great denominations, which cooperated in "The Plan of Union" at the
Shakers of the Pacific
SARA ENDICOTT OBER, of Crescent City, make it his own before he will give evidence of sCiaolniaforyrnisa~rvhiacse had a long history of mis- his approval and acceptance. in the Southern mountains "Eighteen months ago God opened up the way and among the Indians of the Pacific Northw~st. for me and enabled me to go out upon the work She has for the last thirty years been studymg that had burdened my heart for over twenty-five the Shaker Movement among the Indians of Cali- years. Then nearly eighty years old, partially fornia, Oregon and Washington. She writes:* paralyzed, and with serious heart t~ouble I went "In a 'former existence,' as I term the decades forth, rejoicing that my heart's deSIre was to be of my long life, I worked under the American given me. I had very little means, but God led Missionary Association in Tennessee and Ken- me and provided for me, and I sought no o:r;e's tucky ,among the poor whites and the mountain- help, and paid my own expenses, as I have durmg eers. That was for seven years, from 1887 to all the years. 1895. Later I was two years a pastor of several "I lived entirely among the Indians for seven months attended and took part in nearly eighty mission churches in Washington. Shaker 'services, and found I was well received. "I came west over thirty years ago and became Now I can only wait until the way opens for me interested in the West Coast Indians, especially to go up the Coast to every Shaker church not ~et in that great religious movement, the Indian visited. There are those old leaders who so VIO- Shaker religion. For years I have been trying lently oppose the Word, but God will open the to bring it up to a better Gospel standard. Yet way in his own good time, his own good way; so over that 'bridge' between ancient ta-mahn-a- I wait patiently for Him. wous and Christianity have passed thousands of souls from the utter darkness. of paganism, igno- "During my stay with the Indians here the old rance, sin and despair into deliverance from vice, ones told me the most wonderful legends; not at degradation, and drunkenness by a transforma- all grotesque or fantasti.c like mos~ Ind~an ~y~hs, tion into the image of Christ. The 'shakers' wor- but exalted in conceptIOn, beautIful m dICtIOn, shiped in the old Indian way, with the dance; but marvelous in psychic truths, and revealing inthey had a vital conception of Christ-a true wor- sight into natural phenomena and historic events. ship and reverence for the T~iune God-and t~ey While waiting I am putting these in shape for experienced the transformatIOn of heart and hfe pUblication, hoping to save from utter extinction only known through our Saviour Jesus Christ. these chronicles of a fast disappearing race. I They could not read, and even yet none of the have also about two hundred words of their lanolder ones can read, so they refused the Bible, guage, only known to these older ones, and to and were prejudiced against it. But their preju- disappear with their lives into oblivion. These dices were because of the differences and an- legends reveal a strong belief in a ~upreme ~e tagonisms of the religious bodies with whom they ing, a vital conception of the soul, of Immorta~It~, came in contact. of the powers of the supernatural; crude, prImI- tive, but real. I feel that this work is one of vital "For years I have been trying to induce them to accept the Bible, and giving them its truths. importance in revealing the true concepts of I.n- dian hearts, the real nature of these often mIS- Many have accepted them. But most of the lead- understood people. I hope to have these legends ers are strongly opposed, and my work has been and also my history of the Shaker religion ready very slow and hindered in every possible way. During the past year I have visited quite a num- for publication within a few months. ber of Shaker churches in Oregon and California, "During the past twenty years I have been among primitive or backward people. For eig~t and have distributed over a hundred Bibles and een months I have lived in my suitcase. To gam testaments and four hundred small copies of the Gospels. Everyone of these has gone whe;e my information I have 'suffered many things,' it will be read and welcomed. Now I am waIt- odfitret ~ discomfort, privations, extreme fatigue, ing till the Indians are ready for another 'dose,' dangers, which many times threatened for one cannot hurry an Indiim; he must slowly chew, masticate and digest any new food, and death. I have won the confidence of old Indian hearts; have not only received these priceless legends, but have imparted divine consolation, so Am• eFrircoamn aMlisestitoenr atroy DArs.soGceioa.tioWn.. H(inTmheanI,nfdoiramn erShsaekcerer taMryovoefmtehnet many an old Indian has gone into the beyond grew up in connection with the work of Myron Eells, a. Congrega· with hope, courage and solace, instead of utter tiona! missionary to the Puget Sound Indians.) despair and darkness."
[246]
Views on Simple
By MURIEL LESTER, London, England Author of trWays of Prayintt'
A NUMBER of friends came up to visit the pressing satisfaction and quiet confidence. Once Ashram that Dr. P. C. Hsu, the Chinese you taste that sort of joy in comradeship you can- Christian leader, set up in Lotus Valley, not easily go back to the old way." Kuling, during August. It was an experiment in Christian communal living and included sunrise Another missionary contributed her experience. prayer times, hours of devotion, study, discussion "I felt as the last speaker did when I first arrived and writing, as well as doing all the sweeping, here. I'm in country work. Mine was a fairly laundry, cooking and latrine cleaning. large house. I simplified it as much as possible and kept 'open house' foraH Chinese friends. But At an afternoon session one day, a visitor said, the result did not cheer me. My visitors concen- "I do not believe Chinese people really object to trated their attention on every detail of the furnithe difference between the sort of houses we live ture and were so deeply impressed with the money in and their own. They know the needs of for- value of all they saw that they kept inquiring, eigners and don't mind our keeping to our own 'How much did you pay for that?' 'Did you not standards so long as we never assume any atti- give a very high price for that?' This was not tude of superiority." the sort of reaction I had hoped that Christian . A pause followed this remark. The air was fellowship would evoke; these are not the sentiheavy with things unsaid. Then rather quietly a ments that go to make good relationships, good woman missionary began to explain why she citizenship or good character.
could not agree. "When I settled down in China "I set my mind on planning, designing and twelve years ago," she said, "I felt awkward at measuring. I found a bit of land in one of the the obvious solidity and desirability of the house villages I served; it was by a canal side, close to allocated to me. As soon as possible I found a an old stone bridge. I could build a model mud Chinese girl willing to share it, and hoped that brick cottage there at a cost less than a month's our friends of both races, whether business peo- salary. pIe, factory girls, or members of the official and professional class, would feel absolutely at home. "'But you mustn't,' adjured all the villagers, It worked fairly well, but after a time I grew con- 'the spirits of wind and water will surely blow vinced that I was not really manifesting the way you or flood you out of your home before you've of Christ to the people of China. He threw in been in it six months.' his lot with the common people, sharing their disabilities, so that they might share His Good News "Well, that's where I live now. There's nothof God. Our girl friends had come in and out of ing in it that a villager couldn't have except that the house freely; as often as not when I got home I have fourteen windows instead of one. They at night, I would find people sitting by my fire prophesied disaster from those fourteen but none unasked; the chocolate box was always there, has eventuated. Even the one thief who came, purposely left open. Many working girl friends broke in by none of them, but came through the lived in a hostel; these offer little home life un- thatched roof. The mud floors are hardened by less the inmates are drawn together into a fel- elm solution. Except for the ordinary village lowship. Indeed one can be lonelier in a per- beds, tables and benches, the furniture is mostly fectly organized, sanitary and super-respectable made of soap boxes covered inside and out with institution than outside it. It was only after I brown paper. There are shelves round the living had moved into the girl's hostel that I noticed the room to hold dolls, games and books that children width of the gulf I had bridged. I could hear my come in to enjoy. The neighbors now have such fellow lodgers talking with their guests-the in- confidence in me that they leave their babies with credulous exclamation when first the guest heard me for days at a time when the work in the fields who occupied the end room; the girl's reassuring is specially important. I would not change my her as to the actual fact; the tone of voice ex- life for any other."
That afternoon's witness brought to mind other points of view I had heard in China, where gen- [247]
eralizations are impossible, for almost any fact for a neighborhood center, the university on one recorded in one area can be denied in another. side, an industrial area on another, a residential section on a third, a shopping district on the "People who go in for living Chinese are only fourth. trying to curry favor with the people." The second period occurred when the family "It is not fair for individual missionaries to moved upstairs, turned an attic into a kitchen, a lower their standard of living. They ought to passage into a dining room and the guest room remember that this lets down the standards for by night into a nursery by day. The ground floor all of us." was given over to Japanese, and students who had been assiduously attending weekly classes in "These innovators are setting themselves up to Christianity now had the bracing experience of be better than anyone else." being challenged to work out for themselves what they had learned. There had been the usual " 'Take no notice' is the advice one is often hav- amount of ubiquitous criticism of missionary paing to give, for a surprising number of people ternalism, of foreign ways, of double standards have allowed themselves to be intimidated by in living expenses. The missionary hated these such pronouncements." by-products of the selfish capitalist system per- haps more than any of his students did. So when How funny it is, how self-revealing and rather half his house was put at the disposal of the stupathetic, when people talk like that! dents, the manual and even menial work which they all performed together in fellowship, for- All round the world comfortably placed Chris- eigners and Japanese, proved a salutary educatians are developing an uneasy feeling that per- tive force in Christian character building. haps they ought to live less securely; that the reasons they have always put forward as to why The third stage was when the missionary went they are not in the same category as the rich home on leave and his place was taken by a young young man and need not heed Christ's command man, who, having no family, did not even need to him, are wearing a bit threadbare, that even the whole of the second floor himself. All the communists outshine them in some respects. rooms but his own could now be enjoyed by others. When I arrived there on my return visit last Feb- Unconsciously some of them set to work to pro- ruary, I found a new sort of Christian home. duce an alibi for themselves saying, "I'd certainly Four Japanese students and one missionary were go the whole way in following Christ and live living together and sharing expenses and houseamong the poor-if I were unmarried, if I were work. a minister, if I were convinced that there is a God, if I did not owe it to my university, or my It was a rare privilege to take part in their defamily, or my position, to keep up appearances." votions before breakfast and supper, to spend long evenings with them and their nonresident One missionary came to the conclusion, so she friends, discussing the changing national policies explained to me, that people cannot come to know and God's unchanging purpose. Most satisfying God merely by sermons, schools and social work; of all, perhaps, was to do an hour's cleaning with that in the intimacy, the forbearance, the reveal- them before breakfast and to know that one's ing daily routine of ordinary home life, Christ broom and duster were helping to create somecan be more clearly manifested. So this mission- thing significant and eternal. ary opened to the Chinese her family life. She let a student, who was far from home and lonely, *** live in one of her extra rooms. Gradually, as the dire need of each became apparent, she took in The advantages that accrue from living like seven or eight young people of varying ages. One the Chinese were most clearly demonstrated by of them proved to be an opium patient. Imagine the experience of one of my hostesses. She wrote what it cost her even to appear to risk her chil- to her daughter: dren's moral welfare for the sake of a stranger; imagine what it wrought in her of perseverance When we had been out here about a year and a half, in prayer, of actual wrestling with fear, to attain we were sent to open a new station. No foreigners had her final quality of courage and faith. Today she ever lived in Kihsien and none was wanted. It was not can give a record of each member of her synthetic easy to -find anyone willing to rent a house to. us. At family and can note steady improvement in all last an opium user's need of money made him take the of them. risk. Our first home was a one-roomed mud hut with earthen fioor, one paper window and a door made of thick * '* * slabs of wood. We were exceedingly happy in this humble abode with friendly Chinese neighbors everywhere. We Three stages of development were passed had expected to live in such a place when we left the through in a missionary's home in Japan. The States and were a bit disappointed to find the comfort first was marked by brick walls and a solid iron that had been planned for us on arrival in China. As gate, effectually hiding from the eyes of neighbors and passersby the attractive nature of that Christian home, His house was ideally situated the opium habit got a stronger hold on our landlord, he standing, and when her husband proposed one day that gave up more of his place to us. he would push her on his wheelbarrow two days' journey Our next home in the same yard had three rooms and to the nearest hospital, she could· hardly be:ieve her ears.
was made of brick instead of mud. Otherwise it was just By the end of the· journey she was convinced that her the same as the hut which was now converted into a study husband was a new creature in Christ Jesus and she room for girls. It was the kind of house in which middle wanted to find what he had found. Her husband has now class Chinese of the interior live. We put down rough passed on but she and her daughter are still active in the board floors and were very comfortable in these quarters. church work.
As I look back to those early days I can see why that In time the growing work called for reinforcements and was such a happy .spot. Our way of living did not sep- two foreign women were sent out to join us. A new resi- arate us from those whose love and confidence we must dence must be provided and the mission decided that it win before we could hope to lead them to Christ. They must be a foreign two-storied house. With this move we came and went freely with no sense of awkwardness, for built a barrier between us and our people. Things for- many of them were used to coming to that place to see eign were uncommon. Wild rumors were spread about.
our land:ady. Many of them lived in better houses than No matter how often I took people through the house to ours and so possessions did not come in as a barrier to prove that these rumors were false, they always came separate us from our friends. Things often create the away sure that in some closet or in the basement they feeling that we belong to a different class, even when the had seen with their own eyes the proof they needed. They possessor has no such a thought. We have never since, were certain that they had seen dead men's bodies in our it seems to me, grown so completely into the lives of our basement. Also the house created the impression that we Chinese friends. So completely did they fill our lives that were wealthy. The church, which had been large:y self- we were never lonely, though the nearest foreign friends supporting, began to look for foreign funds to carryon.
were a day's journey off. Why not, since we seemed to have so much?
When, after nearly eight years among them, we were *** sent on furlough, it was not an easy parting. When Daddie went off on his long country trips and I was shut In concluding this article I must refer to my up at night in the city, the on:y foreigner, all sense of own recent leisurely hot weather program of fear or loneliness was absent for I was surrounded with loving friendliness. On one of these occasions I was taken visiting rural reconstruction centers. with their very ill and seemed to be dying of cholera. So great is farmers' cooperatives, newly set-up clinics and the superstitious fear of a departing spirit that even my short-term schools. I have had a month or two faithful servant, Mrs. Tsao, did not dare to come into my of travel, staying in remote districts, occupying bedroom. She had only left her old ways a short time. a mud hut or part of a mud brick house, which I do not recall now any concern for myself, but I dis- already sheltered ten families of villagers. tinctly remember the look of anxiety on M·rs. Tsao's face Canned milk was especially provided for me, as she would peep through a crack in the door or through sugar, bread, bedding, water and basin. A dea hole in the paper window.
Another who taught us much beside the meaning and lightful experience for a month or so. One's pronunciation of Chinese words was our cultured and dig- mind kept reverting, however, to the stalwarts, nified teacher, a true product of Confucian ideals. I had to stumble on to the fact that the cosmic Christ has been the quiet behind-the-scenes missionaries, lovers of revealing some Truth to the Chinese sages long before the Christ who have been steadfastly preparing the missionaries ever reached China. The classics were as way for today's renaissance movement, tramping sacred to my teacher as the Bible was to me. Whenever these roads, being jolted in springless carts, week we found the same truth revealed in both his books and in, week out, for years, itinerating sometimes ten my Bible, we had a time ofrejoicing. Jesus said that He months out of the twelve. Noone goes on before had come not to destroy, but to fulfil, and so I used to to get mosquito lotion or "flit" for them. They memorize all such places pointed out to me by Mr. Ma, sleep in the house of any poorest villager who inconvinced that Christ is the full revelation of God. One evening at our vesper fellowship hour when all in the vites them. Canned milk and sugar perform no compound, together with any neighbors who wished to join us, gathered together for a time of informal worship, appetizing function for them. Their morning and Mr. Ma had his first vital sense of God as revealed in evening meals consist of millet porridge minus Jesus Christ. With dignified tread he walked up and even salt, which is a luxury to them. Midday down the little earthen hall of worship, his face all lit by food is rice and a little vegetable for them. Yet the light of God within, and he kept repeating quietly, these, I have found, are for the most part the "I have found what I long have sought." happiest, the most serene foreigners one can find Also there was that yamen runner, most dreaded by all in China today.
in our district because of his merciless ways of extorting money from the people, who in one of these evening hours of worship wept and asked God to be merciful to him, a What does the Church stand for? It stands to sinner. He confessed that there was no sin he had not offer men Christ; to tell men that way of life is committed. But he was most broken up by the fact that possible by which they become sons of God; that he had sold his brother's widow into slavery. As people life can be victoriously lived; that Christ offers a met him, they would ask each other, "Can this really be the same man we have so dreaded?" His wife whom he reinforced personality, an inward serenity, an treated with less consideration than he treated his donkey, infectious gaiety, an outgoing love which would was frightened by the changed man she saw in their home. invite the whole world not into a system of belief She thought that he must have eaten some foreign medi- primarily, but into an experience which spells the cine and that when the effects had passed off he would be mastery of the art of living. worse than ever. She had a leg with a bad sore of long
to Captives in Portugal*
By JOSE ILIDIO FREIRE, ROSE MATHEZ, and E. R. HOLDEN, Quinta do Almaraz, Almada, Portugal JOHN HOWARD, the English Christian philan- wrote reqqesting further supplies of such books. thropist and pioneer of prison reform, visited As a result of this work there was formed in the prisons of Spain and Portugal in 1783. He left on record the statement that the main the Lisbon penitentiary a nucleus of converted prisons of Lisbon were comparatively praise- men. Interviews must take place in the parlaworthy. In the Limoeiro, which is still the cen- torio, where the convict and his visitor are septral jail, he found 774 prisoners. This prison had arated by a thick pane of glass flanked by strips been the Royal Palace to which, in 1387, was of sheet iron, perforated to enable conversation brought the English princess, Philippa of Lan- to be carried on without any opportunity to pass caster, daughter of John of Gaunt and bride of anything from hand to hand. Dom J 03.0 I of Portugal. This Lisbon prison accommodates six hundred In 1868, two English ladies resident in Oporto, convicts, and it is always full. Men under sen- Mrs. Hastings, wife of a merchant, and her sister, tence of penal servitude are first sent there and Miss Frederica Smith who married the United later to Monsanto jail, where they serve part of States Consul, Mr. Fletcher, began to visit the their sentences. Relagao prison in that city. To the initiative of Mrs. Fletcher is largely due the modern Evan- Alfredo Oliveira and Eduardo Moreira gelical movement in Oporto. Not long after we had begun to receive letters During many years after Mrs. Hastings' death, from inmates of the Lisbon penitentiary, there Evangelical and philanthropic work in the prisons came one from Alfredo Oliveira, asking to be of Oporto became restricted to the distribution of given lessons in English. He expected to be de- Christmas gifts and occasional evangelistic ad- ported to Angola where a knowledge of this landresses at Christmas or Easter. More recently, guage would be of use. He was an attractive contact with individual convicts was again estab- young fellow, intelligent and well educated, but lished, mainly through educational work; but at who had led a life of dissipation, culminating in present a not well disposed governor brought the the murder of an army officer. Being alone in work practically to a standstill. The work in the world, he yearned for friendship. This con- Lisbon and Coimbra jails, though more recent, tact afforded me an opportunity to establish more has made progress. intimate contact within the prison, and I had the privilege of leading Alfredo to Christ. A little Twenty years ago Dona Manuela Nunez, a later another convict obtained permission to share Spanish lady who was in the habit of distributing the lessons, but he never showed the same interest tracts in hospitals, gave a tract to a soldier. in spiritual things. Later this man committed a theft, for which he was dismissed from the army and was sent to From the Lisbon penitentiary the work spread prison. The name and address of Mr. George to Coimbra through the instrumentality of Gil- Howes, the publisher of the tract was fixed in his berto Francisco, a man who was transferred from memory and he wrote from the Limosiro prison the Lisbon. He distributed tracts among his requesting a visit. Mr. Howes passed on the re- mates in the workshops and several commenced quest to me, and I thus commenced my mission correspondence with me. The Coimbra penitenin the jails. tiary accommodates 270 convicts, and at one time we were in correspondence with over 25% of By the time this prisoner, Mauricio Silva, was them. – transferred to the Lisbon penitentiary, he had numerous tracts and other Christian literature The Rev. Eduardo Moreira came to reside in which he began to distribute among his fellow Coimbra and obtained permission to hold a weekly convicts. The result was that several of them service in this jail. He was even permitted to baptize several convicts, to officiate at two prison th: J:~~h~~r~/G:3·~o~~~~I~~ WorW Dominion and is supported by weddings and to celebrate the Lord's Supper. Later a hostile governor put a stop to all the Evan- [250 ] gelical work, and men who had professed conver- day of salvation, tomorrow may be too late for you. You sion were subjected to severe restrictions. Now know not the day of your death, and what if it should more liberal conditions once more prevail. surprise you in your sins? God may not patiently wait many years for you as He did for me, so I urge you to In Lisbon permission has been given me to hold forsake your sins this very day and accept Jesus Christ, services in the Limoeiro and Monsanto jails, but our Lord, as your Saviour. Thus alone will you enjoy not in the penitentiary. In the Limoeiro the aver- true happiness in this world of corruption and deceit. age attendance at Evangelical meetings is over Satan doesn't slumber, and he will dog your steps con- 150. At both places we receive a most attentive tinually lest he lose a victim. He even strives to win back hearing, so that thousands have heard the Gospel those who are no longer his. This he is seeking to do to and not a few have given evidence of conversion me and my family, keeping me from finding work and during these last fourteen years. Thousands of trying us in all sorts of ways. But my soul is no longer copies of the Scriptures, as well as tracts and his, and will never again be his, as the precious blood of other Evangelical literature, have been distrib- Jesus Christ our· Lord has purged me from my sins and uted and circulated. His divine grace cheers and strengthens me in all my troubles, Jesus having said: "Him that cometh unto Me When an unknown prisoner writes, asking for I will in no wise cast out." information or for tracts, he receives a reply and a number of tracts suitable for such enquirers. Oh my God and Father, I pray for sinners, that Thou If he responds intelligently, he is sent more tracts, wilt touch their hearts. I pray for those who already and if these have been productive, a New Testa- belong to Thee, especially for our missionary brethren in ment is given. For the supply of the Scriptures Africa who are facing so many and great difficulties. I and other literature the work is much indebted to pray that they aU may have their hearts warmed by Thy the British and Foreign Bible Society and the Re- love and that they may be granted Thy wisdom in proligious Tract Society. claiming the way of salvation-and all I ask through the merits and for the love of Jesus Christ our Lord and Many prisoners, deported to Angola, have kept Saviour: Amen. up correspondence with me and not a few have got into touch with missionaries in the colony. Four years ago, I gave a tract entitled "The One man proved of valuable assistance in this Drummer Boy" to a man in Monsanto jail, Anwork. He was subsequently pardoned and has tonia Correia, a peasant farmer from a village returned to Portugal. near the Spanish frontier, who had been caught and conviCted for smuggling false banknotes. He Many of the wardens in the prisons I visit are our friends and appreciate what is done for the wrote to me, and I kept in touch with him prisoners, being impressed by the change in the throughout the two years of his sentence. On his conduct of the converted men. release, he returned to his native village, Esper- an<;a, and began to tell his relatives and friends of Discharged prisoners have great difficulty in his faith in Christ. He gave away all his tracts finding employment and the families of those in and books, and wrote for more. Being popular in jail are often badly in need of help. the neighborhood, he was given a good hearing, and his friends were struck by the change in his An Appeal to Prisoners life. He continues steadfast in his faith and there is great interest in the Gospel among his fellow The following extract is translated from an ap- villagers. peal by Mauricio Silva, published not long ago in the "Prisoners' Section" of 0 Caminho (The Two years ago, I received an unexpected visit Way) a little paper I edit. This man to whom from another ex-convict to whom I had given a was due, under God, the initiation of our work in Testament ten years previously. Through many the prisons, returned from Angola a year and a ups and downs, he had never wholly lost sight of half ago, on completion of his sentence. He the truths he had found in the Word of God. He wrote: is now leading a steady Christian life, and his four children are members of our Sunday school. Oh Lord, our God and Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast preserved my life till today in a world of corruption, The Conversion of Alves Reis sin and untruth, in order that I may acknowledge how great a sinner I was, and how vainly I strove against sin The most outstanding conversion is, however, till at last I won through, strengthened by Christ, our that of Alves Reis, a brilliantly clever youth. In Lord and our Saviour. 1918, at the age of 22~ he was manager of the state railways of Angola, and shortly afterwards After describing his early resistance to the was appointed Inspector of Public Works for that striving of the Holy Spirit from the time when he colony. He became imbued with a great ambiwas impressed by the tract given him in the hos- tion for the development of Angola, and his ferpital till my visits to him in jail and his conver- tile brain devised grandiose schemes to this end. sion, he continues: The need of capital on a vast scale led him to plan the fraud which ruined him. By means of forged . . . but let me impress upon you, Brothers, that you correspondence, purporting to be from the Bank should not postpone your decision, as I did: today is the
of Portugal, he induced the Bank's own printers deep-rooted hatred of Reis, as the man who had to print an issue of duplicate banknotes which been his undoing. Ultimately, however, he bewas to total £3,000,000. This involved his mak- came interested in the Gospel and was so iming use of various accomplices, including the Por- pressed by the radical change in his enemy that tuguese Minister at the Hague and his brother, the two met daily for prayer and study of the who were given to understand that he had been Bible. Silva was set at liberty and is now in a intrusted with the promoting of this special note good position in Oporto. issue under a State secret. On the strength of these bogus notes, Reis floated the Banco Angola A few days ago I received a letter from a e Metropole, which was to finance the many de- stranger in the penitentiary, asking me to visit velopment schemes he had conceived. him. This man, Santos Carvalho, had been a rail- way clerk and he is now under sentence in con- Overconfidence led to his undoing and arrest; nection with forgery. Religiously inclined, he subsequently he sank lower and lower in crime, joined the Roman Catholic catechism class in the seeking to defend himself by falsely incriminating jail and he purchased an expensive Roman Cathprominent men. When he seemed doomed to fail- olic edition of the Bible which he read carefully. ure, Reis attempted suicide by means of poison; It seemed to him that some of the doctrines and but he took an overdose, and lived. practices of the Church were not in agreement with what he found in the Scriptures. He drew up In prison, Reis came across an ex-army officer a list of these points, which he sought to put forwho had a Bible and read it. Reis borrowed this ward in the class but the teacher refused. A .Bible with a view to proving its worthlessness and priest was sent to enlighten him, which he failed absurdity. Instead, the Book aroused his interest to do, so Carvalho applied to me. He placed beand he made a careful study of it. He sought fore me his list of perplexities, which, with God's help from a distinguished priest of the Roman help, I was able to solve to his satisfaction. Two Catholic Church, and felt impelled to make con- of the points raised were concerning auricular fession of his crimes, first to this priest, then to confession and sacerdotal absolution. his wife and lastly in open court, to the.astonishment of everybody throughout the country. He Alves Reis and Carvalho provide two instances took full blame to himself and exonerated all of men enlightened by the unassisted reading of those he had been accusing. the Scriptures.
Reading Reis' confession in the papers, an old In Lisbon, stimulated by what was taking place schoolmate, grandson of the lady whose tract dis- among the men, interest was aroused on behalf tribution in the Military Hospital had led indi- of the women. An opportunity came to obtain. rectly to the commencement of our prison work, entry to the Monicas prison when I was asked to felt impelled to send him some of Mr. Howes' visit a young woman convict, a Communist of tracts. Russian extraction. I was told later by the lady superintendent, now my friend, that I was within For six years Reis has been "growing in grace an ace of being arrested as suspect when, a and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour stranger and a foreigner, I sought permission to Jesus Christ." A visit to him is usually a spir- visit this girl ! itual tonic for he has a wonderfu.l grasp of Scriptural Christianity. Not a few have learned to go The Monicas is not a gloomy prison. A oneto him for prayerful counsel. time convent, cloistered and built around a spa- cious courtyard, it is sunlit and airy, whitewashed Reis' conversion was later followed by that of throughout, spotlessly clean and orderly. It achis wife, who, in contrast to the life of luxury she commodates all the long-term female convicts of led in the days of her husband's ephemeral pros- the country and a considerable number of shorlperity, is having a hard struggle to make ends term women from Lisbon and its environs, bemeet for herself and their three boys. When Reis tween 220 and 250 in all. Three years ago I obrepented and confessed, he was received into the tained permission to hold weekly services and now Roman Catholic Church and influential religious the average attendance at our meetings is bepeople befriended him and his family. When, tween thirty and forty. Many a dark, sin-stained later, he was impelled by his conscience enlight- face lights up when listening to the message of ened by the Scriptures to sever his connection salvatron. We see to it that all who can read with that church, his boys were turned out of the possess a Testament or a Gospel; but, unforparochial school. He has received visits from the tunately, the majority are illiterate. Some well- Cardinal-Patriarch, the highest church dignitary educated women attend our meetings, among them in Portugal, and other ecclesiastics, downwards, a young graduate of Oporto University, convicted offering him material advantages. of being implicated in a murder. She was then an avowed atheist and up in arms against all the One of Reis' dupes, Adriano Silva, manager of the Oporto branch of the bogus bank, nurtured a
PIONEERING IN TENNESSEE MOUNTAINS
world. She would listen to nothing we could say, she has been at liberty for some time without havbut in answer to prayer, little by little her bitter- ing repeated her former encounters with the ness was overcome; she began to attend the meet- police. ings and finally she was converted. She now says, "I deserve all the suffering I have brought on my- Last Christmas, through the kindness of the self; but I know God has pardoned my sins." Director General of Prisons, we were permitted She witnesses to this by her changed life, seeking to give a lantern slide lecture on the life of Christ, to honor and serve her Saviour among her prison at whi,ch all the convicts were present. What a joy companions. She says, "When I am free, I shall it was to have this opportunity to tell of the become a missionary," reckoning little on the love of God to so many sin-stained, burdened twenty-four long years in jail stilI ahead of her hearts. They paid rapt attention and evinced unless her sentence should be in part remitted. much gratitude.
Another interesting case is that of a woman of When prisoners leave the jail, those who wish good family and social standing, whose outrageous it are given the address of the Evangelical church behavior has landed her time and again in jail. or mission hall nearest their home. We do not She was the terror alike of wardressesand fellow seek to persuade them to adopt a new religion, convicts, but by degrees the Word of God pierced but aim at leading them to God by means of His her heart as she read the New Testament and Word and into "newness of life." listened to the Gospel. A great change in her life was observed by all in contact with her, and now Will you remember in prayer the work in the prisons of Portugal (2 Cor. 1, 11), thus partici- pating in it and in the resultant rejoicing.
Pioneering in Tennessee Mountains C OMFORTABLY settled in districts that of- companion and a young man and his wife as help- fer every advantage of material civilization, ers, are stationed at Smyrna, near Byrdstown, many of us are prone to forget the multi- Tennessee. It is forty miles from a railroad. tude of things that others must go without, things There are no graduate doctors or trained preachthat we count as essentials to health and effective ers in this district. One of the preachers is a service. We are so accustomed to electricity farmer and the other works in a mill-each of and gas, to well-heated houses and an abundance them scarcely able to read. For a funeral they of pure water that we sometimes forget the en- send to Kentucky for a minister to preach the tire lack of such facilities in arctic mission sta- sermon. tions like Barrow, Alaska, in the jungles of Africa or the outposts of China. Accustomed as Miss Stewart lives in a little four-room shack we are to letter carriers, and rapid transportation, -half of logs and half of boards. In very cold to doctors and hospitals, to shops and filling sta- weather the little wood-burning cookstove cannot tions, we are prone to forget those who have mail heat the kitchen. "One day," she writes, "with and produce delivered once a year, and who may our table pushed within one foot of the stove, the be weeks or more from the nearest trained doc- milk in the pitcher froze, and when coffee was tor. But it is to such outpost stations that many left for a few minutes in the cups it froze solid." missionaries go to carry the Gospel of Christ. At night the two workers took turns keeping the They go gladly and voice no complaints because wood fire going to keep from freezing. Describof hardships. It is well for us to become ac- ing the mountain district, Miss Stewart says: quainted with the life of these courageous pioneers, and to share with them some of our trans- "Our work centers about Lovelady, Smyrna and portable privileges. Fairview – all on rural routes from Byrdstown which, by the way, is the smallest county seat in One of the many stations that it would be in- the United States. At the end of five weeks in teresting to visit is on a high windswept plateau this community we had five flourishing organizain the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee tions, and two more groups are begging for atwhither has gone a refined and educated gray- tention; and Fairview wants a Sunday school. haired woman as an ambassador of Christ. She The work of Elizabeth, my helper, has been chose the place because of its need and lovingly greatly blessed. She has the young people's orministers to the people with the skill and energy ganizations at Smyrna and Lovelady, in every that would put to shame many a strong man. session of each she makes plain the way of sal- Miss Anna Belle Stewart, with a young woman vation and gives opportunity for decisions for Christ. Several who have never attended any
religious meetings before have become much in- them to worship-nothing to make Sunday differterested in spiritual things and have asked for ent from any other day. When the people are so prayer and promised to pray for themselves. The anxious to have a Christian leader the work should Sunday school superintendent at Lovelady said go well from the first. It is a wonderful field for the young people would follow Elizabeth through service. There has been no Sunday school in this neighborhood nor in the adjoining communities. fire. There are difficulties and problems but unlimited opportunities for service and growth. "In a small scattered community in. zero weather she has a class of over 25 and a young Ohristmas in the Mountains people's group of over 30. There were three Christians when she first took them. There are "We came to the field so late last autumn, that now five and you can almost see them grow. things would not be in good shape for Christmas, Elizabeth has asked all five Christians to lead in but it has aU opened up wonderfully. The first prayer and four promised gladly while the fifth, Sunday we were here, two schools were organized a fine young lad, said, 'Holy smoke, I never have.' and plans were made for programs, drilling vol- But he will. They are doing a great many things unteers for crude attempts at portraying the that they have never done before! Every Wednes- Scripture story of Christmas. Their enthusiastic day night we have the Smyrna young people presentation of the sacred scenes was in sharp here and Thursday night we have the· Lovelady contrast to stately pageants but they caught the group at their schoolhouse. All the night meet- true meaning of Christmas. Little tots squealed ings are at six or half-past six, but people come as they recognized their elder brothers in wise at five o'clock. Twice we missed our meal, before men and shepherds. we learned! Last Saturday afternoon I turned over the junior organization at Smyrna to Eliza- "The village of Lovelady seems thrilled over beth so that I could take the corresponding group having a Sunday school, even wading the deep at Lovelady. The program in these four organ- snow in wholly inadequate foot gear, with babies izations include Bible study, chorus music instruc- snug in blankets and toddlers riding paternal tion, a social gathering and work for others. How shoulders. The little portable organ is a neverthey love it! ending delight to them, and how they do sing! For the first time in all our years of carrying "More than sixty years ago, a rough board Christmas joy by your gifts, the people of Lovechurch house was built, innocent of paint or any lady felt the urge to make immediate return. decoration. With a few planks missing and a Even before the Christmas eve distribution was hole burned in one side where a lamp once ex- complete, some of the householders had gone into ploded it still st~nds the joint property of several a huddle from which the bravest emerged to ask denominations which seem to have abandoned the shyly, 'Would you-all be insulted if we'd bring you church and tl).e people. Of late years this com- some presents? All we have to give is just 'taters munity has been sadly neglected. One old man and canned stuff and a little fresh meat.' Being said, 'Old Smyrnie was once a godly and reli- assured that their gifts were exactly what we needed, they went away to butcher hogs and apgious neighborhood. When we met together we pear early Christmas morning with a poor little talked of the goodness of the Lord and now we topless car loaded full of delectable food. are everyone back-slidden.' In sentences broken by sobs he told of his joy in having someone to "The Smyrna people did not wait until Christtalk to them of the Lord and to explain the Bible. mas. Ever since we came, generous offerings He left the first group meeting, praising God and have been appearing .with such regularity that declaring his determination to come back into a only a few staples, such as flour and sugar, have close walk with Him. As we visited from house had to be bought. Little gifts blossomed mysto house, opening the Word and praying for the teriously on the Christmas trees. One of the wise households and community, a number of the older men volunteered to tend fires. The wife of 'Jospeople wept, remembering former days and again eph' in the pageant came with meat and stayed renewed their allegiance to the Lord. The weeks for Christmas dinner. The family of the 'Christof work in that field were a real joy. The people mas angel' entertained us all with a crude little begged to have a worker sent in and their former battery radio and real refreshments. All day the church organization renewed. They asked for a neighbors kept dropping in 'to let us know that Sunday school and for something for their young we were among friends and to keep us from being people who are growing up with nothing to call homesick.' "
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN CCC CAMPS
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN 000 OAMPS One of the most effective ways that chaplains have found of reaching the hearts and consciences of the large number of workers in Civilian Conservation Corps camps has been through Pocket Testaments supplied by The American Bible Society, Pocket Testament League and other organizations.
It is discovered that many of these young men, though coming from public schools and living near churches, have never owned a Testament, nor have they had any religious instruction. Most of them show an eager readiness to receive these Testaments and by this means opportunities are offered to reach their families with the Gospel of Christ. From twenty-five states come testimonies as to the effectiveness of this work. The Testaments are of great value for Sunday schools and Bible classes in "Chapter-a-Day" Clubs, for personal devotions and as a guide to Christian faith and life, and for personal work in soul winning.
Some Testimonies of Ohaplains "We have used the Testaments in Sunday school especially in the infirmaries and hospitals." Ken- many times. On some occasions they were the only tucky. Christian literature we had. . . . It is not an unusual thing to go into a hut-building and find a group dis- "I have never seen one New Testament go out by cussing what they read or have read in the Testa- way of the waste basket. They are kept and they are ments or Gospels." Al(})bama. prized." Massachusetts.
"The boys are so eager for copies that they flock "One young enrollee has gone back to his native around me like a bunch of chickens around an old state to continue his studies looking toward the min- hen. My only regret is that I do not have enough istry, as the result of an interest aroused by a Bible for everyone. . . . They regard it as a high privilege class in his CCC Camp." Minnesota. to be the possessor of one of these New Testaments. Many of them have seen life at a different angle after "In one of the camps where I distributed about fifty they have studied these Testaments. Send us 1,200 Testaments a young man who had been wayward and more copies; they will have their influence upon the ungodly came to me privately and said that the Testayouth of America." Arkansas. ment I had given him had set him thinking, and that he wanted to join a church in the town near by." "We have regularly organized Bible discussion Ohio. groups in each camp. I never give a Testament unless men ask for it. . . . Many of the boys have "I have had CCC boys in my services who were never had any sort of Bible or part of one and they never in a religious service of any kind before. . . . have never been given the op,portunity to read one." This is the greatest opportunity to reach the un- Florida. reached, and to carry the printed Word to those still in darkness." Tennessee. "I have seen a general change in the atmosphere in the camps since distributing the Testaments." "I have been truly amazed to find boys who are so Georgia. hungry to read the Bible. I have seen as many as twelve boys resting at the lunch hour in the woods "As evidence of the enthusiasm and interest, a num-' 'on the job' reading the Testaments." Vermont. ber of readers have come to me with questions regarding the meaning of various passages." Illinois. "I have been on this duty for two years, in Cali- fornia and Washington, and it has been my happy "In one camp a Bible class meets regularly each privilege to personally place in the hands of mem- Sunday evening and the work of the class has done bers of our various companies several hundred Testamuch to heighten the morale of the entire camp." ments. I have never had sufficient numbers to supply Indiana. the demand. No one can possibly estimate the good accomplished." Idaho. "Out of approximately 2,100 boys in ten camps I have between five and six hundred signed up in 'Chap- "Eighty-three boys in one camp came to me at the ter-a-Day' clubs. In order to become a member, a car asking for Testaments." Michigan. signer must agree to read a chapter a day of whatever portion of the Bible is agreed upon. I shall endeavor "I would like to have Spanish Testaments for the to carryon this program. Without these Testaments Spanish-speaking men. They would read much more such a program would have been impossible." Iowa. if they could have the New Testament in their own language." New Mexico. "Many who are timid and afraid to take aNew Testament in front of the whole company will come "I've seen more than 12,000 boys in the past fourafter dark and ask for a copy. They really desire a teen months of service, and never have I seen anycopy and will use it." Kansas. thing more worth while in the way of soul-building and character-building. This is the greatest oppor- "In my evening visits to the barracks I often see tunity that the United States ever had in building for boys lying on their bunks reading the New Testament, future citizens." Oklahoma.
TherBe uatrethtehroeusiasnadsshoofrytaoguengofmTenesitnamcaemntpss,anodthcehratphlaanincs,crea,thfoerr than a lack of opportunity. which no chaplains are pro- vided. Why cannot these be served by ministers and laymen from neighboring churches and by ministers without charges? Good literature might also be supplied from the surplus in many homes. Write to the Federal Council of Churches (105 East 22d Street, New York) for information as to this work, which one layman, R. C. Tillinghast, calls "The greatest evan- gelistic opportunity the United States has ever had." I Effective Ways of Working 'rested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRI:l. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO THE CHRISTIAN AND HIS of Joash is at your service to help The 13 tracts in the order in which MONEY you bring money again into the house they would be used were inserted in of the Lord. a loose-leaf notebook, one copy of It is the greatest partnership which was given to every teacher, in the world and the most profit- MINISTER: 0 most gracious king, pupil and home in the church. So the able but one which, like com- we accept your offer. Let the Chest entire school with the exception of mercial partnerships, suffers of J oash be brought in that it may re- the beginners' department: studied from fluctuations and depres- ceive the gifts of those who worship tithing for a quarter. sions. "The money question," here. like "the poor," we have always The result was that there ensued with us. As the time for set- (Trumpets sound at the rear of the largest number of tithers in the ting up the every member can- the sanctuary. Bearers of the chest, history of the church. Cards were vass in many denominations preceded by the trumpeters, bring it merely passed out and the member- draws near, we submit the fol- down the aisle and place it on the ship so inclined signed up voluntarily. lowing spiritualized plans for communion table while the organ The fol!owing month the church debt church use on a background of plays a march. The trumpeters pro- was paid off. Three months later a the long article on "Concerning ceed to the king and conduct him to building program was started using the Collection," pp. 363-4 in THE the chest, where he places his offering $5,000, three-fourths of which was REVIEW last July which gives and goes back again to his station. cleared off in one year. The tithing the undergirding principles of The minister follows the king, then instruction was then dropped for two the subject. Leaders in all de- the choir and the congregation pass years, after which the workers' conpartments of church life, inclu- the chest and deposit their offerings ference was again called to consider sive of the pastor, may profit therein. When all is completed, chest the tithe and it was decided to repeat from the plans sent in for our bearers, trumpeters and the king the teaching. It was to be used as a consideration. quietly withdraw. Costumes borrowed background for a drive in favor of a from a friendly lodge made this serv- new educational building. Another J oash Chest Service ice very effective.) supply of tithing tracts was ordered from which each teacher made his The Pastor's Journal tells of a A Great Adventure with selection and gave his instruction for simple pageant which proved of great the Tithe a month, thus avoiding the expense of value for balancing the budget in a making the loose-leaf notebooks. (The church of Linton, Indiana. After out- In The Christian Observer, drive, we take it, is yet in process.) lining the financial situation the pas- Rev. J. M. McKnight tells of his tor asked: surprise, when he started out to Every person who had tithed for study the tithe, in finding the past year was asked to write out "And now, my friends, what shall neither anyone book or Bible his experience in 50 words or less, the we do?" school quarterly teaching or ex- resulting material being mimeo- plaining it to the children. He graphed and sent through the mail to Trumpets immediately sounded at urges our lesson committee to every home of the church and Bible the door at the left of the pulpit and insert into the three-year cycle school. Four or five of the best testias the door opened King J oash was of lessons one whole quarterly monies were printed each week in the discovered at the entrance. on tithing so that at least once church bulletin. The experiences of in three years the important persons in the community whom the J OASH : I am J oash, the son of matter might be studied inten- membership had known for years Ahaziah, the king of Judah. In my sively. His (abbreviated) ac- proved vastly more impressive than reign, the temple of Jehovah needed count of his own experience is any from far-away places. The Layrepairs and we had not the money to as follows: men's Company has been asked to do it. When I heard your appeal, I select the best of the leaflets and comcame back among men to tell you how The only material to be found on bine them in a booklet or Bible school my subjects brought gold into the the subject was about 40 tracts and quarterly – which might be done if temple of the living God. three or four booklets put out by the more than one church agreed to use Laymen's Company, of Chicago, all of the material. MINISTER: Say on, a king. which he read and evaluated -as to its availability for pupils of the different How a Missionary Offering JOASH: Jehoiada, the priest, took a ages, selecting 13, which he asked the Was Doubled chest, bored a hole in its lid and put departmental superintendents to read it at the right side of the altar of the and pass an opinion upon as to their Mrs. C. F. W. Froelich tells in Lord. And those who came into the suitability for the different age The Sunday School Times of the house of the Lord to worship put groups. Then dropping out the reg- success of an experiment in therein their offering. And behold, a ular lessons for a whole quarter they faith: very great sum was brought in and proceeded to substitute their own matherewith we repaired the house of terial, making their own quarterlies. In the small Bible school with an the Lord. And now, behold the Chest enrolment of 50 and an average at- [256 ] tendance of 26, it had been the cus- tom to pay local expenses and send
EFFECTIVE W.NYS OF WORKING
anything left over to missions. But contributions of the total given a dinner at the close. A leader on rally day three years ago the su- for missions during the pre- was appointed for each division, perintendent produced a lighthouse ceding year. Thus "the status and each leader, in turn, selected and announced that henceforth all of a 'Forward Fund' church may five lieutenants. Every leader birthday pennies would be placed be reached at any time of the distributed the books and booktherein as a one-hundred percent of- year because a church will be so lets among the contestants, fering for missions. This objective listed in the first month that gathering up and redistributing was made a matter of prayer among sees its giving for the year rise teachers and children, but birthdays above the amount produced in the material each Wednesday were few and ages discouragingly far the 12 months ending April 30, and Saturday evenings and rebelow the Methusalean standard. So 1935." A "Forward Fund List at the first of the new year anyone of Individuals" is also published cording the score at the rate of willing to place an extra offering in in some sections. Any donor from five to 20 points per unit the lighthouse was invited to do so giving more than the amount according to the length of the and the heretofore impossible goal of contributed last year becomes a publications and the value of $25 a year was set. contributor to the Forward Fund. their contents. This was con- Each Sunday the superintendent tinued for four weeks and each held up the different coins and had The women are using a poster Sunday the complete score of the children count the offering for the in which a rainbow-colored road dav, the total being placed on the appears whenever the member- each division was posted on a blackboard so that all might see the ship of a church gives over-and- bulletin boa r d. Scriptural fund grow. Then as the offerings above offerings. On this poster teaching, experiences of tithers, were sent out to different individuals a quarter measures one inch, outlines of methods of proceor countries, corresponding "rays" which is taken as the unit of were drawn out from a blackboard progress on the Road to Tri- dure, etc., were exploited in the lighthouse and marked with the umph. "Multiplying this in reading matter. The dinner at amount and the names of the objec- linear measure we find a foot is the close furnished one of the tives. When the last Sunday of the $3.00, a yard $9.00, a rod $50.00, best social occasions of the year. year rolled around, the total year's a furlong $2,000.00, a quarteroffering was counted and amounted to mile $4,000.00, and a mile $16,- But better still, this intensive $51.25. The goal had been more than 000.00. Thirty-one and one- reading for four weeks gave the doubled! fourth miles will bring us to the people a wider outlook and deep- goal." Starting the following year with ened sense of obligation to the enlarged faith, the new goal of $75.00 But this financial goal is only Owner of all. The minister acwas set, with the result that the last secondary, the main objective centuated this by preaching a month of the 12 showed a total of being a spiritual advance. "The $103.35! And this in a church where Forward Fund is a banner, a strong· sermon on the duty of "most of the children are poor and guerdon carried in the van of a every individual to make an honthe depression has hit all of us." pageant whose line of march en- circles the world. . . . Even as est return to the Giver of life, Now the missionary program has men and women form a living ability, strength and possess;ons been extended to the homes. Small, wall along the route of the Big attractive brass lighthouses have been Parade, so Baptists of every -this as a climax to the study. secured and 25 have been given out race and clime are watching New pledges to become tithers already, some going to other Bible with eager interest for the Bapschools wishing to try the plan and tist host to appear." were signed by 115 of the conthe rest to homes of the congregation. gregation; and those 115, says The fund keeps growing month by Stewardship Reading Contest the writer, gave more to the supmonth and the adventure of faith goes on. A regular schedule of dis- Church Business* tells of a port of the church and its benevbursement has been agreed upon. strong and very successful plan olences than all the other mem- The sum received each month is de- used in Trinity M. E. church of bers together. So this method voted to that month's objective, con- Oswego, N. Y., in which infor- was strongly attested in action. cerning which the children have been mation proved the key to the informed through stories. Several pocketbook. A general commit- Another article in Church returned missionaries are called in to tee was appointed to arrange Business says that the basic speak in the course of the year. and supervise details for a con- test in which books on Steward- idea, as conceived by the First [Anyone desiring further information ship were selected and given out about the lighthouse plan may write Mrs. to all adults willing to join in a Christian church of Pampa, Froelich at 131 Homer St., Waterville, friendly contest, the congrega- Conn.] tion being divided into East and Texas, is to give the stewardship West, the losing side to furnish of money a very vital place in The Forward Fund • Duplex Envelope Co., Richmond, Va. the life of each member and This year the Northern Bap- Copyrighted. show that the financial support tists have instituted a movement of the church is not a necessary called The Forward Fund Proj- evil but a means of grace and blessing to the individual Chrisect which, in terms of money, is tian. This church uses the Uniintended to increase missionary fied Budget plan, making its sucreceipts by half a million dol- cess hinge upon adequate preplars in two years ending April 30, 1937. In its new terminol- aration for the annual canvass ogy, a "Candidate" church is by full publicity, etc., and havone making missionary' contributions in excess of the amount ing a careful follow-up program paid d uri n g corresponding all through the year. The minmonths in 1934-35; a "Forward ister, faced by difficult financial Fund" church is one making conditions in the current ex- pense and building debts, bor-
rowed books from the Duplex ice, have young people distribute a meeting in the interests of library and settled upon "The small plain envelopes and pen- boys' work was held at which Sunday School and the Church cils-one to each family repre- the subjects for discussion Budget" (Arthur Flake) as the sented. In the course of the eve- were: one best suited to local condi- ning, a copy of the publication The debt we owe our boys and those tions. After much personal is held up and attention called of the community.
work on the minister's part, the to its contents inclusive of sub- Juvenile delinquency, its cause and finance committee recommended ject matter, features and illusthe plan therein outlined to the trations and a brief talk on the cure. official board who, in turn, sub- value of such a periodical is What are our churches doing for boys and what can we do? What about the Boy Scout organiza- mitted it to various groups and given. All willing to subscribe tion?
organizations in the church for are asked to raise their hands, Department 2 fostered a Fastudy. When the matter came then either enclose the price or thers' and Sons' banquet. to a vote in the congregation else agree to hand it in later, three months later, it was ap- writing names and addresses on Department 3 held a debate proved unanimously. In brief, the envelopes, which latter are on "Resolved, that Preparedness each group is asked to submit a collected by the magazine's club Leads to World Peace." tentative budget for its own manager. The plan is reported needs, on the basis of which bud- as working well. Select your Department 4 con d u c ted gets the finance committee own magazine, not forgetting "Ladies' Night". with the topic, builds a tentative Unified Bud- THE REVIEW, and get busy. "Home Ideals," considering the get. This is submitted to the place of the home in civilization; several groups and finally to the A Oommunity Brotherhood homes of yesterday versus those official board for study and criti- of today; the place of religion cism. With it goes a ballot af- The program of the 1935 plans in the home; what a child has a fording expression of opinion as of "The Drummond Community right to expect from his home. to (1) entire approval, (2) gen- Brotherhood," in Oklahoma, eral approval but revision on sent by Rev. H. D. Davies, fur- In September the brotherhood specified points and (3) disap- nishes a pattern which might discussed "Men's Share in the proval of the whole. The plan' well be used with profit all over Church Program" – in increasis working wonderfully,' only the map. Its declared purpose is ing church attendance, enlargfour dissenting ballots having as follows: ing the Church School, in the been received in 1935. program of evangelism and in 1. To organize the men of the financing the church program. The Duplex Reference Li- community in Christian fellowbrary, by the way, is free to all ship and service. In October the general topic users of the duplex envelope, the was "Thinking Missions"-reaonly expense being the payment 2. To promote among them sons for indifference to misof postage one way on books bor- the study of the Bible and sub- sions; why each member should rowed. The collection is of jects of a religious nature. be interested in m iss ion s ; standard books on every sub- money and the enterprise; can ject of interest to workers in 3. To enlist them in winning a church survive and not be church, Bible school and young men for Christ and the Church. missionary? people's societies, with new books being added all the time. 4. To stimulate interest in In November the theme was, A free catalogue will be sent on civic righteousness and encour- "Is the Cause of Temperance request. The subject of reli- age participation in interna- Lost?" – whether Prohibition gious education and exalting the tional and community better- was "done for"; the causes of idea of world friendship is made ment. the wet victory; whether Provery prominent. The Editor has hibition was a failure in action, looked through a partial list of The membership consists of and what the price of success the books and notes many names men over 16 years of age who against the liquor traffic must of the latest and best among accept the purpose of the organ- be. them. ization and have been received by a majority vote. In December came "The Chal- Magazines As a Spur to lenge of Hum a n Need"- Benevolences The meetings are not entirely whether the demand for benev- at set intervals but rather cap- olent activities is as great as in The Presbyterial Tribune rec- italize seasons, occasions and the past; whether the Church ommends a plan for boosting the probably available s pea k e r s should assume more or less re- SUbscription list to a good mis- throughout the year and are sponsibility for the conduct of sionary magazine whose read- successively in charge of the de- benevolent institutions; the ing would, in the natural course partments of endeavor, namely, evaluation of benevolent -insti- of (1) the Devotional Life; (2) tutions in the community, etc. Evangelism, Stewardship, Mis- sions; (3) Training; (4) Fel- A closing injunction on the lowship, Social Service, Commu- program read: of events, stimulate giving. At nity Betterment. Man, go to church every Sunday. some special church night serv- With Department 1 in charge, Start every week right. The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK SPRING SONG patient person in the Scrip- Paul continues with, "Where- fore, receive ye one another, Do only the young sing in the tures? even as Christ also received us." spring? What has patience to do with The "God of Patience" might well be the title of a modern pic- In "A Catch for Singing," by God and religion? One can hear ture of God made by the German Wilfred Wilson Gibson, we find almost instantly the reply of the reverse to be true, and the scoffers: "Too much-that's the artist, Barlach. The illustration reason for the old young man's here given is the last in a series singing should be evident to all trouble with this country-the depicting "The Wanderings of who meditated recently on the Christians are spineless!" But God" in the modern era. You Cross and the Resurrection of consider the ways of the truly Jesus. Several verses of Gib- patient. Verily, "they have their will recall how in the old Heson's poem are quoted to reveal reward – even eternal life" in brew anthem, God contemplated the faith of the "old young the midst of confusion caused by each day his creatures and "saw man" : nature and men. And for them, everything that He had made faith that the cherry trees are and behold it was very good"; Said the Old Young Man to the in flourish makes them servants Young Old Man: of men, hurrying about to help and how He rested on the sev- whom they may. At least, they enth day and hallowed it for "Both flower and fruit decay." Himself and his creatures. In Said the Young Old Man to the Old are found more useful in every- this modern conception we again day life than the idle scoffers. find God resting, at the conclu- Young Man: Paul, in a letter to Roman sion of a number of visits among "The cherry tree's in flourish!" friends, wrote, "Now the God of patience and of comfort grant his creatures. You may think Said the Old Young Man to the you to be of the same mind one that the picture shows great sor- Young Old Man: wit h another, according to row. He may be seen better as Christ Jesus: … " In a foot- the God of patience, or sted- "Alack and well-a-day! note, the reader is given the The world is growing grey, fastness. And flower and fruit decay. choice of the word "stedfast- No doubt God in his wander- Beware Old Man, beware Old Man ness" for the word "patience." For the end of life is nearing, ings today views children at And the grave yawns by the way. . . . "
Said the Young Old Man to the Old Young Man: "I'm a trifle hard of hearing; And can't catch a word you say … But the cherry tree's in flourish!"
The poem is in an old copybook made by a young person. The punctuation may not be according to the original, but the meaning of the verse was learned and that is enough!
THE PATIENT GOD AN ARTIST REPRESENTS "THE PATIENT GOD"
Have you ever taken an Eng- [259 ] lish Bible test and been asked to place quotations accurately? In what context do you find the expressions, "bring forth fruit with patience," "run with patience" ? Who said and under what circumstances, "Lord, have patience with me"? .Tell in fifty words so that a child understands the meaning of, "the patience of Job." Is Job the only play, and at the same time chil- one district in Brooklyn, the pas- their homes. Ten different dedren whose labor is exploited for tors presented the interdenom- nominations and 27 churches the comfort of adults who would inational missionary projects, united." express horror at child slaves in toward which the offerings are China but who constantly argue contributed each year. Individ- In Riverhead, New York, a for the "right of little ones to uals participated through the large map of the world was form habits of industry and radio. We learn that going to hung where all the congregation thrift." What does God th·nk offices in autos did not prevent could see it, while young women of Christians who say that they participation in the united told of observance of the World can do nothing about the con- prayer for social justice and Day of Prayer in 1935. tinuance of child labor in the world peace. U. S. A., while the parents of In a little town in souththe same children cannot find The program for the next western Texas of 150 inhabitwork to earn enough to furnish World Day of Prayer is being ants, 35 persons prayed for the family with bread and milk? prepared by Miss Mabel Shaw world peace. The superintend- of North Rhodesia, Africa. The ent of one of the Sunday schools Also, God in such a visit sent the offering of $1.59, with would find many "young old holiday need not interfere with a "blessing on the offering and men" grown cynical in the midst the observance, for as you real- on those for whom it is given." of earth's abundance, and too ize, the same program in many few of "the old young men" re- Danville, Iowa, sent with the membering the promises of languages is used in united missionary offering a sheet of spring and the Resurrection of service for almost forty hours' signatures to the People's Man- Life. In this modern conception date which begins, "We the peoof God one sees with compassion intercession encircling the earth. ple are determined to end war." the multitudes of men, women, It is now three weeks since the Other places signed the People's and children longing rightly for Day. Reports from observances Mandate following the services. happiness and peace, when their come daily to the Foreign Mis- Many groups report the first leaders, even statesmen, betray Union services. One such group them into war instead of using sions Conference offices and to had an all-day meeting even our God-given reason to secure our headquarters. The attend- "though it is hard to get folks all the people from flood and ance in the Greater New York out to prayer meetings." Thus famine, fire and desolation, de- area was nearly 10,000. prayers from Indian Schools, spair and death. from oil towns in the West and Within three weeks following Southwest, from student groups But, "The cherry tree's in February 28th, in the Council such as the Conference of the flourish !" office alone, 1,897 letters from Lutheran Student Association of groups-west and south as well the North Atlantic regions, from [The editor will welcome in- towns large and small, from interpretations of the picture from as nearer New York were re- dividuals and groups who parreaders to report later in the ceived. The free-will offerings ticipated in the radio services, .Bulletin.] in the 1,897 letters were for the from tens of thousands rose in home and foreign mission enter- mighty intercession prayer that WORLD DAY OF PRAYER God would overrule the blind- prises carried interdenomina- ness and stupid ways of men The next World Day of tionally, and totaled more than and bring nearer the Kingdom Prayer for missions, always the $14,000. One village held its of heaven on earth. first Friday in Lent, occurs in the U. S. A. on Lincoln's Birth- first union services, and in send- "A PREFACE TO RACIAL day, February 12, 1937. It may ing the offering of twenty-five be that the holiday will make UNDERSTANDING" possible the participation of the cents (six cents to each of the whole family. In Coffeeville, mission projects) wrote "we did The new home mission study Mississippi, this yea r, "the text for adults carries the title, stores of the town were closed the best we could and it was "A Preface to Racial Underfor the hour of service, so that worth while." The offerings standing." The word "preface" the merchants and employees indicates that the main responsicould attend." from the metropolitan areas, in- bility rests with the church to cluding cities like Detroit and bring about better understand- In places like Pittsburgh and Cleveland were well over a hun- ing. A selected reading list on Schenectady, the Council of dred dollars. Many places send- the Negro in America may be Churches was ready to carry re- ing offerings on the World Day secured from our office (5 sponsibility for the services, cents). Also for ten' cents planning for participation of of Prayer for others, are now (stamps acceptable) the New men and women, young people, in the troubled flood areas. We York Public Library Circulation and children in several union pray that relief for them may office, 42d Street and Fifth Ave., services. Many reports tell of be speedy and adequate. Thus, New York City, issues "A the presence of the pastors of the ways of "charity" bind us Selected Bibliography on the the cooperating churches. In all together. Negro."
The reports as they cQme in are very helpful and show vital strength of the missionary spirit in our country. Excerpts from reports follow: Macon, Georgia, reported "over 200 present even though at least 70 % of our mis- sionary women had illness in
~' Our World–wide
I A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events ~, EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO NORTH AMERICA committee will attempt to for- present set-up in mission work mulate one which will have a is too expensive." New Church Federations constructive connotation. To meet these conditions he Dr. Rey B. Guild announces The committee consists of Dr. advocated the almost exclusive four new church federations George L. Kieffer, statistical sec- use of unmarried missionaries, which have recently been organ- retary of the National Lutheran a more itinerant missionary ized in various parts of the Council, Dr. William Lamp~, force, the fuller identification of country: The Colorado Council Philadelphia, of the Reformed the missionary with native life, of Churches, organized Feb- Church in America, and the Rev. less elaborate station equipment ruary 21 with the Rev. Harold Herbert Rugg, Director of Pub- except in strategic centers, and M. Gilmore as Executive Sec- licity for the Congregational the quicker and less hampered retary. The Jackson (Mich- and Christian Churches of development of native leaderigan) Council of Churches with America. ship in the Church and its man- Mr. C. H. Johnson as Executive agement. "What is wanting in Secretary. The Bay County Lutheran Foreign Missions the missionary enterprise is not Federation of Churches, Bay new machinery, or methods. City, Mich. The North Carolina Eighteen foreign missio""aries Foremost is the necessity for a Council of Churches, formed by from all parts of the world were fresh outburst of spiritual life ten denominational bodies and a present at the Lutheran Foreig'l in the Church." group of Baptist churches, hav- Missions Conference of North ing a total membership of America in St. Paul, Minnesota, Gideon Bibles 1,500,000. March 24 and 25. A committee was appointed to petition Con- Recently, at the suggestion of Religion for New Communities gress to enact legislation en- an atheistic society, the Gideon abling a missionary who is a Bibles were removed from a Prevention of spiritual desti- citizen of the United States to 600-room hotel. The first night tution in new communities now continue his missionary service there were 200 inquiries as to being developed by the United in a country at war, if he so de- where the Bibles had gone, so States Government is urged by sires, and relieving his govern- the management placed them in the Home Missions Council and ment of all responsibility on hiS the rooms again. the Council of Women for Home behalf. This would answer the Missions, representing more criticism that foreign mission- It is interesting to note that than twenty Protestant denom- aries are a liability to the gov- in 1934 several thousand Gideon inations. Interdenominational ernment and that "gunboats Bibles were stolen from hotel cooperation along the line of the must be used to protect ambas- rooms, or shall we say borreligious work now being jointly sadors of the Prince of Peace." rowed? -Religious Digest. done by seven national churches at Boulder Dam was asked for. Further study is to be made New York's New Chinatown Grand Coulee Dam in Washing- of the possibilities for a joint Center ton state and Bonneville Dam in Lutheran missionary magazine. Oregon were also ment:oned. Next year's convention will A new Christian center was probably be held at Detroit, dedicated in the heart of New -Presbyterian Banner. Michigan. York's Chinatown on March 10. Hundreds of guests crowded the New Term for "Denomination" The Rev. M. J. Stolee, of St. five floors of this recently com- Paul, discussing the subject, pleted building to hear distin- The National Religious Pub-. "What Factors in Modern Mis- guished speakers. Many leaders licity Council, at its annual sions Require a Changed Em- of various Chinese groups were meeting, appointed a committee phasis?" declared, "We are not present, including Hon. Tsuneto recommend a better term for getting results commensurate chi Yu, Chinese Consul General general use than the word "de- with the machinery and man- of New York; Mr. Hin Tse Wu, nomination." Use of that term power we have." The disquiet- United States representative of (though it means only "a ing fact is that the population Confucians, and Mr. Paul T. name") was declared to be ob- in non-Christian lands is in- Linn, of the Chinese Benevolent jectionable on the ground that creasing faster than those who Association. it is a "divisive term." The turn to the Saviour. "The This community center will [261 ]
devote itself to problems pecul- are in college or seminary pre- ment schools. Several Catholic iar to Chinatown. It has a Sun- spokesmen have called the order day and weekday program of paring themselves to become "nothing but a political maeducation-religious and secular ministers to their own people. neuver." -with special courses in English for all ages, a kindergarten, All of the pastors of the colored Ministering to Neglected scout troops and young people's churches are college and semi- Indians organizations. nary graduates. The ministers in the Spanish – s pea kin g Physicians from the Hospital -The Christian Century. Latino – Americano in' Mexico churches are trained men. The spend each year five months in "New Americans" Plan first Eskimo to be ordained is the aggregate visiting the In- for Church now the stated supply at Wain- dian tribes in isolated sections. Some of these villages have no Korean Presbyterians of Los wright, in the Arctic Circle. doctor except the Wi5Ch doctor Angeles are making plans for a and medicine men. Medical supnew church home, to cost be- The Sheldon Jackson School at plies are carried in the saddle tween four and five thousand Sitka has sent its graduates into bags of the missionary doctors, dollars. They have about $2,500 every phase of Alaskan life until and upon their trips they are in hand, and pledges for the bal- today its graduates make up by usually accompanied by one or ance. This Christian group has more colporteur missionaries been holding church services in far the majority of the members who give out scripture portions. rented quarters for nearly 30 The s e traveling missionaries years, and their joy in the pros- of the Alaskan Brotherhood and undergo the hardships of piopect of having a building of 'the Alaskan Sisterhood. neers, riding horseback over their own knows no bounds. steep and rough mountain trails -Presbyterian Banner. in order to take the ministry of -Presbyterian Banner. healing for body and soul to a LATIN AMERICA neglected people. It is hoped Echoes of Marcus Whitman that nurses may be trained and Campaign in Cuba sent out to their own people. Walla WalIa, Washington, a city of 16,000 persons, is re- The Superintendent of South- -Watchman-Examiner. ported, according to police rec- ern Baptist mission work in ords, to have passed through Cuba reports that a province- Home Missions in Nicaragua 1935 without a traffic fatality, wide evangelistic campaign in murder or manslaughter case. Santa Clara Province has re- The Woman's Missionary So- sulted in 500 professions and the This is the town established revival fires are still burning. ciety of the Managua Baptist seventy-five years ago near the This Province, with a population place where Dr. Marcus Whit- of 1,000,000, has nineteen Bap- Church now numbers 100. Last man and his young wife built tist churches and sixteen mistheir log cabin and established a sion stations. There are thirty- year the membership was doumission among the Cayuse Indi- nine missionaries. The meetans on the Walla Walla River. ings were held in thriving cities, bled. The motto of the society Two years later they organized a ranging in population from church of seven members. Ten 8,000 to 60,000. is "Nicaragua for Christ." Bapyears later, in 1847, Dr. and Mrs. Whitman and others were -Watchman-Examiner. killed by treacherous and misguided Indians. Later the un- Churches Reopening in Mexico tists have established work in friendly tribes were defeated by government troops and peace nearly all sections of Nicaragua, was established. Walla Walla was founded as a town in 1859. The government of President the best developed evangelical and has now grown to a well ordered city of 16,000 inhabi- Cardenas has decided to permit work being in Managua. tants-and no lawbreakers. reopening of the many hundreds On the east coast the Mora- Churches Becoming Indigenous of churches closed early in 1935, vians have evangelized another Presbyterian work among ra- and once more the religion pro- narrow strip all along the Atcial groups in North America, including the West Indies, is fessed by more than 16,000,000 lantic Coast. Their work is in rapidly becoming indigenous. The church in Puerto Rico and of Mexico's 18,000,000 inhabi- English or among the native In- Cuba is directed entirely by nationals. Several young Indians tants has opportunity to be put dians in their own language.
in practice. Churches remain This leaves a wide strip through the property of the government. the center and several sections The order does not apply to in the north entirely untouched churches which have been taken by the Gospel.
over for use as schools, libraries Everywhere is felt the need or government offices. for trained native leadership.
It is said that one of the gov- The Managua Baptist Church ernment's motives pinedneci indigng to illustrates what may be accom- permit the reo of plished under proper leaders.
churches was the hope that the During three months the Mana- action would remove opposition gua Church received 21 new by Catholics to the official social- members by baptism, while 5 istic education program, and more have been accepted, and that Catholics would willingly the candidates' class has 20 en- send their children to govern- rolled. -Missions.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Roman Catholic Growth followed by Italians and Poles. the country is 100 per cent pro- The many European nationali- Recently Dr. Web s t erE. ties create special problems, and fessing Christian. Since Green- Browning, regional secretary of in part account for the multipli- land belongs to Denmark, the the Committee on Cooperation cation of churches. Greenland Church is under the -World Survey Service. in Latin America, sent out a Bishop of Copenhagen. A proquestionnaire, asking impres- vost is stationed at Godthaab sions from a number of leading EUROPE and a vice-provost farther north. missionaries and national work- Seven Danish and fifteen Es- ers of the evangelical movement French Protestants Seek Unity kimo pastors are in charge of regarding the religious situation ten parishes in the west, two in in various republics. The first Negotiations for union be- the east and one at Cape York. question dealt with the growth tween the two leading Reformed The country is so large that the of influence of the Roman Cath- Churches in France are still in parishes are from 150 to 200 olic Church. The substance of progress. During recent years miles each way. Church attendreplies to this question is as fol- French Protestants have become ance is good, the people are lows: "There is general consent convinced that their divisions thrifty and happy, they are litto the statement that the dom- are a cause of weakness, and erate, and have schools, includinant church is, at present, en- that they keep souls in search ing normal school and seminary, joying what may be called a re- of truth a way from the Sunday schools and young peovival of influence and power. churches, paralyzing efforts at ple's societies. Religion is evangelization and wasting re- taught in the public schools be- There is, it is stated, an in- sources. They have come to see -Fattig og Rik. creased attendance on its serv- sides.
ices; there are street proces- that their doctrinal divergences sions in cities which formerly are not as great as might ap- Sweden's Religious Bodies pear, so that the two churches forbade them; its schools report Religious statistics for Swea heavier enrolment, especially can adhere to the three evan- den have been compiled from gelical positions stated at the various sources and are, aptheological seminaries in which Lausanne Conference. During proximately: Adventists, 2,500 ; young men of the country are the negotiations of r e c e n t Salvation Army, 20,500; Swedregistering in greater numbers; months an attempt has been an air of greater confidence pre- made to find a declaration of ish Salvation Army, 2,000; faith which will affirm the Missionary Association of Orevails and more modern methods bro, 1,525; Baptists, 68,151 ; are being used in propaganda, eternal truths of the Gospel and Independent Baptists, 5,000 ; the permanent principles of the such as broadcasting and more Roman Catholics, 4,100; Swedeffective advertising in the Reformation, and which will ish Church (Lutheran), 5,830,- press; and by means of specially constitute a common basis for 000; Swedish Missionary Fedprepared books and other litera- thought and action. The prin- eration, 200,000; Jews, 10,000; ture." ciples on which the mixed com- Methodist Episcopal, 30,000 ; mittee, charged with preparing -The Christian Century.
Some Problems in Argentina this basis, is proceeding are the Orthodox Greeks, 349; Pente- costists, 55,000; the Lutheran Methodist work in Argentina following: common obedience to Church of Sweden has 2,741 owes its origin to Rev. J. Demp- the authority of the Word of pastors at work. God, common profession of the ster, who arrived in Buenos Christian faith and common fi- Heroism Brings Revival Aires in 1836, and his initiative delity to the true mission of the has resulted in a Methodist com- Church. A recent compilation reveals that of 83 pastors still remainmunity of some 6,000. The total -World Survey Service. ing within the boundaries of evangelical community of Ar- Soviet Russia, 47 have been suf- gentina is 193,000. In Greenland The work of evangelization in Hans Egede, the Apostle to fering for years in concentrathis field is somewhat paralyzed, Greenland, was born on January tion camps, on the White Sea or especially as regards that car- 31st, 250 years ago. Greenland in Siberia. Two were recently ried on by national workers. is one of the successful mission condemned to death; others Quite often foreigners without enterprises of the Lutheran have been forced to stop their the language requirement have church. Every year, on All- work. Probably less t han the necessary funds to carryon Saints' Day, every congregation twenty Evangelical pastors are intensive work, but good native in Greenland celebrates the still at work in Russia out of the preachers are limited to work- memory of Hans Egede and at 300 who formerly preached the ing among small congregations Godthaab, there is a fine granite Gospel there. The same writer which cannot support them, or monument erected in his honor. relates how two Christian colgive them scope for advance. It is reported that on Pentecost porteurs were preaching the Immigration t 0 Argentina Day, May 20, 1934, at Cape Gospel in a village. One crum- continues. Last year Spaniards York, the last heathen in the pled up suddenly, struck by a claimed the largest increase, whole land was baptized, so that bullet. His comrade, instead of
fleeing, took the Bible from the or been deeply interested in the Lutherans Start Mission Gospel message, is marked with in Nigeria martyred man, and continued a star in the hospital records. There are recorded between 300 The Lutheran Missouri Synod, preaching to the frightened lis- and 400 "star" cases, names of one of the largest Lutheran former patients, with whom spe- bodies in America, with a memteners. His heroism made such cially to keep in touch in their bership of 1,460,052 in the villages. Middle West, will inaugurate its a profound impression that a re- first missionary work in Africa -Edinburgh M. M. S. when Prof. Henry Nau and vival broke out in the village Quarterly. Mrs. Nau arrive in Nigeria. The synod has been carrying on which extended beyond its bor- Haile Selassie and Missions extensive missionary activities in Asia, Australia, Iceland and ders. -Alliance Weekly. This emperor, whose name North and South America for means "Hero of the Trinity," is more than seventy-five years. Religion in Russia eagerly devoted to the further- ance of his people and is per- Early last year, Dr. Nau, in Observers notice an intensive sonally concerned that the Gos- company with two others from turning of people in Russia to- pel should have free course in the synod, sailed to Africa to ward religion. Cases are cited the country. The Amharic peo- survey the field in response to a where factory workers have vol- ple have been Christians for petition from Nigeria asking the untarily collected money for a 1,600 years; but much of their Synodical Conference of Lunew church building; many religion is set in rigid forms, theran Synods to begin mission were imprisoned for this. New especially on account of the long work there. During his stay, churches have been built in in- isolation of the country. Dr. Nau completed the transladustrial districts, some of the tion of Martin Luther's cateparticipants actually being com- While Haile Selassie is a chism and a number of standard munists. faithful son of his own Coptic church hymns into the native or Abyssinian church, he is dialect of the people, and when The Russian Missionary So- eager to open it to Evangelical he returned, in June, reported ciety reports that the excom- influences. He has been favor- bright prospects for mission missioner of education in the able to all missions. The Basel work in Nigeria. Soviet has confessed that mem- Mission looks back upon a cenbership in the communist party tury's participation in the work Revival Begins with has increased only a million in inasmuch as the first mission- Missionaries ten years, whereas the Stundists aries were trained in Basel, (the equivalent of vital Chris- among them the great Samuel W. J. Anderson, Jr., American tianity) has increased six mil- Gobat. The Amharic Bible was Presbyterian missionary at Lulion in the same period, in the printed at St. Crishona, near bondai in the Congo, writes that face of all the opposition of Basel. spiritual blessing began when Soviet propaganda. the missionaries, burdened by The emperor is a zealous sup- the need for a fresh outpouring AFRIOA porter of the work of spreading of the Spirit, set apart a week the Bible in the new vernacular to humble themselves before Preaching by Works translation and he took part per- God, determined that if any- sonally in the dedication of the thing in their lives was block- When the Egypt General Mis- beautiful building of the British ing progress it should be done sion commenced work in 1898, and Foreign Bible Society in away with. "God revealed a it was with no idea of winning Addis Ababa. He himself pub- number of things; they were the people except by direct lishes Biblical books in two ver- made right. When this was preaching of the Gospel. As the sions, the old sacred translation done and we held back nothing, work developed in the villages, which is no longer understood but surrendered all to Him, then some of the young missionaries, by the people and the modern God's blessing came. Peace, joy, handicapped by their lack of the which they can read. He ex- fellowship, power, such as we language, felt constrained to plains all this work in a preface had never experienced before. preach by "deeds, not words" till with his own portrait. He sends We witnessed to the leaders such time as they mastered out loads of these Bibles on among the natives, then to the Arabic, so they began by carry- mule-back to his leaders for the evangelists. Much confession of ing bottles of eyedrops with purpose of distributing them sin followed! them, to relieve suffering and among their people. show forth something of the "It spread to the workmen, to love and compassion of Christ. He also sets a good example to near-by villages. All hours of Later, this eye work developed his people in the matter of the day and night the people until an amateur dispensary was church attendance, being at his came, under great conviction of opened in the Delta. place every Sunday in the sin, wanting to get right with Church of St. George in the cap- God. The transformed evan- As patients return to their vil- ital. lages they are followed up by a system which has been carefully developed during the last few years. The name of each patient who has been found. to have accepted Christ as Saviour,
1936J OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
gelists went back to their vil- the Cape country are gradually Immigrants from Germany lages, witnessed and preached combining in a larger union. include a large proportion of as never before in their lives. This means that now actual mis- And what were the results? sionary work is over in this part professional men, also leaders People began seeking the Lord of Africa. in the world's thought. by the score and then by the hundred. Villages that, a couple In 1842, the first Rhenish mis- Affiliation of Colleges of years ago were most offensive sionaries came to the Hottentots to visiting missionaries, and in Namaland in Southwest International ColI e g e at most antagonistic to the Gospel, Africa. Two years later the have since been begging us to first station was planted among Smyrna, Turkey, will affiliate establish work in their midst." the Hereros. Then was added work among the Ba'stards and with the American University -Congo Mission News. the black slaves in the land of the Hill Damas. For 50 years of Beirut, Syria. Negotiations Revival at Bolobo the work here was hindered in many ways, most of all by the for the sale of the campus and Compromise is expressed by great rebellion in 1904 and then Congo church members as the World War. The many in- buildings at Smyrna to the gov- "using their two legs to travel terruptions broke up the tribal two different roads." A recent coherence which caused great ernment are under way. The revival resulted in pro t est language divisions and finally against this, and a low level of led to relinquishing the work in new plans, of which details and spiritual life in general. Young Amboland. From 1929 to 1933, men were fired with zeal to the whole area suffered from re- legal adjustments are still to be carry the Good News into the current droughts~ The greatest hinterland, and preaching difficulty lies in the fact that the worked out, will be provisional "classes" wen t everywhere. land is thinly populated; but of Fetishes were exposed and dis- its 90,000 inhabitants 56,000 for five years, and contemplate carded, and many pagans gath- have now been gathered in the ,ered into the Church. Special congregations of this mission. no further capital investment in pamphlets, extra Bible classes .and prayer meetings had to be The mission is having a won- grounds and buildings, and the planned. New prayer houses derful increase in its work for were built, all by native initia- the last two years. It amounts cooperating boards will each tive, and reg u I a r morning almost to a mass movement. prayers are held in the villages The special object of its care is maintain identity and control of of Bolobo, where formerly the the mission among the Bushefforts of missionaries to orig- men. These people from South funds. -Advance. inate such prayers went on for Africa are coming by the thoua while, then died out. sands begging for reception into A Consecrated Christian the Christian Church. One of the most remarkable The Syria News Quarterly reresults of the revival is the spon- WESTERN ASIA taneous desire of the people to counts the story of a consecrated reshape the community's life Type of Jews in Palestine Christian worker named J alaI, nearer their heart's desire. The whose experiences paralleled .amount of palm wine or sugar- Immigration of Jews to Pales- those of Paul. Armed with cane beer brought in for sale to tine in 1934 exceeded 42,000, ac- Bibles, books and pamphlets Bolobo market suffered imme- cording to the Jewish Mission- specially written for Moslems, diate curtailment; in short, a ary Intelligence. In 1922, they he had set out in November on new standard has been set for were 11 per cent as compared to a missionary tour to include the Christian living. 78 per cent Moslems; in 1931, more benighted and sin-scarred nearly 17 per cent as against 73 of the villages in the northern -World Survey Service. per cent Moslems and 9 per cent part of Syria. He got on very Christians. The type of the well until the police interfered. The Rhenish- Mission Jewish population has definitely Finding that he had no local per- changed. Time was when Pales- mit to sell books they summarily This mission opened in 1828 tinian Jews were orthodox, poor took him to the police station. when its first four missionaries in substance, not well educated. There he was requested in no landed in Capetown and began Today, they are self-reliant and polite terms to leave the town. work among the colored popula- pride themselves on being self- J alaI insisted mildly that he was tion. Since then 20,000 Chris- supporting and independent, not a transgressor, and repaired tians are gathered in 10 congre- and their nationalistic aspira- to the French Secretary of the gations. In 1840 this mission tions find little use for religious Interior to obtain a license. In also took over the work of the observances. his office were a young Syrian London Missionary Society. interpreter, a Syrian lady ste- Since 1933, the congregations of nographer, a number of men and a Moslem woman heavily veiled. In true oriental fashion this group constituted itself a jury in his case. When they had heard all, they gathered about asking him questions, and sev- eral were moved to open their hearts to him and to ask his ad- vice in the solution of their own difficulties.
As for the French secretary, he was so interested in Jalal's tale of his conversion from Is-
lam and his occupation in INDIA This mysterious Bible was spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that he immediately be- Revival Fires printed on the presses of the came a warm friend and advo- Basel Mission in Mangalur in cate, and lost no time in supply- Methodist Christians in India 1865 and has attained to such a ing the permit. write hopefully of signs of degree of veneration that for awakening in their districts. decades it has been preserved in Premium on Unveiling Dr. J. R. Chitambar, of Jubbul- a Hindu temple and is wor- pore, says: "Many Christians shipped as divine by these non- Iran has taken a daring step. are experiencing a new filling Christian people. Two Swiss Under order of the American- with the Holy Spirit and deep missionaries, Pastor Noverraz trained Minister of Education, spiritual power is noticeable in and Miss Dr. Petitpierre have boys and girls of seven and meetings . in various places. been permitted to see it. They under will attend school to- Lives are touched and changed." tell the following story. gether. The age limit will be Rev. O. M. Auner writes of a raised annually until it reaches revival in Khandwa that "noth- About sixty years ago there sixteen, the age at which girls ing like it has been seen in India may marry under the new law. before." The same kind of re- was in Mustigiri, near the mis- The new law sets the marriage port comes from Shabjahanpur sion station of Guledgudd, a age of men at eighteen. School district: "Things are on fire priest, Kalappa, serving the· girls and their teachers now go from God in Parahpur, Karswa temple of the goddess Durgavva. to their classes unveiled, and to and Ranjitpur." After various further encourage unveiling, conferences, workers have gone He was so receptive to the Gosgovernment offices are offering back to their fields with new pel that one of the Swiss mispositions to girls who have put power and deeper Christian ex- sionaries presented him with the aside their veils. perience. Bible.
-Alliance Weekly. In the Lushai Hills Then a fanatical swami, fear- ing the holy book of the Chris- Experiences in Arabia A generation ago two pio- tians might prove detrimental and cause secessions from Hin- Dr. Harold Storm, of the neers, F. W. Savidge and J. H. duism, got possession of it and American Reformed Church nailed it shut with a big nail. Mission in Muscat, who is tour- Lorrain, were sent by a wealthy ing the coast of Arabia, was Before he died, he uttered the warned not to enter the Mahara Christian of Leeds, England, to prophecy, that when the hole country of southeastern Arabia. Other foreigners have nearly open a mission among head- caused by the nail would close lost their lives at the hands of up again, he would himself rethe Mahara. Being delayed by hunters of the North Lushai turn from the dead. This prophbad weather, Dr. Storm walked ecy was believed by the people nearly twenty miles to Quishu, Hills, in the area between India the capital where he met the and so it came that the old book Sultan of Mahara and received and Burma, near the Assam came to be superstitiously venan invitation to stay with him erated. or to return for another visit. border. In four years they mas- Last year, Missionary Schuler, The Mahara people are made tered the unwritten language, also of the Basel Mission, sucup of a confederation of small ceeded in being permitted to see tribes numbering about 50,000, reduced it to writing, translated the Bible and the priest who is speaking their own language and maintaining almost com- two Gospels and the Book of the its custodian. The latter had the plete independence. Dr. Storm book carefully wrapped in red was delayed in carrying out his Acts, wrote hymns, a catechism, plans in reaching Dhufar, but silk, locked up in a casket, found that this delay was a pro- a primer, a grammar, and a dic- which he brought out and placed vision of God since one of his on a stand. On the wrapper hospital boys, who had gone in tionary of 7,000 words. When there were leaves of a sacred advance to prepare the way, had tree that were still fresh and been able to treat the Sultan of their work was well started they also some grains of rice, all of Muscat successfully of eye trouble. As a result a warm wel- handed it over to the Welsh Cal- which showed that the Bible recome awaited Dr. Storm and the ceived daily worship. It was a best house in Salala was put at vinistic Methodists. Today, as solemn moment of the utmost his disposal. quiet, until the relic was un- a result of their work, there are wrapped. The binding is loose and the worse for wear on ac- in these southern hills 6,000 count of the ravages of the white ants. In the center of one church members in full stand- board of the binding there is a small hole, diminishing as far ing, with a Christian community as the book of Leviticus. Many leaves are loose and worn. The of 16,000 and 9,500 Sunday priest had smeared his forehead with red paint and on it were school scholars. The native staff pasted grains of rice. He said consists of 11 traveling superin- tendents and 117 honorary vil- lage pastors. The whole New Testament has been published in Lushai. -So S. Times.
The Nailed-Up Bible This title sounds almost as if it were taken from a story book. It is so very characteristic of Hindu mentality that it deserves to be told further.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
he did not read the book and so On Sunday, December 8, a preparation for another. There the missionary offered him an- Christian procession of wit- is a married lepers' village, other Bible for a present, the nesses was organized. About where about 100 people make priest promising to read it him- 260 people met at the Christian their homes. The arrangement self and also to read it to the high school and mar c h e d seems to be quite satisfactory. visitors at the temple. through the streets, with ban- The outstanding event of the ners flying and texts displayed, year in the colony was the sep- What Humble Folk Can Do halting at various points to sing aration from the mother church. and witness. By the time the Their new status as a separate In the Telugu country mis- procession had returned to its church was celebrated with ap- sionaries were moved to see what starting place, the number had propriate services and cere- poor, uneducated people can do grown to over 400. The route monies. They now have their in the way of evangelism. They was about two and a half miles own budget, support their own cannot make long speches. They long, and very dusty which made pastor, and give generously to cannot argue and engage in con- singing difficult. Christian pro- evangelistic work. For the past troversy as St. Paul did in cessions are rare, but this one few months they have had entire Athens, but they can tell others met with encouraging· success. charge of their own services what Christ has done for them, with no help from the mother sell Gospels and exemplify the -C. M. S. Outlook. church. They also have a reg- love of Christ in their own lives. ular schedule of study classes, Finding Title for God and a number are well versed in From a report of an evan- the Scriptures. The medical gelistic campaign of Anglican, Agents of the Bible Society treatment has been varied dur- Methodist and Congregational from Calcutta and Rangoon, ing the year by the addition of Churches in 1934, we find the missionary representatives of two new remedies, which gave following: the Bible Churchmen's Mission- them new interest in their treat- ary Society and other organiza- ment, though no specific cures In one village illiterate Chris- tions at work in that area met are reported.-Siam Outlook. tian women were trained to sing in February to discuss a suitable hymns and learn lessons by title for God in the Khumi and CHINA heart so as to repeat them in kindred dialects. The Khumis the village bazaar before caste are a Chin tribe, with several Communist Opinion of employers, and with good effect. branches; of the forty-five Chin Missionary tribes, forming a total popula- Christian children took their tion of only about 350,000, less What Chinese communists part in the campaign: they than a dozen can at present hear think of missionaries appears in would go with banners in pro- the Gospel in their own lan- the trial of Messrs. A. Hayman cession through the caste quar- guage. The difficulty which this and R. Bosshardt, the members ters and sing hymns. mission is facing among the of the China Inland Mission Khumis in Burma is one which who were captured as spies at Small children would stand up has been met in many parts of Kiuchow, their station, on Oc- in the village street and repeat the world and illustrates the tober 2, 1934. Both were scripture verses or a Gospel care which is necessary in the charged with having been sent story, and then say a little selection of proper terms in any to China "under imperialistic prayer. language, if the Christian doc- principles, to delude with – the trine of God is to be satisfac- teachings of Jesus the docile In one village Christians of torily understood. Christians people," and with having served outcaste origin bought Gospels number 331,000 in Burma, the as a vanguard in the interest of and tracts and gave them free great majority being Karens imperialism with a view to "di- to the caste farmers. One very or members of nonindigenous viding up China as a melon." poor Christian woman gave a races. Less than 12,000 Bur- Special deprecating reference farthing for three Gospels and mans, little more than one in was made to their work among some handbills and gave them to every thousand, were returned the Miao, one of the tribes in her master who was a caste as Christians in the latest cen- West China. "With the Bible of man. -C. M. S. Outlook. sus figures. Jesus they h a v e positively drugged the people with a view Public Witnessing -World Survey Service. to destroying all those who are opposed to imperialism." St. Paul's Church, Jubbul- Lepers Have Their Own pore, held a "Week of Witness," Owing to the increasing ill when they erected a tent near Church health of Mr. Hayman he was the main road, and a band of released on November 18, 1935. . workers invited the passers-by The Leper Colony at Kiulung- Mr. Bosshardt remains in cap- to come in and see the lantern kiang, Siam, has grown until tivity, with his whereabouts un- slides and listen to the good there are now over 220 patients. known.-The Living Church. news. Attendances averaged Two new dormitories have been about sixty to eighty non-Chris- built and many bricks made in tians, and many heard the Gos- pel for the first time.
Chiang Kai-Shek Appeals most of the listeners, a striking J APAN-CHOSEN to Nation object lesson was presented re- cently in Tientsin when a large All-Japan Christian General Chiang Kai-Shek, on crowd heard The Beatitudes Conference January 1, broadcast a message (or, as the Chinese call them, to the Chinese nation in which 'The Eight Happinesses") read The 200 delegates to the Allhe asserted that national salva- in several different languages. Japan Christian Conference in tion could be achieved within They were read first in Chinese, Tokyo, November 26-27, repre- ,one year, through the New Life then in the Latin Vulgate; a sented practically every commu- Movement. With the old Chi- Greek merchant read the mod- nion and every national Chrisnese virtues, courtesy, justice, ern Greek version, and a Jap- tian organization in the Empire. honesty and conscientiousness, anese Christian read them in Interest ran high in the two he believes it possible to build Japanese. Then they were read major questions-Church Union up the moral character of the III English, afterwards a Jew and a Nation-Wide United Cam- nation and wipe out all evil and (putting on his hat) read a pas- paign of Evangelism. The con- undesirable habits of the people. sage from the Old Testament in ference was opened with aserv- To consolidate material safety Hebrew, followed by a Swiss ice of rededication and commu- ,he urges the "People's Economic who read in French, and finally nion, led by Bishop Akazawa. Reconstruction Movement," and a Swiss woman read them in outlines eight main steps as es- German. When the Japanese An interlude in the discus- sential; among them develop- was heard with perfect respect sions was provided by Mr. Y. ment of agriculture, mine ex- and attention by an audience al- Takata, Head of the Bureau of ploitation, labor conscription, most completely Chinese, there Religions in the Department of regulation of consumption and was added meaning to "Blessed Education, and I. Kanzaki, a transportation improvement. are the peacemakers." Shinto priest. The former ex- plained some of the general Referring to the gravity of -L. M. S. Chronicle. principles of the "Religions Bill" the national emergency, General which the department is pre- Chiang said that the nation must Leadership – the Great Need paring and proposes to intro- awake to its mistakes, and rec- duce in the coming session of tify them without further delay. The lack of leadership in Parliament. One of these prin- He regards moral training of China has been the subject of ciples is to secure proper educa- the individual as of most im- investigation and planning by tional and moral qualifications portance. -People's Tribune, the National Committee for for religious workers. The Christian Education. Dr. Lu- other is to provide some method Shanghai. ther A. Weigle, Dean of Yale whereby each denomination will Divinity S c h 0 0 I, spent six have a recognized representative Campaign Among Students months in China in 1935, study- with which the government can ing the problem. In preparation deal when matters arise which The "Youth and Religion for his visit a survey was made call for conference. The Shinto Movement," now in its second and the results embodied in a priest declared that Christianity year, in which Dr. W. Y. Chen, pamphlet, "Training for Leader- has a great contribution to make Professor of Psychology in Fu- ship in the Chinese Church." to the life of Japan. kien Christiim University, and This formed the basis of discus- Dr. Y. C. Tu, Professor of sion at an enlarged meeting of Among actions taken was one Physics in the University of the Committee held at Kuling. granting a form of ordination Shanghai, have been the leaders One outcome of that meeting to women evangelists. ' and speakers, has recently closed was the formation of an associa- a most successful campaign. tion of theological colleges; an- -Japan Christian other, the resolve that the train- Quarterly. The team visited in all thir- ing of lay church workers twehenerceiitnies1,59o,n0e00beliinsgteYneudnntoantfhu~ should constitute the main work Toward Abolishing message, of whom 6,212 signed of the Committee for the next Prostitution cards, 56 per cent of these being year or two. Not without sig- inquirers and the rest reconse- nificance was the adoption of the One of the goals set by Chris- crations. The leaders were espe- words "education for service'~ in tian leaders is the abolition of cially successful in a number of place of training for leadership. licensed prostitution. In De- cities in making contacts with It is of interest, too, to read that cember it was reported that the teachers and students in govern- the old-style training schools for Kochi Prefectural Assembly had ment schools, thus opening what Bible women are increasingly adopted a resolution in favor of may prove another opportunity giving place to women's adult abolition, bringing the number of Christian service. education schools. of prefectures which had passed such resolutions up to thirteen. "The Eight Happinesses" -W. W. S. S. News. The evil has already been abol- ished in several prefectures. Although the proceedings This action is in line with the were largely unintelligible to recently adopted policy of the Home Office which has drafted
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK 269J
an Abolition Bill to be presented Christian influence by working this very badge, that we have to the forthcoming session of as a farmer among farmers. used for close to thirty years, the Diet. There is a disposition His wife is as sincere a Chris- will be the first thing that. to remove the stigma of being tian as he. Presently, Christian strikes the eye of every person one of the few nations which missionaries living in Yamagata entering the school gate. Once, protects licensed vice. One news- challenged them to come to the more, the Cross has conquered.'" paper editor remarked: "It is city and engage in a work in humiliating that the govern- which their influence would Ohung Sin School ment licenses prostitution as a have larger scope. After much legitimate business. It is con- prayer they accepted the chal- Chung Sin,PresbyterianAcadtradictory for Japan which poses lenge, and today the Kantos are emy for Girls in Chosen has been as the possessor of a civilization engaged in what is known as given "designation" by the Govin no sense inferior to that of Rural Correspondence Evan- ernment. This does not mean Europe and America to permit gelism. Brief sermons and that the school is better than such a system to exist." Christian articles are published before, but that the Government in the local newspaper. Inter- now acknowledges it as worthy. -Japan Christian ested inquirers write for more Its graduates hereafter will be' Quarterly. detailed information about the accepted in higher schools, and Christian faith, and Mr. Kanto in future work on an equal basis, Developing Ohristian Leaders answers these letters. Young with those of private registered folks from these rural villages, and Government schools. The enrolment at Wilmina Jo believing they have found a sym- Gakko, Girls' School in Osaka, pathetic ear, pour out their On May 25th the Parents' Aswas 350 in 1925; ten years hearts to him through this cor- sociation was organized, and' later it was 957. A Christian respondence; and he, with his started its work with real enemphasis is maintained. Every keen understanding of the prob- thusiasm. Their personal intermorning the whole school as- lems of rural folk, comforts and est in the school has been mani-. sembles for chapel service; the satisfies them and leads them on fest. The Chung Sin Y. W. C. A. Y. W. C. A. meets each week; toward Christian faith. Grad- completed their first full year of special classes are held to pre- ually his influence is extending service in a small rural church.. pare the girls for baptism; Bible throughout the entire rural area In September, Chung Sin stustudy is required in the cur- of Yamagata Prefecture. Their dents organized a Sunday School riculum; early morning prayers best work is done simply in in this church and have been are held at intervals throughout visiting the homes of their faithful in making, two by two, tbe year; and every other week friends and talking quietly each Sunday, a trip which takes; a church service is held in the about the Christian faith. all day long to teach these little chapel and attended by all the children. In December, two of girls. The superintendent of -Missionary Herald. the girls spent a week in this; the school is an ordained min- rural church helping to put on ister, and last year 160 girls The Oross Prevails a very attractive Christmas prowere baptized. gram. The foreign missionary Dr. Koons, Principal of the work of the Korean Church in -Presbyterian Banner. John D. Wells Academy for Shantung, Chi n a, has been Boys in Seoul, cites the follow- helped by these students as they Rural Oorrespondence ing as the most significant event send forty yen each term for the' Evangelism of the school year: "The grad- work there. Sunday they have, uating class of 1935 gave the faithfully taught in nearly every South of Yamagata, an hour's school a copy of the school Sunday School in connection ride by train, is a little village badge, cast in brass, to be placed with the Seoul city churches. called Ippon-yanagi (One Wil- on the wall over the entrance of low Tree), just a small group of the main building. Five or six "Finished" farmhouses surrounded almost years ago, Korea was swept by entirely by rice fields. In one of a wave of antireligious feeling Rev. Bruce Hunt, of Chung'- these homes, some 50 years ago, among the young people, espe- ju, Korea, lists projects either' Motohei Kanto was born. Moto- cially the students. At that completed or developed to the hei followed ancestral tradition time there was a strong wish point where they can be turned in becoming a farmer, but ex- among the John D. Wells stu- over to Koreans. One district, ceeded that tradition by attend- dents, for a new badge, without hitherto feeble, has undertaken ing an agricultural school, by the Maltese cross. As they partial support of an evangelisbecoming a Christian and by pointed out, no other school in tic helper and plans in three traveling abroad for further the city had a badge of this years to carry his whole supstudy. After three years in kind; the others were nearly all port. As to agricultural work, America and seven in Germany, conventionalized Chinese char- station pioneering is over, and studying theology and evan- acters. Now all on their own, this phase of country-church gelistic methods, as well as agri- these lads make the school this self-support turned over to a culture, he returned to Japan, gift, insuring that for all time trained Korean. Another job. where he decided to test his
done is consolidation of many A Sunday in 'Sumatra seven years from 1928 to 1935. Contributions for 1935 slightly "special offering days" in the A writer in the Christian Ad- exceeded those for 1934, how- vocate describes a morning serv- ever. The contribution per capchurches into the four author- ice at Balige, Sumatra: ita for all purposes in 1934 was $12.07 and in 1935 it was $12.10. ized by General Assembly for The church was filled to capacity- The contribution per capita for about fifteen hundred. We saw congregational purposes only Sunday schools in this country- throngs entering two other churches was $9.92 in 1934 and $9.98 for as well. That entire community is 1935. Easter, Children's Day, Thanks- now Christian and all work is laid aside on the Sabbath day. Total gifts declined from giving, Christmas. $532,368,714 in 1928 to $304,- . -Monday Morning. The people in the churches were 692,499 in 1935, while total clean, intelligent and worshipful. The gifts for congregational pur- ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC music was all of the German chorale poses declined from $402,683,- type, and was the most beautiful we 861 to $251,347,435. The per Scene in Manila Cemetery had ever heard. There were no hymn capita contribution for all pur- books; the lines were read out by the poses declined from $23.30 in Moody Institute Monthly de- choir leader and the people all sang. 1928 to $12.10 in 1935. Per .scribes a scene in a Manila, P. I., capita contribution for congre- .cemetery in the evening of All- At the close of the service twenty- gational purposes declined from Saints' Day. six babies were baptized. They had $17.30 in 1928 to $9.98 in 1935. to be divided into two groups in order "All the tombstones were to be accommodated at the altar rail. The report says that nearly lighted with electricity. In many The mothers stood with the babies in all the communions maintained Df them were statues of the vir- their arms and the fathers in a row their per capita contributions gin, or statues of Christ on the behind them. for congregational expenses betcross with a light effect which ter than those for benevolences. :showed up his heart in red. New Vision for Village The Protestant Episcopalians Vendors of all kinds were on the Leaders were the only group to lose progrounds, and there was even a portionately less on benevolences booth where electrical supplies Two conferences for village than on contributions for conwere sold. The people believe leaders in Papua are reported in gregational expenses. that the souls of the dead ac- Kwato Mission Tidings; one at tually come back on this night. Kwato, the other at Koeabule. w. C. T. U. Is Growing Some time during the day a priest visits each grave, says a If one thing was more obvious than The Woman's Christian Temprayer, and charges twenty pisos another among the 86 men who fore- perance Union is now organized ($10) for each prayer. gathered at Koeabule, it was the spir- in fifty-two countries with a itual hunger of all who came. There half million paid-up member- A group of Christian students was no necessity to try to inspire ship. New members are joining ,distributed about 9,000 Gospel them to seek a fuller surrender, or to by the thousand. Mrs. Ella A. tracts that evening in the ceme- convict them of unfruitfulness and Boole, world president declared tery. the need for a new consecration. That at a recent meeting in New was just what they were yearning for, York : "Weare working not In the Face of Obstacles and the very reason why they had only for outlawing the liquor come. The Lord stated that those traffic in the United States, but Rev. William Swaan is labor- who hungered and thirsted after all over the world." The next jng among Dyaks and Chinese righteousness were the lucky ones world convention will be held in in Borneo. He .writes: "for they shall be filled," and these Washington, D. C., from June men certainly came longing to be 4-9, 1937. About ten villages are taking an filled and renewed. Some came from active stand for Christ, but Moslems an atmosphere of failure, where the – Watchman-Examiner. :and other enemies concentrate on our spiritual life had grown slack. A converts and make life very trying Buhutu man put it thus: "Every boat Bible 1,000 Years Old for them. With all our poverty and needs to be hauled up on the slips persecution and increased opposition and scraped and cleaned and painted, At the time of his coronation, from Moslems and Roman Catholics, and put into repair. We are like that Haile Selassie presented to H. eighteen souls were accepted for bap- too." He appealed earnestly to the Murray Jacoby, former Ambastism during the month of December. rest not to risk g'Qing back unfit for sador Extraordinary to Ethio- They are mostly people of one village commission through any shirking of pia, a one thousand-year-old ,close to Bengkajang, and have been response to the highest call that God Bible, written in Amharic. Mr. ,coming to our meetings for several would give them. Jacoby has just presented it to years. Please pray especially for the Friends Seminary, 226i East young Christians of this village, that A testimony meeting had to be con- Sixteenth Street, New York, of iGod may give them grace and power tinued the next day and the next. It which he is a trustee. to endure persecutions and hardships, required skill to keep the meeting in ·and witness faithfully for the Master. hand, as people were getting up three -New York Times. The Moslem problem is one of the at a time. greatest obstacles that we have to face. Many government officials are MISCELLANEOUS Moslems and have a tremendous influence over the lives and the affairs Survey of Church Giving .of our Christians. We know, how- ,ever, that God is greater than any The research department of ,obstacle or any force in the world. the Federal Council of Churches reports that annual gifts to -Fellowship of Faith for twenty-five Protestant church Moslems. bodies dropped 43 per cent in the
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Our Miss'ionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information I~ Popular Hinduism. The Religion of roes (sometimes these are crim- men and women of various races the Masses. By L. S. S. O'Maney, started out, not for war, but to C.LE., I.C.S.246 pp. $2.50. Mac- inals). There is also a chapter give their lives in heroic deeds millan Co., New York. 1935. on priests and holy men, while for peace. Their object was to the last chapter deals with sec- save men, not to kill them. This This is an extraordinarily tarianism and toleration. Hin- required courage and training able and interesting boo k. duism, which ordinarily is a and sacrifice, but the results Clear, concise and logical in its static and pacific religion, can were beautiful beyond words. language, it gives an account of be aroused to fanatic passion, Hinduism in eight chapters, and instances are given where "Peace on earth, good will each of which is packed with in- the Hindus without provocation toward men" must come through formation and sententious state- rose against their Moslem neigh- such Christlike service. Young ment. The author's earlier bors to pillage, destroy and mas- people are not responsible for book, entitled "Indian Caste sacre. making war; that responsibility Customs," received a warm wel- lies with older men-the poli-, come in the British press. The One of the strangest chapters ticians and rulers who for selfpresent volume gives reliable in- is that which deals with the dei- ish purposes are willing to sacriformation based not only on fication of heroes. fice millions of lives. Youth is wide reading but also on per- naturally militant, and easily sonal observation. Here we have With their extraordinary combina- persuaded to enter the army, or tion of ignorance, credulity and super- they can be inspired through stition the masses are prone to such stories as this to seek the victories of peace. the contrast between the belief ascribe supernatural powers to per:. Those who have gone at the of the masses and that of cul- sons of great gifts, singular person- call of Christ, through all the tured Hindus who form a small ages, have found that "kingminority. The first chapter ality, and even strange habits. doms are subdued" not through murderous warfare, but through Two missionaries may be reckoned the treaty of Bethlehem and by among the number of those who have following the leadership of the Prince of Peace. deals with beliefs, and is funda- been treated as divine beings. One mental. The author says that was Dr. J. E. Clough, an American Lucy W. PEABODY. Baptist missionary, under whom there three characteristic features was a mass movement to Christianity Forty Happy Years in Japan. By constitute popular Hinduism: in the Nellore district during the George P. Pierson and Ida G. Pier- son. 8vo. 130 pp. $1.25. Flemcaste, the veneration of the famine of 1876-78, when he was dis- ing H. Revell Co., New York. 1936. Brahman, and the sacredness of tinguished for his philanthropy and the cow. The first is the spinal From 1888 to 1928, Dr. and cord of Hinduism; the second practical ability, and carried to a suc- Mrs. Pierson lived and labored in Japan as missionaries of cessful conclusion the construction of Christ under the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. They a section of a canal, which gave re- came to understand and to love the Japanese, and because of is its handicap for the depressed lief to many thousands. After labor- their knowledge and love for ing for forty years among the Telugu- God, they earnestly sought to classes; and the third unites all win them to Christ. Their field Hindus, for "the cow is the pre- speaking people to the north of was in the most northern island siding genius of the country." of Hokkaido which is still Madras, he was surprised and dis- largely unevangelized territory.
tressed to learn that many of his con- This volume is chiefly a col- lection of scattered reminis- Almost universal illiteracy does verts had reverted to some of the practices of their former religion and not militate against fanatic be- invoked his name in various rites and lief. Superstition is rife, and incantations as if he were a deity. In polytheism runs riot. another mission field further south Mr. O'Malley doubts whether men who had been Christians treated India is more spiritual in its out- the grave of a missionary who had recently died as if it were a shrine, look than Europe. Litigation on and when his friends buHt a high a scale of five million cases a wall round the grave, in order to put a stop to the worship, they continued year is scarcely an index of a it outside the wall. S. M. ZWEMER. spiritually-minded people. In chapter three, which deals with· Victories of Peace. Stories of moral influences, he points out Friendship in Action. 12mo. 28. 6d. the gulf that separates religion Student Christian Movement Press. from ethics. Other chapters 1935.
deal with worship, evil spirits, In this interesting book of ten present-day deifications of he- stories of adventures of peace, Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by tlie REVIEW publishers on receipt of price, [271 ]
cences of forty years in evan- hood of Man as exemplified by tress during many months of gelistic work-memories of mis- Christ. The lectures are good sleepless nights and pain-filled sionaries and Japanese; of ex- but in our judgment do not go days, and, like her Master, has periences in typhoons, tidal far enough in their New Testa- learned obedience by the things waves and earthquakes; of per- ment position. she has suffered. One result is sonal work and conversations on this beautiful, inspiring book. religion; of work with children A Grain of Wheat. By Toyohiko Its tone is not gloomy and reand the Japanese Church; of Kagawa. Illus. 12mo. 150 pp. signed to defeat but joyous and meetings and revivals in thea- $1.00. Harper and Bros. New victorious. The pictures are arters, prisons and rural towns. York. 1936. tistic reproductions of the beau- There are also reports of prog- ties of God's creation-in forest ress and some conclusions as to Dr. Kagawa, the well-known and flower, in hill and valley, in Japanese history and customs; Christian evangelist and social summer and winter, in storm as to methods of work and the reformer, here appears as a and sunshine. place of women missionaries; as novelist-a role in which he is . The message is correspondto Japanese converts and work- famous in Japan. Over a million ingly beautiful- in verse and ers; as to missionary life and and a quarter copies of his books prose, with quoted gems and obwhat Japan most needs. While have been sold in Japan and this servations from personal experithe book lacks in literary merit, novel has already been through ence. The whole is inbreathed it makes up for this lack in in- two hundred editions. with trust in God and a recogformation and inspiration. The nition of His loving care. Any authors have shown themselves It is an interesting and mov- who come into contact with life's to be truly devoted missionaries, ing story of a young Japanese darker side will find here comwith courage and perseverance; of the rural masses who strug- forting help and peace that prayerfully depending on the gles against poverty and sin and comes from harmony with God power of the Holy Spirit to finally discovers the way to vic- and rejoicing in His will. make their work effective. tory and satisfaction through Christian teaching. Here in a The Case for Missions in Modern The Kingdom of God in Japan. Lec- popular form is a strong plea for India. By E. C. Dewick, M.A. tures by C. Burnell Olds. Pamph- helping to carry out Dr. Kaga- 25 pp. 3 Annas. The Palghat let. 25 cents. C. B. Olds, Jr., wa's Christian program for the Mission, Coyalmannan P.O., Pal- 1888 East 81st Street, Cleveland, rural population. The story is ghat. South India. 1934. Ohio. 1936. well told and the purpose of it is clear – to promote temperance Within the pages of this little The author of these lectures and economic reform. It 'will hook much insight and wisdom has been in Japan for thirty- help the reader to understand are to be found. As it states the three years as a missionary of and to sympathize with the peo- case for missions in every counthe American Board. The man- ple of that Empire who are try as well as in India, no one uscript was read by Rev. Akira handicapped by poverty but who will fail to profit by reading it. Ebisawa, Secretary of the Na- have such great possibilities. All who realize the modern detional Christian Council of The illustrations are from the cline of interest in missions not Japan, so that the statements cinema version of the story, only in you n g mISSIOnary and views have been doubly which we are told has created a churches, hut also in the parent checked. Mr. Olds' purpose is sensation in Japan. churches, will be glad to have to show the progress made by the situation examined with Christianity in Japan and to Gold by Moon,Iight. By Amy Car- candor and restraint by one as consider the most effective meth- michael. Illus. 8vo. 182 pp. S. P. well qualified to do so as the ods for its extension. The pres- C. K. London. Obtainable in author. entation is popular and inform- America at $1.50 from Hope Church ing – factual and from experi- Sunday School, St. Louis, Mo. After following his discussion ence. Mr. Olds' idea of the ob- 1935. -in the modern way-of such jective of Christian missions is questions as: the promotion of understanding Here is another book for sufand harmony between God and ferers and other Christians in Unfair methods of propaganda, man and between man and man. difficult places; for those who Missions are the expression of an Apparently he would not put the long to understand, or if they spiritual regeneration of the in- cannot understand, to draw pre- out-of-date religious imperialism, dividual first, and does not em- cious values out of seemingly Who should go as missionaries, phasize the necessity for per- impossible places. Miss Carsonal acceptance of Christ's michael, the human founder of few readers will fail to agree atoning death on the Cross and Dohnavur Fellowship-the mis- with Mr. Dewick's conclusion of belief in His resurrection from sion for temple children in South the matter which is: the dead. His emphasis is on India – has been used to bring the realization of the Father- many dark and suffering souls If the Christian missionary hood of God and the Brother- into the light and joy of Chris- presents Christ in His simplicity tian experience. She herself and grandeur, as pictured in the has suffered great physical dis- New Testament, he will have a message and a contribution for the world which can be given in no other way. JANE C. GOHEEN.
&!npl.. 01 0101' St.incUy School pubheatl_••1'4 Sheaves After Harvest. Andrew A. THAT
llabl. Ceur_ for Younq People', Soc..U.. Bonar. 126 pp. Is. Pickering & ..n! free on Jequeet. Inglis. London. THE BIBLE Used in thousands of Sunday Schools EST. 1886 Sources of Power in Famous Lives. where leaders believe in the inspira- Walter C. Erdman. 158 pp. $1.00. tion of God's Word• CHRISTIAN PUBUCATIONS.lN<: Cokesbury. Nashville. FREE PROSPECTUS of department 1502 N. Third St., Herrl.burl, Pe. Victories of Peace. D. M. Gill and in which you are interested and sam- A. M. Pullen. 128 pp. 2s. 6d. S. C. ple lessons (Graded or Uniform) will New Book. M. Press. London. be sent on request. Desk MR-S.
The Making of a Pioneer. Percy The Clash of Color. A Study in the Rev. W. Y. Chen, Ph.D., has been Mather of Central Asia. Mildred Problem of Race. Basil Mathews. appointed General Secretary of the Cable and Francesca French. Illus. Second Edition. Maps. 160 pp. National Christian Council of China 288 pp. $2. Stokes. New York. 2s. Edinburgh House Press. Lon- to succeed Dr. C. Y. Cheng, now Mod- don. erator of the United Church of China. The Apostle of the Chinese Commu- Until recently, Dr. Chen was pastor nists. Daniel Nelson. 139 pp. $1. At the Point of a Lancet. One Hun- of the Methodist Church of Foochow. Board of Foreign Missions of the dred Years of the Canton Hospital, During the last twelve months he has Norwegian Lutheran Church. Min- 1835-1935. William Warder Cad- been Acting President of Fukien neapolis. bury and Mary Hoxie Jones. 304 Christian University. pp. Kelly & Walsh, Ltd. Shanghai. Arthington's Million. The Romance Obituary Notes of the Arthington Trust. A. M. Congo Crosses-A Study of Congo Chirgwin. Illus. Maps. 160 pp. Womanhood. Julia Lake Kellers- (Concluded from second cover.) Livingstone Press. London. 2s. berger. 222 pp. 50 cents, paper; and 3s. $1.00, cloth. Central Committee has been extended for hundreds of for the United Study of Foreign miles throughout the vast North The Problem of Japan. Malcolm D. Missions. Boston. Brazil area. It has been a great force Kennedy. Illus. Maps. 287 pp. in the religious and cultural life of 15s. Nisbet. London. Glitter or Gold. M. E. Gillespie. the evangelical churches of that area. 240 pp. 2s. Pickering & Inglis. Papuans of the Trans-Fly. F. E. London. F. H. Hawki*ns,*fo*r over 40 years Williams. Illus. 452 pp. 30s. Oxford University Press. London. Jewels of Promise. Boardman Ser- a secretary and director of the Lon- mons. W. M. Seay. 151 pp. $1. don Missionary Society, died on Feb- Sharing Observations with the Home Boardman Press. Nashville. ruary 6. Until his retirement he was Church. Charles D. Bonsack. 287 responsible for the Society's work in pp. $2.00. Brethren Publishing Kagawa. An Apostle of Japan. House. Elgin, Ill. Margaret Baumann. 95 pp. 75 China. ** * cents. Macmillan. New York. Education for Service in the Chris- Bishop William Burt, for twenty- tian Church in China. The Report Daniel Alexander Payne. Josephus five years in charge of the European of a Survey Commission, 1935. Roosevelt Coan. 139 pp. A. M. E. Conference of the Methodist Epis- 157 pp. 60 cents. World Sunday Book Concern. Philadelphia, Pa. copal Church and later of the Buffalo School Assn. New York. Diocese, died at Clifton Springs, New John and Betty Stamm: Martyrs. York, on April 9th, at 83 years of Christian Education Overseas. A Lee S. Huizenga. 95 pp. 35 cents, age. Brief Survey. A. Victor Murray, paper; 75 cents, cloth. Zondervan F. F. Monk and Ronald Rees. 45 Pub. Co. Grand Rapids, Mich. He was born in Cornwall, England, pp. Is. S. C. M. Press. London. but moved to Massachusetts as a lad Henry Hammond Spalding. Pioneer and worked in a machine shop to help The Malabar Syrians and the Church of Old Oregon. Clifford Merrill support his family. He was gradu- Missionary Society, 1816-1840. P. Drury. 438 pp. $3. Caxton ated from Wesleyan University in Cheriyan. 438 pp. C. M. S. Press. Printers, Ltd. Caldwell, Idaho. 1879 and from Drew Theological Kottayam. Seminary two years later. In 1887 We Beheld His Glory. Nicholas he went to Europe and made his home Primitives and Supernatural. Lucien Arseniev. 220 pp. $3. Morehouse in Rome. In 1912 he was made Bishop Levy-Bruhl. 405 pp. 18s. Allen Pub. Co. Milwaukee. of Buffalo District and held that posi- & Unwin. London. tion until his retirement in 1934. He Personal Items is survived by his widow, three daugh- The Question of the Church in the ters and two sons. World Today. J. H. Oldham. 32 (Concluded from page 225.) pp. International Missionary Coun- Dr. Paul L. *Co*rbin*, for 30 years cil. New York and London. Dr. Courtenay H. Fenn, for thirty- five years a missionary of the Presby- a member of the Taiku Station of the The Christian Faith in the Modern terian Church and recently Recording American Board in Shansi, died on World. J. Gresham Machen. 258 Secretary of the Presbyterian Board January 9th. Under his leadership pp. $2. Macmillan. New York. of Foregn Missions, retired from ac- many new outstation churches and tive service on April 11th, having schools were opened, and the member- Uganda. H. B. Thomas and Robert reached the age limit. His total ship of the churches increased rapidly. Scott. Illus. Maps. 559 pp. 15s. missionary service connected with the Oxford University Press. London. Board of Foreign Missions was forty- three years, most of which was spent The Customs of the Baganda. Sir in North China. As principal of Apolo Kagwa. 199 pp. Columbia Truth Hall, professor of the North University Press. New York. China Theological College and prin- cipal of the Union Bible Institute of North China, Dr. Fenn has rendered very valuable service. He was also for fifteen years secretary of the North China Tract Society, and made notable contributions to the literature of the Chinese Christian Church, in- cluding a concordance of the Man- darin Bible, the Interwoven Gospel, a Chinese-English Pocket Dictionary and a number of tracts. Dr. and Mrs. Fenn have also given a daughter and a son to missionary work in China.
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AMERICAN NEGRO PROGRESS In Our Special June Number HELPS AND HANDICAPS TO NEGRO CHRISTIAN PROGRESS W. R. WRIGHT, JR., Wilberforce University BISHOP R. C. RANSOM, Wilberforce, Ohio SOME ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE EMANCIPATION CHARLES H. WESLEY, Howard University MONROE N. WORK, Tuskegee Institute WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE? JOHN LITTLE, Louisville, Kentucky FRED 1. BROWNLEE, Secretary, American Missionary Association WHAT NEGROES ARE DOING FOR NEGROES 1. 1. BERRY, Secretary of Missions WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE FOR AMERICAN NEGROES W. A. C. HUGHES, Philadelphia THE FUTURE OF THE NEGRO IN AMERICA CHARLES S. JOHNSON, Fisk University WHAT NEGROES ARE THINKING TODAY FORRESTER B. WASHINGTON, Atlanta, Georgia PROGRESS MADE IN RACE RELATIONSHIPS WILL W. ALEXANDER, Atlanta, Georgia SOME OUTSTANDING NEGRO CHRISTIANS JOSEPHUS R. COAN, Morris Brown College C. H. TOBIAS, National Council, Y. M. C. A.
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